The world’s smallest tube-based booster/overdrive pedal, the TBO-9 features a US Military spec subminiature tube at its core.  Subminiatures are the final frontier of vacuum tubes, as the supply of quality vintage tubes is rapidly dwindling.  Used extensively during W.W. II, subminiatures were largely abandoned by 1955 in favor of transistor technology, leaving a healthy stock of quality NOS product behind.  

To create its lush overdrive tone, the TBO-9 blends this subminiature tube stage with a solid-state distortion circuit.  Unlike other tube overdrives, the TBO-9 employs a unique “pre-tube” circuit configuration, where the tube comes before the solid-state distortion circuit in the signal chain.  By cascading the tube stage into the distortion stage, a more realistic tube-amp tone is achieved.  The result is a warm yet powerful guitar tone that is extremely interactive with the player's performance and responds exactly like a hard-working tube-amp.

Similar to Maxon’s OD820 Overdrive Pro, the TBO-9’s circuit features a clean blend function built into the Drive control.  At zero Drive, the TBO-9 passes clean signal only along to the Tone and Amplifier stages of the pedal.  However, this clean signal is fed from the tube section of the pedal, whose gain can be adjusted via the Boost control.  As the Drive control is increased, the solid-state distortion circuit is blended with the tube-driven clean signal.  In this manner a wide variety of clean boost, semi-clean, overdriven and fully-distorted tones can be achieved simply by manipulating the pedal’s Drive and Boost controls.  

Both the tube and solid-state sections of the circuit are fed with 30 volts DC thanks to the TBO-9’s internal voltage regulators.  Running the circuit at higher voltage provides a more consistent tone with increased headroom and dynamic response.  Maxon was the first company to pioneer the use of internal voltage doublers in 9-volt effect units, and this practice is now gaining notoriety with effect enthusiasts around the world.

The performance of the tube is kept stable and reliable thanks to Maxon’s unique heater inrush current control, which feeds the tube with a lower startup voltage to extend tube life.  The complex multi-voltage operation of the TBO-9 prompted Maxon to develop a unique power supply for this model – The AC2009.  The AC2009 provides very consistent high current that is regulated and filtered to provide stable, noise-free power to the TBO-9’s circuit.  The AC2009 is auto-sensing, so it can be used anywhere in the world by simply changing out the detachable plug cord on the output side of the PSU.

Like all Maxon Nine Series models, the TBO-9 features mechanical true bypass switching for direct, unaltered signal in bypass model.

If you crave the warmth and natural dynamic response of tubes, the TBO-9 delivers a variety of true tube tones at the touch of your foot.

The first law of marketing – the surest way to increase demand for a product is to discontinue it.  Sounds crazy – we know.  Yet over the years we’ve found that nothing sparks consumer interest in a product more than taking it off the market.

Case in point is the Maxon CS505 Stereo Chorus.  When we first released the CS505 back in ‘99, many customers balked at the $180 price.  However, shortly after Panasonic stopped production of their MN3207 Bucket Brigade IC, demand for the CS505 and other analog time delays went into overdrive and these models became highly sought after regardless of price.

By early ‘03 Maxon had discontinued the CS505 in favor of the more feature-laden CS-9 Pro.  Yet the seeds had already been sown, and a reputation of almost mythical proportions soon surrounded the now-defunct ‘505 and its shimmering, 3-dimensional chorus effect.

In an effort to please the masses, Maxon has decided to resurrect the CS505, albeit with some improved features that make it even more desirable than before.  Housed in Maxon’s industry-standard 9-Series chassis, the PAC-9 Pure Analog Chorus takes the core design of the CS505 and brings it into the 21st century.  The PAC-9 Features the same basic Speed and Depth controls as the CS505, but the PAC-9’s oscillator has been modified with a wider adjustable rate of 0.33Hz - 8Hz.  Slow and wide spatial effects as well as rotary speaker simulations are now available that were impossible with the original ‘505.  

The PAC-9 also features Pure and Bright mini-switches that allow further enhancement of the unit’s tone.  When engaged, the Pure switch mixes even levels of delayed and dry signals, creating pure chorus based on the standard chorus theory.  When the Pure Switch is off, the level of the delayed signal only is increased by 4dB and then mixed with dry signal, creating a very unique, tremolo-like chorus.

When the Bright switch is engaged, the normally harsh and muddy low-frequency range of the chorus effect is decreased, creating a brighter, more defined sound.  When the Bright switch is off, the standard flat chorus sound is available.  Subtle yet sublime, the options available from the various combinations of these switches yield an impressive array of new, inspirational sounds.

Under the hood, the PAC-9 has been further re-worked for improved performance.  Built around Maxon’s proprietary MC4107D BBD IC, the PAC-9 features the same RMS noise reduction circuitry found in Maxon’s popular AD-9 Pro Analog Delay.  With the PAC-9, clean chorus without distortion is available with increased headroom that allows use with high-output pickups and active electronics.

The PAC-9 also employs a DC/DC converter circuit and internal voltage stabilization.  These circuits allow it to operate at a stable and continuous 9 VDC, regardless of battery voltage drop or fluctuation of AC power source, resulting in more consistent tone and reliable operation.  The PAC-9 can also be used in an amplifier effects loop (+4 dB/-20dB) as well as in the amp’s front end.

Stereo outputs complete the PAC-9’s package and allow inverted phase output or use with two amplifiers.  Like all Maxon 9-Series effects, the PAC-9 features True Bypass switching using a mechanical 4PDT low-noise switch.

The PAC-9 Pure Analog Chorus builds an all-new effect on an already-solid foundation - Don’t wait until this one is discontinued before you decide to add it to your arsenal!

Sometimes greatness gets overlooked. One example of this is the OD820 Overdrive Pro from Maxon’s Vintage Series. In the mid 90’s Maxon released the OD820 in response to the deluge of boutique overdrives being offered by DIY builders around the world. Since most of these “corksniffer” pedals were simply variations on the company’s legendary 808 overdrive circuit to begin with, Maxon felt compelled to “one-up” the one-uppers with the OD820.

A combination clean booster and overdrive in one, the OD820 uses a dual pot to blend clean and saturated signals for a more transparent, less compressed tone. More importantly, the OD820’s entire circuit runs at 18 volts using an ingenious voltage-doubling circuit that offers more accurate, full-frequency note reproduction and improved dynamic response. The result: An overdrive that is dangerous in the hands of a gifted guitarist.

Unfortunately, most of these attributes were overlooked by the masses and the music press alike, who erroneously labeled the OD820 as a larger, pricier 808 and basically ignored it.

Sometimes greatness has to be thrust upon you. With this in mind, Maxon has decided to reintroduce the OD820 to the world in the form of the VOP-9 Vintage Overdrive Pro.

The VOP-9 takes the same basic circuit as the OD820 and offers it up in Maxon’s indestructible, industry-standard 9-Series chassis. It uses the same JRC NJM4558D op-amp for low-noise operation, and features the same negative feedback loop clipping diode as the OD820 and OD-9. Like the ‘820, the VOP-9 also features mechanical true bypass switching for uncolored sound in bypass and the ability to blend clean and overdriven tones together.

In addition, the VOP-9’s operating voltage is switchable between 9 and 18 volts via an internal DIP switch accessible through the unit’s battery compartment. Running at 18 volts eliminates unintentional distortion from the use of high-output pickups and electronics, even when the guitar is played at full volume and the VOP-9’s Drive control is set to full. This feature basically makes the VOP-9 a “4 in 1” pedal, offering clean boost or overdrive functions at 9 or 18 volt operation, allowing the user to find the setting that works best for their particular setup and playing style.

When you’re ready for greatness, the new Maxon Vintage Overdrive Pro is ready for you!

1) CP9Pro+ by use of high-quality VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) and RMS (root-mean-square) sensor, provides natural attack response with low noise.
2) CT9Pro+ uses a DC-DC voltage converter to bump 9V up to 18V. PT9Pro+ provides wide dynamic range and sufficient head room against distortion.
3) Compression/limit level response to picking dynamics is easily viewable with Threshold LED.
4) True Bypass Switching with 4PDT lets your instrument's signal pass through a non-electronic bypass line when the effect is disengaged, feeding your amp with direct, unaltered signal from your instrument.
5) Easy-access, no tools battery compartment.

1) PT9Pro+ by use of high-performance light dependent resistor device and ten-stage phasing provides studio quality smooth phase sound with low noise.
2) PT9Pro+ uses a stabilized DC-DC voltage converter to bump 9V up to ±9V. PT9Pro+ provides wide dynamic range and sufficient head room against distortion.
3) RATE LED brightness synchronizes with phase shift speed. It makes it easy to see the rate.
4) True Bypass Switching using 4PDT switch lets your instrument's signal pass through a non-electronic bypass line when the effect is disengaged, feeding your amp with direct, unaltered signal from your instrument.
5) Easy-access, no tools battery compartment.