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MAXON D&S II DISTORTION AND SUSTAINER II.
Originally released in 1974, the D&S II Distortion & Sustainer
II is a precursor to the amp-overdrive simulators of later years. With
its mild drive, relaxed sustain and high output, the D&S II sits
the fence between an overdrive and a distortion. This unique "split
personality" makes the D&S II perfect for players that seek a
natural-feeling drive sound but with more drive and output than an OD
generally provides.
The D&S II accomplishes this task with
some unique circuit refinements not typically found in distortions.
Like a standard distortion, the D&S II features a diode-clipping
stage after the amplifier section of the circuit. However, rather than
using the silicon diodes commonly found in today's circuits, the
D&S II uses germanium diodes in this clipping stage. The threshold
voltage for clipping is 0.1 - 0.2V with germanium and 0.7 - 0.8V with
silicon, so the germanium can distort even low level tones, thus making
a smoother distortion. In addition, the germanium's rectifier
characteristic is inferior to silicon (voltage drop with negative
current is not as sharp as that of silicon) - this shortcoming
ironically works favorably for the D&S II, creating a somewhat
rounded waveform of the clipped signal that contributes to the unit's
warm, natural distortion. Due to their "inferior" characteristics,
germanium diodes are now a very rare component and have generally been
replaced with silicon diodes in other manufacturer's circuits.
Ironically, it is these shortcomings that give the D&S II its
signature sound.
Also unique to the D&S II is its tone
control. While most other overdrives and distortions feature hi
boost/hi cut tone circuits, the D&S II tone control uses a low
range boost/cut circuit for added bottom end. In addition, the D&S
II'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 your typical
overdrive.
From subtle crunch to intense saturation, the
D&S II provides a wide range of useful tube-like tones. If you love
the OD808's bark but could use a little more bite, the D&S II is
the pedal for you.
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
Controls: Distortion, Tone, Balance
Switch: Normal/Effect Noise (IHF-A) -110 dBu
Max Amplitude: 40 dB
Power Supply: 9V Manganese dry cell battery (S-006P) or special AC adaptor
Power Voltage: DC9 V (Battery) / DC10 V (AC-adaptor)
Current Consumption: 7 mA (9V) / 8 mA (10 V) AC Adaptor AC210N (option)
Input: AC120V Output: DC9V/200 mA Center - / Sleeve +)
Dimensions: (whole) 70 mm (W) x 112 mm (D) x 55 mm (H)
AUDIO DEMOS:
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