Gain vs distortion vs overdrive

In a general sense: Overdrive refers to the sound made by a tube amp that's pushed to its operating limit. ... An overdriven tube amp creates distortion, but in the world of effects pedals, distortion stompboxes tend to be a bit more intense than overdrive stompboxes.

1. Is gain and distortion the same thing?
2. Is gain the same as overdrive?
3. Do I need both overdrive and distortion?
4. Is overdrive or distortion better?

Is gain and distortion the same thing?

gain is the amplification factor, basically the ratio of output over input. the more you turn the gain knob up, the more overdrive/distortion you get, basically. Distortion is just more extreme overdrive. Both the 5150 and vh4 are high gain amps, and both are capable of producing distortion.

Is gain the same as overdrive?

Gain is the amount of distortion(signal clipping) added to the signal. Overdrive is just a form of distortion, its a mild form mostly used to over drive the tubes of a tube amp to get a nice tube amp crunch.

Do I need both overdrive and distortion?

Yes, overdrive and distortion can be used together, this is known as gain-stacking (adding more than one pedal that adds gain). ... If you use both together and have your distortion too high, it'll usually just mask the overdrive effect. Different overdrive and distortion pedals affect the tone in different ways.

Is overdrive or distortion better?

Overdrive is mild/medium; distortion is spicier — and hotter! Another difference is this: while an overdrive pedal pushes your signal pretty darned hard, it doesn't change your existing tone much. Distortion pedals, on the other hand, not only add more saturation (or spice), but they also tend to alter your sound.