Deltalab TO1 Tube Overdrive

The Deltalab TO1 is a guitar overdrive pedal that emulators the sound of overdriven tubes. There aren't actually any tubes involved here, however. It's similar to Ibanez's series of Tube Screamer pedals which this is also essentially emulator (all the way up to being green). It's got a simple make up with 1/4" connections for input and output and requires nine volt power from a battery or power supply. It also has true bypass, which is a plus. Of course you can't rack it up as it's a foot pedal.

UTILIZATION

In my brief time using the Deltalab TO1 Tube Overdrive I found it extremely easy to use. Perhaps this is because the parameters found on here are pretty much universal controls for overdrive and distortion pedal. It works both ways - if this is going to be your first overdrive it will be a good way to learn the basic controls found on most overdrive pedals. On the other hand, for those who are a little more experienced, it will prove to be even easier to use since you will most likely already be familiar with the controls here. What you've got are knobs for gain, tone, and level. It can't really be any simpler than that, so a manual surely isn't going to be necessary.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of the Deltalab TO1 Tube Overdrive is about average in my opinion. I don't think it's anything to write home about, but it will get the job done in getting some light overdrive happening. It's definitely not a 'professional' effects box I don't think, but it's good for beginners because it's not halfway bad and is very cheap. I do think that the Tube Screamer boxes are a good deal better than this, and in most cases it will most likely be worth it to spend a few extra dollars on the real thing.

OVERALL OPINION

The Deltalab TO1 Tube Overdrive is a pretty decent pedal and is one that's worth checking out for beginners and other players on a tight budget. It doesn't bring anything new to the table but offers a cheap replica of this classic overdrive model. If you can afford it, go with the Ibanez Tube Screamer like the TS9 or better, otherwise this will do the trick for now.