The Arion SOD-1 Stereo OverDrive is a compact overdrive pedal from Arion, the Japanese maker known for low-priced effects. Arion's distributor describes it as delivering "mild distortion and warm tube amp sounds at a low cost," placing it in the same family as other overdrive pedals that push an amp into gentle breakup rather than heavy distortion. Its distinguishing feature is the stereo output arrangement: a single input feeds two output jacks, which Arion says allow the user to achieve distinctly different sounds for use in guitar solos and other lead guitar work1.
Controls and connections
The SOD-1 keeps its face simple: three knobs and a footswitch.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Sets the amount of overdrive |
| Tone | Shapes the treble character |
| Level | Sets the output volume |
| Pedal switch | Turns the effect on and off |
| Check indicator | Shows effect status and battery condition |
| Mode switch (OUT 2) | Selects the character of output 21 |
Around the back and sides are the input jack, output jacks 1 and 2, and the AC adapter jack1. The mode switch is assigned to output 2, which is how the two-output design produces the two different sounds Arion describes1.
Power
The pedal runs from a 9V battery or from an AC adapter in the 100mA to 200mA range, drawing 10mA at 9V1. The battery sits in an easy-open compartment for simple 9-volt operation, so no screwdriver is needed to change it1. The AC adapter jack is present, but the power supply is not included with the pedal1.
The SOD-1's AC adapter jack does not come with a power supply. Arion specifies an adapter rated 100mA to 200mA at 9V1.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 300K ohms |
| Output impedance | 10K ohms |
| Maximum input level | +5dB, 0dB = 1V, effect off |
| Maximum output level | -12dB, 0dB = 1V, effect on |
| Noise level | -69dB, 0dB = 1V, short |
| Dimensions | 73W x 50H x 127D mm1 |
Availability
The SOD-1 has been available at low cost for years, and examples now surface as used or B-stock. One distributor listing offered a B-stock pedal in good condition with its box included, priced at £76.00 GBP, and that listing is sold out1. Players comparing budget overdrives may also want to look at the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison, which covers two of the circuits the SOD-1's warm tube amp description sits alongside.
Videos
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Roku’s Uke & Guitar Lab
Questions
Does the Arion SOD-1 take a battery?
Yes. The SOD-1 has an easy-open battery compartment for simple 9-volt operation, so it can run from a 9V battery without tools or a screwdriver. It can also run from an AC adapter rated 100mA to 200mA through its AC adapter jack, and the adapter is not included with the pedal.
Is the Arion SOD-1 really stereo?
It has a single input and two output jacks, numbered 1 and 2. Arion describes the two different outputs as letting the user achieve distinctly different sounds for use in guitar solos and other lead guitar work, and a mode switch is assigned to output 2.
What does the mode switch on the SOD-1 do?
The mode switch is tied to output 2. Alongside the pedal switch and check indicator, it is listed among the pedal's other functions, and it works with the two-output design that Arion says produces distinctly different sounds for solos and lead guitar work.
Does the Arion SOD-1 come with a power supply?
No. The pedal has an AC adapter jack, but the power supply is not included. It draws 10mA at 9V, and Arion specifies an adapter in the 100mA to 200mA range.
Sources (1)
- ARION SOD-1 Stereo OverDrive (B-STOCK), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.