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Nimbus (Legacy)

Based On
Maxon® OD-820
Effect Type
Overdrive
Build Difficulty
Intermediate

Legacy PCB

Designed for the 1590B enclosure with side-mounted jacks, which some builders prefer. Bypass PCB (optional) sold separately.

$10.00

In stock

Updated Version

This project is in the queue for a redesign in the updated 125B format, but it's not yet available. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified of new releases.

Project overview

This PCB allows you to build an exact replica of a Maxon OD-820 Overdrive Pro. Due to the circuit’s relatively high parts count, it was pretty tough to fit everything into a 1590B enclosure, so this PCB does not include any modifications such as a clipping switch or pads for extra diodes.

With its 18v charge pump and dual-pot “gain/blend” control, the Maxon OD-820 Overdrive Pro actually shares a lot of concepts with the Klon Centaur—and they are often compared with one another in sound. But it is by no means a clone. The OD-820 is actually a little closer to a Tube Screamer with regard to its clipping diodes and tone control. (Check out this Legendary Tones article from 2004 comparing the OD-820 with the Klon Centaur.)

The OD-820 is the same circuit as the VOP-9 Vintage Overdrive Pro. The OD-820 has a larger enclosure that matches the other Vintage Series effects such as the DS-830 Distortion Master, while the VOP-9 is housed in the smaller standard Ibanez enclosure.

Documentation

Project Documents