The Behringer OD300 is a compact overdrive and distortion pedal in one box. Behringer positions it for players who want both sides of the gain coin: "Some songs call for an edgy modern-crunch; others call for the classic sound of hot and bothered tubes," the company says, and the pedal's headline feature is a dial that moves between the two1. It sits in the same budget line as pedals like the Behringer OD100 and the heavier Behringer HD300.
Blending overdrive and distortion
The OD300's defining control is its Overdrive/Distortion blend dial. Behringer explains that you can turn it all the way to the left for pure overdrive, all the way to the right for straight-ahead distortion, and stop anywhere in between for what the company calls an infinite amount of blend options1. In practice that means one pedal can cover a mild push into a clean amp and a harder-edged distortion sound without swapping boxes, and it puts the pedal in the same territory as other two-in-one gain pedals such as the Behringer Overdrive Distortion.
The controls: Level, Tone, Drive and Mode
Beyond the blend dial, the pedal carries four controls that Behringer says let you sculpt your tone: Level, Tone, Drive and Mode1. Guitar World's Chris Corfield listed the same four in his review: "Controls: Level, Tone, Drive, Mode"2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets the output level of the pedal1 |
| Tone | Shapes the treble character of the drive1 |
| Drive | Sets the amount of gain1 |
| Mode | Chooses drive, distortion or a blend of the two2 |
On the Mode control specifically, Corfield was positive: "the ability to choose via a control knob whether you want drive, distortion or a blend of the two is brilliant"2.
Power and bypass
The OD300 runs on either a 9 V battery or Behringer's PSU-SB DC power supply, and the power supply is not included with the pedal1. Corfield gave credit for the battery option: "Credit too for the ability to power the pedal by a standard 9v battery, which isn't a given at this price range"2.
The PSU-SB power supply is not included, so plan on a battery or your own adapter if you are adding this pedal to a board1.
Behringer also notes that the pedal's top-quality on/off switch maintains excellent signal integrity in bypass mode1.
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Questions
Does the Behringer OD300 run on a battery?
Yes. The OD300 can be powered by a standard 9 V battery, which Guitar World's Chris Corfield noted is not a given at this price range. It can also run from Behringer's PSU-SB DC power supply, which is not included with the pedal.
Is a power supply included with the Behringer OD300?
No. Behringer states the OD300 runs on either a 9 V battery or its PSU-SB DC power supply, and the PSU-SB is not included. You would need to supply your own adapter or battery.
What does the Mode control on the Behringer OD300 do?
The Mode control selects the character of the drive. Guitar World's Chris Corfield described it as the ability to choose via a control knob whether you want drive, distortion or a blend of the two, which he called brilliant.
Can the Behringer OD300 blend overdrive and distortion?
Yes. Behringer says the Overdrive/Distortion blend dial can be turned all the way left for pure overdrive, all the way right for straight-ahead distortion, and anywhere in between for what the company describes as an infinite amount of blend options.
Sources (2)
- OD300 | Behringer, Behringer
- Best cheap distortion pedals: get your perfect rock tone for less money, Guitar World, 2024-01-31
