The two overdrives
OD1 recreates a sought-after germanium overdrive circuit, delivering midrange presence, smooth clipping and a natural response, in Jackson Audio's description1. OD2 is the contrast: it keeps an even response across the guitar's frequency range with no intentional midrange emphasis, and Jackson Audio suggests it for rhythm work, transparent gain, or for driving OD1 harder1.
Stacked, the two are designed as a pair. Jackson Audio says combining OD2's balanced response with OD1's focused midrange gives a larger lead sound that remains controlled and articulate1. For more on where this kind of circuit sits, see Overdrive Pedals.
The EQ
The EQ section sits after the overdrive circuits and is a Baxandall-style design, a tone topology that adjusts bass and treble around a middle band. It provides ±12dB of adjustment for bass, middle, and treble, and can be used with either drive, both drives, or on its own1. You activate it by pressing and releasing both footswitches at once1. For other pedals built around tone shaping, see Equalization Pedals.
MIDI and switching
The Optimist receives MIDI through the ring connection of a compatible TRS MIDI cable. CC #1 controls OD1 on or off, CC #2 controls OD2, and CC #3 controls the EQ1, so all three sections can be reached from a MIDI controller. See also Midi Pedals.
Power and specifications
The Optimist draws at least 150mA1, which rules out low-current supply outputs and battery power. Use a center-negative 9V DC supply rated to meet that draw.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 9V DC maximum1 |
| Polarity | Center negative1 |
| Current draw | 150mA minimum1 |
| Input impedance | 1MΩ1 |
| Output impedance | 100kΩ1 |
| Size | 2.7 × 4.875 in1 |
Price and availability
Jackson Audio's product page lists The Optimist at £2651. Orders are expected to ship within 3 to 4 weeks of being placed1.
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Questions
Can The Optimist stack both overdrives?
Yes. Jackson Audio says combining OD2's balanced response with OD1's focused midrange gives a larger lead sound that remains controlled and articulate. The two circuits are designed as a pair: OD1 for midrange presence and smooth clipping, OD2 as a contrasting, flatter-voiced drive for rhythm work or transparent gain.
Does The Optimist have MIDI control?
Yes. The pedal receives MIDI through the ring connection of a compatible TRS MIDI cable. CC #1 switches OD1 on or off, CC #2 switches OD2, and CC #3 switches the EQ, so a MIDI controller can reach all three sections of the pedal.
What power does The Optimist need?
The Optimist runs on 9V DC maximum with center-negative polarity and draws at least 150mA. That current draw is higher than many standard pedal power supplies deliver per output, so it needs a supply rated to meet it rather than a low-current daisy-chain output.
Can the EQ be used with either overdrive?
Yes. The EQ sits after the overdrive circuits, so it can shape either drive on its own, the stacked sound of both, or run independently with the drives off. You activate it by pressing and releasing both footswitches at once.
Who worked with Jackson Audio on The Optimist?
The pedal was made in collaboration with guitarist Cory Wong, and Jackson Audio markets it as two drives forming one complete rhythm section. It was announced in January 2022 as a MIDI-controllable dual overdrive and EQ.
Sources (1)
- The Optimist Dual Overdrive & EQ, Jackson Audio