Two

TWO is Tape Audio Co.'s second pedal, built around a novel dual-transistor distortion that stacks germanium and silicon stages. The Pre knob governs the output of the germanium drive stage, which feeds directly into the silicon stage controlled by Gain. Master sets overall output. There are deliberately no tone controls — the EQ is balanced by design, so you dial in your sound by adjusting the three gain controls in relationship to each other rather than by sweeping tone. The tonal range covers light coloring, medium grit and bite, and searing distortion that borders on fuzz. Uses NOS (New Old Stock) components throughout: Carbon Comp resistors, Philips/Sprague/GE capacitors, germanium transistors and diodes, Switchcraft and Lumberg jacks. Solid aluminum dials. Built in small batches in Portland by a team with over 15 years in guitar effects.