Dean Markley Overlord : Classic Tube Overdrive

[Freddy205]

Has anyone got any information on this beast? I'm in the UK (240VAC 50Hz) and this thing seems to run off of US spec voltage (120VAC 60Hz). Is there anyway that I can mod this thing so that I don't have to use a step down adaptor when I use it. Also if anyone has info on modding the circuit to use true bypass I would be grateful.

[nelson]

I would be interested in a schematic for that pedal.

How about a few close up pics of the guts, trace and components?

[nelson]

You can BUY the schematic for it here

http://www.schematicconnection.com/store/asp/prodtype.asp?prodtype=94&ph=cat

[dosmun]

I think the Overlord is the same circuit as the Tube Driver.  BK Butler made both of them.

[Freddy205]

I already checked that out. This thing has 2 opamps in it though and the circuit does look considerably different to that of the tube driver. I think this thing runs off of about 13VAC I'll try it and see what happens! I could do with that schematic to take a look at true bypassing this thing....

[PharaohAmps]

The Overlord is the same as the later 5-knob Real Tube pedals.  Mostly a solid-state distortion pedal with a 12AX7 in it for fun.  I have two, and they sound AMAZINGLY good with a 12AU7 installed.  The 12AX7 is a little too buzzy in the application IMHO.

As to the power requirements...  The pedal's transformer is a small 12.6V unit, and could be replaced with any similar sized unit.  I'm sure Farnell or RS or someone will have something suitable.  Failing that, you could put in a 6.3V->120V model, whatever you can get your hands on.  The opamps will run on any reasonable voltage, so just make sure the secondary voltage is somewhat close to 12-15V, and the transformer needs to be rated at around 200-250mA output.  It's one 12AX7 heater and one or two dual op-amps, as I recall.  Transformer mounting is pretty standard, just make sure that the laminates on the transformer don't vibrate or you'll hear it in the output.

Matt Farrow

[Freddy205]

Thanks Matt. I just discovered the Overlord/real tube relationship. I think I'm just gonna do away with the transformer inside the case and use an external 12-13VAC power adaptor and jack. I'll look into getting some 12AU7's

[Rodgre]

I have one that looks the same, but is a total op-amp distortion, no tube.
It runs off of TWO 9v batteries if that makes a difference to anyone.

Total tone sucker in bypass. The worst I've ever heard.

Roger

[Freddy205]

I read about the solid state overlord on harmony central. It didn't get a good review at all!

[dosmun]

I have both Versions of the Overlord.  The SS version is nothing to write home about but I can see it being useful for some.  There are worse things out there

[Mark Hammer]

The Overlord is the same as the later 5-knob Real Tube pedals.  Mostly a solid-state distortion pedal with a 12AX7 in it for fun.  I have two, and they sound AMAZINGLY good with a 12AU7 installed.  The 12AX7 is a little too buzzy in the application IMHO.

As to the power requirements...  The pedal's transformer is a small 12.6V unit, and could be replaced with any similar sized unit.  I'm sure Farnell or RS or someone will have something suitable.  Failing that, you could put in a 6.3V->120V model, whatever you can get your hands on.  The opamps will run on any reasonable voltage, so just make sure the secondary voltage is somewhat close to 12-15V, and the transformer needs to be rated at around 200-250mA output.  It's one 12AX7 heater and one or two dual op-amps, as I recall.  Transformer mounting is pretty standard, just make sure that the laminates on the transformer don't vibrate or you'll hear it in the output.

Matt Farrow

Hey, Matt.  Welcome on board!  Nice to see you around these parts.  Congrats on the VG article lastyear.

Mark