OD808

DIdn't dig this much. It was better than a TS9, but not as good as an 808. It was still a little harsh like a 9. The buffer sucked, too. Pretty typical modern TS. I tried it for a few months and sold it. Not worth the price, IMO. Should be about $50.

Phasetone

Didn't own this one, so take it with a grain of salt...It sounded pretty good for recording. Very subtle, though. Not as intense as a Phase 90. At least it didn't have the grainy distortion and harshness of a 90, though. Pretty good unit if you want subtle phase.

Rotophase

Way too overpriced, IMO! Didn't own this one, either, but tried it out a bunch. Gets some wacky sounds, but for the price you should be able to get the more normal ones, as well. Try one out before you buy.

I had the Od808 and liked it at first but it wore thin pretty quickly. I just got the OD9 that Maxon is touting ad having the the JRC4558D chip in it ( which it does ) and it is true bypass (which it isn't )

Maxon OD9 sounds ok but IS NOT TRUE BYPass . The other non surprise here is that the output resistors remain the same as the TS9 . I hoped that they would have been smart enough to match the TS808 curcuit but they missed the mark on that one as well.

New info on Maxon true bypass issue.
I contacted Maxon about their version of True Bypass and here is there answer.


There seem to be lot of definitions of "true bypass switching" floating around out there, so perhaps there should be some clarification. While some people consider the only method of attaining TBS is to use a 3PDT, this is in fact not true. The most important aspects of the TBS definition are that the signal, when bypassed, does not pass through any electronic components, and that the circuit, when bypassed, offers no loading on the input signal.

The Maxon 9-Series definitely passes condition #1 above - when bypassed the signal does not pass through any LED's, FET's, Caps, etc. that could alter tone.

Condition #2 is a little more complex, but we can prove that the Maxon 9-series switching configuration meets this as well. Yes, in Maxon's configuration the input circuit is still physically attached to the bypass line. However, looking at the specs you will see the input impedance is 500 Meg ohms. So, even though the input section is attached to the bypass line, the guitar signal cannot "see" this load since the impedance is so high - therefore, it passes through the bypass line and is unaffected by the input section of the circuit. This can be proven by measuring the resistance between the input and output jacks when bypassed - the OD9, SD9, and AF9 measure in at around .06 ohms when bypassed - for all intents and purposes, a zero load. Note the under the same tests, certain pedals from Fulltone measured resistances of .07 and higher - around the same as the 9-series despite the use of a 3PDT.

I've attached some charts and graphs backing this information up. Also note that signal loading will vary depending on guitar/amp combinations, pickups and cables used. Lastly, note that a 3PDT also has an inherent capacitance (around 5 pfd) that will cut your high frequencies, especially when multiple units are run in series - not exactly "TBS" either.


Any Body disaggree ?

MAXON 550 Stereo Chorus.

I compared this to the Analogman Clone Chorus. I found this one to be a bit brighter sounding and cut through the mix better. The Analogman was a touch more lush but darker sounding. The Maxon also is more adjustable thus giving it other effect characteristic virbrato. The Maxon comes with 4 controls one very hard to find being very small on the back of the unit for gain, plus external 9V power supply.

Hattrick

OD808

I can't hear a compelling reason to get this rather than a TS9 RI for $30-$40 less.