MAXON SD-9 SONIC DISTORTION.
One of Maxon's most esoteric models, the SD-9 has gained a huge cult
following since its initial release in the early 1980s. The SD-9 has
long been prized for its ability to provide an immense range of
distorted tones, from punchy overdrive to blistering fuzz, all with
full-frequency response and minimal tonal coloration.
The
secret to the SD-9's versatility lies in its minimal component
configuration. The circuit itself is deceptively simple, but it's this
simplicity that leads to the SD-9's transparent operation. With fewer
components to load down your guitar's tone, more "sonic information" is
passed to the output, yielding a more authentic reproduction of your
guitar sound. But don't let its simplicity fool you � the SD-9 can
provide a whopping 42 dB of gain, more than enough to provide a healthy
solo boost or to slam the front end of your amp into submission.
Anther
notable feature of the SD-9 is its tone control. While most other
overdrives and distortions feature hi boost/hi cut tone circuits, the
SD-9 tone control uses a low range boost/cut circuit for added bottom
end. In addition, the SD-9's tone circuit features the JRC4558 IC chip,
generally regarded as sonically superior to other op amp models. The
combination of these two elements creates a pedal with more low-end
punch than other distortions.
Versatile, powerful and
responsive - the SD-9 is perfect for the player looking to get more
than just distortion out of their distortion pedal.
Input Impedance: 500K Ohms
Input Jack: 1/4 inch standard phone jack
Output Impedance: 10K Ohms
Output Jack: 1/4 inch standard phone jack
Output: 1
Equivalent Input Noise: -114 dB or less (input shorted IHF-A weighted)
Maximum Output Level: 0 dBm Maximum Gain +42 dB (at 2.0 KHz)
Controls: Distortion, Tone, Level Switch Normal/Effect (true bypass configuration)
Power Supply: 9V Manganese dry cell battery (6F22) or special AC adaptor Power Voltage DC9 V (Battery) / DC10 V (AC-adaptor)
Current Consumption: 6 mA (9 V) / 7 mA (10 V) AC Adaptor AC210N (option)
Input: AC120V
Output: DC9V/200 mA Center - / Sleeve +)
Dimensions: (whole) 74 mm (W) x 124 mm (D) x 54 mm (H)
AUDIO DEMOS:
HARMONY CENTRAL USER REVIEWS:
Overall Rating: 10
I
play in a band that ranges from pop to experimental so from tube
screamer transparency to big muff fluffy the SD-9 lays somewhere in
between which helps a tone junkie like myself get closer to the glail!
Plus the super blue light has me convinced that the millenium group is
watching me when I have the pedal on. Great tone Maxon, this is who you
are!
Overall Rating: 10
I
now own four of the six pedals in Maxon's "9" series. I state this not
to seem like a braggart or to induce drooling, but rather to give the
reader a true indication of how I feel about the entire Maxon line. If
you are looking for "frills", look elsewhere. The Maxon pedals (which
also include their "reissue" & "vintage" series) are dead quiet,
interact awesomely w/each other, & produce the classic sounds of
the effects-pedal revolution mid-60s to late-70s. Kudos to ya, Maxon.
Sound Quality: 10
The
best sounding distortion pedal I've ever owned! I also have a Boss DS-1
which is an excellent sounding pedal in its own right. However, I
prefer the tone quality of the SD-9 over the DS-1. To me it sounds more
natural. I use it along with a Maxon OD808 reissue (which I'm also
crazy about). Sometimes I even use these two pedals together for an
incredible blend of tone. Use this pedal as a stand alone overdrive
through a clean amp or use it before a dirty sound like I do. Either
way you'll get some really nice sounds. Even with the gain turned up
all the way it isn't offensive.
Sound Quality: 10
Absolutely
brilliant. Thanks to the reviewers on Harmony Central I was able to
choose a good distortion pedal without wasting my time at some stupid
strip-mall guitar store which is bristling with... Crate and Line 6
products. I have a Soldano HR50 and I wanted to dial in a nice, sweet,
slightly overdriven sound for chunky funk/rhythm work and then have a
killer distortion pedal to step on when I need to knock the fillings
out of peoples teeth. No signal coloration, true bypass, very nicely
engineered. Awesome tone. Awesome. I LOVE this pedal. Noise-free
operation, and when I strike a note/chord and then turn the "gain"
control I get a nice, smooth, even increase/reduction in drive. Same
goes for the other controls; no spikes, surprises, mud, or dead spots.
I noticed some other reviewers commenting that this pedal is good for
rock, not metal; I can achieve BOTH, no sweat.
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