The TS8-MS stands as the sole MIDI-enabled Analog Overdrive and MIDI Switcher available in the realm of classic guitar effect pedals. It presents itself as a dual-purpose device, offering the functionality of a classic tubescreamer guitar effect as well as a guitar amplifier channel switcher. The unit is designed to respond seamlessly to both MIDI Program Change and Control Change messages, thereby facilitating all its switching functions. These functions can be performed concurrently in either MIDI Receive or MIDI Transmit mode. Furthermore, the device can be utilized as a straightforward MIDI-Controller, allowing for the transmission of three presets (Program Change numbers) while affording the ability to foot-switch between Bypass, Effect, and Extended (Long-Push) modes.
TS8-MS is revealing one of the most expressive and musical 808 sounds we’ve heard for some time. Chewy and aggressive with a powerful midrange.
The fundamental design of this pedal centers on blending the sweetest overdrive sound with the unparalleled flexibility of a MIDI-based amplifier channel switcher. Not merely a formidable tubescreamer in its own right, this remarkable tool provides unparalleled versatility to the discerning musician.
Manual
Quick Setup
Control the TS8-MS with a MIDI transmitter (controller)
Video Demo
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 an impressive range of MIDI functionalities and switching capabilities. Guitarists will appreciate the unparalleled reliability and versatility of this unique tool.
The TS8-MS showcases MIDI-controlled switching capabilities, responding 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, namely Bypass, Overdrive, and Extended (long push on the footswitch), while still performing as an overdrive effect.
The internal 16-position Multi-Function Switch ensures optimal performance by assigning 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. Notably, the pedal can control an amplifier’s channel and/or an external multi-effects unit, in addition to functioning as an overdrive effect, thanks to this feature.
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.
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.
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 TS 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. Furthermore, the pedal includes three clipping options, allowing for a diverse range of sounds, from classic creamy drive to powerful distortion with airy asymmetric harmonics injection. The all-analog signal path of the TS8-MS incorporates top-quality components, including WIMA & KEMET plastic film capacitors, low-tolerance metal film resistors, and a four-layer PCB with gold-plated tracing, ensuring durability and longevity. By utilizing the TS8-MS, one can be assured of producing a focused, articulate tube amp scream.
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.
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.
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.
| Weight | 0,4 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 120 × 61 × 31 cm |
| Features Summary | Classic 808 sounding analog overdrive, made with highest quality components, in a compact, low profile design; |
| Technical Specifications | Input impedance: 500KΩ |
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