The Maxon AD999Pro is a 100% analog delay pedal with 900 milliseconds of delay time, built on Maxon's popular AD999 circuit, the same design as the Maxon AD999. It produces its repeats with eight custom-made Maxon MC4107D Bucket Brigade ICs. The pedal has been discontinued by Maxon, and surviving units are sold as new-old-stock B-stock12.
Maxon discontinued the AD999Pro a few years ago, and the pedal is listed as sold out23. Units offered today are new-old-stock, and some are B-stock showing signs of handling2.
What it does
The AD999Pro gives a player long analog repeats, 900 milliseconds of them, with the warmth players associate with Bucket Brigade delay design. Maxon says the pedal offers the same 900 milliseconds of fat, warm analog delay tone as the AD999 it is based on2. Headroom is a strong point: Maxon specifies a dynamic range 18 dB wider than most delays and a maximum input level of +12 dB, so the pedal can accept hot signals without breaking up prematurely2.
The delay repeats are filtered using Maxon's proprietary noise reduction circuitry, reducing aliasing, clock noise and distortion, the same approach Maxon used on the Maxon AD-9 Pro Analog Delay2.
Dual outputs and Multi-Head modes
Two features set the AD999Pro apart from a straightforward single-output delay:
- Dual wet/dry outputs. Both outputs allow routing of the dry and delayed signals to two separate amps or mixer channels, so a player can run one amp clean and one drenched, or record wet and dry separately2.
- Three Multi-Head modes. Top-mounted mini switches activate delay feedback loops that create polyrhythmic repeats, such as triplets and sixteenth-notes, echoing the multi-head patterns of a tape echo2.
Both outputs feature Mechanical True Bypass via a 4PDT switch, so the pedal switches fully out of the path when off2.
Where it came from
The AD999Pro grew out of the Maxon AD999, the popular circuit it is based on, and offers the same 900 milliseconds of analog delay time12. The AD999Pro itself has been discontinued by Maxon, with units now sold as new-old-stock B-stock12.
Who has used it
Bill Kelliher of Mastodon is documented as using the AD999Pro on his board. In the distributor's own listing, he says2:
"The Maxon AD999 Pro delay pedal is one of my favorite pedals on my board; it has great warmth and a great tone."
The same listing describes him using the delay time knob live to bend time2.
Buying one today
Because the pedal is discontinued and sold out, players looking at an AD999Pro are generally looking at the secondhand or new-old-stock market. One listing offered serial number 001, the first AD999Pro to enter the US when Godlyke began distributing Maxon pedals in 2008, as new-old-stock B-stock at £920.00 GBP2. Players who want a current Maxon analog delay in a smaller package can look at the Maxon AD10 Analog Delay, and those interested in the shorter-delay sibling circuit can read about the Maxon AD-9 Pro Analog Delay. For the wider field, see Delay Pedals.
Videos
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Questions
Is the Maxon AD999Pro analog or digital?
The AD999Pro is fully analog. Maxon describes it as a 100% analog delay with 900 mS of delay time, and the repeats are produced by eight custom-made Maxon MC4107D Bucket Brigade ICs, the same kind of chip design used in classic analog delay units. There is no digital conversion in the delay path.
Is the Maxon AD999Pro true bypass?
Yes. According to Maxon, both outputs feature Mechanical True Bypass via a 4PDT switch, so the pedal can switch its two outputs completely out of the signal path when disengaged.
How long is the delay time on the AD999Pro?
The AD999Pro offers 900 milliseconds of available delay time, which Maxon describes as fat, warm analog delay tone. That figure carried over from the AD999 circuit the Pro version is based on.
Is the Maxon AD999Pro discontinued?
Yes. Maxon discontinued the AD999Pro a few years ago, and the pedal is listed as sold out by the distributor. New-old-stock units have appeared for sale, including B-stock examples showing signs of handling.
Can the AD999Pro send dry and delayed signals to separate amps?
Yes. The AD999Pro has dual outputs that allow routing of the dry and delayed signals to two separate amps or mixer channels, effectively giving stereo wet/dry operation from a single pedal.
What are the Multi-Head modes on the AD999Pro?
The AD999Pro features three Multi-Head modes controlled via top-mounted mini switches. These activate delay feedback loops that create polyrhythmic repeats, such as triplets and sixteenth-notes, in the style of multi-head tape echoes.
Sources (3)
- Maxon Releases AD999 Pro Analog Delay, Premier Guitar, 2008-12-05
- MAXON AD999Pro Analog Delay Pro SERIAL #1, FIRST IN U.S. (B-STOCK), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- ANALOG DELAY PRO (AD999Pro), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
