The Atomic Distortion uses an LM386 audio amplifier chip to drive a JFET stage that was partially inspired by the effects at runoffgroove.com . The controls consist of a gain pot that controls the level of the signal going into the FET overdrive stage, a volume pot, a voicing switch with hard and soft clipping settings, and a flame switch that pushes the LM386 into distortion, creating a heavily distorted sound.

This effect can go from a natural crunch all the way to a crazy saturated sound. It has three clipping sources: the LM386, the FET and the diodes, which helps to smooth the distortion. It also has a big boost.