The Maxon D&S II is a Maxon Distortion Sustainer pedal, a compact distortion unit aimed at players who want a wide range of drive from one box. Maxon describes it as using a dual op-amp design similar to the OD808, yet with increased low-end, output and gain, covering everything from subtle crunch to intense saturation1. It sits in the distortion family alongside other Maxon drive pedals such as the Maxon DISTORTION AND SUSTAINER (D&S) and the Maxon SD-9.
Controls
The D&S II keeps its control layout simple. Distortion, Tone, and Balance knobs give the user complete control over the distortion effect, according to Maxon's product page1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Distortion | Sets the amount of distortion1 |
| Tone | Shapes the tone of the effect1 |
| Balance | Balances the effect level1 |
Background
The D&S name goes back to the 1970s. Kit Rae's history of Maxon-era designs describes a second edition of the original D&S OD-801, circa 1977, which "included an LED and SUSTAIN T was changed to DISTORTION... and added a DC power jack"2. Of the later reissue, he notes that "Graphics and knobs are a mix of the first and second editons"2.
Both the D&S II and the original Maxon DISTORTION AND SUSTAINER (D&S) are listed as sold out on Godlyke's product pages as of 26 October 202613.
Videos
Mike Hermans
Tone Factory
drbarlo
Sources (3)
- DISTORTION AND SUSTAINER II (D&S II), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- The Big Muff History, www.kitrae.net, 2017-01
- DISTORTION AND SUSTAINER (D&S), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
