OD vs Distortion
- Thread starter RVA
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- od vs distortion
I think this sums it up perfectly. IMHO.
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RVA
Ambassador
Put that way, in the context of an amplifier, it makes sense, both functionally and by definition.
I was thinking more in terms of pedala. Do you think that "overdrive" has an innate quality which makes it sound different than "distortion" ? I guess if we could pair that down, then we could shift the debate to whether a particular pedal sound more like OD or distortion.
Overdrive is a type of distortion, but in terms of pedals, to me, there is a difference between an OD pedal and a full-on distortion pedal. But, it’s a distinction of degrees.
A distortion pedal is essentially an OD pedal that provides more saturation. There’s probably more to it than that, but that’s the general result in sound.
Theoretically, you could use a distortion pedal as an OD pedal by backing off the gain.
An example of an OD pedal would be a Tubescreamer.
An example of a distortion pedal would be a Metal Zone.
A Boss DS-1 kind of straddles OD and Distortion.
A distortion pedal is essentially an OD pedal that provides more saturation. There’s probably more to it than that, but that’s the general result in sound.
Theoretically, you could use a distortion pedal as an OD pedal by backing off the gain.
An example of an OD pedal would be a Tubescreamer.
An example of a distortion pedal would be a Metal Zone.
A Boss DS-1 kind of straddles OD and Distortion.
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DonP
Guest
Overdrive is a particular kind of distortion. It clips the extreme top and bottom of the wave more or less symmetrically. What this means is that the distortion is mostly third harmonic, which has a particular sound. The general distortion or crunch from a valve amp is not symmetrical. This means it has a lot of even harmonics in it. That does sound different.
chilipeppermaniac
Ambassador of Decibels
A related explanation, RAY.
Now we get into effects loops vs Pedals or in correlation with pedals.
Now we get into effects loops vs Pedals or in correlation with pedals.
chilipeppermaniac
Ambassador of Decibels
Speaking of overdrive pedals and Anderton's (my favorite guitar guys on Youtube), this is my favorite Anderton's Tubescreamer shootout, which is potentially the most well-known OD pedal in the world. I got one on by board and love it.
The reveal begins at 28:03, if anyone wants to skip ahead.
DonP
Guest
Close, but no cigar
Was this a “transparent” OD pedal shootout?
They’re practically invisible.
I don't know.
I just thought it was funny!
Did you mean to post the video you referenced? Or am I just not able to see it, or a link to it?
Come on, Smitty... Get with the program...
Oh, man...that is funny!
I straight-up neglected to post the link.
And, awaaaaay we go!
Yay!!!!
Thanks Smitty! That was fun!
