Strymon Riverside Multi-Stage Drive Pedal

The Strymon Riverside Multi-Stage Drive Pedal is a high-performance drive and distortion pedal designed to deliver a wide range of harmonically rich, tube-inspired tones. It combines an analog Class A JFET gain stage with precision-crafted DSP gain stages to create a versatile, cascading drive topology.

One of its core features is the continuously variable circuit tuning, which dynamically adjusts multiple internal parameters as you turn the Drive knob. This ensures the pedal remains in a "sweet spot" for optimal tone across all gain levels, from clean boost to saturated high-gain distortion.

Key Controls and Modes

Toggle Switches

Advanced Features

• JFET Input Stage: A digitally controlled analog Class A JFET input stage provides up to 20dB of pure analog gain, ensuring excellent touch sensitivity and dynamics.

• Favorite Footswitch: Recalls a single stored preset of all knob, switch, and noise gate settings.

• Optional Boost: An external footswitch can be connected to the Boost input for up to $+6\text{dB}$ of clean, analog post-gain volume boost.

• Expression Pedal Input: The EXP jack can be configured to allow an expression pedal to continuously morph between two different settings (Expression mode) or simply act as a volume pedal (Volume mode).

• Noise Reduction: A secondary function (engaged by holding the ON footswitch) activates a variable-threshold noise gate to tame hum and buzz at high-gain settings.

• Bypass: Switchable between true bypass (relay-based) and transparent analog buffered bypass.

• MIDI: Accessible via the Expression jack using a special cable, allowing for remote parameter control and access to 300 preset locations.