Analogman King of Tone vs. AionFX Theseus Clone // Gray Bench Electronics

Let's see if the King of Tone clone from AionFX can stack up against the real deal!
King of Tone teardown: • Analogman King of Tone...
AionFX Theseus: aionfx.com/pro...
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Business contact: [e-mail]
#kingoftone #analogman #analogmankingoftone #aionfx #aionfxtheseus #bluesbreaker #marshall #overdrive #distortion #guitarpedals #diypedals #electronics #aionfx

[@kasnelson5959]

I agree with Joe. Spend enough time tweaking one against the other, and you can get what is, for all intents and purposes, the same sound. Well done video.

[@tractordirt]

“Humbucker with a telecaster” I like that! Great vid…appreciate the skill and effort. I think I hear a difference.

[@waynegram8907]

GRAY BENCH, make a YT lesson using the Oscilloscope to visually see the differences of the clipping diodes MA856, MA858, MA859, BAS33, BA282 because the forward biasing voltage is only showing the threshold turn on voltage not the diodes "signature" or clippage waveform. You have the test equipment which you can also sweep from 20hz to 20khz and compare A/B both pedals to see the frequency profile to compared to pedals against in a YT video to visually see the differences, why not do that?

[@Mebibit]

It really doesn't feel like there's a difference that couldn't be explained by simple parts tolerances, to the point where if I close my eyes (and this is with a pretty solid set of headphones/amp), I can't actually tell when you've hit the switch most of the times. I really love seeing comparisons like this.

[@ddqd123]

I can't tell any real difference that couldn't otherwise be explained by part tolerances - listening at 1080p with my DT-770 Pros. Your clone nails it!

[@graybenchelec]

Absolutely, there's so many variables.

[@rockcrusade]

Low gain sides were completely indistinguishable. The KoT on the high gain side seems like it had a little more low mid grunt and a little less fizziness in the top end thatI found more pleasing. But you could probably find a tone knob position that would make both pedals sound pretty close to identical and could just be due to part tolerances. I have an Aion clone I built, but I’m still going to keep my spot on the KoT waitlist, if nothing else for the fact of supporting Analogman and getting an amazing pedal at a still very reasonable price.

[@LarsonGuitarPlayer]

Great videos! Sanding the LED seemed to work fine. Might try the high gain mod on my BB clone. And order some BAS33. Great tips! Now I've gonna listen to Focus.

[@mudsh4rk]

The real KOT consistently has a bump in the low mids (or the Aion build is slightly scooped) but nothing major. Pretty obvious in a side by side test like this, but changing where you pick on the strings by a centimeter or so is going to make a bigger difference than the difference between these two in real life. I've built a few pedals with Aion boards and I've always been happy with them. Pretty much my second go-to PCB source after Dead End FX these days.

[@leonardpeters3266]

I have built 2 AION Theseus pedals. 1 for me and 1 for my brother. I love that pedal. Tone for miles.

[@ReinoutVrijhoef]

Nice, some Jan Akkerman riffs from Focus, nice playing! Thank you for this comparison, it really seems that there is little to no difference between the pedals. Just one question: why is the high-gain mod so popular on the first side? I would think it would be better on the second one, so that you could boost it with the first for some extra overdrive/distortion.

[@pomegranatesour]

With the boost second, you get a volume boost.

[@voidguitar]

HOCUS POCUS BY FOCUS YES but also well done for the informative and thorough video but also FOCUS HELL YEAH

[@mattkelley4860]

Great comparison. I definitely enjoy the Aion FX projects. Good documentation and solid builds. The Theseus is my favorite KoT clone I've built. For me, I prefer the BAS33s over BA282s. I thought the 33s were a touch smoother.

[@youaint_chicago]

HEY i just found your channel. THis video rocks! Can you make a video featuring variations on the Aion clone's DIP switch settings?? Or maybe variations on the trimmers might be pretty cool too.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

The clone holds its own. 😎

[@martinreid1740]

Great comparison, if there is a difference I can't here it. Its because of your in depth videos of the Ceriatone centura and the so called mythical diodes into which you went great detail that I've got one on my board.

[@russellesimonetta9071]

Clones are fun! Just as a hobby it,s great. Build and build some more

[@MC-hx6nk]

Hi Joe. Could you possibly confirm the value of the input cap for each side on the original KoT? AionFX has it pegged as 22nF, but there is an overwhelming number of schematics having it as 10nF (a value used all over the KoT design in other places).

[@graybenchelec]

The main schematic for the KoT is from FSB, which shows 22nF. Probably what AionFX referenced. I don't have a KoT anymore so I can't check. The bluesbreaker had a 10nF input cap, that might be the source of the confusion.

[@MC-hx6nk]

@graybenchelec Thanks, Joe. I really appreciate the response anyway 🙂

[@leeinthesprings]

Pedals sound the same to me. I've built like 4 klon clones and they all sound slightly different from one another. Subtle differences in which others have mentioned being the tolerance of parts... and these pedals have a lots of parts! That being said, if you can build your own king of tone, that's the way to go!

[@riangarianga]

King of Clone for me. They sound the same (minute differences aside, nobody would care in a mix). And honestly speaking, I liked much better the circuit layout (it looks more organised, pot lugs aren't weirdly bent under tension...), the component choice (metal film resistors are a plus, diodes are more available in case you have any issue), the shorter waiting list, and the probably much lower price.

[@johnsuede]

Aeon makes GREAT PCBs. Gives great historical stuff on each build as well. Fantastic research. That said, the KOT sounded like it had a much nicer attack.

[@Crumpleshadow]

On the low gain side they sound about the same until you turn the gain up, then the KOT sounds way better. The clone sounds like it's under a blanket, it's missing a lot of high end. On the high gain side they sound more similar, but the KOT wins because the clone sounds harsher and thinner. My $.02.

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

Love these videos, thank you - but the corksniffery is intense here. I'm coming from the vintage analog synth world and we have the same minutia!

[@FilipeReishandmade]

Hi Joe ! Great comparison video ! Can you please share the A/B Looper pedal schematic, please ?

[@graybenchelec]

I'll get back to you on that!

[@FilipeReishandmade]

@@graybenchelec thanks for considering my request

[@graybenchelec]

@@FilipeReishandmade This article is the same circuit as my pedal: stinkfoot.se/archives/4728

[@FilipeReishandmade]

@@graybenchelec Wow ! Thank you very much

[@brentg3992]

I liked the KOT better. Felt like the bottom end was nicer on the KOT.

[@PuttinOnTheRiffs]

Small midrange difference. Probably negligible. Great comparison. Nice work on this vid

[@bilbocarter7732]

I was curious if you'd seen BYOC's KoT clone and how you think it'd stack up against the KoT or even this kit?

[@graybenchelec]

Same component values, same circuit, same sound. That's my take!

[@블랙사틴]

That's a great review. Is 18v possible for this product?

[@graybenchelec]

According to AM, yes.

[@블랙사틴]

@@graybenchelec Thank you for your reply. It is always being helped. Thanks

[@russstedman]

You should do Analogman vs. DemonFX.

[@mojostrat58]

$$$ Price Matters...What's the Comparison? Your Pedal has a little smoother standard mode...it's noticeable. Hi Gain seemed identical... I would buy YOUR Pedal without hesitation...Why? In a Live Show, I can honestly say...nobody anywhere will hear the differences which are actually so very slight...AND...Your Circuits Sound very Nice. *Bear in Mind...Analogman is quite fair in Pricing...He makes his Pedal Affordable. Sounds Great! I bet my Plexi will light those Circuits Up like a X-Mas Tree!

[@gregmize01]

in a blind test you would'nt be able to tell a difference. Thanks joe!

[@redkurn]

i was looking at my phone texting a friend and could hear the difference lol more grit on the king of tone, i have a demonfx version and it's pretty meh to say the least... low volume, would like to see him do a comparison to a regular king of tone and that king of drive (more like wimp of drive)

[@gregmize01]

@@redkurn try listening on real speakers not your phone😹

[@geezberry8889]

your thoughts on the refractor?

[@graybenchelec]

I like the AionFX PCBs and build docs. I haven't built the refractor, but I'm sure it's the same quality as other AionFX projects.

[@markdesod561]

I can't tell the difference on cheap speakers!!! I know I like Focus!!! Sound pretty good to me.

[@hekakain4108]

Twas good...

[@Vurguuz]

Agggh can anyone help with the name of the first tune in the loop? 8:04

[@graybenchelec]

Hocus Pocus by Focus

[@TomaszCzajka80]

No difference. Another great video!

[@andrewsirois2357]

Huge difference with the KOT. The clone is good! Sounds brittle at times. KOT has a thicker/deeper tones

[@iagobroxado]

I hear the tone being a tad brighter on the clone, but huge? No way.