Revv G4 Review: Thick High Gain Distortion

Revv Amplification has created the Generator Series distortion pedals. They are based on their high-gain tube heads. The G4 is the second pedal to be released and is another great addition! Its sound is shaped after channel 4 on the amplifier.

If you have played any of their distortion pedals, you know they are simply amazing. The G4 is another behemoth of a guitar pedal and is a must-have for any tone from rock to metal!

Features

Let’s take a look at some key features of the Revv G4!

• Small form factor.
• Amazing gain control.
• Beautiful chassis.
• Passive 3 band EQ.
• Tough foot switch.
• True bypass design.
• 3 Way aggression switch.
• Powered on 9 Volts.
• Analog circuitry.

Sound Performance

The G4 has been sculpted based on the Generator 120 amplifier. If you have ever played it, you know it’s what they call the red channel.

This pedal is remarkably close to the sound of the amp channel itself! The G4 sound is more of a scooped tone compared to the Purple pedal. But this provides a thicker, saturated sound that takes you to places you otherwise could not go.

It’s rather stunning how much this device sounds like a throaty tube amp! The EQ and aggression settings can take you from rock or metal rhythm to searing leads.

I am rather impressed at the low-end capability of this unit. It’s very tight and punchy if you want it to be, but loosens up all the same.

With a 7 or 8-string guitar, it really holds itself together. It’s a glorious tone from this little machine. You really cannot go wrong with the sounds possible from this pedal! Check out this video to hear it for yourself!

Hardware and Construction

Another great build from Revv! This pedal is again made from a custom aluminum chassis with engraved text and logos. Nice, durable, and small at 1.25″ height, 2.75″ width, and 4.7″ depth.

Revv has continued to include high-quality parts, and the G4 is no different. The great-looking metal knobs, robust potentiometers, and rock-solid switches are no surprise here.

Their choice of foot switch is very soft and easy to depress, yet feels strong and reliable. I really like how they use a blue LED instead of red, as it feels more boutique. And the shimmer from the paint just makes it so easy to look at! Another well-made and long-lasting pedal done right!

Pedal Controls

The 3-band EQ on the G4 is just another huge benefit to the tone of this pedal. While a bit more scooped than their other pedals, this one has a cool mid-frequency range. The Bass is very broad and can really pound, while the top-end controls provide a lot of versatility.

The aggression switch lets you select the level of gain you prefer. In combination with the gain control, you can get some great rock-to-metal tones. All with a great EQ range to compliment each setting.

The G4 can drive the front of an amp to boost it a bit and add some of your favorite tube-like flavors. This is one thing to consider when using this pedal and can really complement the sound.

Tons Of Gain

Revv has given the G4 the aggression switch that we have come to love. This switch is very powerful when feeling out your saturation level. The off setting is pretty standard and has a good amount of gain. The bass is tighter in this setting, but still chunky.

The blue settings then increased the amount of gain, and it became more aggressive. The bass is also increased, providing a thicker tone. This setting is already a ton of gain and perfect for any metal tone you may need.

Red is the more aggressive setting. You also get a fairly large low mid and bass boost. If you’re looking for chug, it does it well. It’s a perfect amount of gain for really sludgy tones and dark metal.

Top Mounted Connections

Top mounted jacks should be used on every pedal produced today. As players who use pedals, our boards can get packed pretty fast.

So thankfully the G4 comes loaded with top mounted jacks for signal and power! And the whole Series from Revv fit together nicely on any board and take up very little space as a result!

Power Requirement

Like the other pedals, the Revv G4 operates on 9 volts. The company has made it clear that it is not to be run on any voltage higher than 9 so keep that in mind when using it. There is a wide range of input voltage available from power supplies.

It’s important to use voltage as suggested by the manufacturer only. It should also be noted that the pedal doesn’t accept a battery to power it.

Proper True Bypass

Another great design feature is the True Bypass benefit of the G4. I prefer that distortion pedals can be taken right out of a signal path when turned off. The G4 has a True Bypass internal circuitry. It will not change the sound of your rig in any way when switched off!

Notable Alternatives

So how does the G4 compare to other pedals available today? I put it up against some of the popular options, here is what I think about it all.

Revv G3

This one isn’t really a competitor. But there are many players who ask which is better, the G3 or G4? I can’t say that one is better, they are simply different! The G4 is much thicker sounding when compared to the G3. It seems to have a bit less gain overall, but is still super aggressive.

The midrange tone is also different. I found the G4 to be more scooped, but has the same great versatility as the G3. You could benefit from having both on your pedal board. One for rhythm and the other for lead tones. Both are built super well, obviously!

Friedman Smallbox Pedal

The Revv G4 and Friedman Smallbox pedals are both excellent options! They are great for guitarists looking to add high-gain distortion to their pedal boards.

The Revv G4 is known for its tight low-end response and versatile tone-shaping controls. While the Friedman Smallbox is praised for its natural tube-like saturation and touch sensitivity.

Both pedals offer a wide range of gain and EQ options. But the Revv G4 may be better suited for players who want more of a metal tone. The Friedman Smallbox is a better fit for those aggressive Marshall sounds and hard rock vibes.

Final Thoughts

Another home run product from Revv and an amazing addition to the Generator Series of pedals! The nice thing about what they are doing here with these units is the ability to recreate their amps. Some people simply cannot afford the tube amp heads they offer.

But with the low-cost pedal platform, you can piece together a Generator. Not only that, they look great, sound amazing, and fit really well together on any board. It’s a smart option for players, especially if you travel or tour.

The purple pedal was no different and adds some crazy arsenal to your guitar rig tool set! You really must do yourself the favor and grab this pedal. It’s worth getting rid of others for the tube-like sound they can produce!