Destortion Pedal | Impact Soundworks - Deputy Distortion

Published: 11.06.2026

Deputy Distortion by Impact Soundworks is a plugin that features neurally modeled distortion based on legendary British hardware, the Marshall Guv'nor.

What is Deputy Distortion?

Deputy Distortion by Impact Soundworks is a neurally modeled tube distortion plugin for Windows and macOS that emulates the sound of classic British Marshall tube circuits from the 1980s.  It was developed to authentically replicate the dynamic behavior and tonal characteristics of analog hardware—from gentle overdrive to aggressive distortion. The plugin is part of the manufacturer’s new Impact DSP series and is available as VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP. 


Features and Controls

The plugin offers a precise recreation of the original circuit with the following key features:

  • Three-band tone stack: Controls for low, mid, and high frequencies that interact dynamically to organically shape frequency balance and saturation. 
  • Sizzle control: A dedicated knob for adding high frequencies, sharpness, and “bite.” 
  • Dynamics control: Used to restore transients and dynamic range to keep the sound lively. 
  • Mix & Volume Link: Enables parallel processing (mixing dry and distorted signals) and ensures consistent output volume. 

The sound ranges from a crisp overdrive at low gain to a full, aggressive “fire-breathing” tone at high settings, accompanied by natural compression. 


Applications

Deputy Distortion is designed for both studio productions and live performances. It is particularly well-suited for:

  • Drums: To make drums sound more assertive and “smashing.”
  • Electric guitars: For classic hard rock sounds and modern, high-gain distortion.
  • Synthesizers: To make synths fatter and more present through harmonic enrichment.

The plugin aims to provide musicians and producers with the characteristic “in-your-face” sound of 80s hard rock right in the DAW. 


Marshall The Guv'nor Original

The Marshall The Guv'nor Original was released in 1988 as Marshall's first in-house designed guitar pedal and is considered the pioneer of the British “amp-in-a-box” category.  It replicates the sound of a Marshall JCM800 amplifier cranked to the max and offers a characteristic, compressed overdrive/distortion with a 3-band EQ (bass, mid, treble), gain and level controls, and an effects loop. 

Key facts about the original model:

  • Production period: It was manufactured from 1988 to 1991.
  • Origin: The early and most sought-after models were manufactured in England, followed later by production in Korea and Taiwan.
  • Circuitry: The circuit uses a TL072 op-amp for amplification and two diodes for hard clipping, which produces the typical “snarling” Marshall sound.
  • Special features: It features a stereo 1/4" effects loop (TRS jack), which allows a second pedal to be integrated into the post-EQ section of the chain.
  • Fame: The pedal was made famous largely by Gary Moore, who used it on his album *Still Got the Blues*.
  • Collector’s Value: Originals in good condition are now sought-after collector’s items and often fetch prices between 200 and 300 euros on the secondhand market.

In 2023, Marshall released a faithful reissue that exactly replicates the sound and appearance of the 1988 model, but with more modern packaging and partially updated electronics.

Marshall GV-2 Guv'nor Plus, Distortion Pedal

The Marshall GV-2 Guv'nor Plus is an overdrive and distortion pedal that reproduces the classic “Marshall Brown Sound” of the JCM800 era in a compact stompbox format.  As an evolved version of the original Guv'nor from the 1980s, it offers an expanded gain range and more flexible tone control to create sounds ranging from light crunch to aggressive high-gain distortion. 

Sound Character and Technology

The pedal uses a hard-clipping circuit with red LEDs, which allows for a stronger signal with less compression compared to conventional diodes. This results in a dynamic, open distortion sound that feels less compressed than many other distortion pedals. The tone controls are highly interdependent (similar to the Big Muff), meaning that the controls influence each other and require some “trial and error” to find the perfect sound. 

A distinctive feature is the Deep control, which boosts low frequencies and simulates the sound of a 4x12 cabinet pushed to its limits.  Together with the Bass, Mid, and semi-parametric Contour Frequency controls, four bands are available for detailed tone shaping

Image source: ebay

Features and Build Quality

Unlike early models, which often suffered from low-quality potentiometers and jacks, the GV-2 features more robust components and a sturdy metal housing. It is compatible with standard pedalboards (e.g., Boss format) and weighs just 510 g. 

  • Power supply: 9V block battery or external power supply (power supply connector with reverse polarity protection). 
  • Bypass: True bypass (or passive hardware bypass depending on the source), which passes the original signal through unaltered. 
  • Dimensions: approx. 120 x 65 x 55 mm.
  • Special feature: The dual-concentric potentiometers allow for more functions to be accommodated in a smaller space.

Market Situation and Availability

The Marshall GV-2 Guv'nor Plus is no longer sold new in retail stores and is considered a discontinued model or vintage item. Those interested should focus on the secondhand market. 

  • Secondhand Market: The pedal is frequently found on platforms such as eBay, classifieds, and Reverb.
  • Price range: Depending on condition and origin, prices for used units typically range from €40 to €120. Units in particularly good condition or those with original packaging command higher prices.
  • Condition: Since the pedal is considered very durable, even older models from the 2000s and 2010s are often still fully functional. When purchasing, pay attention to the smoothness of the controls and the condition of the jacks.

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