EVH 5150 Overdrive : Iconic overdrive, but needs a boost in front of it to get the most out of it

I get all my guitar tone from my board so I can use a clean amp, and this pedal serves well as a pre-amp stage before a power-amp/speaker simulator.

I particularly like the form factor with the sockets at the top and the battery slot underneath. The built-in "smart gate" that only cuts the hiss is a very smart move. Some of the knobs also have a sticking point to show you their "nominal" level (because it's not always at 12 o'clock). Good for fumbling in the dark.

I think the passive EQ is a bit lame though, and the boost button is so subtle I don't know why it's there. I have to use a Unit67 boost pedal in front to get the response I want.

That said, when set up the way I want it the tone is killer.