About This Item
Description
The Optimist stacks two completely different overdrives, a mid-focused germanium boutique voice and a flat, transparent drive, behind a switchable studio-grade EQ, giving Cory Wong's rhythm and lead tones in one board-friendly pedal.
Which Jackson Audio drive is this?
The Optimist is Jackson Audio's dedicated dual-overdrive-plus-EQ platform: OD1 reproduces a mid-focused boutique germanium overdrive, OD2 is a flat full-range overdrive built for boosting OD1 or driving an amp on its own, and a standalone 3-band active EQ can run before or after either drive. It is a different circuit from the MIDI-equipped Golden Boy and Broken Arrow V2, which pair a single overdrive with an independent MOSFET boost instead of two overdrive channels.
Why guitarists choose the Optimist
- Two independently footswitchable overdrives, mid-focused germanium OD1 and flat full-range OD2, can run alone, stacked, or used to boost each other.
- A switchable 3-band active EQ (+/-12dB, Baxandall-style) works after the drives or completely standalone as a clean tone-shaping tool.
- Full MIDI control over OD1, OD2, and EQ lets you recall exact tone combinations from a pedalboard controller.
- Center-detented pots on the EQ make it fast to find and return to a flat reference setting.
- A compact 2.7" x 4.875" footprint keeps two drives and an EQ on a normal-size pedalboard.
Controls and switches
- OD1 footswitch — Engages the mid-focused germanium-diode overdrive.
- OD2 footswitch — Engages the flat, full-range overdrive; pressing both together toggles the EQ.
- 3-band EQ (Bass/Middle/Treble) — Active Baxandall-style EQ, flat at 12 o'clock, +/-12dB per band with center detents; usable after the drives or on its own.
Power and pedalboard compatibility
Runs on a 9V DC center-negative supply with a minimum current draw of 150mA. No battery operation is published for this pedal.
Technical specifications
| Model | Jackson Audio The Optimist Cory Wong Signature Dual Overdrive |
| Effect type | Dual overdrive with switchable 3-band EQ |
| Controls | OD1 footswitch, OD2 footswitch, 3-band EQ (Bass/Middle/Treble) |
| Input impedance | 1000 kΩ |
| Output impedance | 100000 Ω |
| Power | 9 Volt DC |
| Current draw | 150 mA |
| Enclosure dimensions | 12.38 x 6.86 cm (2.7" x 4.875" published footprint) |
| MPN | Optimist |
| GTIN | 702940700247 |
| ASIN | B09PHTWTWL |
| Warranty | 5-year Jackson Audio VIP Warranty |
FAQ
Is it spelled Cory Wong or Corey Wong? Cory Wong. Jackson Audio's official product page signs the artist testimonial "- Cory Wong," and that is the correct spelling of the collaborating artist's name.
Can I use OD1 and OD2 together? Yes. Both overdrives can be stacked, and OD2's flat response makes it a natural clean boost in front of or behind OD1.
Can I use the EQ without either overdrive engaged? Yes. The 3-band active EQ is independently footswitchable and works as a standalone tone-shaping tool.
Does The Optimist support MIDI? Yes. MIDI arrives on the ring of a 1/8" TRS jack via a standard DIN-5-to-TRS cable, with separate CCs for OD1, OD2, and EQ on/off.
What power supply does it need? A 9V DC center-negative supply rated at least 150mA; this is the pedal's maximum voltage, so do not exceed 9V.
Is there a Galaxy Edition? Yes, Jackson Audio offers a Galaxy Edition finish of The Optimist as a higher-priced cosmetic option built around the same circuit.