The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder Overdrive is a fairly transparent, low- to medium-gain overdrive that produces warm, tube-like grind. Based on the seminal greenie pedal, EarthQuaker modified that iconic circuit with low-noise JFET op amps, raised the input impedance, adjusted the tone control cut-off and converted the power input to +/- 9 volts. The result for players is that the Plumes delivers a significantly lower noise floor while offering more headroom, articulation and low-end boom (but without sacrificing any incisive and coherent mids or shimmering high end). Three clipping modes have also been added to the menu. Mode 1 is symmetrical clipping, which is the crunchiest option, and utilizes a pair of light-emitting diodes. Mode 2 bypasses the soft-clipping diodes completely to produce clean boost via the straight op-amp drive. Mode 3 is an asymmetrical silicon diode arrangement that emulates the original greenie, but with more output and clarity. To give your foot a little bonus, as well, the Plumes features EarthQuaker Devices’ relay-based, soft-touch Flexi-Switch Technology for both momentary and latching footswitch operation.