PREAMP 250

Classic, or dated?

The DOD Preamp 250 was originally a lightly-modified MXR Distortion+ with a few part changes. There have been several reissues, including one using the JRC4558 op-amp found in the Tube Screamer, as well as one using a KA4558 chip. This reissue returns to the LM741, the chip in the original, mirroring the bill of materials for the Distortion+. Where the pedals differ in tone is in their diodes. The Distortion+ used germanium diodes, while the 250 employed silicon diodes. When the circuit is so simple, the type of clipping diodes makes a big difference in terms of overall tone and feel. Especially when arranged in a hard-clipping configuration, the parts choice matters greatly for headroom and timbre. For such a lean circuit, the 250 is relatively articulate and punchy as a distortion.

However, as the preamp name suggests, it functions best at lower and mid gain settings with the level up. Its lack of proper tone controls limits its utility as a pre, forcing reliance on an amp or EQ following the 250. That said, there’s a lot of volume gain on offer, and it does a brilliant job of pushing tube amps into saturation. It also stacks well with other pedals. Like the Distortion+, it is commonly paired with a fuzz for extra gain and compression. This can effectively distinguish lead parts from rhythm, where some pedals like the Big Muff, with its mid scoop, can get lost in the mix.

Perhaps the biggest drawback to the

Preamp 250 is that, while it’s undoubtedly simple and effective, there are so many alternatives today. For an open sounding preamp, there are boost and preamp pedals and transparent drives like the Timmy, which boast better EQ options.

AT A GLANCE

SOCKETS: Input, Output, Power

CONTROLS: Gain, Level

POWER: 9VDC Centrenegative or battery