ORIGIN EFFECTS Halcyon Gold Overdrive Pedal Owner’s Manual
- June 12, 2024
- ORIGIN EFFECTS
Table of Contents
ORIGIN EFFECTS Halcyon Gold Overdrive Pedal
Product Information
The Origin Effects Halcyon Gold Overdrive is a versatile guitar effects pedal that offers a range of overdrive tones. It is designed to provide a mid- forward drive tone with adaptive circuitry, allowing for a smooth transition from focused overdrive to full-range clean. The pedal also features a clean boost function, which balances a tight low end with a natural high end response and can be used in combination with other pedals. Additionally, the Halcyon Gold Overdrive offers a unique overdriven tone that doesn’t rely on cranking the amp, making it suitable for running into a clean amp. The pedal has various controls for adjusting the drive, level, dry/wet mix, and adaptive circuitry settings.
The Halcyon Gold Overdrive is a versatile drive pedal featuring our proprietary Adaptive Circuitry. This unique design allows it to adapt its voicing in response to pick attack and volume changes, making it one of the most dynamic and interactive overdrives out there. While it is based on a certain rare and sought-after pedal, this is more than just a clone. Even though we went to great lengths to recreate the exact characteristics of unobtain- able vintage diodes, we didn’t stop there. We have also built in some innovative features that go way beyond the capabilities of the original pedal.
We based this pedal on the Klon® Centaur® because it’s an all-time classic. Its clarity, dynamics and unique clean blend make it an excellent choice for players who like their overdrive pedals to have a more natural quality, capable of pushing the front end of any great amp. The all-too-frequently used term “transparent overdrive” really started with the Centaur® – and it thoroughly deserves that reputation.
The Halcyon Gold Overdrive picks up where the Klon® leaves off, adding even more playability to this players’ favourite. The signature mid-hump now responds to playing dynamics and volume knob changes, and we’ve included our own smoother, more neutral voicing too. Add in an adjustable DRY control and you have an undeniably classic sound with way more variety.
ORIGIN EFFECTS is a trademark of Origin Effects Limited and is a registered trademark in the United States, United Kingdom and the EU.
The ORIGIN EFFECTS Totem Device is a trade mark of Origin Effects Limited and is a registered trademark in the United States and United Kingdom.
HALCYON is a trademark of Origin Effects Limited and is a registered trademark in the United States.
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
KLON® and CENTAUR® are registered trademarks of KLON, LLC. Origin Effects has no affi liation with KLON, LLC.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether mechanical or electronic, without the written permission of Origin Effects Limited.
Origin Effects Limited reserves the right to change the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation. Origin Effects Limited cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in this manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, PAY ATTENTION TO SAFETY WARNINGS.
© Origin Effects Limited 2023
IMPORTANT: This product is designed to be powered from a 9VDC, >200mA power supply with 2.1mm centre-negative barrel connector.
Key Features
- Mid-forward drive tone with adaptive circuitry
- Clean boost function
- Unique overdriven tone without relying on amp cranking
- Controls for drive, level, dry/wet mix, and adaptive circuitrysettings
Physical Specification
- Weight (Unboxed): 500g (18oz)
- Length (Unboxed): 124mm (4.8″)
- Depth (Unboxed): 64mm (2.5″)
- Height (Unboxed): 58mm (2.3″)
- Weight (Boxed): 570g (20oz)
- Length (Boxed): 135mm (5.3″)
- Depth (Boxed): 90mm (3.5″)
- Height (Boxed): 85mm (3.3″)
| Measurement | Unboxed | Boxed |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 500g (18oz) | 570g (20oz) |
| Length | 124mm (4.8”) | 135mm (5.3”) |
| Depth | 64mm (2.5”) | 90mm (3.5”) |
| Height | 58mm (2.3”) | 85mm (3.3”) |
Performance Specification
- Input Impedance: 1M
- Output Impedance: 1k
- Current Draw: 200mA
- Power Supply Requirements: 9VDC, 2.1mm centre negativeconnector
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 1M Ω |
| Output impedance | 1k Ω |
| Current draw | 200mA |
| Power supply requirements | 9VDC 2.1mm centre negative connector |
Product Usage Instructions
To use the Origin Effects Halcyon Gold Overdrive, follow these instructions:
1. Power Supply:
This product is designed to be powered from a 9VDC power supply with a minimum current output of 200mA. Make sure to use a power supply with a 2.1mm centre- negative barrel connector.
2. Connection:
- Connect a 9VDC power adaptor with a 2.1mm centre-negativeconnector to the “9VDC” input of the Halcyon Gold Overdrive.
- Connect your guitar to the “INSTR” input of the pedal.
- Connect the “AMP” output of the pedal to your amplifier ormodeller.
3. Controls:
The Halcyon Gold Overdrive features various controls for adjusting the tone:
- Drive: Adjusts the amount of overdrive.
- Level: Controls the output volume level.
- Dry/Wet Mix: Adjusts the balance between thedry (unaffected) and wet (overdriven) signal.
- Adaptive Circuitry Settings: Controls theresponse and dynamics of the overdrive tone.
4. Sample Settings:
Here are some sample settings you can try with the Halcyon Gold Overdrive:
- GOLD STANDARD: Set the Drive control to yourdesired amount of overdrive. The mid hump is reduced as the pedalcleans up, taking you from focused overdrive to full-rangeclean.
- CLEAN BOOST: Set the Drive control low andcrank the Level control to boost your clean tone. This settingbalances a tight low end with a natural high end response and canbe used to push your amp into overdrive.
- INTO CLEAN AMP: Turn down the Dry control toget just the driven tone without relying on cranking your amp. Thissetting is perfect for running into a clean amp, especially withthe smooth response of the MOD setting.
- STACKED DRIVE: Use this setting with anoverdriven amp. Dial in plenty of Drive and use the Dry control toadd definition to the tone. The ADAPT setting II makes this settingvery responsive to dynamics, offering a huge range of drive.
Please read the complete user manual for more detailed information and safety warnings.
Connecting the HALCYON GOLD OVERDRIVE
- 9VDC: Connect a 9VDC 2.1mm centre-negative mains power adaptor (minimum 200mA).
- INSTR: Connect to your guitar.
- AMP: Connect to your amp or modeller.
Controls
-
ADAPT SWITCH: This enables the Adaptive Circuitry, allowing the pedal’s mid-forward voicing to gradually fade away as the pedal cleans up. This gives you classic Klon® tone with your guitar cranked but reveals the full spectrum of your clean tone as you roll back the volume knob.
-
Position O: No adaptive behaviour, just like the original Klon® Centaur®.
-
Position II: Full adaptive behaviour. As the pedal cleans up from playing dynamics or volume knob changes, the mid hump is reduced and the rolled-off bass and treble frequencies are reintroduced. The effect will be more prominent with higher setting on the DRIVE knob.
-
Position I: Less adaptive than Position II. This setting still responds well to dynamics and volume changes but maintains some bass and treble roll-off, perfect for keeping the low end tight and preventing feedback with high-gain tones.
NOTE: Because the mid hump of the original Klon® Centaur® increases with higher gain, the Halcyon Gold Overdrive’s Adaptive behaviour will be more noticeable the higher you set the DRIVE control. This means you can turn the DRIVE up higher than is typical for Klon® users, then roll the guitar volume back to get the flatter clean boost tones that the pedal is known for. -
ADAPT SWITCH (suggestion): To hear the ADAPT switch in action, set the DRIVE above 10 o’clock, select Position II, play some licks, then roll down your guitar volume to a clean tone and select Position O. You will hear a big difference between the adaptive and stock clean tones!
-
VOICE SWITCH: The VOICE switch gives you the ability to select either the classic Klon® mid hump or a smoother, more balanced tone. The KLN setting has the standard resonant, focused mid peak of an original Klon. The MOD setting has a broader mid hump and a softer, more compressed clipping characteristic. The MOD setting is particularly well suited to single coil pickups, and higher gain tones paired with very clean amp sounds.
-
DRIVE: Turn clockwise to increase the amount of overdrive. Lower settings should be used when boosting an amp on the edge of breakup. When used with ADAPT settings I and II, high DRIVE settings can sound more natural than a typical drive pedal and will work well with a completely clean amp. ADAPT settings I and II will be more prominent the higher you set the DRIVE control.
-
LEVEL: Sets the output level from the pedal. Turn clockwise to push the input of your amp. Keep this control set lower when using higher DRIVE settings.
-
TONE: Turn counterclockwise to roll off more high-end. Lower settings will result in a typical warm lead tone while higher settings will give a bright, cutting tone. With ADAPT settings I and II, the effect of the TONE control is reduced as the pedal cleans up, getting you back to your core clean tone.
-
DRY: The Centaur® circuit mixes some of your dry guitar signal with the pedal’s overdrive tone. This control sets the level of that dry signal. We have also made improvements to this dry path, changing the overload characteristics when stacking with other pedals. Turn clockwise to help maintain body, clarity and definition when used with an overdriven amp. Turn counterclockwise to remove the clean signal, which can help when using the pedal as a standalone overdrive into a clean amp.
Sample Settings
GOLD STANDARD
The mid-forward drive tone that defined boutique overdrive, now with Adaptive Circuitry! The mid hump is reduced as the pedal cleans up, taking you from focused overdrive to full-range clean.
CLEAN BOOST
The ultimate clean boost. This tone balances a tight low end with a natural
high end response and stacks well with other pedals. Crank the LEVEL control
to really push your amp into overdrive!
INTO CLEAN AMP
Get a different flavour of overdrive that doesn’t rely on cranking your amp. Turning down the DRY control gives you just the driven tone, perfect for running into a clean amp, especially with the smooth response of the MOD setting.
STACKED DRIVE
Use this overdriven setting with an overdriven amp! With plenty of DRIVE dialled in, the DRY control adds some definition to the tone. ADAPT setting II makes this setting very responsive to dynamics, offering a huge range of drive.
Connector Pin Out
Instrument & Amplifier 1/4” TS Sockets:
Pin Description
Tip
Signal
Sleeve
Ground
Appendix D: Safety Notices
**General Safety**
**** Keep these instructions and heed all warnings. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
When using an external power supply, use only attachments/accessories specified by Origin Effects. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
CAUTION! No user-servicable parts inside. In the event of damage to the unit service or repair must be done by qualified service personnel only.
This Product is CE compliant.
This product is UKCA compliant.
The crossed out wheely bin symbol indicates this product is classified as Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in the European Union and should
not be discarded with household waste. Other territories may vary. Contact
your local authority or Origin
Effects for more information.
This product conforms to the European Union’s directive 2011/EU on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Evaluation of apparatus based on altitude not exceeding 2000m. There may be some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated at altitude exceeding 2000m.
Evaluation of apparatus based on temperate climate conditions only. There may be some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated in tropical climate conditions.
Appendix E: Warranty
- This product is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. This applies only to original purchasers who have bought their product from an authorised Origin Effects dealer or directly from Origin Effects.
- All returns or servicing should be arranged through the original dealer. Proof of original ownership may be required in the form of a purchase receipt.
- For full warranty details visit www.origineffects.com/warranty.