The Electronic Audio Experiments Limelight V2 includes several improvements to the circuit of this overdrive + boost pedal developed in collaboration with LA-based post-hardcore band Touche Amore, including noise reduction and refined bypass switching functionality.
The goal here was to create an op-amp overdrive that could deliver both chimey and aggressive tones. Starting with a vaguely Blues Breaker-inspired circuit, the team developed a series of mods to improve articulation and gain range.
The front-end 0-21dB clean boost, in this optic, can push the circuit beyond overdriven tones, putting heavy distortion at the tip of your toes, thanks to a dedicated footswitch.
The pedal also allows for a fair amount of sculpting through the Tone knob (an adjustable low-pass filter) and the Focus toggle, which cuts low frequencies in the drive section, adjusting the amount of chime and midrange presence.
Here are the videos of the Electronic Audio Experiments Limelight V2, we added it to our article about the best Blues Breaker-inspired overdrives.
Electronic Audio Experiments Limelight V2, Builder’s Notes
Limelight is a dual channel overdrive developed in collaboration with LA-based punk band Touche Amore. The distinctive bright, clear tones of guitarists Nick Steinhardt and Clayton Stevens form the foundation of TA’s impassioned brand of post-hardcore, letting their riffs morph effortlessly between serene clean passages and cacophonous blast beats. This pedal was originally developed to commemorate the release of their 2020 LP, Lament, but since earned its place in a wide variety of guitar rigs spanning genres.
In preparation for the recording of Lament, we worked with Nick and Clayton to create a new op amp overdrive with equal parts aggression and chime. While loosely based in the “breaker” lineage, we made significant changes to the circuit for superior articulation and a much wider range of gain. An independent front-end boost rounds out the package, perfect for adding power to clean tones or pushing the overdrive side into heavy distortion. While the primary goal was to help the band sound like their best selves, Limelight has a tone for everyone.
Controls
Boost: adjusts the Boost channel from 0dB to +21dB of clean gain when turned clockwise.
Gain: Simultaneous control of two gain stages, with a natural midrange boost as you turn it clockwise. Achieves approximately 50dB at the maximum setting.
Tone: Adjustable low pass filter, turn clockwise for more treble and counterclockwise for less.
Volume: Output level control, turn clockwise for more volume.
Focus: Variable low cut in the drive section, adjusts the amount of chime and midrange presence.
Left footswitch: Engages drive circuit
Right footswitch: Engages boost circuit
Changelog
Version 2New mechanical form factor; rotated to portrait orientation
Various improvements to the circuit including noise reduction and refined bypass switching functionality
