Offworld92

I have a Boss SD-1 that I'm happy with tonally, but it generates a lot of noise. In a nutshell I'd like something similar sounding, but with less noise. I know of course every OD will produce some degree of noise, but if I can get something a little quieter, with the added bonus of being a little higher quality overall, that'd be great.

It's kind of hard finding out which ODs are asymmetrical and which aren't, but so far I've narrowed down to these few:

Boss SD-1
Fulltone OCD V4
MXR ZW-44

Would either of the latter be significantly quieter, or generally higher quality?

Are there any other asymmetrical ODs out there that are really good?

I'm aware of the Fulldrive 2 and the Bladed-Vaults showed me the Dead Horse overdrive yesterday, but if possible I'd like something a little simpler, just personal taste. I don't want or need to be able to switch between symmetrical and asymmetrical clipping. But if there's something out there that's significantly high quality and it does, then w/e.

I'm not in a great hurry to go out and buy, this is more research to me. So budget doesn't really matter much, though realistically I probably wouldn't spend more than $150 on a pedal (used, of course).

__________________
In your mind, you can fly.

HUMANIZER

This isn't 1968. Use the volume knob.

Main Rig
Ibanez | S420 |
LTD | EC-1000 |
Peavey | 6505 | MS412 |
Boss | TU-3 | CS-3 | GT-10 | SD-1 | NS-2 |

Dave_Mc

for use as a boost, right?

ones i know of offhand which are asymmetrical

fulldrive
signa drive (i think)
most of the mxr ones, i think

best bet is to check our freeestompboxes dot org or diystompboxes forums (you might have to register) and search through the schematics of od pedals, most readily available pedals have been reverse engineered. though it's probably worth pointing out that the asym thing isn't the only thing that affects the tone of teh thing (though i'm sure you know that already).

__________________

red.guitar

I own the ZW-44.

I find that its pretty quiet. I can def notice when its turned on, but I don't find it annoying or anything.

I think its a great little od

__________________
Guitars:
Epiphone 97' slash snakepit Tele MIM Fender 85' MIJ Contemporary 22 Strat
Amps:
Kustom 36' Coupe w/ Cannabis Rex Jet City JCA50H Mesa Rectifier 212
Randall 212+115 Cab

Check Out My Band - 10th Avenue

Offworld92

Does anyone know anything about the MXR Custom Badass Modified O.D.? Just discovered that one, looks interesting.

Also Dave, I emailed CMAT and he said that the Signa Drive was symmetrical.

__________________
In your mind, you can fly.

HUMANIZER

This isn't 1968. Use the volume knob.

Main Rig
Ibanez | S420 |
LTD | EC-1000 |
Peavey | 6505 | MS412 |
Boss | TU-3 | CS-3 | GT-10 | SD-1 | NS-2 |

Dave_Mc

oh ok

__________________

ihartfood

I think Perverockstar got a TS-9 or something that had an asymmetrical switch. You might look in to a mod like that

__________________
My Rig
Like Telecasters?

ibanezguitars44

I can vouch for the OCD and full drive being great pedals. The full drive does have some extra features you might not use, but they're great options. The boost is cool for adding a little edge to your tone.

But may I ask why you're so set on asymmetrical? I've never researched the differences so I'm not sure what you're going for with it

__________________

Funk Monk

Wondering what the difference is too.

__________________

Offworld92

I freely admit that my experience and knowledge is limited. I'm here to learn, just like everyone else.

But from what I can surmise, the biggest difference between the Boss Super Overdrive and the Ibanez Tubescreamer is that the Boss uses asymmetrical clipping, and the Ibanez uses symmetrical clipping. I own a TS7, and an SD-1, and I've used them side by side - the Boss is gainer, gritter, etc.. Less smooth. More chainsaw-like. Hope that explains it.

I've assumed that that difference has to do primarily with the clipping type. I like the characteristics of the Boss much more - hence why I'm essentially looking for a less noisy SD-1. More EQ options wouldn't be a bad thing, which is why I'm looking at the Custom Badass now.

If there's some other factor that affects the nature of the gain more than the clipping type, I'm all ears and I'd love to learn.

__________________
In your mind, you can fly.

HUMANIZER

This isn't 1968. Use the volume knob.

Main Rig
Ibanez | S420 |
LTD | EC-1000 |
Peavey | 6505 | MS412 |
Boss | TU-3 | CS-3 | GT-10 | SD-1 | NS-2 |

trashedlostfdup

offworld82 check your PM's

__________________

Offworld92

__________________
In your mind, you can fly.

HUMANIZER

This isn't 1968. Use the volume knob.

Main Rig
Ibanez | S420 |
LTD | EC-1000 |
Peavey | 6505 | MS412 |
Boss | TU-3 | CS-3 | GT-10 | SD-1 | NS-2 |

trashedlostfdup

i have an OCD, and its so fussy, it doesn't get along with most of the amps that have came in and gone, its terrible for a boost IMO.

i really like my mi audio blues pro. they are pretty cheap. i think i paid like $60, and it works really well, one of my favorite OD"s. you don't see a ton of people talking about them though, but its tried and true. it was one of the pioneers of my pedal board.

here is a demo. it was one of the first videos that popped up, so there may be better

__________________

ChrisBW

I use a Fulldrive and OD808. The Fulldrive is definitely quieter than the OD808, maybe a bit smoother. I guess the OD808 has more of that chainsaw than the Fulldrive as you were saying about your pedals...

Are you only using it as a boost? I've got a JSX as well, but I'd have to get back to you tomorrow to listen specifically for differences between my ODs. Haven't played it in awhile, but I just got a new cab that plays nicely with it... finally

__________________
I have a huge fear if rays.

tgamblin

I recently got sold my ZW-44 and replaced it with a MXR Classic OD (same as MXR GT-OD). Great sounding overdrive, Louder for use as a boost, bigger in the mids, and not near as noisy.