TWA SH9

About the Pedal Designed in collaboration with fusion guitar master Scott Henderson, the TWA SH9 (Scott Henderson Signature) takes the classic SD-9 / Maxon tube-screamer/distortion topology and re-engineers its core flaw: the aggressive mid-scoop and harsh upper-register ice-pick. The SH9 lowers the center frequency of the tone control to shift the EQ focus down into the essential low-mid range, producing a thick, vocal, and compressed lead voice that cuts through a dense fusion or rock mix without becoming thin or harsh high up the neck. Combined with expanded output headroom, it acts as an exceptionally expressive dynamic distortion for high-gain fusion lines and expressive soloing. Capture Methodology & Signal Chain These captures record the analog clipping response and signature EQ curve of the SH9 using the exact same studio signal path as the previous captures: [DAW Sweep Signal] │ [SSL Interface Output] │ [Radial Reamp Box] ── (Low-Z to High-Z conversion, Ground Isolation) │ [TWA SH9 Input] ── (Level: 11:00 | Tone: 12:00) │ [TWA SH9 Output] │ [SSL Interface Line Input] ── (Recorded at 24-bit / 48 kHz uncompressed) Impedance & Signal Integration: The Radial Reamp Box converted the line-level sweep from the SSL Interface into a high-impedance instrument signal, forcing the SH9's input buffer and clipping circuit to respond with full dynamic realism. Conversion & Headroom: The output was tracked into SSL conversion at 24-bit / 48 kHz, calibrated to avoid digital clipping while maintaining full signal-to-noise performance. Control Baseline: Level and Tone controls were locked at 11 o'clock to isolate the harmonic structure and saturation behavior of the Distortion control at 11 and 13 o'clock. Models Included in This Set TWA_SH9_Dist11_SSL_Radial.nam Settings: Distortion: 11 o'clock | Level: 11 o'clock | Tone: 11 o'clock Tone Profile: Dynamic, touch-sensitive moderate distortion. Offers a tight, fat low-mid boost with immediate note attack, perfect for articulate fusion rhythm comping or smooth, open lead lines that clean up naturally with guitar volume adjustments. TWA_SH9_Dist13_SSL_Radial.nam Settings: Distortion: 1 o'clock (13:00) | Level: 11 o'clock | Tone: 11 o'clock Tone Profile: Saturated, vocal lead voice. Delivers classic Scott Henderson-style sustain, rich harmonic compression, and a liquid top end that stays thick and warm even in high-register solos.