Is my Shiba Drive working right?

[rockridge98]

I just picked up a used Shiba Drive, and I really can't hear any difference between the 3 Smooth switch settings
when I'm playing, no matter what gain or EQ setting I use.
The only way I can tell the Smooth switch has any effect at all is that if I crank the Drive and Tone all the way up with
a single coil pickup in a loud amp, and just listen to the hum from the pickup,
the hum sounds slightly brighter in the middle position.
I like to think that my ears are pretty good, so I am wondering if it really supposed to be this subtle, or is if there something wrong with the pedal.

 

[rockridge98]

Just discovered I'm not the first person to notice this....
http://www.online-discussion.com/Suhr/v ... php?t=4750

 

[Suhr]

I just picked up a used Shiba Drive, and I really can't hear any difference between the 3 Smooth switch settings
when I'm playing, no matter what gain or EQ setting I use.
The only way I can tell the Smooth switch has any effect at all is that if I crank the Drive and Tone all the way up with
a single coil pickup in a loud amp, and just listen to the hum from the pickup,
the hum sounds slightly brighter in the middle position.
I like to think that my ears are pretty good, so I am wondering if it really supposed to be this subtle, or is if there something wrong with the pedal.

It is subtle, as you get to know the pedal more you will find a favorite sweet setting.
The Riot is a bit more noticeable
They all work and are well tested, the drive does have to be up to hear the difference. Frequency response of your amp and speakers will also come in to play

 

[rockridge98]

I just picked up a used Shiba Drive, and I really can't hear any difference between the 3 Smooth switch settings
when I'm playing, no matter what gain or EQ setting I use.
The only way I can tell the Smooth switch has any effect at all is that if I crank the Drive and Tone all the way up with
a single coil pickup in a loud amp, and just listen to the hum from the pickup,
the hum sounds slightly brighter in the middle position.
I like to think that my ears are pretty good, so I am wondering if it really supposed to be this subtle, or is if there something wrong with the pedal.

It is subtle, as you get to know the pedal more you will find a favorite sweet setting.
The Riot is a bit more noticeable
They all work and are well tested, the drive does have to be up to hear the difference. Frequency response of your amp and speakers will also come in to play

Thanks! Now that I read the thread in the other Suhr discussion group I understand.

Since this is a common reaction for new Shiba owners you might want to put a note in the manual
that comes with the pedal.