To really test this pedal, I wanted to run it through an solid state amp, to see how much “tube tone” it would actually add to a sound not produced by tubes in the first place. However, I only have 1 solid state amp, and it’s a little ZT Lunchbox. Maybe not the best demo amp, but I figured if I could coax a warm tube sound out of it, then this pedal was doing its job. Well, it did, and then some.
For starters, it sounds warm and creamy on every setting you throw at it: bassy and full with the Tone knob rolled back, warm and crunchy when you add a bit of treble, singing and clear when pushed to the limit. Using a mil-spec 5703WB JAN Raytheon sub-miniature vacuum tube, this pedal emits fun growling sounds, but performs dual functions as well. Roll the Boost knob up and the Drive knob down, and you’ve got an incredible clean boost that doesn’t color your original tone at all. With both knobs cranked to the max, the TBO9 sparkles with tons of beautiful drive and seemingly endless amounts of sustain. When I think of tube-driven overdrive pedals, the 2 that pop immediately into my mind are the Butler Tube Driver and the ToneBone Classic, and the TBO9 sounds just as warm and vintage as those two do. I could record an album with this pedal through the Lunchbox and tell people it was a Bad Cat…well, maybe not, but it comes pretty close.
Thanks once again to Kevin and Godlyke Inc. for generously allowing me to review yet another pedal of theirs, can’t thank you guys enough for the support. Make sure to check out their site, which features products from Maxon, Emma Effects, HAO and more.
Specs:
Input Impedance: 500K Ohms
Output Impedance: 10K Ohms or less
Maximum Gain: 52 dB (1.6 KHz)
Equivalent Input Noise: -110 dB or less (IHF-A)
Control: BOOST, DRIVE, TONE, LEVEL
Switch: BYPASS/EFFECT (mechanical TBS)
In/Out: INPUT, OUTPUT, INVERSE OUTPUT
Indicator: BYPASS/EFFECT LED
Internal Circuit Voltage: 30 VDC (DC-DC Converter)
Current Consumption: 270 mA / 9 VDC
Dimensions: 74 mm (W) x 124 mm (D) x 54 mm (H) / 2.9” (W) x 4.9” (D) x 2.13” (H)
Weight: 560 g (excluding AC adaptor) / 19.75 Oz.
Power Supply: Maxon AC2009 (no battery operation)
Submitted by Mike B, Website
