KarDiaN
Serotonin Origin S.T.
An overdrive developed jointly by KarDiaN and Susumu Tamura, the former Maxon engineer who designed the Tube Screamer. The circuit was drawn from scratch after studying multiple units of each Maxon OD-808 and Ibanez TS-808 variant. It takes KarDiaN's own TS-based Serotonin as a starting point but arrives somewhere separate from both. A discontinued op-amp selected by Tamura sits at its centre, combined with Orange Drop coupling capacitors and Amtrans AMRG resistors.
An overdrive designed from the circuit up by Tube Screamer designer Susumu Tamura and KarDiaN
A joint development between Susumu Tamura, the former Maxon engineer who designed the Tube Screamer in 1978, and Shunichi Kitada of KarDiaN. It was assembled as a new design distinct from any existing circuit after study of the Tube Screamer lineage.
Two engineers on one circuit
Tamura worked on the Tube Screamer at Nisshin Onpa (Maxon), and the collaboration with KarDiaN came about through Hirabayashi of Shimamura Gakki. Design began by studying the Maxon OD-808 Narrow and OD-808 alongside the Ibanez TS-808 Narrow and TS-808, across multiple units of each.
Neither a TS nor a Serotonin
KarDiaN's existing TS-based overdrive Serotonin served as the starting point, but the pedal was designed as something separate while drawing on vintage characteristics. Sample units ran into the double figures, and the circuit was substantially rewritten through repeated work on tonal detail and gain adjustment at the decibel level.
The op-amp Tamura selected
The op-amp at the centre of the sound was chosen by Tamura and is a discontinued part whose model number has not been disclosed even to KarDiaN. Supply is secured by Tamura holding stock in the tens of thousands.
Selected components
Orange Drop is used for the coupling capacitors and Amtrans AMRG for the resistors that carry KarDiaN's signature tone. Vishay 021 ASM and KEMET tantalum capacitors are also part of the build.
A vintage finish reproduced
Some vintage Tube Screamers were sprayed over a yellow undercoat, and as the green surface wore away the yellow showed through. That green and yellow multilayer is reproduced here. The enclosure carries a metal plate with Tamura's signature.
- Developed jointly with Tube Screamer designer Susumu Tamura
- Multiple units of Maxon OD-808 and Ibanez TS-808 studied
- A new circuit distinct from both the TS and Serotonin
- A discontinued op-amp selected by Tamura
- Orange Drop, Amtrans AMRG, Vishay and KEMET components
- Green and yellow multilayer finish drawn from vintage TS units
- Metal plate carrying Tamura's signature
Videos
Specifications
| Manufacturer | KarDiaNOpens in a new tab |
|---|---|
| Product | Serotonin Origin S.T.Opens in a new tab |
| Type | Compact pedal |
| Functions | Overdrive |
| Release year | 2023 |
| Current draw | 10mA |
| Dimensions | W72 × H55 × D121 mm |
| Bypass | True bypass |
| Status | Available |
Last updated:
Related pedals
