Kernom Ridge Augmented Analog Overdrive Pedal review

Is this the most versatile analog overdrive pedal ever built? A new approach to clipping circuits aims to offer all the drive sounds you need in a single stompbox

Kernom Ridge
(Image: © Future / Phil Barker)

Guitar World Verdict

A truly chameleon-like overdrive pedal that can provide everything from clean boost upwards, the Ridge gives you a massive range of options in shaping your sound and has practical facilities for onstage use.

Pros

  • +

    One pedal with many different overdrive sounds.

  • +

    Really robust build.

  • +

    Flexible EQ options.

  • +

    MIDI functions.

  • +

    Expression pedal morphing between sounds.

Cons

  • -

    Power adaptor not supplied.

  • -

    Slight footswitch lag.

  • -

    Not particularly compact.

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There is a type of overdrive pedal that delivers variations on its voice via a switchable selection of clipping options – and this certainly offers versatility. But the Kernom Ridge goes further by delivering its clipping options via a rotary Mood knob, the actual overdrive voice being determined by the knob’s position. 

The new technology behind this, ‘analog morphing core’, is said to control the non-linear elements of the clipping stage, changing their threshold in real-time. Kernom says the Mood knob is roughly divided into five segments, running from a clean and open sound through transparent overdrive, a more coloured overdrive and high gain, to ‘almost fuzz’. 

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Trevor Curwen

Trevor Curwen has played guitar for several decades – he's also mimed it on the UK's Top of the Pops. Much of his working life, though, has been spent behind the mixing desk, during which time he has built up a solid collection of the guitars, amps and pedals needed to cover just about any studio session. He writes pedal reviews for Guitarist and has contributed to Total Guitar, MusicRadar and Future Music among others.