MusicRadar Verdict
With a valve-like response and huge amount of volume on tap, the Drive is insanely good value for money.
Pros
- +
Excellent value, tones and build quality.
Cons
- -
Lacks Infinite Shape feature of other pedals in the range.
MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.
Back in 2007, a fresh-faced British amp company unveiled a series of valve-loaded overdrive pedals that rocked the stompbox world. That plucky company was Blackstar, and those pedals came from the HT series.
The line sold like hot-rodded dirt cakes, but ever dedicated, Blackstar set out to deliver a new range of pedals that did away with the HT series' bulky enclosures and finicky power requirements: enter the LT Pedals.
"The LT Drive is the lowest-gain stompbox of the new LT quartet"
The LT Drive is the lowest-gain stompbox of the new LT quartet, with a range of tones that covers a touch of hair to pushed drive.
It feels dynamic , whatever the level of dirt, and always remains faithful to the sound of your guitar. As with its HT series counterpart, the Drive doesn't include Blackstar's Infinite Shape Feature, but the tone control is incredibly well judged and usable across its entire sweep.
With a valve-like response and huge amount of volume on tap, the Drive is insanely good value for money, especially if you don't need the extra gain provided by its siblings.
“Prince was really excited and kept pumping us up, saying ‘We’re making history tonight’”: How Prince summoned one of the greatest guitar solos of all time from thin air
“If you’re a singer, you’re totally reliant on your body. You can't put a bit more distortion on your amp or use effects. You can’t compensate. You’re very exposed”: Why Iron Maiden had to change their singer to reach the next level
“The effects of these sudden and unpredictable tariff actions will have a long-term effect on musicians worldwide”: Guitar industry leaders to meet with Trump in a bid to avert “devastating” impact of tariffs
