"Chemical Z has been optimized for use with high-gain amps. Rich in integer harmonics and with a precisely-tuned upper midrange, CHEM-Z is aggressive, yet articulate; edgy, yet easy on the ears.
This crunchy clarity not only breathes new life into tube amps, but is also the perfect “plug-in” for adding depth and dimensionality to digital modeling units."
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Designed by Tube Screamer creator Susumu Tamura, Chemical Z is a dual-channel overdrive configured to the stringent specifications of iconic Metal guitarist/producer Roy Z.
Combining elements from the OD808, OD808X, and APEX808 circuit designs, Chemical Z stands on the shoulders of these giants of gain and reaches new levels of precision, articulation, and conflagration.
At the core of the CHEM-Z circuit is the “Magic” IC that was only found in limited runs of vintage TS808’s, and later in the APEX808 that Tamura-san designed.
This special OpAmp offers less compression and more output than the typically-used JRC4558. In addition, it produces both even and odd-order harmonics in a similar manner to the preamp & power sections of a tube amplifier.
More than just a copy of previous designs, Chemical Z has been optimized for use with high-gain amps. Rich in integer harmonics and with a precisely-tuned upper midrange, CHEM-Z is aggressive, yet articulate; edgy, yet easy on the ears.
This crunchy clarity not only breathes new life into tube amps, but is also the perfect “plug-in” for adding depth and dimensionality to digital modeling units (Roy uses CHEM-Z to warm up the sound of his Quad Cortex).
Chemical Z also features a footswitchable hot channel that activates an alternate set of clipping diodes. These now-defunct Panasonic DA2S00100L diodes were used in the Maxon OD808X Overdrive Extreme and have more forward voltage than standard diodes, functioning in a similar manner to the red LED’s that many builders favor for their OD circuits. The result is more gain and output level, but also a noticeable bump to the low-midrange that helps thicken things up for soloing.
We are once again extremely honored to work with two luminaries in their fields to bring you a pedal that is at the apex of its class. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Roy Z and Tamura-san for partnering with us on this project.
Hails & Horns - We proudly present to you the Chemical Z!
