ORIGIN EFFECTS HALCYON Green Overdrive Classic Low Gain Drive Pedal Owner’s Manual
- June 4, 2024
- ORIGIN EFFECTS
Table of Contents
Origin Effects Halcyon Green Overdrive Classic Low Gain Drive Pedal
Owner’s Manual
www.origineffects.com
ORIGIN EFFECTS® is a registered trademark of Origin Effects Limited.
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
TUBE SCREAMER and IBANEZ are both trademarks of Hoshino Gakki Co, Ltd.
Origin Effects has no affiliation with Hoshino Gakki Co, Ltd.
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.
Document version 1.0
© Origin Effects Limited 2022
IMPORTANT:
This product is designed to be powered from a 9VDC, >80mA power supply with 2.1mm centre-negative barrel connector.
Introducing the HALCYON GREEN OVERDRIVE
The Halcyon Green Overdrive is a classic low-gain 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 the same green pedal that has inspired countless clones, this little box goes way beyond what the average overdrive has to offer.
We based this pedal on the Ibanez® TS808 Tube Screamer® for a reason. Its mid- forward voicing, low-gain drive and a touch of clean signal make it a great choice for pushing an amp, allowing players to jump out of the mix with a thick solo tone. However, once you turn down your guitar volume or play softly, that midpushed drive tone can become a thin, nasal clean tone. It’s this all-or-nothing nature of classic drives that has us stacking numerous pedals for various shades of saturation.
The Adaptive Circuitry in the Halcyon Green Overdrive allows the pedal’s mid- forward voicing to gradually fade away as the pedal cleans up, giving you classic TS808 tone with your guitar cranked but revealing the full spectrum of your clean tone as you roll back the volume knob. This breakthrough feature means you never have to tread that fine line, wondering if your drive pedal should be on or off.
Key Features:
- Adaptive circuitry responds to volume changes and playing dynamics
- Based on the iconic Ibanez® TS808 Tube Screamer®
- DRY level control for extra tweakability
- Voice switch offers two types of mid push
- Ultra-high input impedance
- High-quality buffered bypass
- Premium components throughout
- Designed and built in England
Connecting the HALCYON GREEN OVERDRIVE
9VDC: Connect a 9VDC 2.1mm centre-negative mains power adaptor (minimum 80mA).
INSTR: Connect to your guitar.
AMP OUT: 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 TS808 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 vintage TS808.
Position II: Full adaptive behaviour. The pedal’s treble and bass roll- off will be reduced significantly as it cleans up, for a seamless transition between a mid-forward TS808 overdrive sound and a full, rich clean tone.
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.
Tip: To hear the ADAPT switch in action, 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: This switch gives you the ability to select either the classic TS808 mid hump or a brighter, more focused presence peak. The 808 setting is simply the standard voicing, while the MOD setting moves the mid hump slightly further up the frequency range, with a more resonant character. This can help maintain clarity with warmer pickups such as neck humbuckers. For Metal players using the Halcyon Green Overdrive to tighten up a high gain amp tone, the MOD setting adds even more presence and bite.
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.
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: This controls the level of clean signal. In the noon position, the clean level is the same as in a vintage Tube Screamer® . Turn clockwise to help maintain body, clarity and definition when used with an overdriven amp. Turn counterclockwise to remove the clean signal. This is recommended when using the pedal as a standalone overdrive pedal into a clean amp.
Sample Settings
BLUES BOOST
This classic boost takes an amp from the edge of breakup to a thick, warm
Blues lead tone, perfect for fattening up single coil pickups. ADAPT setting
II gives a huge range of tones with dynamic playing or volume knob changes.
INTO CLEAN AMP
The ADAPT switch helps the Halcyon Green Overdrive sound more natural than
the average drive pedal, great for higher gain sounds into a clean amp. Turn
the DRY control fully counterclockwise to hear pure adaptive overdrive.
ROCK BOOST
This boost tone works particularly well with humbuckers and British-voiced
amps. The MOD setting helps add presence to darker pickups, while lower DRY
level helps balance clean and overdrive signals with hotter guitars.
Appendix A: Physical Specification
| 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”) |
Appendix B: Performance Specification
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 1M Ω |
| Output impedance | 1k Ω |
| Current draw | 80mA |
| Power supply requirements | 9VDC 2.1mm centre negative connector |
Appendix C: Connector Pin Out
| 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.
FCC Certification
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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.