The Studio Daydream HMP Silver KCM-OD is a compact overdrive pedal from Japan, built as a recreation of the Silver Klon Centaur with the exact same controls. It covers what Delicious Audio describes as the famous transparent boost to low gain overdrive, and the maker positions it as a pedal for building a sound foundation, storing an exquisite instrument with a comfortable midrange1. It sits in the same family as the Studio Daydream KCM-OD Gold V9.0 Overdrive, which follows the gold version of the original circuit rather than the silver one.
What it does and where it comes from
The KCM-OD belongs to the large family of pedals built on the Klon Centaur circuit. Delicious Audio calls it "yet another addition to the numerous family of the Klon Centaur clones" and describes it as "an authentic recreation of the original Silver Klon with the exact same controls"1. The original Centaur was later followed by the Klon KTR reboot2.
The Silver version of the circuit differs from the better known gold version in a handful of component values. A technical analysis at Guitar FX Layouts, which published a veroboard layout of the Silver Edition, noted "a few value discrepancies which probably just amount to the difference between the gold and silver Klons"3. Those differences, as summarized there, include:
- More gain: R3 at 47 ohm, against a stock value of 2k
- Increased volume and treble for the clean signal: R13 at 10k, against a stock value of 27k
- A tweaked wet/dry ratio and a shifted tone range, with a slight increase in overall brightness
- The volume pot specified as 10K Log
- An 820p capacitor changed to 560p
The controls
The pedal carries the same three controls as the original it recreates1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| GAIN | Sets the amount of drive, from transparent boost into low gain overdrive1 |
| TREBLE | Shapes the top end of the effect1 |
| OUTPUT | Sets the pedal's output level1 |
Circuit, noise and power
Studio Daydream's circuit employs a 27V booster circuit utilizing a charge pump IC, a design that runs the audio path at a higher internal voltage than the 9V supply feeding it1. The maker states that careful selection of parts and construction of board design results in an extremely low noise finish1.
The pedal runs on DC9V and accepts a 006P battery or an AC adaptor through a 5.5mm jack with a 2.1mm negative pin. Studio Daydream warns that failure caused by using a power supply different from the specified one is not seen as an initial failure and is not covered by the warranty1.
Bypass and size
The KCM-OD uses buffered bypass rather than true bypass, in keeping with the original Centaur's approach1. Its footprint is approximately 3.8 inches deep by 4.9 inches wide by 1.9 inches high, including convex parts like jacks, knobs and switches, so it takes up a little more board width than a standard compact enclosure1.
What reviewers said
Delicious Audio notes that this particular device hailing from Japan gets really good reviews1. Studio Daydream's wider range, including the JRM-OD Overdrive V5.0 and the Dhyana Overdrive V2.5, has also drawn coverage from reviewers, and the brand's pedals sit alongside other overdrive designs in the overdrive pedal field.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Brett Kingman
Brett Kingman
Questions
Is the KCM-OD a Klon Centaur clone?
Yes. Delicious Audio describes the HMP Silver KCM-OD as an authentic recreation of the original Silver Klon with the exact same controls, and as yet another addition to the numerous family of Klon Centaur clones. It follows the Silver version of the original circuit, which differs from the gold version in a handful of component values, including more gain and a brighter clean signal.
Is the Studio Daydream KCM-OD true bypass?
No. The pedal uses buffered bypass, the same general approach as the original Klon Centaur. A buffer keeps the signal path consistent whether the pedal is on or off, which matters on long cable runs and large pedalboards.
Does the KCM-OD run on a battery?
Yes. The pedal can be powered by a 006P battery, the standard 9V type, or by an AC adaptor through a 5.5mm jack with a 2.1mm negative pin. Studio Daydream notes that failure caused by using a power supply different from the specified one is not covered by the warranty.
How big is the Studio Daydream KCM-OD?
The pedal measures approximately 3.8 inches deep by 4.9 inches wide by 1.9 inches high, or 97mm by 125mm by 49mm, including convex parts such as jacks, knobs and switches. That is a compact footprint by overdrive standards, though the width is larger than a standard single pedal enclosure.
Sources (3)
- Studio Daydream HMP SILVER KCM-OD Klone, Delicious Audio, 2021-12-30
- Build your own Klon for under £100 with JHS's new NOTAKLÖN solderless pedal kit, Guitar.com, 2023-11-16
- Guitar FX Layouts: Klon Centaur Silver Edition, Guitar FX Layouts (tagboardeffects.blogspot.com), 2021-04-06
