Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$100.68
Amazon
4.5 (14)
$159.98
Reverb
5.0 (12)
$167.80 New
$133.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (1)
$167.80
Gear4Music
£149.00

Average Price: $155

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

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Standard

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive, a versatile and robust addition to any musician's gear. Crafted initially with keyboardists in mind, this FET-based overdrive pedal quickly became a hit with guitarists due to its warm, tube amp-like tone and feel. But the story doesn't end there. This pedal isn't just for guitarists and keyboardists. It's a universal tool that can inject a delightful grit to the sound of any electric instrument.

The Operation Overlord overdrive pedal stands out with its FET-based overdrive circuit, which enables it to deliver a range of grit from subtle breakup to full-blown fuzz. This feature ensures a responsive interaction with your playing dynamics, offering a tube-like overdrive and response. The bass control adds an essential layer of depth, making it ideal for bass players and open-back combos, giving them the punch of a sealed 4 x 12" cabinet.

This pedal goes beyond the conventional by housing an array of tone-shaping options in its compact design. The independently footswitchable boost and 3-band EQ, for instance, allow you to dial in your tone to your exact preferences. The stereo I/O is a boon for musicians running stereo rigs, and the Dry control gives you the flexibility to blend your unaffected signal back in for added clarity.

Key Features:

  • FET-based overdrive suitable for keyboard, bass, and guitar
  • Tube amp-like tone and feel from FET overdrive
  • Independently footswitchable boost that is 100% variable
  • Dry control for blending in your unaffected tone
  • Input level switch for optimizing the pedal to your instrument
  • Stereo inputs and outputs for use with keyboards
  • 3-band EQ for precise tone shaping

Owner's manual

Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type Stereo Multi Overdrives
Inputs 2 x 1/4"
Outputs 2 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching Buffered
Power Source 9V DC power supply required (included)
Power Usage 90mA
Height 2.1"
Width 2.75"
Depth 4.5"

FAQs

What instruments can the Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Overdrive Pedal be used with?

The Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord is designed as a stereo multi-instrumental overdrive pedal, making it suitable for use with both guitar and keyboard setups.

Does the Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Overdrive Pedal work well with a bass guitar?

Yes, the Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord is versatile and can handle bass guitar, offering a wide range of overdrive tones suitable for various styles.

What type of power supply does the Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord require?

The Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord requires a 9V DC power supply, which is included with the pedal.

How does the Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord differ from other overdrive pedals?

The Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord features a FET-based circuit, providing a dynamic response similar to a tube amp, and it offers stereo inputs and outputs for versatile connectivity.

Is the Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its buffered bypass switching and stereo capabilities, the Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable sound quality and flexibility.

EHX

EHX

Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive Pedal (Demo by Jon Skibic)

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive Pedal (Demo by Jon Skibic) by EHX

Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive Pedal (Demo by Jon Skibic)

EHX

EHX

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive Pedal (Demo by Mike Matthews) by EHX

Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive Pedal (Demo by Mike Matthews)

EHX

EHX

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive Pedal (Demo by Dave Sherman) by EHX

Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive Pedal (Demo by Dave Sherman)

EHX

EHX

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Electro Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Electro Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive with Dave Sherman by キョーリツコーポレーション公式チャンネル

Electro Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive with Dave Sherman

キョーリツコーポレーション公式チャンネル

キョーリツコーポレーション公式チャンネル

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile OD with cascading gain stages for classic to alt rock sounds

  • EQ's center frequencies enhance guitar's sweet spots

  • Blend option allows mixing clean and distorted signals

  • Solid build quality, expected to last long

  • Works well with both guitar and keyboards, featuring stereo ins/outs

  • Transparent OD without coloring the sound of the instrument

  • Three-band EQ allows for precise tonal shaping

  • Foot switches are easy to operate without annoying clicks

  • Developed for both synths and guitars

  • Additional EQs enable fine-tuning overdrive sound

CONS

  • Not suitable for metal genres

  • Needs careful gain structure management

  • Boost function can overpower if not EQ'ed correctly

  • Tonal character slightly more aimed at electric guitar than keys

  • Low-mid emphasis when engaged, requiring EQ adjustments for keyboards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix Operation Overlord Allied Overdrive.

Features and functionality

  • The stereo I/O allows for dual-amp setups, even with mono input, enhancing versatility.

    Source
  • Internal boost switch can operate independently, useful for boosting other pedals.

    Source
  • The pedal's small knobs can hinder precise adjustments, particularly during live settings or quick tweaks.

    Source

User experience

  • The EQ is very sensitive, providing detailed control but requires careful adjustment.

    Source
  • Soft-touch footswitches lack the tactile click some users prefer.

    Source
  • Some users highlight that the pedal's effectiveness on bass varies significantly with different bass models, pickups, amps, and cabs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Works well as an always-on preamp due to the dry control, suitable for subtle overdrive applications.

    Source
  • Owners note excellent performance on synths like the Prophet Rev2 and Moog Matriarch, delivering crunchy overdrive tones.

    Source
  • It's reported to be less effective on bass, potentially due to sub frequency cut, but performs well with guitar and violin.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Boss SD-1, the Overlord offers less compression and resembles a toned-down RAT distortion.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
alexfirthguitar

Excellent "underground" pedal

This pedal doesn't have a lot of demos on YouTube, however it doesn't mean it's awful. In fact, this is one of THE best pedals I've ever heard! I've replaced my Boss DS-2 with it for a number of reasons: 1. It can produce the same sound as my Boss DS-2 2. It's got an EQ so my overdrive doesn't sound muddy 3. Without the boost it's got a crunchy, Marshall Jubilee kind of sound; great for funk rhythms. With the boost engaged, it's got the Boss DS-2 sound. (I also like how the boost isn't engaged unless you've got the pedal turned on) 4. It's got a 'DRY' knob which means you can get some of your amp's natural sound.

This pedal, developed for synths... and guitarists, is simply amazing! Well done EHX!

I

Another option for an overdrive pedal

There are just so many overdrives out there that sounds great but always up to the individual's preferences. I've previously used a Tubescreamer and changed to this just because of the sound. This is a great pedal to boost your amp overdrive. With additional EQs for you to play with gives an advantage to the sound that you want.

Artist usage

Add artist
J

Jon Skibic

Gigolo Aunts

...
Verified via YouTube

EHX demo. Mark 4:14 - guitar: John Skibic

Genre Usage

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