Over the past 10 years Maxon effects have become a key ingredient in the guitar rigs of countless metal bands. Notable artists such as Killswitch Engage, Arch Enemy, As I Lay Dying, Dimmu Borgir, Shadow’s Fall, and Behemoth have come to rely on Maxon effects to create their brutal guitar tones on stage and in the studio.

The irony in this (pun intended) is that Maxon has never offered a pedal tailored to the needs of the metal guitarist – until now. Introducing the Maxon SM-9 Pro+ Super Metal – specifically designed to reproduce high-gain distortion tones with cut midrange, the SM-9 Pro+ can recreate anything from the classic crunch of the NWOBHM through to today’s most extreme drop-tuned metal. Developing such a diverse circuit was no easy task, and the SM-9 was on the drawing board for years before Maxon deemed it worthy of release. Several unique “tricks” were incorporated to create a pedal that is as versatile as it is merciless. The SM-9 Pro+ features four controls: LEVEL - determines overall output level of pedal GAIN - Dual Pot configuration determines degree of Gain while also boosting midrange band up to 20 dB @ 1 kHz. EDGE - Controls hi-tone range (Hi-cut shelving filter continuously variable between 2-15 kHz). SCOOP - Controls the frequency range where the Midrange Cut occurs (mid-band Elimination filter continuously variable between 200 Hz and 2 kHz). By boosting and cutting specific frequency bands in relation to Gain, these four controls allow the user to sculpt brutal, chunky guitar tones that still retain note clarity and definition – a rarity among high-gain “metal” pedals. The SM-9 Pro+ also offers switchable 9- or 18-volt operation. In Classic 9-volt, the SM-9 runs at the incoming supply voltage, greatly extending battery life. When switched to Stabilized 18-volt setting, Maxon’s proprietary DC-DC voltage doubler circuit increases the headroom, frequency range, and dynamic response of the SM-9 pedal. This Stabilized operation is recommended for musicians who use external DC power supplies. Using the SM-9’s controls and voltage options, an almost unlimited variety of monstrous high-gain tones can be dialed in. Whether you’re a full-time metal maniac or just need the occasional “nuclear blast” without the bulk or volume of a full amp stack, the Maxon SM-9 Pro + Super Metal will deliver the goods.

Features True Bypass Switching.