Maxon APEX808 Overdrive Pedal

Designed by Tubescreamer creator Susumu Tamura, the Apex808 was developed after meticulous analysis of over 100 vintage and current-production Tubescreamer* & OD808 variants over a period of three years.

During this study, it was determined that the best sounding TS specimens all featured not only a specific brand and model of OpAmp, but also that the IC in question was from a specific production period.

NOS inventory of this IC was subsequently sourced by Mr. Tamura and incorporated into the design of the Apex808.

The use of this "magic" IC has a dramatic effect on the sound characteristics of the Apex, generating tonal transparency, top-end clarity and note separation so uncanny that it makes other drive pedals sound as if they are being played with a blanket over the speaker.

The Apex808's hand-selected IC offers the added benefit of changing the overtone components of the signal based on input level.

At low levels, the Apex generates primarily even-order harmonics. When the input level is increased, the Apex generates a blend of even- and odd-order harmonics, creating an overtone series that imitates the preamp and power sections of a tube amp with remarkable accuracy.

The Apex808 allows the user to capture the sounds and feel of the best vintage 'screamers without having to play thru or pay thousands to do so.

*Tubescreamer is a registered trademark of Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.