Hermida Audio Zendrive 2 Overdrive.

The Zendrive 2 builds on this base, but adds a 12AX7M into the mix. Tonally, the Zendrive 2 is similar to the original—think more violin, less crunch—but it differs significantly in feel. While all of Hermida’s pedals are responsive, this was perhaps the most amp-like of the three, adding a subtle but apparent amount of sag to the signal and imparting a warmer, “bluesier” vibe to proceedings. And while this reviewer has never been completely sold on pedals attempting to incorporate tubes—they’ve always come across as somewhat fickle and not worth the trouble—the Zendrive 2 pulls it off impressively, imparting a beautiful roundness to everything flowing through it.

And even though the Zendrive 2 carries much of the same tonal signature as its younger sibling, it does include some opportunities for expansion. The 12AX7M is replaceable with other 9-pin preamp tubes, allowing you to tailor the pedal’s response and behavior to your particular brand of noise. The Zendrive 2 also has a real affinity for boosted signals, adding a subtle depth to any overdrive placed before it; pairing it with the original Zendrive was something of a revelation, but the Zendrive 2 played well with whatever it was handed. Obviously what you get out of the Zendrive 2 depends on what you put in, but inventive players will find this pedal’s warmth, amp-like response and genial disposition to be a great partner to their existing collection.