Cornerstone Gladio mk3 Overdrive

The Return of the Gladio: Two Channels, Endless Expression

Cornerstone brings back one of its most celebrated designs with the Gladio MK3, a refined evolution of the original dual-channel overdrive discontinued in 2022. Inspired by the dynamic response and expressive character of D-style amplifiers, the Gladio MK3 combines two independent preamps in a single enclosure, delivering everything from articulate, touch-sensitive cleans to rich, sustaining overdrive.

At the heart of the Gladio MK3 are two distinct channels, each equipped with dedicated Gain, Volume, and Tone controls. Channel 1 offers a transparent, highly dynamic response that allows you to move from clean to overdriven tones simply by adjusting your picking intensity. Channel 2 delivers a more pronounced midrange character and stronger clipping, making it ideal for thicker, more saturated lead tones. Each channel also features its own Compression switch, allowing you to choose between a tighter, more compressed response and a more open, touch-sensitive feel.

One of the most significant additions to the MK3 is the Ratio control on Channel 2. This feature blends your original clean signal in parallel with the overdriven signal, allowing you to restore pick attack, note definition, and dynamic range without reducing the amount of gain. Whether you prefer the full intensity of the overdrive or a more articulate, responsive sound, the Ratio control offers an additional level of flexibility.

Another welcome improvement is the redesigned Deep control on Channel 1, previously accessible only through an internal trimpot. Now conveniently located on the exterior of the pedal, it adjusts the low-frequency response, allowing you to add weight, reduce muddiness, and fine-tune the overall character of the overdrive.

To preserve clarity and dynamics, the Gladio MK3 incorporates an internal charge pump that raises the operating voltage to 30V from a standard 9V power supply. This increased headroom helps maintain clean transients, natural note separation, and a responsive feel, even with higher gain settings.

The Gladio MK3 also offers flexible switching and routing options. An Order switch lets you determine which channel comes first in the signal chain, while four audio jacks allow the pedal to operate as a conventional dual-channel overdrive or as two completely independent pedals placed at different points in your setup. Its versatile footswitch system supports standard independent channel operation, Flip Flop switching between channels, and Direct Stack activation of both channels simultaneously. A dedicated Remote connection also allows external channel switching using a compatible latching stereo footswitch.

Combining the expressive character of the original Gladio with expanded tonal control and versatile routing options, the Cornerstone Gladio MK3 is designed for players who value dynamics, articulation, and the ability to shape their sound directly through their playing.

Cornerstone Gladio MK3 Features

• Dual-channel D-style overdrive with two fully independent preamps

• Channel 1 delivers transparent, touch-sensitive tones ranging from clean to overdriven

• Channel 2 offers a pronounced midrange character and more aggressive clipping

• Dedicated Gain, Volume, and Tone controls for each channel

• Individual Compression switches with two compression settings per channel

• Ratio control on Channel 2 blends clean and overdriven signals to preserve attack and definition

• External Deep control on Channel 1 for adjusting low-frequency response and character

• Internal charge pump provides 30V operation for increased headroom and dynamic range

• Order switch selects which channel comes first in the signal chain

• Four audio jacks allow independent placement of each channel in the signal chain

• Versatile footswitch operation with Normal, Flip Flop, and Direct Stack modes

• Remote 3.5 mm TRS connection for external channel switching

• Power: 9V DC

• Current Draw: 130mA

• Dimensions: 4.7" × 3.7" × 1.7"