• All-analog tape saturation drive inspired by the Saturation voice in Strymon's Deco
• Multi-stage saturation circuit ranges from subtle harmonic thickening to full fuzz
• No digital processing anywhere in the signal path
• Gain switch sets the usable range of the Tape Saturation control
• Shift switch selects high-frequency boost or high-frequency boost with added midrange
• Variable Dry control blends unaffected signal back in phase for clarity and punch
• 24V internal operation for ample headroom and a wide gain range
• True-bypass switching preserves the direct signal when disengaged
• Mono 1/4" input and output for straightforward guitar rig integration
• Runs on standard 9V DC center-negative power (500mA minimum, 2.1mm connector)
DESCRIPTION
Tape-style saturation adds warmth, compression and harmonic complexity to a guitar signal, and the Strymon La Brea brings that response to a dedicated all-analog drive pedal. Inspired by the Saturation voice in Strymon's Deco, La Brea uses multi-stage analog circuitry to move from subtle harmonic thickening and compression all the way to pushed breakup and full fuzz, with no digital processing in the signal path.
The Tape Saturation control is the heart of the pedal, and the Gain switch changes the range that control covers — so the same core circuit handles low-gain warmth, driven rhythm sounds and saturated lead tones. Use La Brea as a subtle signal enhancer, a primary drive pedal, or a more aggressive source of textured analog gain.
The Shift switch offers two voicing options: a dedicated high-frequency boost, or a high-frequency boost with added midrange. Those settings add bite to darker rigs, reinforce the body of lead lines, or help saturated parts stay articulate in a mix. Alongside it, the variable Dry path adds your unaffected signal back in phase with the pedal's output, retaining clarity and punch as saturation increases — focused ways to shape the response without changing La Brea's central tape-inspired character.
La Brea operates internally at 24V to support ample headroom and a wide gain range while accepting standard 9V DC center-negative power. True-bypass switching preserves the direct signal when the effect is disengaged, and mono 1/4" input and output connections make it easy to drop into common guitar rigs.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Product Type: Tape saturation drive pedal
• Model: La Brea
• Color: Black
• Effect Type: Analog tape saturation drive
• Circuit: All-analog
• Signal Path: No digital processing
• Saturation Range: Mild breakup to full fuzz
• Bypass: True bypass
• Controls: Tape Saturation, Dry
• Switches: Gain, Shift
• Gain Switch: Sets range of Tape Saturation control
• Shift Switch: High-frequency boost or high-frequency boost with added midrange
