The Hudson Sidecar takes the soul of the classic 808 overdrive and pushes it into new territory with enhanced headroom, deeper low-end, and studio-grade tone control. Its modified 808-style circuit uses carefully selected germanium diodes for smooth, natural clipping and rich harmonic texture. From subtle grit to full-bodied drive, the Sidecar reacts dynamically to your touch, making it as expressive as it is powerful.
A key feature is its Baxandall-style two-band EQ, inspired by vintage recording consoles. The Bass control operates around 85 Hz, and the Treble control around 8.8 kHz, both offering up to ±15 dB of boost or cut. This setup allows precise tonal shaping—tighten your lows, open up your highs, or push both for a massive, articulate sound that stays musical at any gain setting.
Running at anywhere from 9 to 24 volts DC, the Sidecar adapts seamlessly to your rig. Lower voltage delivers classic, compressed overdrive, while higher voltage provides more headroom and clarity. With its rugged construction, top-mounted jacks, and boutique craftsmanship, the Hudson Sidecar is a premium overdrive that blends vintage warmth with modern versatility.
Body & Construction
- Rugged metal enclosure with top-mounted jacks for easy pedalboard integration
- Power: 9–24 V DC (center-negative, 2.1 mm barrel)
- Current draw: approximately 50 mA
- Built by hand in the UK
Controls & Interface
- Drive: Adjusts overall gain and saturation
- Level: Sets output volume
- Bass: Shelving control at approximately 85 Hz for ±15 dB boost or cut
- Treble: Shelving control at approximately 8.8 kHz for ±15 dB boost or cut
Other Details
- Germanium diode clipping for smooth, organic overdrive
- Modified 808-style circuit with extended frequency response
- Wide voltage operation for variable compression and headroom
- Suitable for guitar, bass, and studio applications
