Maxon Nine Series OD9
While the OD808 may have been the first overdrive circuit of its kind, it was the OD-9 that cemented this sound in the history of Rock & Roll guitar.
Looking at the MAXON OD-9 Overdrive circuit, you’ll realize that this is not some redesign being cleverly marketed as a reissue – this is THE original OD-9 (TS-9) circuit, yet with the addition of true bypass switching. Even the PC board is the same one that Maxon’s been using for the past 30+ years, complete with empty slots where parts for the FET switching circuit have been left out!
Like the original, the current production OD-9 features the NJM (JRC) 4558D Op Amp – an essential component for authentic “TS” tone. The NJM is smoother sounding and less compressed than other Op Amps, offering superior sound quality with low noise.
The absence of the FET switching circuit gives the OD-9 some added output and a slightly more open sound than the OD808, making it perfect for the classic rock tones that it helped to define.
If your future plans include a meteoric rise to rock & roll stardom, then rely on the legendary tones of the OD-9 to fuel your ascent.
The OD-9 is a true-to-spec reissue of the legendary 1980’s OD-9/TS-9 circuit, with the addition of true bypass switching for clean, uncolored tone when bypassed.
The 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.
Ref. Euroguitar : 15781
