Skip to content

Silvanus Amp Drive

Based On
Xotic SL Drive
Effect Type
Amp-like overdrive
Build Difficulty
Easy
Project Summary
An overdrive inspired by the Marshall Super Lead Model 1959 and Super Bass amplifiers, famously used by Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix.
Silvanus Amp Drive printed circuit board

Printed Circuit Board

What's included?
PCB only. Build instructions and parts list can be viewed or downloaded from this page.

$12.50

In stock

Complete Kit

Not yet available.
Kits are developed based on interest, so if you’d like to see one for this project, let us know.
Request Kit
23 people are interested.

Project overview

The Silvanus Amp Drive is based on the Xotic SL Drive, first released in 2013 and traced by Aion FX in 2023.

The SL Drive was designed to emulate the tone of an overdriven Marshall Super Lead (hence SL) Model 1959 or Super Bass amplifier, calling to mind famous users of these amps such as Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. It’s an original circuit, though it has enough similarities to the RAT Distortion that they probably referenced that circuit in the design process.

Internally, there are four DIP switch settings to change between the Super Lead and Super Bass modes as well as a few other parameters. We’ve included a redrawn reference for these settings in the documentation.

The Silvanus is a close adaptation of the SL Drive, including the DIP switches. The one addition is that we added a clipping toggle switch, so you can engage the stock diodes or two other extra settings. Other than that, it has the same controls as the originals, both inside and out.