Maxon OD808 Overdrive
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The quintessential overdrive pedal!
The Maxon OD808 Overdrive is made by the same Japanese company which crafted the original overdrive circuit in a green stompbox that's been obsessed over by guitarists for the past 30 years. It uses the identical circuit found in the original employing the same JRC4558 IC chip for smooth, natural overdrive similar to a cranked-up tube amp. The OD808 pedal responds to the picking dynamics and nuances of your individual style while also letting the true tone of your instrument shine through.
Originally released in 1979, the Maxon OD808 pedal was one of the first tube-amp overdrive simulators to hit the market. Its smooth, creamy crunch tone caught on quickly, and helped to launch a long line of predecessors as well as imitators. Today, the OD808 design is without a doubt the most used, most imitated and most lauded overdrive circuit of all time. The reason for this is simple--tone. Simply put, the OD808 provides the natural, mild overdrive of a tube amp without sacrificing your guitar's original tone. In addition, it can be used as a clean booster to provide increased gain without compromising the sound of your amplifier.
The secret behind the legendary "808 tone" lies in the amplifier section of its circuit. Rather than having an amplifier stage followed by a clipping stage, the OD808 uses a signal-distorting diode (Panasonic #MA150) that is located in the amplifier stage's negative feedback loop (which also contains the JRC4558 IC chip). Therefore, the OD808 distorts signal in the amplifier circuit itself which yields a smoother, milder, more natural sounding distortion than a separate clipping stage. This is also the reason that the IC type used in the circuit has such a large impact on the unit's tone. Maxon developed this unique design more than 20 years ago, and while it is commonplace nowadays, back then it was an industry first.
It should be noted that the Reissue Series OD808 uses different output resistors than the original version. After the unit's initial release it was discovered to have a high susceptibility to noise due to static electricity buildup. To improve performance, the positions of the output resistors on the reissue OD808 were reversed and their values increased in order to reduce noise levels. This circuit change has no audible affect on the sound of the unit, save for reducing the noise levels.
Whether it's used as an overdrive or a booster, the Maxon OD808 is the closest you can get to the classic sounds of rock guitar in a compact effect pedal.
"…it"s nearly impossible to dial in a bad sound. If you"re after classic blues/rock overdrive, it would be tough to pick a better pedal."
Guitar Player Magazine, May 2000
"This device is perfect if you dig the sound of your amp but wish it could go up to 11."
Guitar World Magazine, April 2000
"I"d definitely recommend the OD808 to all Tube Screamer fans."
Vintage Guitar Magazine, November 2000
"I always loved the sound of my TS808 …now I can have it all back without the paranoia and anxiety of a feared theft, all at a cheaper price than a vintage one. Bravo!"
20th Century Guitar, October 2000
Past - Present - Perfect: Reissue Series
Faithful reproductions of the legendary '70s product line, the Maxon Reissue Series Effects offer today's musician a classic sonic palette that has defined the tones of guitarists for the past three decades. Each model's circuit is 100% analog and packaged in a time-tested chassis for a lifetime of trouble-free performance. Component quality and PC board layout have been optimized to provide consistent, low noise performance without adding unnecessary coloration to your instrument's tone.
• Rugged, Lightweight Chassis: Made of cast aluminum, extremely lightweight (less than one pound) and strong. Rectangular chassis offers easy interface with other pedal types without taking up excess pedalboard or rack space.
• Electronic Bypass Switching: Dual FET (electronic) silent switching with plunger-type activator switch for smooth, quiet bypass. Buffered low impedance outputs will drive long cable lengths with no signal degradation.
• AC/DC Power Operation: power using 9-volt battery (supplied) or AC adapter (Maxon AC210N optional).
• LED Power/Battery Life Indicator: Ultra bright LED indicates effect status (on/off). Dim or no LED indicates that the battery is low or not installed.
• 3-Year Warranty: Godlyke Inc. guarantees to replace or repair (at their option) this product should it suffer from defects in materials or workmanship. Coverage period is one year for moving parts (example: pots, switches, jacks) and three years for non-moving parts (example: IC's, transistors, etc.). Damages caused by accident, abuse, alteration, or misuse are not covered by this warranty. Product appearance and normal "wear and tear" (worn paint, scratches, etc.) are not covered by this warranty. No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Features
- Warm, natural overdrive similar to a tube amp
- Overdrive, Balance, and Tone controls
- Uses same JRC4558 IC-based circuit as original green '808 overdrive
- Responds to picking dynamics and playing nuances
- Great as overdrive or amp booster
Legendary tone is in stock. Upgrade your sound today!
OD808 Overdrive Specifications:
- Input Impedance: 500K Ohms
- Input Jack: 1/4" standard phone jack
- Output Impedance: 10K Ohms
- Output Jack: 1/4 inch standard phone jack
- Output: 1
- Controls: Drive, Tone, Balance
- Switch: Normal/Effect
- Noise (IHF-A): -110 dBu
- Max Amplitude; 35dB
- Power Supply: 9V Manganese dry cell battery (S-006P) or special AC adaptor
- Power Voltage: DC9 V (Battery) / DC10 V (AC-adaptor)
- Current Consumption: 5mA (9V)/6mA (10 V)
- AC Adaptor AC210N (option): AC120V Input; DC9V/200 mA Center - / Sleeve +) Output
- Dimensions (main body): 61 mm (W) x 112 mm (D) x 35 mm (H)
- Dimensions (whole): 70 mm (W) x 112 mm (D) x 55 mm (H)
- Weight: 260g
- Accessories: 9V Manganese dry cell battery (S-006P) x 1; Non-skid pad x 1; Warranty Card x 1; User's Manual x 1
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 38 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality (5)
- Responsive (5)
- Compact (4)
- Versatile (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances (5)
- Professional recording (5)
- Home studio (4)
- Outdoor events / games (4)
- Amateur recording (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Overdrive Never Sounded So Damn Good!
I've been through several overdrive pedals and this is hands down the best. Yes, it is better than the Fulltone Fulldrive 2, the Boss SD-1, Ibanez TS9, Ibanez TS9DX, and the ...Read complete review
I've been through several overdrive pedals and this is hands down the best. Yes, it is better than the Fulltone Fulldrive 2, the Boss SD-1, Ibanez TS9, Ibanez TS9DX, and the Ibanez TS9, not to mention many others. This is obviously a Tubescreamer clone. 3 knobs which is perfect, in my opinion, for an overdrive unit. Despite the fact that it is a tubescreamer clone, its not as bright as the Ibanez tubescreamers. Currently I've the Maxon OD808 and a TS9 in my setup and the Maxon is SO much better. Its warmer, grittier, and just sounds more natural. The only reason I still have the TS9 is because I've been unable to sell it yet.I've stacked this up to several overdrives, both boutique and commercial, and this is my favorite. Its simple, reliable, and has wonderful tone. It works well as a drive boost or alone.Fantastic
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Major Disappointment!
I reviewed this product late last year and was completely impressed with its sound quality, but somewhat concerned with its build quality.Not even three months into ownership, and light use, the pedal's switch has...Read complete review
I reviewed this product late last year and was completely impressed with its sound quality, but somewhat concerned with its build quality.Not even three months into ownership, and light use, the pedal's switch has failed. In addition, the tone knob came loose quickly and fell off.Worst yet, calls to 'Godlyke Inc.'(US Distributor) for warranty requests do not even get returned. I have 20 year old MXR pedals that are rock solid, and calls to Jim Dunlop inc. are answered and needs immediately tended too..I'm DONE with Maxon..Think hard before you spend the big bucks, it doesn't always mean better!
Reviews
Reviewed by 38 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Compact Design
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Good Selection Of Effects
- Responsive
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
I am completely impressed with the tightness and saturation the maxon can provide to your already existing amp tone. However I wish the pictures would be updated to the newer version of the pedal. When I was ordering this pedal I was hoping to get the older ones version (gloss finish) but the pages didn't mention that they were on back order until a day later after I have already placed my order. The new version isn't bad (matte finish) but I know over time the thing will get in bad shape.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Responsive
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
Just wanted to add my own two cents to the chorus of glowing reviews. Yes, this is a great sounding pedal and sounds great with any kind of guitar and in a wide variety of situations and applications. Unlike a lot of other overdrives this one won't bury the sound of your guitar, all the tonal characteristcs will remain intact. Need overdrive? You won't go wrong with this one.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Responsive
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
Versatile,and always lets the real guitar/amp character come through. Easy to use.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Good Selection Of Effects
- Responsive
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
Great for metal for a clean boost to your amp. I'm running mine through my Mesa/Boogie Mark IV, even though it was fine without the Maxon it just gives it more balls!
Pros
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Responsive
- THE SOUND
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Lead Guitar
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
Over the years, I've played every version of the Ibanez/Maxon Tube Screamer-This one sounds the best! Totally smooth overdrive,true-bypass,knobs give everything from a subtle boost to saturated OD. After hearing all the TSers under the sun, Maxon is right-The ORIGINAL TS is the pedal others try to reproduce! Why?
It's the TONE!!!
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
true bypass is great, the over all tone is not colored very much at all i useit to boost input level ver cool pedal!
Best pedal I have bought yet to date,
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
Replaced my old TS9, What a difference, way more output, more drive and way better dynamics. Much better peddal than Ibanez.When you read about your Idols playing TS808's they're talking about this peddal, Early Ibanez 808's were Maxxon's with Ibanez name on them. This is the real deal Neil.This aint no whack attack.Stop fakeing it, it's only a little more.
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
I would not recommed the Maxon OD808 to anybody who plays metal and doesn't have free gear and sponsorships thrown at them.
I bought it due to many good reviews and a number of guitarists I respect including this in their rig. It did nothing for my rig, though your mileage may vary. There is nothing for features - you turn the overdrive and tone up and down, and the balance acts as very little more than a volume control.
Herein lies the problem. You can turn the overdrive up to try and get your amp 'to 11' as some reviews say. But with that comes a tremendous amount of noise and ultra-sensitivity to squealing and screeching. You can bring the balance down but it just quiets the whole system. You can turn the tone down but then it sounds muddy. There are a number of configurations to try, none of which seem to help.
Play with this pedal out to headphones. It sounds tame and dull. It adds noise to your system and may make the mids shine, but at what cost? My Art 31-band EQ will bring the mids out without the extra noise. It just does not add any value. Heck, at the price, you'd figure they could at least include a power adapter, since if you don't unplug your stuff at the end of your session, this thing eats 9V batteries in a hurry.
For what it's worth, I play an Ibanez RG series through a Randall RH150 head. I'm returning it to try a pedal that might actually complement a metal tone.
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
The sound! Tube screamer and especially an 808 imo id the right pedal for a strat period. The best part of a 808 is its natural low gain sounds. Like a good amp just on the edge of breakup. Song examples I can think of would be hendrix, wind crys mary, and little wing. This pedal set at low gain, tone to waste and unity gain setting on the volume (same vol with pedal off or on) and the neck pickup on a strat type guitar into a tube amp (egnater tweaker with a G12H 30 speaker with a clean setting on the amp and your there. I also like the MJM phantom overdrive for the same thing. But you're talking more money too. The sound clip for this pedal doesn't do it justice at all. It is much smoother. Cranked? its a good ts pedal. Or use it how srv did as a boost pedal with the overdrive set off and the vol cranked to taste. Guitars with PAF humbucker like the 59 Duncan will like this pedal as well. It also works well with other drive pedals.
Features? it has all you need for a good 808 sound.. overdrive , balance and tone and DC plug in so you don't need a battery.
Maxon is the place where the orignal tube screamer was invented. the orignal Ibanez that now cost 100's were designed and made by Maxon. All Maxon pedals are of the highest quality possible. I like the quiet switch.
You truly get what you pay for with Maxon, it is a professional's tone tool. Unless you buy boutique most other tube screamers don't quite get it right in the tone department. so in my opinion its worth the extra you pay.
Comments about Maxon OD808 Overdrive:
This is my essential pedal at the end of pedal chain to boost Fender Hot Rod Deville 212 amp. The knobs are Overdrive=min, Volume=max, Tone=10:30. Very quiet. No trouble. Small good to fit my pedal board. Light weight. Built strong. No click noise. Safe for your finger by roundly tapered body material. Well done!!!
