Jackson Audio The Optimist Dual Klon Overdrive

Product Description

The Jackson Audio The Optimist Dual Overdrive & EQ is a highly versatile dual overdrive designed in collaboration with Cory Wong, combining a Klon-inspired drive, a transparent full-range overdrive and a powerful studio-grade three-band EQ in one compact pedal. Each section can be used independently or combined to create everything from articulate rhythm tones and natural breakup to rich, boosted lead sounds.

OD1 delivers the mid-focused character associated with the legendary Klon circuit. Jackson Audio recreated the circuit with germanium clipping diodes, retaining the natural response, harmonic character and distinctive mid push that made the original design so sought after. It works beautifully as a standalone overdrive or as a focused boost for pushing an amp or another drive stage.

OD2 provides the perfect contrast, with a flat frequency response and transparent character that allows the natural voice of your guitar and amplifier to remain intact. Particularly effective for rhythm work, OD2 can also be combined with OD1 to add gain, harmonic richness and fullness without sacrificing definition.

The Optimist goes beyond a conventional dual overdrive with its independent three-band active EQ. Based on a Baxandall-style studio EQ and tailored specifically for guitar, it provides up to ±12dB of boost or cut per band. Centre-detented controls make it easy to return to a neutral response, while the EQ sits after the two overdrives and can also be activated independently as a standalone tone-shaping tool.

For players using more advanced switching systems, The Optimist also offers MIDI control over OD1, OD2 and the EQ, making it easy to integrate into both simple pedalboards and sophisticated professional rigs.

With two complementary overdrive voices, powerful active EQ and extensive control, The Optimist is a flexible gain and tone-shaping centrepiece capable of covering rhythm, boost and lead duties from a single pedal.

Key Features

• Designed in collaboration with Cory Wong
• Two independent overdrive circuits
• OD1 delivers classic Klon-style, mid-focused overdrive
• Germanium clipping diodes in the OD1 circuit
• OD2 provides transparent, flat-response overdrive
• Stack both drives for increased gain and harmonic richness
• Independent studio-grade three-band active EQ
• Baxandall-inspired EQ circuit tailored for electric guitar
• ±12dB boost or cut per EQ band
• Centre-detented EQ controls for quickly finding a flat response
• EQ positioned after the overdrive stages
• EQ can be used independently
• MIDI control of OD1, OD2 and EQ
• Compact pedalboard-friendly design
• Top-mounted connections

Specifications

• Product Type: Dual Overdrive & EQ
• OD1: Klon-Style Mid-Focused Overdrive
• OD2: Flat-Response Transparent Overdrive
• EQ: Active 3-Band Baxandall-Inspired EQ
• EQ Range: ±12dB Per Band
• MIDI: Yes
• Input Impedance: 1MΩ
• Output Impedance: 100kΩ
• Power: 9V DC
• Polarity: Centre Negative
• Minimum Current: 150mA
• Dimensions: 68.6 × 123.8 mm