BOSS ODB-3 Bass Overdrive Owner’s Manual

June 12, 2024
Boss

Owner’s Manual

ODB-3 Bass Overdrive

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (supplied on a separate sheet). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.

Main Features

  • Overdrive that’s optimized specifically for bass guitar. Provides thick and solid overdrive tone that does not weaken the sound.
  • Overdrive that faithfully reproduces picking dynamics and the subtle nuances of the player.
  • Use the balance knob to adjust the volume balance between the dry sound and the overdrive sound. Possible settings range from a slightly distorted sound all the way to intense overdrive sound consisting only of distortion.
  • Two-band EQ lets you separately adjust the tonal character of the low and high frequency ranges.

Panel Descriptions

BOSS ODB 3 Bass Overdrive - Product Overview 1 BOSS ODB 3 Bass Overdrive - Product Overview 2

Precautions When Connecting

  • To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.
  • Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices. When powering up: Turn on the power to your bass amp last. When powering down: Turn off the power to your bass amp first.
  • Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Operating the Unit

  1. When you have made the necessary connections, set the knobs as shown in the illustration.

  2. Depress the pedal switch to turn the effect on. (Make sure that the CHECK Indicator lights.)

  3. Adjust the output balance between the Dry and Overdrive sounds using the BALANCE Knob.

  4. Adjust the gain of the Dry or Overdrive sound using the GAIN Knob.

  5. Adjust the tone using the HIGH and LOW EQ Knobs.

  6. Adjust the LEVEL Knob so there will be no volume difference between the effect and straight bass sounds.

Use of Battery

  • A battery is supplied with the unit. The life of this battery may be limited, however, since its primary purpose was to enable testing.
  • If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items related to batteries that are listed in “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (supplied on a separate sheet).
  • When operating on battery power only, the unit’s indicator will become dim when battery power gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.
  • Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and damage.

Changing the Battery

  1. Hold down the pedal and loosen the thumbscrew, then open the pedal upward.
  • The pedal can be opened without detaching the thumbscrew completely.
    BOSS ODB 3 Bass Overdrive - Changing theBattery 1

    1. Remove the old battery from the battery housing, and remove the snap cord connected to it.
    2. Connect the snap cord to the new battery, and place the battery inside the battery housing.
  • Be sure to carefully observe the battery’s polarity (+ versus -). 4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the back of the pedal, and then close the pedal.

  • Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the pedal, coil spring, and battery housing. 5. Finally, insert the thumbscrew into the guide bush hole and fasten it securely.

Main Specifications

Nominal Input Level -20 dBu
Input Impedance 1 MΩ
Nominal Output Level -20 dBu
Output Impedance 1 kΩ
Recommended Load Impedance 10 kΩ or greater
Power Supply Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22) or

Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
Current Draw| 20 mA

  • Expected battery life under continuous use:
    Carbon: 24.5 hours
    Alkaline: 40.5 hours
    These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
    Dimensions| 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm
    2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches
    Weight| 390 g / 13 oz (including battery)
    Accessories| Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT
    NOTES,” and “Information”)
    Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22)
    Options (sold separately)| AC adaptor (PSA-series)

  • 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

  • This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

© 2018 Roland Corporation

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