Low-gain Overdrive effect pedal for electric guitar, made in England
Analog circuitry
"Adaptive Circuitry" changes the sound character with the playing dynamics or position of the Guitar Volume
Three-position adapt switch to adjust the "Adaptive Circuitry"
Voice switch determines the basic sound of the effect pedal
Drive knob for adjusting the intensity of distortion
Tone control for adjusting the tone color
Dry control for smooth mixing of the clean guitar signal
Level knob controls the volume of the pedal
High input impedance (1 MOhm) for a pristine output of the guitar sound
Buffered bypass
Sturdy metal housing
Operation with optionally available power supply
Innovative Low-Gain Overdrive Pedal for Electric Guitar
With the Origin Effects Halcyon Green Overdrive, the British effects manufacturer presents its interpretation of the green-robed low-gain overdrive, which is ideally suited as a solo distortion and for pushing already distorting amps due to the mid-range-emphasized sound character and a well-dosed clean portion. Here, the company from Birmingham naturally remains true to its philosophy and provides the classic analog circuit with a number of interesting features. In addition to the "Adaptive Circuitry", which adjusts the sound character via the playing style and the guitar volume, the Halcyon GreenOverdrive offers two basic voicings with distinct tone and four controls for optimal adjustment of the guitar sound.
"Adaptive Circuitry"
The heart of the Halcyon GreenOverdrive is undoubtedly the innovative "Adaptive Circuitry", which is available in two intensity levels and changes the sound character of the pedal via the playing dynamics and the guitar volume. With a softer attack or reduced guitar volume, the sound not only clears up significantly, but also the well-known midrange emphasis is reduced, so that cleaner timbres are presented with the necessary fullness and brilliance.
Two voicings
Origin Effects also gives the Halcyon Overdrivetwo distinct voicings for the basic sound character. Besides the traditional 808 setting, the pedal offers a modified sound that shifts the mid hump up in the frequency band, helping to make neck humbuckers sound with the necessary transparency or to give metal players with deep tunings a tight feel.
Four pots to adjust the sound
Last but not least, the Origin Effects Halcyon GreenOverdrive has four knobs for adjusting the sound. In addition to the Drive and Tone knobs, which adjust the intensity of distortion and treble content as usual, the guitar pedal features a Dry knob that smoothly adds the clean signal to maintain punch and definition. The Level control also determines the volume of the Halcyon GreenOverdrive pedal.
After playing it for 2 days I can say this is the best overdrive I've ever heard. And fun thing is: it's actually not a tube screamer (read below).
I guess it was a smart move to label it as enhanced TS, as people google for tube screamers more often than for random drives. Should be good for sales! And yes, it can be a tube screamer if you don't activate the adaptive circuit...
But, after hearing it, I see no reason to do so. It's really a new (sub-)type of overdrive, very dynamic, lush, alive, and full spectrum. With "normal" pedals I feel like the clipping point is kinda static, while with their adaptive circuitry it's moving, which extends the dynamic range tremendously. I don't even care about reducing guitar volume using the volume pot. It actually sounds absolutely amazing with volume full on. Just switching the adapt switch on moves from boring lifeless tone to another dimension and level of sound. And it works great for clean / edge of breakup tones too. And the Mix knob is God-given too. :)
I believe OE could archive the same fantastic result by basing it on the blues breaker circuit or anything else good sounding. Won't be surprised if they do so with pedals to come. My sincere congratulations for this innovation!
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