TS8-MS is the only MIDI-enabled Analog Overdrive & MIDI Guitar Amp Channel Switcher in a classic and tiny guitar effect pedal!

The TS8-MS is a premium analog circuit boasting the classic 808 tubescreamer heritage tone, enriched with distinctive nuances. It’s more than just an overdrive effect, as it offers a useful range of MIDI functionalities and switching capabilities. Guitarists will appreciate the unparalleled reliability and versatility of this unique tool.

The TS8-MS responds to MIDI Program Change (PC) and MIDI Control Change (CC) messages for all switching functions, including bypass. The pedal can also serve as a straightforward MIDI Controller, transmitting three MIDI Program Change numbers for each pedal state – Bypass, Overdrive, and Extended (long push on the footswitch) -, while still performing as an analog overdrive effect.

The internal 16-position Multi-Function Switch assigns a switching pattern for the two independent Switching Relays, in relation to the pedal’s state (Bypass, Overdrive, or Extended). This pattern applies exclusively to footswitch action, independent of the MIDI-controlled switching capabilities. This same switch also sets the MIDI Channel for the pedal, either in receive or transmit modes.

It’s important to note that the TS8-MS does not store presets. Instead, users must configure a programmable MIDI Controller (such as the Rocktron Midimate) with the appropriate MIDI messaging to which the TS8-MS will respond. We encourage all users to read the manual and quick setup guide for a comprehensive understanding of this pedal’s capabilities.

From smooth overdriven tone to rawer distortion voicing

The TS8-MS MIDI Overdrive is equipped with classic analog controls, including Gain, Tone, and Output, alongside a 3-toggle switch for selecting clipping modes, offering expanded tonal possibilities for discerning guitarists. The three available voicings are:

• Classic: utilizing symmetric clipping with Silicon diodes, this mode delivers a classic tubescreamer feel and sound, providing increased compression and saturation.

• Asymmetric: also utilizing Silicon diodes, this mode introduces a touch of air into the clipping, adding more gain and proving particularly effective for use with higher gain amplifiers.

• Custom: equipped with our proprietary selection of LEDs, this mode is best suited for clean tones or as a boost in lower gain settings. When applied to higher gain settings, it delivers wilder distortion.

In all voicings, the TS8-MS delivers dynamic, tube-like, musical distortion with gentle recovery, complementing the player’s playing dynamic gracefully. When using the TS8-MS, the instrument’s volume control becomes a valuable tool for shaping your sound. Higher gain settings produce more clipping, compression, and singing sustain, especially in Classic and Asymmetric modes, while LED’s provide a more pronounced distortion effect.

In summary, what you can do with the TS8-MS?

The TS8-MS is a MIDI overdrive/switcher pedal, capable of serving as a regular overdrive pedal with exceptional analog sound quality. The device is based on the renowned 808 platform, which has been modified to enhance its lower-end response, improve its low-gain performance, and provide a more precise and well-structured overdrive at higher gain settings, resulting in better mix cut.

The TS8-MS also enables MIDI channel switching on an amplifier, a notable achievement as most amplifiers do not respond to MIDI commands from an external MIDI controller, requiring a specialized device for remote channel switching. Additionally, the TS8-MS allows for remote activation of the overdrive with MIDI commands – PC and/or CC, not just channel switching.

Furthermore, the TS8-MS can be utilized as a straightforward MIDI controller, allowing for the transmission of only three PC presets. The ability to switch amplifier channels, activate the overdrive effect, and trigger a multi-effect such as delay or reverb with a single pedal makes it an attractive option for those looking for a simple setup. For example, the footswitch can be pressed to bypass the overdrive, switch the amp to the clean channel, and send MIDI PC#1 to a multi-effect like Eventide H9 for reverb. Pressing the footswitch again will engage the overdrive, switch the amp to a crunch channel, and send MIDI PC#2 to the multi-effect for a different preset. Finally, a long-press of the footswitch can be used to change the amp channel once more, activate or bypass the overdrive, and send MIDI PC#3 to the multi-effect for a delay or other effect.

Available in mini format

For those who do not require the MIDI switching capabilities, we have introduced a miniaturized version of this circuit – the Ziffer Overdrive. This product, endorsed by Jordan Ziff, the renowned guitarist of Hot Crazy, Ratt, and Marty Friedman band, provides the same fundamental tonal characteristics as the TS8-MS, as well as an additional “Deep” switch that enhances the lower frequencies in the clipping stage. In addition, the Ziffer incorporates two extra trimmers: a “Mix” control for blending clean dry sounds with the overdriven wet tones, and a “Dry EQ” control for introducing either flat clean or elevated highs and lows. These additional features enable further refinement of the overdrive effect, particularly when using single-coil or bass instruments. We encourage you to explore this exciting new product.

More info

 Manual
 Quick Setup
 Control the TS8-MS with a MIDI transmitter (controller)
 9V Alcaline Battery recommended. 9-12V DC external power supply (not included), center negative, 12mm long barrel plug.