Today, I’m jumping head-first into and trying to pick out some awesome D&M Drive settings. This is the signature pedal of Dan and Mick, the wonderful duo behind every guitarist’s favorite YouTube series, That Pedal Show.
It’s probably no surprise that I’m a big fan, and I’ve had this pedal since its launch. Over the years, it’s found its way on and off my board more times than I can count. Sometimes, I make it work. Others… well, I’ve struggled.
This is my fault. I never took the time to explore all its tonal possibilities and sounds — until now.
This week, I really got to know this pedal. I plugged it in, tweaked every knob, and put the D&M Drive pedal through its paces. On my journey, I discovered a huge range of sounds that surprised me. From classic rock grit to more subtle boosts and overdrives, the Keeley D&M Drive has a lot to offer any guitar player.
So, here we go. This article will cover some of my favorite sounds this versatile pedal can produce. But first, let’s look at what the pedal is and what it’s based on.
Table of Contents
The D&M Drive Pedal
The Keeley D&M Drive is a dual overdrive pedal designed in collaboration with Dan and Mick from That Pedal Show.
It has two channels: a Drive side that offers a wide range of overdrive tones, from light breakup to heavy rock, and a Boost side that can either add clean gain or push your amp into overdrive.
The pedal is very versatile. It allows you to switch the order of the two channels or even separate them using a switching system and TRS cables.
What is the D&M Drive Based On?
The Keeley D&M Drive is based on two classic overdrive circuits. Dan’s side, the Drive, is based on the Tube Screamer circuit, known for its mid-range emphasis and smooth, tube-like gain. However, it has a slight twist. The D&M Drive offers less compression and a more active low end, which gives you a dynamic, versatile overdrive that preserves your guitar’s natural tone [1].
Mick’s side, the Boost, takes inspiration from the Klon circuit. It provides a clean boost with a subtle mid-hump that enriches your tone without the excessive compression typical of many boosts. The result is a transparent, responsive boost that can push your amp just the right amount, making it ideal for many musical styles.
Before You Start
Here’s some things you need to know:
- I discovered these settings with a clean or clean-ish amp.
- What works for me might not work for you. So tweak all these settings to your own taste.
D&M Drive Settings for Mick’s Side
These settings are for Mick’s side of the pedal. That’s the right side, with the white knobs and Mick’s face.
Old-School Style Treble Boost (Mick’s Side)
This is my attempt at an old-vintage treble boost. It provides just enough gain for a nice breakup tone and adds a slight vintage lift in the mid/high-mid frequencies.
- Gain: 7 to 8 o’clock.
- Tone: Noon.
- Level: Noon.
Klon-Style Overdrive (Mick’s Side)
This is my favorite part of the Keeley D&M Drive. This sounds like an almost Klon-style overdrive. This setting is a nice transparent overdrive with a bright, open tone with plenty of headroom.
- Gain: 12 to 3 o’clock.
- Tone: 10 o’clock.
- Level: 2 o’clock.
Transparent Volume Boost (Mick’s Side)
This setting gives a clean, transparent boost that raises the volume without altering your guitar’s natural tone too much. It’s perfect for enhancing your signal while maintaining clarity.
- Gain: 8 to 9 o’clock.
- Tone: Noon.
- Level: Set this for how much level increase you want.
Low Mids Boost for Thickening (Mick’s Side)
This setting boosts the bass and low mids, making it ideal for thickening your tone or adding warmth to a bright guitar. This setting might get lost in the mix if you’re playing with a band. But, as always, experiment. Maybe you can make it work.
- Gain: 10 to 11 o’clock.
- Tone: Noon.
- Level: Noon.
D&M Drive Settings for Dan’s Side
These settings are for Dan’s side of the pedal. That’s the left side, with the black knobs and Dan’s face.
Light Breakup for Bluesy Overdrive (Dan’s Side)
For a subtle, bluesy overdrive with just a hint of breakup, keep the Gain knob low. This setting preserves your guitar’s natural tone while adding a touch of warmth and character, making it ideal for blues and classic rock.
- Gain: 8 to 9 o’clock.
- Tone: 2 o’clock.
- Level: Noon.
Classic Rock Crunch (Dan’s Side)
Increase the gain to the mid-range to get a classic rock crunch with a bit more grit. This setting provides a balanced overdrive that is perfect for rhythm guitar parts or lead tones that need to cut through the mix.
- Gain Knob: 10 to 11 o’clock.
- Tone Knob: 2 o’clock.
- Level Knob: Noon.
Thick Overdrive for Heavy Rock (Dan’s Side)
Turn the Gain up further for a fuller, more saturated overdrive that works great for heavy rock or harder-hitting riffs. This setting delivers powerful distortion that retains clarity, making it suitable for everything from 80s rock to early 2000s heavy tones.
- Gain Knob: 1 to 2 o’clock.
- Tone Knob: 2 o’clock.
- Level Knob: Noon.
High-Gain Distortion for Modern Rock (Dan’s Side)
If you’re looking for a high-gain distortion that edges into modern rock territory, max out the Gain knob. This setting gives you a rich, aggressive sound with lots of sustain. It’s perfect for lead lines and powerful chords.
- Gain Knob: 3 to 5 o’clock.
- Tone Knob: 2 o’clock.
- Level Knob: Noon.
Using Both Sides of the D&M Drive
One of the great things about the D&M Drive is that you can use both sides together. I found that using Mick’s side first provided more of the tones I was looking for. I think using Dan’s side first makes Mick’s side more of a volume boost – which has its uses.
I liked to use Mick’s side first to add an extra layer of texture and drive to my tone. It also added a touch of high frequencies, which would be great at cutting through a mix.
I don’t have specific settings for using both sides together (I’d end up repeating myself). But I’d recommend experimenting and tweaking different combinations of the settings listed in this article.
Is The D&M Drive Going Back On My Pedalboard?
There’s no doubt the D&M Drive is a fantastic pedal with a huge range of overdrive sounds. If you need a versatile overdrive pedal, do not hesitate to get one.
I currently have five gain pedals on my pedalboard, and I don’t need versatility from one pedal. For that reason, the D&M Drive won’t be making it back on my main pedalboard right now.
But the Keeley D&M Drive is now on my practice (at home) pedalboard, and I love the tones I can create with it. Next year, when I give my pedalboard a full makeover, the D&M Drive may return.
