The indestructible Maxon VOP9 takes the same basic circuit as the original OD820 Overdrive Pro and offers it up in Maxon’s industry-standard 9-Series chassis. The VOP9 vintage overdrive pedal uses the same JRC NJM4558D op-amp for low-noise operation, and features the same negative feedback loop clipping diode as the OD820 and OD9. Plus the Maxon VOP9 also features mechanical true bypass switching for uncolored sound in bypass and the ability to blend clean and overdriven tones together.
In addition, the VOP9’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 VOP9’s Drive control is set to full. This feature basically makes the VOP9 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.
A combination clean booster and overdrive in one, the VOP9 blends clean and saturated signals for a more transparent, less compressed tone. More importantly, the VOP9 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.