The Maxon OD-9 Overdrive - Improved circuitry, the OD-9 stands at the forefront of the Nine Series effects evolution.
The Maxon OD-9 uses a signal-distorting diode (Panasonic #MA150) that is located in the amplifier stage's negative feedback loop (this stage also contains the JRC4558 IC chip). Therefore, the OD-9 distorts signal in the amplifier section 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, an industry first that is commonplace today.
The OD-9's new circuit uses different output resistors than its predecessor. 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 values of the output resistors on the OD-9 were increased, but their positions kept the same as the original. This circuit change has no audible affect on the sound of the unit, save for reducing unwanted noise levels. In addition, the OD-9 features True Bypass Switching for natural, uncompromised tone in bypass.
Like the OD808, the OD-9 provides the natural, mild overdrive of a tube amp without sacrificing the guitar's original tone. It can also be used as a clean booster to provide increased gain from an amplifier.
Maxon OD-9 Overdrive features include:
I use for practicing and for live shows stacked with a Fulltone OCD.
I opted for this one because before 2002 Maxon made the Ibanez tubescreamer. If you have an old TS-9 and open the enclosure, the circuit reads Maxon. It has the original chip that made the TS what it is today! After 2002 Ibanez makes its own TS and Maxon continued on its own as well.
As opposed to the Ibanez this is true-bypass.
The operation is very easy, gain-volume-tone. It can be used as a mid-boost with the gain all the way down and the volume all the way up, or as a traditional overdrive. Its great for a mid-boost to cut through for a solo.
It stacks very well with other overdrives. Its a mild overdrive compared to other but nonetheless an unmistakable classic tubescreamer.
The Maxon OD-9 Overdrive pedal sounds like...well a tube screamer! It is a tube screamer! With a smooth midrange boost to set your guitar out front of the mix, the OD-9 is perfect for soloing. It also makes a great rhythm pedal as well, chunking out the spanky overdrive that made the tube screamer famous. The Maxon OD-9 Overdrive pedal also features true-bypass to keep your tone clean.