The MXR YJM308 Yngwie Malmsteen Overdrive is a signature overdrive pedal built around a deliberately simple control layout: two knobs, Gain and Level. MXR describes it as designed to ensure that both of Malmsteen's core elements, neoclassical prowess and the raw energy of rock 'n' roll, shine through when it is time to kick into high gear1.
The controls
The YJM308 keeps things to two knobs and a footswitch, which is the whole interface1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| GAIN knob | Controls amount of overdrive |
| LEVEL knob | Controls overall volume of effect |
| FOOTSWITCH | Toggles effect on/bypass (blue LED indicates on) |
With only gain and level to set, the pedal behaves like a straightforward boost-into-overdrive design: gain sets how hard the circuit is pushed, and level matches or lifts the effect volume against your clean sound. There is no tone or EQ control on the pedal, so shaping happens at the guitar and amplifier1.
Power and bypass
The pedal runs on 9 volts DC and draws 6 mA, a light load that any standard pedalboard supply handles easily. MXR specifies a 9-volt AC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003 or ECB003EU, or an MXR Brick Series power supply. A single 9-volt battery also works; you remove the bottom plate to install it1.
The manual specifies 9 volts DC. As with any MXR pedal, use only the adapter type the maker lists, and keep it off shared daisy-chain spots if your supply is noisy.
Switching is true bypass, so when the pedal is off the overdrive circuit is out of the signal path. The blue LED shows when the effect is engaged1.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | > 450 kΩ |
| Output impedance | < 5 kΩ |
| Power supply | 9 volts DC |
| Current draw | 6 mA |
| Battery | One 9-volt |
| Bypass | True Bypass |
An input impedance above 450 kΩ is high enough that the pedal will not load down a guitar's pickups noticeably, which matters for a player like Malmsteen who relies on the raw character of the instrument coming through1.
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Questions
Is the MXR Yngwie Malmsteen Overdrive true bypass?
Yes. According to the manual from Jim Dunlop, the company that makes MXR, the YJM308 uses true bypass switching. When the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without the overdrive circuit in the path. The footswitch toggles the effect on and off, and a blue LED shows when it is on.
Does the MXR YJM308 take a battery?
Yes. The manual says the pedal is powered by one 9-volt battery, and you remove the bottom plate to install or change it. For regular use on a pedalboard, MXR also lists a 9-volt DC adapter option, such as the Dunlop ECB003, or an MXR Brick Series power supply.
What power supply does the MXR YJM308 need?
The YJM308 runs on 9 volts DC and draws 6 mA. MXR specifies a 9-volt AC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003 or ECB003EU, or an MXR Brick Series power supply. A single 9-volt battery is also an option, fitted by removing the bottom plate.
How many knobs does the MXR YJM308 have?
Two. The GAIN knob controls the amount of overdrive, and the LEVEL knob controls the overall volume of the effect. The footswitch toggles the effect on and bypass, with a blue LED indicating when the pedal is on.
What is the input impedance of the MXR YJM308?
The manual lists the input impedance as greater than 450 kΩ. The output impedance is listed as less than 5 kΩ, which is a typical figure for a pedal driving an amplifier or the next pedal in a chain.
Sources (1)
- YJM308.pdf, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com), 2024
