Alexander
OverviewThe Alexander (the Great) is a tube overdrive pedal that was inspired by the Dumble ODS overdrive circuit. It features a carefully tuned JFET circuit that pushes the first 12ax7 tube stage, which then cascades into the second 12ax7 stage to produce excellent edge of breakup tones, through mild overdrive and up to relatively saturated tones.
A brief background on the Alexander's circuit design:
We already make a few ODS style preamp pedals - specifically the Squire D, Maiden D, Page DS and Juggler. All of these are designed as preamps primarily to be run into a power amp for best results (excellent results can also be had with cab sims for those running an ampless rig). Now the Juggler also has a front of amp mode that optimizes the circuit to be run into the front end of your typical guitar amplifier. So while the Juggler can be used as a stand alone ODS style tube overdrive pedal, it is a bit overkill in this role. As such the Alexander is essentially like having a Juggler Drive channel optimized for front of amp use, in a smaller pedal, running off 9VDC (as opposed to the Juggler's 12VDC) and using only one vacuum tube. Note that there is no clean channel and no preamp mode (both features of the Juggler). The tone of the Alexander is not exactly the same as that of the Juggler's Drive channel, but if anything it is more versatile as an OD pedal and I feel it sounds even better for this specific role.
The 9VDC power required gets stepped up inside the pedal to around 28VDC for the JFET circuit and to around 260VDC for the vacuum tube, helping to keep the feel and dynamics of the pedal as close to that of a great tube amp as possible.
FeaturesThe Alexander has 3 Modes: low gain, normal and an upper mid boost.
The lower gain Mode 1 has a slightly darker, smooth tonal response.
Mode 2 increases the gain and has a more open and clear response with more top end on tap.
Mode 3's upper mid boost produces a bit more gain still and a tighter, leaner response.
Then there are controls for Drive, Volume, Highs and Lows.
The Highs control is post drive and rolls off top end as it is turned down.
The Lows pot is a pre-drive bass control and as such the amount of overdrive on tap increases as this pot is turned up.
In addition there is a footswitchable lower Mid Boost that was designed for Mode 2 primarily. The idea is that you can set the Alexander for a clear and open sounding base OD sound in Mode 2, suitable for rhythm parts or chordal work and then step on the Mid Boost foot switrch for a fatter and slightly gainier lead tone.
Measurements: 3 7/8" wide x 4 3/4"deep x 2.56" tall
Power requirements: 9VDC @ 500mA, center negative 2.1mm power jack
Weight: 1.27 lbs (575g)