The Maxon AD9Pro is an analog delay pedal built around four of Maxon's proprietary MC4107D bucket brigade ICs, delivering 450 milliseconds of delay time. Maxon describes it as delivering "the most transparent analog delay sound ever available in a stompbox format"12. It is a revised version of the original Maxon AD-9, with a dynamic range 18 dB wider than that pedal, according to MusicPlayers.com's review21.
Controls and modes
The AD9Pro keeps the layout simple: three knobs and one toggle2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Delay Time knob | Sets the delay time |
| Feedback knob | Sets the number of repeats |
| Delay Level knob | Sets the level of the delayed signal |
| Mini toggle switch | Selects Single or Dual delay operation |
Dual mode is the feature that sets the pedal apart from a basic delay: it enables effects like tape echo and ping-pong, using the Dry Output connection alongside the main output2.
Power and connections
The pedal runs on a 9V battery, with an easy access latched battery door, or on an optional AC supply2. Power is the one place where the AD9Pro asks for care: because the pedal requires a large 20 amp inrush of current to supply a constant 9V DC, not all power supplies will work. Maxon recommends some Maxon power supplies and the Godlyke PA-9 Power-All, and the review notes that other supplies may invalidate the warranty if they damage the pedal2.
The AD9Pro's inrush current requirement means it may not get along with every pedalboard power supply. Stick to the supplies Maxon recommends, or check what your supply can deliver before plugging in.
Connections are a quarter-inch input and output, plus a Dry Output. Both outputs are true bypass when the pedal is disengaged2.
Where it came from
The AD9Pro descends from the original Maxon AD-9 Analog Delay, reviewed by Bob Tekippe in Vintage Guitar Magazine in October 200432. That earlier pedal used rare and expensive Panasonic chips: an MN3205 4096-stage bucket brigade chip and an MN3101 clock chip, according to Analog Man's site4.
What reviewers said
MusicPlayers.com's Derek Davodowich rated the AD9Pro 3.5 overall, praising its warm, noise-free analog tone while judging it better suited to studio than live use2. His verdict on the sound:
"The Maxon AD9Pro Analog Delay delivers the warmest, transparent delay effect we've ever experienced."
He also described it as the pedal for a player "looking for a true analog delay that has the look, feel and warmth of a vintage delay unit"2. The build is a standard size pedal in die cast metal construction, in a purple metal case2.
The AD9Pro is sold out as of October 2026, and the original AD-9 was discontinued by Maxon in September 2006142. Players looking at current Maxon analog delays may want to look at the Maxon AD10 Analog Delay, the Maxon AD999, or the Maxon AD999Pro, or browse the site's Delay Pedals page.
Videos
Mike Hermans
In-Kyu Lee (Endless Cave)
Thevon
Questions
Is the Maxon AD9Pro true bypass?
Yes. The AD9Pro has true bypass switching, and it applies to both outputs: when the pedal is disengaged, the Output and the Dry Output are both true bypass, so the signal passes through without the delay circuit in the path.
Does the AD9Pro run on a battery?
Yes. The AD9Pro can run on a 9V battery, and it has an easy access latched battery door for changing it. It can also run on an optional AC adapter, though the power supply choice matters, since the pedal needs a large inrush of current and not every supply will work with it.
Which power supplies work with the AD9Pro?
Maxon recommends some Maxon power supplies and the Godlyke PA-9 Power-All. The pedal requires a large 20 amp inrush of current to supply a constant 9V DC, so not all power supplies will work, and using other supplies may invalidate the warranty if they damage the pedal.
What does the Dual mode do on the AD9Pro?
A mini toggle switch selects Single or Dual delay operation. In Dual mode the pedal enables effects like tape echo and ping-pong delay, using the Dry Output alongside the main output.
What is the difference between the AD9 and the AD9Pro?
The AD9Pro is an updated version of the original AD9. According to MusicPlayers.com, its dynamic range is 18 dB wider than the original AD9, and it uses four proprietary Maxon bucket brigade chips to deliver 450 milliseconds of delay time.
Is the Maxon AD9Pro still made?
No. The AD9Pro is listed as sold out on the Godlyke Distributing product page as of October 2026. The earlier AD9 it was based on was discontinued by Maxon in September 2006.
Sources (4)
- ANALOG DELAY PRO (AD9Pro), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- Maxon AD9Pro Analog Delay, MusicPlayers.com, 2009-08-09
- Maxon FL-9, CS-9, and AD-9 Review, Vintage Guitar Magazine (republished on maxonfx.com), 2004-10
- Ibanez TS9 and TS808 Tube Screamers, Maxon OD9 and similar effects pedals and mods, Analog Man (analogman.com), 2022
