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nickname009
Published on 09/01/11 at 04:59
Knobs: Output, tone, gain.
This is a pretty high gain overdrive box by MXR. Modeled, I believe after the original boss sd-1 with tweaks that Zakk wanted himself.
Supposedly true bypass.
UTILIZATION
Very easy to use, only two ways to do so. First as a clean boost, meaning the amp's signal is clean, and you boost it with this and it adds so much dirt. SO much that it'll turn your clean tube amp into a classic rock distortion. Very cool. Very high gain. Doesn't sound that great, it's a bit shrill at times this way.
Second, the way it was primarily designed for, a dirty boost. Have an amp set at a semi dirty sound, kick this in and get ready to get smashed in the face!!!
SOUND QUALITY
As a clean boost it's not so great, it'll get you some thin lizzy-type tones which is cool.
As a dirty boost, the way it was meant to be it excels and kicks your amp in the nuts!
Thick, monstrous raunchy tone!! And I'm being literal. It's a huge sound and it sounds so great! No it doesn't sound the same as a tubescreamer, it doesn't boost the mids like a tubescreamer does, not does it sound like an sd-1 where it just boosts the highs and cuts the bass out.
The bass is brought back in with this pedal and the mids aren't over emphasized. Everything seems to come out enhanced and sends a thick, clear, harmonically rich distortion. Raunchy is the best way I could put it.
It is a VERY NOISY pedal however, I believe this is part of the design. The noise is what makes it sound so great? You'd definitely need a gate if you want to do quick stops and starts etc. I really don't know how Zakk does it, well maybe he just keeps playing through all the time. Which seems to be the case. The last time I remember hearing most of his stuff he never really does too many stops and starts etc.
OVERALL OPINION
It's a great pedal as a dirty boost! Super high gain sounds, very raunchy and thick!! Lots of sustain and harmonics! Not your typical TS-9 sound nor is it the weakish sounding Sd-1. It's like an sd-1 on steroids and sounds HUGE.
Great pedal if it weren't for all the noise. Be prepared with a noise gate to tame this beast to get it workin the way you want! Definitely a great metal/high gain overdrive pedal for the price I'd say!
This is a pretty high gain overdrive box by MXR. Modeled, I believe after the original boss sd-1 with tweaks that Zakk wanted himself.
Supposedly true bypass.
UTILIZATION
Very easy to use, only two ways to do so. First as a clean boost, meaning the amp's signal is clean, and you boost it with this and it adds so much dirt. SO much that it'll turn your clean tube amp into a classic rock distortion. Very cool. Very high gain. Doesn't sound that great, it's a bit shrill at times this way.
Second, the way it was primarily designed for, a dirty boost. Have an amp set at a semi dirty sound, kick this in and get ready to get smashed in the face!!!
SOUND QUALITY
As a clean boost it's not so great, it'll get you some thin lizzy-type tones which is cool.
As a dirty boost, the way it was meant to be it excels and kicks your amp in the nuts!
Thick, monstrous raunchy tone!! And I'm being literal. It's a huge sound and it sounds so great! No it doesn't sound the same as a tubescreamer, it doesn't boost the mids like a tubescreamer does, not does it sound like an sd-1 where it just boosts the highs and cuts the bass out.
The bass is brought back in with this pedal and the mids aren't over emphasized. Everything seems to come out enhanced and sends a thick, clear, harmonically rich distortion. Raunchy is the best way I could put it.
It is a VERY NOISY pedal however, I believe this is part of the design. The noise is what makes it sound so great? You'd definitely need a gate if you want to do quick stops and starts etc. I really don't know how Zakk does it, well maybe he just keeps playing through all the time. Which seems to be the case. The last time I remember hearing most of his stuff he never really does too many stops and starts etc.
OVERALL OPINION
It's a great pedal as a dirty boost! Super high gain sounds, very raunchy and thick!! Lots of sustain and harmonics! Not your typical TS-9 sound nor is it the weakish sounding Sd-1. It's like an sd-1 on steroids and sounds HUGE.
Great pedal if it weren't for all the noise. Be prepared with a noise gate to tame this beast to get it workin the way you want! Definitely a great metal/high gain overdrive pedal for the price I'd say!