Proton Nucleus

Project overview

Inspired by the two-in-one Protein Dual Overdrive. Two classic drives, the OD and the “Nashville” ODR-1 stacked together with some well-thought modifications to make them shine in a nuclear fusion of gritness.

Our Proton Nucleus adds an order switch for you to experiment with the effect order of both pedals. We also made independent boards for each side; check the Proton Green and Proton Blue if you want to have them as separate pedals that can fit in a convenient 125b enclosure.

Introduction

The Protein Dual Overdrive is a collaboration between David Brown and guitarist/producer Adam Sniegowski. The fusion of these two great minds was like a nuclear reaction that collided into a dual overdrive that can sound amazing independently of the backline it encounters!

When making the Protein, Dave set out to improve the boards without losing the soul of the originals:

The Blue Side is based on the classic OD used by the likes of John Mayer on the “Continuum” album. Dave increased the output, tweaked the tone control, and experimented until ending up with the best version of this type of circuit while still being true to its roots.

The “Nashville” ODR-1 overdrive inspired the Green Side. “Nashville” is another classic used on the pedals boards of session greats from Tim Pierce to Jerry McPherson. Dave lowered the amount of gain (distortion) to make it usable through the entire sweep of the pedal, added some of the mids back to make it not entirely scooped, and eliminated some of the woofiness in the low end. This allows it to add some low mid “beef” back into your tone without becoming muddy.

The real magic happens when stacking them together. Start trying the original set, the Green Side into the Blue Side, to get added gain and fullness without sacrificing note clarity or getting that “mushiness” that can happen while stacking some overdrives. Try the other way around to get even more possibilities than the original.

Two great-improved classics and an additional order switch to make them shine together in every possible way; Proton Nucleus is much more than your average 2-in-1 overdrive pedal!

Controls

Potentiometers

• Drive1
• Gain
• Level
• Level2
• Tone
• Tone2
  

Switches

• Order-Switch1

Video demos

For any technical questions regarding this build don’t forget to check out our Facebook Group and our forum at Free Stomp Boxes.

Proton Nucleus – Building Docs

Proton Nucleus – Drilling template