BECOS MODification of Ma on OD-808 Overdrive - DIY Kit

BECOS MODification of Ma on OD-808
Overdrive - DIY Kit
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Ve iga Lip a and 3 o he
like hi .
Maxon OD-808 Overdrive is a fine piece of guitar sound technology!
Originally released by Maxon
some decades ago, this overdriven sound
concept was put on the map by Ibanez with their first TS-808 (which had
the Maxon name on the circuit board in between 1974-2002). Tube
Screamer
(TS) is a trademark of Ibanez, which is owned by Hoshino
Gakki Group; they are also manufacturer for some brand-name musical
instruments.
From an engineering point of view, the tube screamer technology is
beautiful. It seems so well balanced in it's simplicity - while providing so
many audible benefits - that it's schematic was hardly changed over the
years, regardless the brand under which it came out. It may be different
from one to the other, but the core design is the same and it cannot be
varied too much because is too damn good as it is.
So, why would you want to modify such a great piece of technology?
The first answer is that stock tube screamers (in fact, the vast majority of
guitar effects pedals) are packed with very low cost components. This has
an imediate impact on sound, especially when more pedals are connected
in series. This reason alone lets room for sound improvements this aspect
will be the first addressed by boutique modificators. Another answer is
that with so many music genres and playing styles, is hard to please all
artists with only one tube screammer setting. That leads to some circuit
variations and modifications that can expand the sound experience and
usability.
BECOS Modification of Maxon OD-808 Overdrive is made available as a
DIY kit mainly because of the lower cost involved in installation. However,
it was not the low cost that drived me into designing this particular
modification, but the desire to share a high quality boutique modification,
to all who love and own a Maxon OD-808 pedal. I am using only top quality
components in my design, and that is going to be heard immediately after
the job is done.
Product Images
DIY Kit Price:
29,95 Euro
I em a de c ibed. Good
comm nica ion. Thank !
- Sh a
n Rom m es, Un it ed St a t es
BECOS MOD for Maxon OD-808 Overdrive is made in Romania/EU.
What is it all about
Although the same stock circuit board is used, this modification involves several changes for some key components (these
changes are precisely calculated, engineered and implemented to provide the desired sound response), plus the adition of
functional components, including two high quality gold contact switches necessary to trigger particular circuit configurations.
Unlike other modification kits available for tube screamers, BECOS MOD for Maxon OD-808 Overdrive doesn't involve merely
the swap of a few components, but, more like renown boutique modifications, it requires the rework of entire audio circuit with top
quality components, and only afterwards, the addition of highly sought after features, such:
better low end frequency response,
better cleanup in the lower gain setting, up to Almost Clean,
more gain in the higher setting,
less buzz and fizz,
less hiss and noise at higher gain setting,
improved tube-like dynamic,
option for implementing either TS-9 or TS-808 sound flavor,
option for swaping the core IC.
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What's more?
TS-9 or TS-808? A
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Installation
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What is in the package?
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Alternati e IC Selection
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operational amplifiers might be used as well. Please read the short description bellow, to better
understand how they color the sound in TS circuit.
LM833 - Made by On Semiconductor, this op-amp will give similar sound to stock 4558 variants. However it is less noisy
especially due to the newer and better engineering design. It is rather cheap, but not cheap sounding. It will provide nice and
warm clipping and it will be a little less saturated than stock IC's. It provides good low and mid frequency response, especially in
this particular modification kit and is not so bright in the highs. It is a good replacement if you tend to dial in the Overdrive and
Balance knobs which brings more hiss and noise to the surface. In conjunction with higher quality transistors replacement and
better capacitors, it will quiet down the pedal's inherent noise. This IC may be used when powering pedal with up to 14VDC. The
whay it colors the sound makes this IC a particular musical spice in the tube screamer recipe. Is not better or worse, just different,
just like the next ones.
TLC2272 - This op-amp is made by Texas instruments and is the cheaper version of the other TLC. This is also a CMOS
technology IC and is quite like the LM833 sounding. It might be a little higher quality which also reflects in its price. Because of its
internal design it provides better headroom which will have an efect on better low end frequency response. The highs are clear
and bright. For some ears might sound flat, but that is a characteristic of high fidelity circuits, and it will be up to you to decide if
this can be helpful or not. Because of its internal design it shouldn't be pushed with more than 12VDC power supply. This have an
imediate response in sound transparency and less clipping saturation, which will further translate into a grittier overdrive that
might better complement a leading soloing bluesy sound. It is quiet and helps the tube screamer behave. The sound flavor is
different and it worths trying.
TLC2202 - Made by Texas Instruments, the TLC2202 is a ultra low noise CMOS op-amp, the noble brother of the TLC2272.
This is the most expensive, yet the most advanced and high fidelity sounding IC. It is so transparent that the clean sound will
come out less colored than from any other IC used. It breaths high quality and will provide a perceiveable increase in headroom,
which might be exactly what you need if you like to play around the Almost Clean and low gain settings. The tube-like feeling will
be favored by this IC. All audio frequency spectrum is accurately reproduced so it will be perceived as better in lower end
response (also due to lesser overdrive saturation it gets into), as oposite to stock 4558 IC's or LM833. Higher end frequencies are
crispy clear and well defined. This is a Hi-Fi option, and is highly recommended if you tend to use the TS on amp's clean channel. It
will warm up the low gain sounds and will provide excelent thickness when increasing gain, for soloing. Also, if overall hiss and
noise is what concearns you, this might be the best musical op-amp IC available for quiet down tube screamers.
If any of the subjective description above sounds appealing to you, feel free to get one and experiment with it - remember,
swapping IC's only takes seconds after installing the Silver Plated IC Socket, which comes default with the modification kit. If you
feel wild, add more IC's to discover different audio flavors - it will be a very learnfull experience.
Selec an op ional IC
LM833 (low noise) 4.95 EUR
Pa ment
PayPal is the only method of payment available. Is fast and safe.
Shipping
Shipping cost includes packaging and handling. Package is shipped within one or two business days from Romania / European
Union. Shipping will be made with Romanian Post Services (www.posta-romana.ro) which has a convenient international shipping
service. Delivery can take up to 14 business days to Europe and USA, but most of the time it will take less. Buyer is responsible for
customs fees, if necessary, but I will help in that department by declaring a lower value or gift package - just ask. If you would like
to pay for faster UPS or DHL services, please ask for exact quote, although it might not worth it.
Shipping costs to:
Europe, USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan - 6,00 E ro
Australia - 12,00 E ro
Multiple Bu ing
If you would like to buy up to three kits at a time, the shipping cost will be the same. A forth item and up to six items will rise
the package value, hence raising the shipping cost. Listed shipping cost is for up to 1 Kg of package weight. You can save a lot on
shipping cost if you buy more items at a time. You can chose your desired quantity in the payment page.
Disclaimer
This DIY kit and accompanying information applies to Maxon OD-808 Overdrive only. In order to use this kit you should be at
least 18 years old, otherwise you must be supervised by an adult, preferably with a technical background. You must acknowledge
that by opening the effect s case and modifying the electronic circuit inside you will void manufacturer warranty. You, as a buyer
and user, are the sole person responsible for correct implementation of given instructions. A certain amount of knowledge is
required for making this kit work, and you are the only person in charge of solving electrical, mechanical or other technical
problems that may arise during implementation. The resulted electronic circuit is not subject to any warranty or support from the
seller. We assume no responsibility for the way you use this kit and we will not be liable for any loss and destructions of any kind,
including but not limited to loss of profit or any other damages occurring in relation to implementation and usage of this kit. You as
a buyer and/or user are the sole person responsible for the risks involved by this modification and we are not liable for breaking
the effect pedal, or other equipments, or properties, or if you hurt yourself or others in the process. Information accompanying this
the effect pedal, or other equipments, or properties, or if you hurt yourself or others in the process. Information accompanying this
kit in any form including images, prints, texts and illustrations are for your personal use only. Publishing, copying, redistributing or
divulging this technical information in any way and on any type of media is strictly prohibited, without prior written consent from
the owner (BECOS). Taking pictures and filming of any part of this kit and of written technical information is strictly prohibited.
Maxon is a registered trademark. All brand names mentioned on this page and in the documentation are property and registred
trademarks of their owners. We are not affiliated with neither of them. By buying and/or by using this kit you agree and consent
with these legal terms.
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