Maxon
Maxon CP101 Compressor
Stumbled across the schematic for this compressor and couldn’t find a layout for it. So I drew it up. This follows the original red box version, not the black box reissue. It’s an optical compressor and apparently fairly subtle. I couldn’t find any info on the vactrol used in the original–sockets are your friend. Should … Read more
Ibanez OD-850/Maxon D&S OD-801
There are a host of Big Muff clones and variation, but one of the most sought after clones is the Ibanez OD-850. Like all vintage Ibanez pedals, the OD-850 is just a rehoused and rebadged Maxon design–in this case, the D&S OD-801. While this shares a lot in common with a Ram’s Head BMP, it … Read more
Maxon OD-F1 Fire Blade Overdrive Effector
YATS from ’94, recycled by Maxon. Asym clippers and slightly lower rolloff frequency for the high pass. Should be a decent alternative for the standard TS.
Ibanez/Maxon SD9 Sonic Distortion
Originally produced in the early 80s, the SD9 was the distortion brother of the classic TS9 Tube Screamer. It ranges from mild overdrive to fuzz territory without losing articulation. The easiest way to describe the SD9 circuit is to say it’s half of a Tube Screamer, with a Big Muff tone stack. Original units only … Read more
Maxon OD808
Maxon released the OD808 in 1979 and it generates natural, mild overdrive tones and is similar to the TS808. Original units used MC1458P ICs, but I’ve listed JRC4558s as they’re likely to be on hand for many of you. Also the original diodes were Panasonic MA150. I’ve listed 1N4148s as a replacement, but socket and … Read more
Maxon OD880 Soft Distortion Overdrive
The Maxon Company is probably most famous for manufacturing the legendary Ibanez Tube Screamer pedals (among many other Ibanez offerings). Because of this (and especially in non-Asian markets) Maxon pedals were often overshadowed by their Ibanez-branded brothers. But throughout the company’s history, they have produced a great offering of effects. The Maxon OD880 Soft Distortion … Read more
