NUX NOD-1 Horseman Overdrive Pedal with Gold and Silver Modes

Two overdrive tones in one compact pedal

The NUX NOD-1 Horseman is a compact overdrive pedal inspired by the characteristic 90s Centaur circuit. The pedal combines transparent overdrive, natural dynamics, and a large amount of headroom with a format that takes up little space on a pedalboard.

With its two separate tone modes, you can choose between a classic transparent overdrive and a more powerful variant with more gain. This makes the Horseman suitable as a subtle clean boost, dynamic low-gain overdrive, or fuller drive for solos and rock tones.

Gold mode for transparent overdrive

The Gold mode delivers an open and transparent overdrive that preserves the original character of the guitar and amplifier well. The attack remains clearly audible, and the pedal responds dynamically to playing strength and the guitar's volume control.

With a low gain setting and a higher output level, the Horseman can be used as a clean boost. This allows you to drive a tube amplifier harder or give another overdrive pedal extra volume and definition.

Silver mode with a larger gain range

By pressing and holding the footswitch for about one and a half seconds, you activate the Silver mode. This setting offers more amplification and a larger gain range than the Gold mode. The result is a firmer sound with extra sustain and harmonic richness.

The Silver mode is suitable for powerful rhythm parts, blues-rock, and solos that require more compression and saturation, without individual notes losing their definition.

Internal voltage boost for extra headroom

The Horseman is powered by a normal 9V adapter but internally boosts this voltage to 18 volts. The higher internal voltage provides more headroom, a greater dynamic range, and a richer harmonic response.

Schottky diodes provide the natural clipping of the audio signal. This creates a smooth overdrive that reacts dynamically and does not feel abrupt or harsh.

Simple operation with three controls

Operation consists of three clear controls. Gain sets the amount of overdrive, Treble determines the brightness, and Output controls the output volume. This allows you to quickly set a usable tone without having to navigate through menus or presets.

• Gain: determines the amount of overdrive and affects the low and mid frequencies.
• Treble: controls the brightness and amount of high frequencies.
• Output: determines the total output volume.

True bypass or buffered bypass

The NUX Horseman offers both true bypass and buffered bypass. In true bypass mode, the audio signal is routed directly when the effect is off. This is suitable for a simple pedalboard with short cables.

For larger pedalboards, buffered bypass can help prevent loss of high frequencies and signal strength. NUX recommends the buffer mode when multiple effect pedals are used in series.

Key features

• Compact overdrive pedal for electric guitar
• Inspired by the classic Centaur overdrive circuit
• Gold mode for transparent and dynamic overdrive
• Silver mode for more gain, sustain, and amplification
• Also usable as a clean boost
• Internal voltage boost from 9 to 18 volts
• Schottky diodes for natural clipping
• Gain, Treble, and Output controls
• Choice of true bypass and buffered bypass
• Compact metal housing

Product specifications