ODR-C H/L Gain Overdrive
Looking Back:
About 30 years ago - at the end of 1992 - I built the final ODR-1 Prototype and released it for series production.
To mark this occasion, there was a small anniversary in the form of a special ODR-C version. I chose white as the color. To be more precise: "Bianco Madreperla". And to celebrate the day, I also added a little glitter. The print was gold, to match the foot switch.
The edition was only 200 devices!
And now?
A little over two years have passed since then. But I kept getting requests asking if I would produce more. My answer was "no" because the anniversary model should remain unique.
Nevertheless, I decided to use the functions of this ODR-C 30th Anniversary in a new device. The optical design, however, should remain unique. That is why there is now the ODR-C H/L Gain Overdrive with a new name and a new color: Pearl Ruby Red
NEW:
ODR-C H/L Gain Overdrive
It is like the "normal" ODR-C, but there are two technical innovations:
Normal/High Gain - Low Gain switch
The ODR-C is often used as a low gain overdrive. Also often as an "always on" pedal. Unfortunately, due to the system, this range cannot be adjusted very finely. So I came up with a technical trick and built in an "H/L" switch. This makes it possible to adjust the low gain range much more finely.
The LED lights up to indicate:
- Low Gain Operation LED = Red - Button down
- High Gain mode (normal mode) = Blue - button up
Presence switch (internal)
I have installed a presence switch especially for "low gain" users. This allows significantly more "highs" to pass through.
See frequency diagram:
- Red: Presence switch off "normal"
- Blue: Presence switch on
Since there is no more reasonable space at the top, I unfortunately had to banish the switch to the inside. To do this, the bottom cover has to be opened (like when inserting/changing the battery) and the desired position selected. So unfortunately you have to decide whether you want "With" or "Without". I know it's impractical... sorry!
Otherwise, this ODR-C H/L Gain Overdrive version is just like the "normal" ODR-C.
Feature Comparison Chart
Listing and comparison of the most important functions
| Function | ODR-C H/L Gain Overdrive (2025) |
ODR-C 30th Anniversary Lim. Edition (2022) |
ODR-C |
ODR-CC+ |
ODR-CC |
ODR-1 |
| True-Bypass | X | X | X | X | X | - |
| 9 - 18 V Operation | X | X | X | X | X | - |
| Screwed bushings | X | X | X | X | X | - |
| Screwed potentiometers | X | X | X | X | X | - |
| O.D.C. Knob | X | X | X | X | X | - |
| Lo-Cut / Bass Knob | X | X | X | X | X | - |
| Mid Knob | X | X | X | X | - | - |
| Spectrum Knob | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Presence Switch (Inside) | X | X | - | - | - | - |
| Low Gain Umschalter | X | X | - | - | - | - |
| Adjust. LED Brightness | X | X | X | - | - | - |
| Batterie operatoin | X | X | X | - | - | X |
| Remote Jack | - | - | - | - | X |
Technical Data*
- Input Impedance ~1 MΩ
- Output Impedance ~1 kΩ
- Power supply with DC 9 V battery:
- Dry battery 6F22 (9 V)-Type (Carbon)
- Dry battery 6LR61 (9 V)-Type (Alkali-Manganese)
- Battery life during continuous operation*):
- Carbon: 20 hours (calculated with a battery capacity of 300mAh)
- Alkaline manganese: 33 hours (calculated with a battery capacity of 500mAh)
*) This information depends on the battery and the ambient conditions!
- DC power supply 9 V to 18 V (electronically stabilized)
- Power consumption: approx. 15 mA at 9 V, approx. 25 mA at 18 V
- Dimensions 125 (L) x 66 (W) x 58 (H) mm
- Weight ca. 380 g (without Battery)
*Technical and written changes reserved!
Manuals
Videos
- Steve Sterlacci - Nordland ODR-C 30th Anniversary
- Jay Parmar - Nordland ODR-C 30th Anniversary Edition
Press Articles
- GuitarPedalX
Nordland Electronics 30th Anniversary ODR-C is the Greatest Evolution Yet of the Venerable ODR Circuit