Description
The NU-X NDS-5 Fireman is the distortion pedal in the Verdugo series of multi-functional guitar effects. This stomp box emulates high gain modded amplifiers to deliver heavily saturated and compressed 'brown sound' guitar tones. It works as both a lead and rhythm distortion in a single unit, so you can cover a lot of ground without adding more boxes to your board.
Two footswitches sit on the front. One handles effect on/off, while the other switches between two independent sets of Gain and Volume settings, giving you two separate distortion voicings ready to go. Both switches can also be operated remotely through a rear jack input, which is handy if you run a controller or want to keep foot travel to a minimum. A line of four tone-shaping controls (Bass, Treble, Presence and Tight) lets you set the overall frequency content, and you can pick between buffered or true bypass to suit your signal chain.
For extra headroom, a switch on the rear multiplies the internal voltage to 18V, increasing the dynamic range when you need it. The pedal runs on an external 9Vdc, 150mA (min) pin-negative power supply, which is not included; the compatible adaptor is part number 173.290UK. It measures 115 x 105 x 58mm and weighs 460g, so it fits neatly alongside your other pedals. If you want a genuine high gain unit that doubles up on your board, the Fireman earns its place.
Specification
| Controls |
Gain 1+2, Volume 1+2, Bass, Treble, Presence, Tight |
| Power supply |
9Vdc, 150mA (min) pin-negative (not included) |
| Switch selectors |
Buffered or true bypass, internal 9V-18V |
| Dimensions |
115mm x 105mm x 58mm |
| Weight |
0.46KG |
Downloads
Product Manual
Frequently Asked
Does the NDS-5 come with a power supply?
No. It needs an external 9Vdc, 150mA (min) pin-negative supply, which is sold separately. The compatible adaptor is part number 173.290UK.
What is the internal voltage switch for?
A switch on the rear multiplies the internal voltage from 9V to 18V. This increases the dynamic range and headroom when you want more expressiveness from the pedal.
Can I switch channels without using my foot?
Yes. Both the on/off and the dual Gain/Volume switching can be operated remotely through a rear jack input, so you can use an external controller.
What tone controls does the Fireman have?
It has Bass, Treble, Presence and Tight controls, alongside two independent Gain and two independent Volume controls for its two distortion voicings.
Does it use true bypass?
You can choose. A switch selector lets you set either buffered or true bypass to match your signal chain and pedalboard setup.
How big is the pedal?
It measures 115 x 105 x 58mm and weighs 460g, so it sits comfortably on a standard pedalboard.