Description
PRELOVED MAXON TBO-9 True Tube Booster / Overdrive
Preloved condition.
The Maxon TBO-9 True Tube Booster / Overdrive is a distinctive Japanese-made drive pedal that combines a clean boost, overdrive circuit and a genuine tube gain stage in one compact enclosure. Rather than simply simulating valve response, the TBO-9 uses a military-spec sub-miniature vacuum tube and internally raises the supply voltage to 30V for extra headroom and a more dynamic feel.
It is especially well suited to players who want to push a clean or slightly driven tube amp harder without completely changing the character of the amp. The result is a warm, open boost with enough overdrive range to add grit when needed.
Real Tube Gain Stage
The TBO-9 uses a mil-spec sub-miniature vacuum tube as part of its gain stage. Maxon runs the tube at 30V via an internal DC-DC converter, giving the pedal more headroom and helping it respond in a more amp-like, dynamic way.
Boost & Overdrive in One Pedal
The Boost control adjusts the amount of tube gain, while the Drive control blends clean and overdriven signal. That makes the TBO-9 useful as anything from a warm clean boost through to a more traditional low-to-medium gain overdrive.
Simple Four-Knob Control
Controls are straightforward: Boost, Drive, Tone and Level. This keeps the pedal easy to dial in while still giving enough flexibility to shape both gain structure and overall output.
True Bypass & High Headroom
The TBO-9 uses mechanical true bypass switching and is designed to preserve the natural character of your guitar and amp when bypassed. The internal 30V operating voltage also helps keep the sound open and less compressed than many conventional 9V overdrives.
Key Features & Specifications
- Model: Maxon TBO-9 True Tube Booster / Overdrive
- Made in Japan
- Analog clean boost and overdrive pedal
- Genuine sub-miniature vacuum tube gain stage
- Mil-spec tube design
- Controls: Boost, Drive, Tone, Level
- Dual-purpose Drive control with clean blend function
- Mechanical True Bypass switching
- Internal Circuit Voltage: 30V DC via DC-DC converter
- Input Impedance: 500kΩ
- Output Impedance: 10kΩ or less
- Maximum Gain: 52dB at 1.6kHz
- Equivalent Input Noise: -110dB or less
- Power: 9V DC adaptor only
- Current Consumption: 270mA
- No battery operation
- Dimensions: 74 x 124 x 54mm
- Weight: approximately 560g excluding adaptor
Who Is It For?
This is a strong fit for players using tube amps who want more warmth, push and harmonic response without completely covering up the amp's natural sound. It also suits blues, classic rock, roots and low-to-medium gain players who prefer a more open, dynamic drive pedal.
Our Take
The TBO-9 is one of Maxon's more unusual drive pedals because the tube stage is genuinely part of the circuit rather than just a cosmetic feature. Used as a warm boost into a good amp, it can be especially effective, while the Drive control gives you enough extra grit when you want to push things further.
Available from Colemans Music South Melbourne with Fast Shipping Aus Wide.
