Backseat Driver
Compression and Drive, Tuned for Touch
The Backseat Driver from Monkey Riot Pedals is a smart, responsive overdrive that blends the sustain and squish of classic compression with a warm, transistor-driven gain stage. It’s not just a drive pedal—it’s a feel machine. Whether you’re chasing smooth sustain, dynamic breakup, or bright, jangly punch, this one responds like an extension of your playing.
At the core is an OTA-based compressor feeding into a single-transistor overdrive stage—an old-school pairing with modern flexibility.
Dial in Your Feel
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Level: Adjust your overall output
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Sustain: Control compression amount—great for long, expressive notes
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Drive: Set your gain level, from smooth breakup to gritty edge
Shape Your Voice
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Voice Switch: Choose between Modern and Vintage voicings for different distortion textures
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Jangle Switch: Boosts upper frequencies for a brighter, more cutting sound—perfect for chimey rhythm or articulate leads
Under-the-Hood Tweaks
For tone tinkerers, the Backseat Driver includes internal controls to further shape how the pedal reacts to your touch:
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Dip Switch: Engage half-wave envelope detection for a slightly drier compression feel
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Release Time Trimmer: Adjust how fast the compressor lets go—tight or relaxed response
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Gain “Window” Trimmer: Changes the emitter resistance in the gain stage—cleaner or more fuzz-like, depending on your taste
Built for the Player Who Wants Control
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True bypass switching
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Top-mounted jacks for a clean board layout
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9V center-negative power (no battery option)
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Hand-built tone machine for stage or studio
The Verdict
The Backseat Driver is for players who live in the nuances—those who want sustain, drive, and responsiveness all in one place. It’s smooth, gritty, and endlessly tweakable. Whether you’re laying down subtle textures or going full crunch, this one stays in the zone with you.
BOOM!
