SYOD v1 vs v2 : The Reviews

[SteveA]

So here we go I added a few tracks with the v2 on soundcloud. Let me know if there's something specific you'd like to hear and i'll try and do it promptly. I'll also add later on the v1 files.

I tried to make it as unbiased as possible. I'm recording on a /13 EDT with a CS strat outfitted with lollar pickups. Its being recorder through an M-audio 1814 with a SM57 mic and a Wunder PEQ1R preamp. I'm using the PGC with the Comp at noon and Body fully clockwise. Best to all.

http://soundcloud.com/letloverule/syod-clean


Previous Message :

I am in the privileged position to hold two SYODs in front of me. One v2 recently made by BJ and one v1 that I got from cabo a while back. Since i'm returning the v1 pretty shortly I wanted to submit audio files and give a detailed review between the two units as well as answer any questions you guys may have. One problem though : How can I upload samples here (mp3, etc..). I guess I can always put up some video on youtube. Just a thought. Ask away and i'll post in my review later.

Btw, there is a very very very clear difference between the two. Whereas the v1 can be a bit harsh on some higher frequencies, the v2 is just smooth as silk. Quite honestly, its my most used overdrive now. For the music I make and like to play its just P.E.R.F.E.C.T. I have no doubt that those who have them never want to part with them. Its just a silky, sparkly drive that gets through to me. You can't really compare it to the Honey Bee at all. You can maybe compare it closer to the little green wonder, but it takes things a step further. It does everything the LGW can do a little nicer with a more pleasantly "sparkly" sound signature. The distortion is also crisper than the LGW.

[Donner]

well said - and yes they would be two separate pedals in most other brand lines ; ]
Put up whatever you can - youtube is fine.... Maybe Mr P can chime in with some of his expertise ...

[SteveA]

Thanks Donner. I knew I was going to like the v2 better based on your comments about it in a thread and basically it being a fix for some frequencies I didn't bond with on the v1. What I didn't realize was how much i'd bond with it. It should be called a "perfect" overdrive in the sense that it does what it does perfectly. I mean that. There is yet an overdrive of that nature that i've tried and felt so at home with. I mean its just right all around. I hope the sound will come through well enough on my clips. The difference between v1 and v2 definitely will. Its pretty striking especially in terms of brightness though there are definitely other differences as well. I hope v2 will get passed around more because its one of those pedals I don't really hear about that often that should definitely have a reputation of its own.

[Donner]

yup - I call it my 'daily overdrive' - its just the perfect normal OD sound , its the way I want my amp to sound as a base sound - and its a great two stager with a HB...... I still like v1 for a more aggressive drive with a bit of cut, it sound like it has a bit of RRB on the high end and for some rigs thats perfect too, especially greenback/closed back cabs ........

[melodichaotic]

Thanks Donner. I knew I was going to like the v2 better based on your comments about it in a thread and basically it being a fix for some frequencies I didn't bond with on the v1. What I didn't realize was how much i'd bond with it. It should be called a "perfect" overdrive in the sense that it does what it does perfectly. I mean that. There is yet an overdrive of that nature that i've tried and felt so at home with. I mean its just right all around. I hope the sound will come through well enough on my clips. The difference between v1 and v2 definitely will. Its pretty striking especially in terms of brightness though there are definitely other differences as well. I hope v2 will get passed around more because its one of those pedals I don't really hear about that often that should definitely have a reputation of its own.

Yeah, SYOD V2 is the one pedal that has consistently grown on me and sounds better and better, because it's so "consistent" sounding. Nothing like the Bee, the SHOD, or the BJFE LGW(which I had briefly)...treble control is GREAT. I love that it doesn't sound to my ears, like any classic vintage amp overdrive(fender, marshall,vox etc).
I love the HB, and the SYOD is a perfect compliment...the HB has the sag and the "cone honk" in it's grind, whereas the SYOD is more "even" sounding frequency-wise, more immediate sounding...the Bee has the sting, and the Sparkling yellow has the bite.

[analoghog]

yup - I call it my 'daily overdrive' - its just the perfect normal OD sound , its the way I want my amp to sound as a base sound - and its a great two stager with a HB...... I still like v1 for a more aggressive drive with a bit of cut, it sound like it has a bit of RRB on the high end and for some rigs thats perfect too, especially greenback/closed back cabs ........

i'm right with ya Donner!...

as for V1 or V2 , i've had both and i much preferred V1...maybe it has to do with my amps...i play Marshalls mostly, with a 4x12 celestion cab...i found the V1 to be a bit more "open " sounding than the V2...

[SteveA]

One thing is for certain, the v1 can cut through anything. Its got bite to spare. It's actually starting to grow on me more now that I can just use it for that extra edge. We'll see. I'll post samples on youtube I guess.

[melodichaotic]

yup - I call it my 'daily overdrive' - its just the perfect normal OD sound , its the way I want my amp to sound as a base sound - and its a great two stager with a HB...... I still like v1 for a more aggressive drive with a bit of cut, it sound like it has a bit of RRB on the high end and for some rigs thats perfect too, especially greenback/closed back cabs ........

i'm right with ya Donner!...

as for V1 or V2 , i've had both and i much preferred V1...maybe it has to do with my amps...i play Marshalls mostly, with a 4x12 celestion cab...i found the V1 to be a bit more "open " sounding than the V2...

What Marshall amp do you use it with...I would think you would have plenty of slice with those as is...I only have had V2...any chance of posting an audio clip like SteveA is trying to do? Is the gain about the same on both versions?

[analoghog]

yup - I call it my 'daily overdrive' - its just the perfect normal OD sound , its the way I want my amp to sound as a base sound - and its a great two stager with a HB...... I still like v1 for a more aggressive drive with a bit of cut, it sound like it has a bit of RRB on the high end and for some rigs thats perfect too, especially greenback/closed back cabs ........

i'm right with ya Donner!...

as for V1 or V2 , i've had both and i much preferred V1...maybe it has to do with my amps...i play Marshalls mostly, with a 4x12 celestion cab...i found the V1 to be a bit more "open " sounding than the V2...

What Marshall amp do you use it with...I would think you would have plenty of slice with those as is...I only have had V2...any chance of posting an audio clip like SteveA is trying to do? Is the gain about the same on both versions?

i have a Marshall Plexi ( EL34 )& a Offset Re-Issue ( KT66 ) Heads...the gain is about the same on both versions as i remember, it's just the V1 had a bit more of an "airy, openness " to it...the V1 was a tad bright, but i found it controlable with the treble knob...i keep mine around 9-10 o'clock...volume at 12 and the Drive at 10-11 o'clock....sorry, but i don't have any means to make a clip right now, but i'm looking into it .....

[orangeworker]

anyone have a pic of the Saffron version? apparently they ran out of the sparkly paint...