Maxon unveils SSD-9 Super Sonic Distortion pedal

September 27, 2022 · 3 sources

Maxon has unveiled the SSD-9, the latest incarnation of its SD-9 distortion pedal, GuitarPlayer reported on September 27, 2022. The pedal was designed by Tube Screamer creator Susumu Tamura¹.

The SSD-9 features an increased output level to push signal chains harder, and the center frequency of the Tone control has been shifted for a greater emphasis on lows and lower-midrange frequencies. The 1K range, which many users have said makes the stock version of the pedal sound "fizzy" in higher settings, has been attenuated. True bypass switching is now included, and the pedal has also been changed to allow for operation at 18V¹.

The pedal has three control knobs: distortion, level and tone². Earlier coverage described the changes as a custom version of the Sonic Distortion developed according to suggestions from professional guitarists who owned the original SD-9, with several component tolerances changed to allow operation at 18 VDC, described as a popular request from guitarists looking for improved headroom and less compression³.

The SSD-9 is available now for $199, and the first 50 examples of the pedal to be shipped bear Tamura's autograph¹. Guitar World reported the pedal as available for pre-order at $199, with the first 50 units sold hand-signed by Tamura².

The pedal's origin was tied to fusion guitarist Scott Henderson, who has used the stock SD-9 in his live board and has called it the "best distortion pedal ever made." Tamura set out to develop an improved version based on Henderson's suggestions, analyzing his tone from recordings and researching his rig. Delicious Audio reported that Henderson still prefers the stock SD-9 to the new version³.