This Halcyon Blue Overdrive from Origin Effects gives players a boosted midrange and more distortion. Perfect addition to your pedal board?
Halcyon Blue Overdrive
Back in the 1990s, Marshall brought us the staple that is the Bluesbreaker pedal. They’re still around today. However, Origin Effects can now offer a unit with a little bit more dynamic response and a broader midrange to replicate the 90s pedal, with a bit more spice.
The main benefit of a pedal like this is capturing amp like tones straight into a PA system or your recording software. Moreover, it allows players to push their amps to achieve more overdrive without losing any definition.
Blue Overdrive Adaptive Circuitry
Thanks to some trick modern internals, the Halcyon Blue Overdrive allows for your tone to totally clean up when you play softer. This level of dynamic response is very cool to have within a pedal. Essentially, taking you back to a full-range clean tone as you roll back the volume knob.
For more classic overdrive tones, you can add in extra gain and low-end weight from the MOD setting on the integrated VOICE switch. We’ve also got a DRY level control for extra customisation of your tone.
Physically, we’ve got an ultra-high input jack, your typical 9v power outlet and premium components across the entire pedal. Origin Effects have ditched the battery option so they can run a high-current pedal and save space. Weighing in at 500g, you could almost put this in your pocket.
Other notable features include the MOD voice setting which enables a different drive character, again giving players a more responsive unit. Furthermore, I like that the more you crank this up, the more depth you get. Origin Effects say that this will thicken up the sound of single coil pickups.
Pricing and Availability
Just a few weeks away from being in your post box, this British built Halcyon Blue Overdrive pedal will set you back £249 / €289. Which, is somewhat more expensive than the Bluesbreaker unit which is still up for grabs. A tough comparison to make perhaps?
More information:
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