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Maxon

Description

For over 30 years Maxon's legendary "808" overdrive circuit has been an essential ingredient to achieving great guitar tone. Whether it's used as a booster to drive an amp, as a Dirt box for crunch and extra sustain or as an EQ to shape the tone of a high-gain amp, the 808 in its many incarnations has shown up in more rigs and on more recordings than anyone would care to count.

Yet for all its legendary status, there are some who wish the 808 offered just a little bit more - and for those players obsessed with excess, Maxon has created the OD808X Overdrive Extreme. The Extreme shares the same basic circuit architecture as the OD808. However, several key component values have been altered to achieve what may be the ultimate overdrive tone.

The OD808X offers a wider frequency response than a stock OD808, with an extended hi-frequency tonal range that offers additional clarity without becoming harsh. It also features a harder clipping pattern than the standard model, creating a searing, full-bodied drive tone that helps chords ring and notes sing.

An additional +5 dB of output level assures that the OD808X will punch through the densest of mixes with an authority that most OD's just can't match. Its additional level and top-end also allows the X to be stacked in a chain of pedals without getting buried under other Dirt boxes.

The OD808X offers the same "feel" and amazing transparency that the 808 is famous for - digging in you'll get more break-up; rolling back your volume will clean things up and you're guitar will sound like your guitar.

Beyond that, all similarities end and all bets are off. Comparing the X to a stock OD808 is kind of like bringing a gun a knife fight - it's excessive, but you know it will get the job done!
When even legendary overdrives just aren't enough, it's time to go to the extreme - the OD808X Overdrive Extreme.
Maxon Overdrive Extreme Guitar Effects Pedal Red

Features

  • Modified version of classic OD808 Overdrive
  • Extended frequency response improves note definition and clarity
  • Increased Output (+5 dB over OD808) for extra Volume Boost
  • Harder clipping yields more aggressive, amp-like Distortion
  • Buffered Bypass Switching

Reviews

5

7 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Home Studio2
  2. Amateur Recording1
  3. Outdoor Events / Games1
  4. Performances1
  5. Professional Recording1
Cons
  1. Nothing Found1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced3
  2. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Excellent Sound Quality4
  2. Responsive3
  3. Compact2
  4. Good Selection Of Effects2
  5. Versatile2

Reviewed by 7 customers

  • Perfect for death metal

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byIsaiah

    fromMahtomedi Minnesota

    Perfect for death metal

  • Oh Yeah!

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byGene

    fromSmalltown Louisiana

    Had it for a week, and LOVE this pedal. Have had a handful OD pedals, and before this was using a Boss SD-1 for around a year. Like the SD-1 this pedal has a low noise floor, but capable of more output level, and the distortion side is surprisingly very nice with a mild change in tone and texture using my bridge humbucker. Just for reference, I use a Friedman PT-20 head, 1x12 Mesa cab, and a Seymour Duncan "Screamin Demon". I think if you have a Marshall type flavored amp this pedal should be tried if your not quite satisfied with what your using.

  • Maxon doesn't disappoint

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byTony

    fromAustin, TX

    Let me start with I got this for a very specific purpose (boosting an already high gain amp), so my review is limited to a single-case use. While it sounds as great as the original with even more output, it's not the "upgrade" I was looking for. For the specific amp/guitar/pickup combination I got this for, I have others that sound a little more defined and tight. I ended up sending it back, but only because I already have many overdrives (including the original Maxon 808).

  • This is by far the best and most versatile overdrive pedal!

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    bySteely Dad

    fromLong Islandia, NY

    I use duncan humbuckers with 500k smooth duncan pots (2 vol config) with a 3-way CRL switch in most of my guitars, primarily a '59 SH-1 or a Jazz SH-2 in the neck position, and a JB SH-4 or Custom 5 SH-14 in the bridge position. From there I run this into the od808x (which stays on) then into the front of my Fender Blues Deluxe (high input jack) using the amp's foot switch as a boost between clean and dirty channels. Sometimes I throw a reverb in the fx loop, but that's it. With just this, I can dial in any killer rock, blues, or jazz tone that I want. (with the exception of the heavy stuff, like Pantera/Dimebag material) This setup will take me from soft (George Benson/ Kenny G music, all the way up to NOFX/Scorpions/Motley Crue/AC/DC/GNR territory with no problem) It sounds super clean, no funky noises (using a battery as supply voltage).. I favor this over my $200 Friedman BE-OD. That should say a lot.

  • Awesome overdrive

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    bySD Plissken

    fromBaltimore, MD

    Bought this as an OD boost for my single coil starts, does an excellent job and the build quality is outstanding. Made in JAPAN not China!!! This one is a winner for sure.

  • great pedal. good purchase.

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byFred

    fromundisclosed

    Great pedal. Makes my DSL100HR come to life. Suitable for heavy metal. More gain then you need.

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