HBE Power Screamer-vs-OCD v4

[finnster]

How do these compare to one another. I have an OCD V2 and Im just a bit bored with it...on the same token, I can't seem to buy an OCD V4...can it really be better than my V2????

The HBE web files are 'ok' typical internet/computer speakers.

Any input?

[nibus]

The PowerScreamer is a TS flavored drive, although more aggressive than your typical TS. It's a little more compressed, more gain, and little more hair on the distortion. It's a great TS pedal. Pops out of the mix well.

The OCD is a little more Marshally flavored - not really a TS sound.

[finnster]

nibus,

Thank you for the reponse. That actually clears it up for me a bunch. I was trying to compare "apples to oranges":AOK

[pold]

Why not to consider the MJM Blues Devil? It sounds better than any tubescreamer (ocd and power screamer included)

[finnster]

Originally Posted by pold

Why not to consider the MJM Blues Devil? It sounds better than any tubescreamer (ocd and power screamer included)

Never heard of it, I will check it out...thanks!

[bynt]

Originally Posted by nibus

The PowerScreamer is a TS flavored drive, although more aggressive than your typical TS. It's a little more compressed, more gain, and little more hair on the distortion. It's a great TS pedal. Pops out of the mix well.

The OCD is a little more Marshally flavored - not really a TS sound.

I know you already got this response but I was just going to second the quote 100%. They're two totally different monsters. You could have both on a pedal board if you have the real estate and they wouldn't be doubling or anything. I'd take the power screamer over a TS anyday but I don't think that I could compare it to an OCD. Just my 2Cents. Get both!!!:AOK

[vintage66]

Yeah, difinitely apples and oranges. On the Power Screamer though, a lot of people say it's the best tube screamer, but to me, I tried one and liked the Keeley modded ones better when compared side by side. Not to put it down-my point is, I think a lot of people don't really want a tube screamer, which the Keeleys are excellent examples of-they want something a bit different. I tried 3 different Keeleys-the Ts808, Ts9, and Ts9 turbo 4x2, a Keeley Rat II, the Hbe Power Screamer and the Big D through a boutique Fender style amp (can't remember the brand). I seriously loved all the Keeleys. The Power Screamer seemed clearer and brighter with more options (except the 4x2), but the Keeleys killed.

I've tried an OCD twice-once loved it and once thought, blah. Maybe it was a different version the second time. I want to try the 1.4 which is by many accounts the best (I've been tallying the threads in my head-seems to be the favorite). More Marshally than the PS of course. In your situation, I don't know if 4's much better than 2-I'd look for something different such as the PS or check out various screamers. If you can't find any Keeleys or the PS, try a Maxon Od9, which sounds great stock imo, or an OD808, which is warmer and definitely has some mids, but is my favorite od right now (I never got around to getting a Keeley modded pedal, despite all my ravings about them).