Jackson Audio Optimist
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Jackson Audio
https://www.jackson.audio
support@jacksonaudio.zohodesk.com
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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 | ||
| MIDI control of all functions | OD1, OD2, and EQ. | Power supply | DC, center negative polarity. |
| Default MIDI channel | 1. | Input voltage | max 9 V. |
| Channel change | hold the OD1 footswitch while powering on, then press OD2 to increment the channel number. | Minimum current required | 150 mA. |
| Input impedance | 1 M?. | Dimensions | 2.7" x 4.875". |
| Output impedance | 100 k?. | ||
Questions frequently asked
Is the Jackson Audio Optimist MIDI compatible?
MIDI control via TRS allows separate recall of the OD1, OD2, and EQ states. The default MIDI channel is channel 1. Changing the channel is done by holding OD1 while powering on, then pressing OD2 to increment the channel.
What power supply is required for the Optimist?
A DC 9 V maximum power supply with center-negative polarity is required. The minimum current consumption is 150 mA.
What is the sonic difference between OD1 and OD2?
OD1 provides a mid-boost with organic compression and singing sustain. OD2 features a more linear response, sensitive to guitar volume, ideal for tight rhythms.
Can the 3-band equalizer function without overdrive?
The active 3-band Baxandall EQ can be activated alone by a brief simultaneous press on the OD1 and OD2 footswitches. Positioned after the overdrive sections, it affects bass, mid, and treble frequencies.
What is the pedal’s footprint on a pedalboard?
The size measures 2.7 x 4.875 inches. Input impedance is 1 MΩ and output impedance is 100 kΩ.
