Detail 01
High-output distortion voicing
Plenty of level on tap above unity, so it can drive an amp's front end harder for extra saturation.
Product detailSKU #1274115045706
MaxonDS830 Distortion Master Effects Pedal
aggressivehigh outputwarmmetalrockhard rock
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Analog distortion pedal from Maxon with a high-output, aggressive voice. For players who want a thick, saturated drive rather than a light overdrive.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Rock and hard rock rhythm tones that need thick saturation
- Pushing a clean amp into heavy territory without cranking it
- Players wanting a rounder distortion, not fizzy high-gain
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players after transparent, low-gain overdrive that keeps the amp's character
- Anyone needing a compact board footprint at under 4 inches
- Metal players chasing tight, scooped modern gain
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Warm, thick character
Rounded top end instead of buzzsaw treble. Sits well with bright single-coils and thin-sounding amps.
Detail 03
4.69 x 2.09 x 3.82 inch enclosure
Wider than a standard compact pedal. Plan around roughly 4.7 inches of pedalboard width.
Detail 04
0.98 lb weight
Heavy enough to stay put on a board without velcro slipping under a boot.
Detail 05
Distortion, not overdrive
Generates its own clipping. Works on a clean amp rather than needing an already-driven amp to react to.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Check whether a power supply is included; most pedals in this class need one separately.
- 02Measure your board: the 4.69 inch width takes more room than a standard compact.
- 03Set amp EQ brighter than usual — this pedal's warmth can soften the top end.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is this an overdrive or a distortion?
A distortion. It creates its own clipping and works into a clean amp, rather than just pushing an already-breaking-up amp harder.
02Will it work with single-coils?
Yes. The warm, thick voicing tends to fill out single-coils, which can otherwise sound thin under heavy gain.
03How big is it on a pedalboard?
4.69 inches wide by 3.82 inches deep, 2.09 inches tall. Wider than a standard compact pedal, so budget the space.
04Can I use it as a boost?
It has high output, so you can push levels above unity into your amp. But it always adds its own distortion character.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
2 detailsSize & weight
- Dimensions Wxhxd
- 4.69 inch x 2.09 inch x 3.82 inch
- Weight
- 0.98
