Maxon OD820 Pro help needed

[nbarts]

So after finding out that every recorded metal tone I dug had this thing somewhere in the chain, I've decided I've gotta give it a try, so I've got one on its way to me. Any of you guys can fill me in on how this thing operates & what's the best way to use it for the best results, since I'm probably not gonna have a lot of time to fiddle with it.

 

[Strat+Marshall]

I just used mine typical OD boost style. Level up, gain at 9 o clock or lower. Tone around noon give or take. The gain can go higher than that but it is not its strong suit. Awesome pedal with lots of clarity.

So what metal band uses them?

 

[lolzgreg]

I would recommend standard tube screamer settings as a boost and then using your ears. I own one as well. Just play with the knobs; no setting works the same for every amp.

 

[stefvorcide]

Gonna use it with Herbie or you still have the ubbershall?

 

[nbarts]

I just used mine typical OD boost style. Level up, gain at 9 o clock or lower. Tone around noon give or take. The gain can go higher than that but it is not its strong suit. Awesome pedal with lots of clarity.

So what metal band uses them?

I don't really listen to anything honestly, it's been a long time. Haven't really heard many guitar sounds that impressed me that much in the mainstream. I dig the Daniel Leffler's "Highway 69" recording with the Herbert, but that's really not what I'm going for. Probably to this day my favorite metal guitar sound was SOAD/Toxicity, again, nothing I'm going for. Have heard bunch of recordings here & there and every time I care to even wonder what had been used, I find out the Maxon OD820 was a part of it, different speakers, guitars, amps, cabinets, but this thing seems to deliver some full bodied, tight, mean texture to the sound or that's what I think.

 

[nbarts]

I would recommend standard tube screamer settings as a boost and then using your ears. I own one as well. Just play with the knobs; no setting works the same for every amp.

I've never used a tube screamer. What really interests me is if you noticeably lower the gain on your amp & use the drive on this thing or you just keep your amp settings pretty much usual.

 

[nbarts]

Gonna use it with Herbie or you still have the ubbershall?

Uber is long gone. Planning to use this thing with ch2- Herbert & ch2 VH4.

 

[Strat+Marshall]

I would recommend standard tube screamer settings as a boost and then using your ears. I own one as well. Just play with the knobs; no setting works the same for every amp.

I've never used a tube screamer. What really interests me is if you noticeably lower the gain on your amp & use the drive on this thing or you just keep your amp settings pretty much usual.

Wow, a tubescreamer virgin!

If you want the same level of gain you have now and you want to boost with the 820 you will have to lower the gain on your amp a bit. Most people use tubescreamers to kick up their rhythm tone over the top for solos. The added compression/mids make it easier to play through. The 820 is a little more transparent and will probably still sound good for rhythm tones but will compress and tighten it up a bit.

 

[NewWorldMan]

Try the Output at max, the Gain shut off, and the Tone to taste around 10-12 o'clock. Back off your gain just a hair on the amp when you do. If you need a little more, bump the OD820 gain up to around 9 o'clock. If the pedal seems too present on your sound for your liking, then back off the output to around 12-3 o'clock. I'd start with the initial settings first though and work from there.

A lot of modern metal bands use the Maxon, many more using the OD808 than the OD820 that I've seen. Most of the metal album that Andy Sneap has done though have been through the OD820.