Overview

The NJM4558 (historically branded as JRC4558 or JRC4558D) is a dual high-gain operational amplifier manufactured by New Japan Radio (NJR / Nisshinbo Micro Devices). Pin-compatible with industry-standard dual op-amps like the MC1458 and LM358, it incorporates internal frequency compensation and phase margin optimization into an 8-pin DIP package.

The NJM4558 achieved legendary status in analog audio history after being chosen as the heart of the iconic Ibanez TS808 / TS9 Tube Screamer overdrive pedal. Audio engineers and musicians favor its moderate 1.0 V/μs1.0\text{ V}/\mu\text{s} slew rate and subtle input stage clipping characteristics, which yield a warm, musically pleasing mid-range distortion tone.

Quick reference

Supply Voltage (V+ / V-)±4.0V\pm 4.0\text{V} to ±18.0V\pm 18.0\text{V} (Split) or +8.0V+8.0\text{V} to +36.0V+36.0\text{V} (Single)
Open-Loop Voltage Gain100 dB100\text{ dB} typical
Gain Bandwidth Product3.0 MHz3.0\text{ MHz} typical
Slew Rate1.0 V/μs1.0\text{ V}/\mu\text{s} typical
Input Bias Current50 nA50\text{ nA} typical (500 nA500\text{ nA} max)
Quiescent Supply Current3.5 mA3.5\text{ mA} typical for both channels
Package8-pin DIP (NJM4558D) / SOIC-8 (NJM4558M)

Pinout (DIP-8 Package)

text
             ┌───┴───┐
       1OUT 1│ 1   8 │ V+
       1-IN 2│       │ 7 2OUT
       1+IN 3│NJM4558│ 6 2-IN
         V- 4│       │ 5 2+IN
             └───────┘
PinNameTypeDescription
11OUTOutputAmplifier Channel 1 Output
21-INInputAmplifier Channel 1 Inverting Input
31+INInputAmplifier Channel 1 Non-Inverting Input
4V-PowerNegative Supply Voltage (or GND in single 9V battery mode)
52+INInputAmplifier Channel 2 Non-Inverting Input
62-INInputAmplifier Channel 2 Inverting Input
72OUTOutputAmplifier Channel 2 Output
8V+PowerPositive Supply Voltage (+4.0V to +18.0V DC)

Specifications

ParameterSymbolMinTypMaxUnitConditions
Supply VoltageV+/V−V^+/V^-±4.0\pm 4.0±15.0\pm 15.0±18.0\pm 18.0VSplit supply
Input Offset VoltageVIOV_{IO}—0.56.0mVRS≤10kΩR_S \le 10\text{k}\Omega
Input Offset CurrentIIOI_{IO}—5.0200nATA=25∘CT_A = 25^\circ\text{C}
Large Signal Voltage GainAVA_V86100—dBRL≥2kΩ,VO=±10VR_L \ge 2\text{k}\Omega, V_O = \pm 10\text{V}
Maximum Output Voltage SwingVOMV_{OM}±12.0\pm 12.0±14.0\pm 14.0—VRL≥10kΩ,VSUPPLY=±15VR_L \ge 10\text{k}\Omega, V_{SUPPLY} = \pm 15\text{V}
Common Mode RejectionCMRCMR7090—dBRS≤10kΩR_S \le 10\text{k}\Omega

Typical Application Circuit (Guitar Overdrive Gain Stage)

A symmetrical clipping feedback loop around the NJM4558 inverting stage (as found in classic guitar overdrive pedals):

text
                                  9V Battery
                                      │
                                [Pin 8: V+]
                                      │
  Guitar In ───[0.047µF]───[10k]───┬──┼──[500k Drive Pot]──┬──►[Pin 1: 1OUT]──► Output
                                   │  │                    │
                                   │  ├───►|──[1N4148]──|◄─┤ Symmetrical Diode
                                   │  └───|◄──[1N4148]───►|┤ Clipping Pair
                                   │                       │
                             [Pin 2: 1-IN]                 │
                             [Pin 3: 1+IN] ───[ 4.5V Virtual Ground ]
                             [Pin 4: V-]   ─── GND

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting the 4.5V Virtual Ground in single 9V battery pedals: When running from a single 9V9\text{V} battery (V+=9V,V−=GNDV+ = 9\text{V}, V- = \text{GND}), non-inverting inputs must be biased to half supply voltage (4.5V4.5\text{V}) via a voltage divider (2×10kΩ2 \times 10\text{k}\Omega resistors + 47 μF47\ \mu\text{F} capacitor). Connecting inputs directly to 0V GND cuts off half the AC audio waveform.
  • Assuming rail-to-rail output swing: The NJM4558 cannot swing all the way to its supply rails. When powered from +9V+9\text{V} single supply, output clipping occurs at approx +1.5V+1.5\text{V} and +7.5V+7.5\text{V}.
  • Unused second channel oscillation: If only one op-amp channel is used (e.g. Channel 1), leave Channel 2 configured as a voltage follower with its non-inverting input (2+IN2+IN) tied to 4.5V4.5\text{V} or GND. Leaving it floating causes power supply noise and instability.

Notes

  • NJM4558 vs RC4558 vs LM358: NJM4558 (JRC4558) is optimized for dual supply audio; RC4558 is Texas Instruments' equivalent; LM358 is optimized for single supply ground-sensing DC control.

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