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MAXON OD-9 PRO+ OVERDRIVE.
Let�s face it, when it comes to overdrive, no one knows more than
Maxon. Back in 1974 they invented the original �808� circuit, the
staple overdrive design that has shown up in the rigs the world�s
greatest guitarists and has been copied, modified, and �upgraded� ad
nauseum. Most boutique OD�s are based on the 808 circuit, and there are
more than a few self-proclaimed �fx-perts� out there who make their
living developing mods for this legendary device and its successor, the
OD-9.
Constantly ahead of these tweakers and unwilling to rest on
their laurels, Maxon has been fine-tuning their overdrive units to meet
with changing musical tastes and evolving technological trends for the
past 30 years. The results of these efforts have included such highly
sought after gems as the Super Tube, Sonic Distortion, and OD820
Overdrive Pro. So, who better to offer the definitive improvement on
the classic 808 design than the company who put it at the feet of
guitarists in the first place?
It�s with great pride that Maxon introduces the OD-9 Pro+
Overdrive. At long last, an overdrive unit that meets and exceeds the
demands of the market and deservedly takes its place beside the
legendary 808. While developing the OD-9 Pro+, Maxon enlisted the help
of several professional guitarists, including Scott Henderson, Lyle
Workman (Sting), Borislav Mitic, Chris Traynor (Helmet, Bush), Phil
Caivanno (Monster Magnet, Jackalope), and Joel Stroezel and Adam
Dutkeiwicz (Killswitch Engage). All avid OD808 or OD-9 users, this
�advisory board� offered us further insight into what features would be
most useful in creating a new classic overdrive pedal.
Starting with the basic OD-9 circuit, Maxon improved the
dynamic range of the OD-9 Pro+ by replacing the output stage transistor
with a low-noise NEC uPC4570 OP-Amp. This substitution allows for less
compression than the OD-9, providing a more balanced response from low
to high ranges without emphasizing the mids like the OD-9 does. Output
level is also +6dB higher than the OD9, so that the Pro+ effectively
sounds twice as loud to your ears. In addition, this component change
also offers a true undistorted signal when the Drive control is set at
zero, allowing the Pro+ to be used as a clean booster as well as an
overdrive.
New to the OD-9 Pro+ is the addition of a switchable Boost
feature. Here�s where the real fun begins � In Boost mode the midrange
is goosed by +3dB, while high and low frequencies are reduced slightly.
With 2 series distortion circuits, the overdrive level in Boost mode is
also increased by +10dB, creating a thicker, more saturated overdrive
tone. An NEC uPC4570 OP-Amp is used in the second distortion circuit,
assuring low-noise operation. This new Boost mode provides a more
compressed sound than Normal mode, and is perfect for searing lead
passages that really jump out of the mix. Bright, Singing sustained
notes and improved harmonic response are further benefits of this new
feature. If you always felt that the OD-9 was a bit anemic, the Pro+
Boost Mode is just what the doctor ordered.
The biggest improvement to the OD-9 circuit comes with the
addition of a stabilized DC-DC voltage converter in the power circuit
of the Pro+. This voltage converter bumps 9 volts (plus and minus 4.5
volts) up to 18 volts (plus and minus 9 volts). A much wider dynamic
range and increased head room are the benefits of this feature,
allowing a fuller frequency response and the ability for the pedal to
handle today�s ultra high-gain pickups and active electronics. Best
yet, the operating voltage is switchable between 9 and 18 via an
internal DIP switch that is accessible through the unit�s battery
compartment, offering a choice between the classic OD-9 tone and this
newer, full-frequency tone.
Like all Maxon Nine Series models, the OD-9 Pro+ features True
Mechanical Bypass switching courtesy of a 4PDT switch. With the
combination of these new features and circuitry, the Maxon OD-9 Pro+
effectively functions as a 4-voiced monster, offering everything from
the classic, bluesy tones of the original 808 to the searing saturated
chunk demanded by today�s extreme metal music. Effective, functional,
phenomenal - the Maxon OD-9 Pro+ is soon to become the reigning king of
the stompbox world.
AUDIO DEMOS:
 OD-9 Overdrive Pro+ MP3 Audio Demo 01
OD-9 Overdrive Pro+ MP3 Audio Demo 02
OD-9 Overdrive Pro+ MP3 Audio Demo 03
OD-9 Overdrive Pro+ MP3 Audio Demo 04
HARMONY CENTRAL USER REVIEWS:
Ease of Use:
10
- How easy is it to get a good sound out of it?
- How about Editing patches?
- How is the manual for it (if there is one)?
- Do you know the firmware revision number? Has your unit been upgraded?
This unit is very easy to use. For those of you that do not know about
this pedal, check it out! I am going to go out on a limb here and say
that it is the best all-around stock tubescreamer pedal that you can
buy. I currently live in Japan, and I purchased this pedal new here for
the equivalent of $135 US. Super deal! No worries about the manual, it
is helpful, and is in English, Japanese, and Korean. The manual offers
sample settings and provides a comprehensive understanding of what this
pedal is, does, and how it operates. This is an upgrade from the
regular Maxon 0D 9, for several reasons. The output stage transistor is
upgraded, allowing for less compression and a more balanced tonal
response, ie, the mids are boosted without a huge cut in bass or
treble. The output signal has been doubled, and the pedal is even less
noisy than the OD 9. There is a small toggle switch on the pedal that
you can use to operate it in boost or normal mode. In boost mode the
overdrive is boosted, the signal more compressed, and the mids are
boosted by about 3db while the bass and treble are cut slightly.
Internally, you can choose to operate this baby at 18v or 9v. At 18v
operation, this thing sings! It has more headroom, sustain, and is more
balanced. All that, and TRUE BYPASS!!! What more could you ask for from
a stock tubescreamer pedal?
Sound Quality:
10
- Can you get the sound of your favorite artists? Who are they?
- Are certain effects (distortion, chorus, ...) very good? Very bad?
- What setup (i.e. what guitars and amps) are you using this with?
- Is it noisy? On what settings?
- Are the effects weak or do they always sound great?
- What amp are you using it with?
I use this pedal with a fender american deluxe v neck strat and a koch
studiotone. I generally use this pedal with the studiotone`s overdrive
and overdrive+ channels. Like most distortion pedals, it sounds a
billion times better when run with a little bit of dirt on your amp.
This pedal is wonderful. The boost mode is tubescreamer heaven. It has
that great midhump that has made the tubescreamer the most
sought-after, used, and copied overdrive in electric guitar history. I
use the neck pickup on my strat and set the drive to about 2 o`clock,
the tone to 2 o`clock, and the level at 12 o`clock, while using the
boost mode at 18v internal operation. Great sound! It`s more of a
classic 808 tubescreamer sound, similar to Scott Henderson`s tone (but,
c`mon, you`re not going to get Scott`s exact tone unless you play suhr
strats through CAE od-100 classic amps and cabs and can wail like a
mofo! let`s be serious). But, the tone is comparable to Scott`s.
Perfectly balanced. Seriously, the best stock tubescreamer available.
No other unmodded tubescreamer comes close. Remember that this pedal
will be noisy if you open up the gain on your amp (but any overdrive
pedal of any quality will). But, you can put up with the noise for
sustain for days.
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