Jackson Audio Optimist

From the Klon Myth to Cory Wong's Vision

Designed with Cory Wong, "The Optimist" blends the DNA of the legendary Klon overdrive (OD1 side) with a hi-fi and neutral approach (OD2 side). This "two schools" architecture offers the iconic midrange color that cuts through the mix like the classics, while providing a flat-response alternative for modern, controlled stacks. It stands as the most flexible signature overdrive in the Jackson Audio range.

Who Is It For, and What For?

Ideal for funk, pop, rock, and worship guitarists seeking precise crunch and singing sustain, the pedal excels both in studio and on stage. OD2 delivers tight, dynamic rhythms, while OD1 adds a musical grain for leads. Stacked, they create a dense, harmonic drive that remains clear on a minimalist pedalboard as well as in an advanced MIDI system.

Controls, Connectivity, and Innovations

The active 3-band (Baxandall type) EQ is placed after the overdrive sections to refine the tone or unify the output between single coils and humbuckers. A brief simultaneous press on the OD1 and OD2 footswitches activates the EQ, which can also operate independently. MIDI compatibility via TRS allows recalling OD1/OD2/EQ states and synchronizing the pedal at the heart of a complex set without sacrificing ease of use.

The Sound

OD1 offers a musical mid boost with organic compression and singing sustain, perfect for cutting through the mix without harshness. OD2, more linear, provides a transparent base, responsive to touch and very sensitive to the guitar's volume knob. The 3-band EQ adds the final touch: softening overly bright highs, tightening lows, or scooping/boosting mids depending on the guitar and amp. Cory Wong's signature is felt in the clarity, dynamics, and ability to stay clean even at high gain levels.

Technical specifications

Effects	Distortion / Overdrive / Fuzz, Overdrive	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Blue
EQ	3 channels

Equalizer	wide bandwidth, flat response at 12 o’clock.	MIDI command CC#3	EQ ON/OFF (127 \= ON / 0 \= OFF)
Boost/cut range per band	+/-12 dB.	Input impedance	1 M.
Center detents	neutral response position.	Output impedance	100 k.
Equalizer position and activation	post-OD, simultaneous press on OD1 and OD2.	Power supply	DC, center-negative polarity.
MIDI control of all functions	OD1, OD2 and EQ.	Input voltage	9 V max.
MIDI input	TRS connector (DIN-5 to TRS format required).	Minimum required current	150 mA.
MIDI data reception	RING terminal of the TRS connector.	Dimensions	2.7" x 4.875".
Default MIDI channel	1.	Supplied accessories	box and documentation
Channel change	hold down the OD1 footswitch while applying power, then press OD2 to increment the channel number.	Power supply included	no
MIDI command CC#1	OD1 ON/OFF (127 \= ON / 0 \= OFF)	Power supply voltage and polarity	9 V DC (center-negative)
MIDI command CC#2	OD2 ON/OFF (127 \= ON / 0 \= OFF)	Minimum power consumption	150 mA