Horizon Devices Precision Drive

The Horizon Devices Precision Drive, introduced in 2016, is a modern overdrive pedal designed specifically for tight, articulate metal tones. Developed by Misha Mansoor, guitarist of the progressive metal band Periphery, in collaboration with engineers at Horizon Devices and Jim Dunlop/MXR, the pedal was created to meet the demands of modern metal players. Its innovative features, including a built-in noise gate and highly adjustable tone-shaping controls, have made it a staple for guitarists seeking precision in their high-gain setups.

History and Design

• Origins: Mansoor founded Horizon Devices to create tools tailored for modern guitarists. The Precision Drive was the company's first product, developed to tighten low-end frequencies and enhance clarity when paired with high-gain amplifiers or modelers like Kemper or Fractal Audio.
• Controls: The pedal features five knobs:
• Volume: Provides extra headroom; "6" on the Precision Drive equals "10" on many other overdrives.
• Drive: Adds saturation for leads or mid-gain tones but is often kept low for rhythm applications.
• Attack: A six-position rotary switch that adjusts low-end tightness and midrange bite.
• Bright: Fine-tunes high frequencies for cutting through mixes.
• Gate: A built-in noise gate to eliminate unwanted noise in high-gain settings.
• Build: Manufactured by Jim Dunlop/MXR, the pedal is robust and designed to integrate seamlessly with both analog amps and digital modelers.

Popular Settings

• Modern Metal Rhythm: Attack at 4–5 (tight), Volume at noon, Drive at zero, Bright at 11 o'clock, Gate at 1 o'clock. This setting tightens low-end frequencies while keeping rhythm tones articulate.
• Lead Boost: Attack at 3 (slightly looser), Volume slightly above unity, Drive at 10 o'clock, Bright at noon, Gate adjusted to taste. Ideal for adding sustain and clarity to solos.
• Doom/Sludge Tones: Attack at 1 (loose), Volume boosted, Drive around noon, Bright rolled back for warmth, Gate off or minimal. Provides thick, saturated tones.

Notable Players

The Precision Drive has been widely adopted by guitarists in modern metal and progressive genres:

• Misha Mansoor (Periphery): The pedal's creator uses it extensively for tightening his rhythm tones and enhancing lead clarity.
• Mark Holcomb (Periphery): Known to use it as part of his live rig for its tonal precision.
• Many other professional guitarists favor it for its ability to sculpt tight metal tones while minimizing noise.

Legacy

The Horizon Devices Precision Drive has become a benchmark for modern overdrive pedals, particularly in the metal community. Its innovative design—combining tonal flexibility with a built-in noise gate—has set it apart from traditional overdrives like the Tube Screamer. Whether used as a standalone drive or to tighten an already overdriven amp, the Precision Drive continues to be celebrated for its ability to deliver precise, cutting-edge tones tailored for modern guitarists.