TS808DX Tube Screamer Overdrive Pro Deluxe Review

My amp is picky

And this does the trick. The boost is invaluable and the routing for the boost is just icing on the cake. It's a tube screamer. Usually that's descriptive enough. This is so much more.

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Transparent boost + classic TS drive = winner!

I have a relatively large guitar collection (over 20, from shredder guitars to the classics), and my playing style is primarily 70s to 80s era rock and metal, plus some blues. My amp is an EVH 5150iii 2x12 combo (the EL34 version). I love channel two, the "blue" channel, with its classic crunch. However, I'm not a big fan of channel three, the "red" channel... for some of my guitars,… read more it works out okay, but for many it's just too over the top. I also don't use a ton of gain for my crunch rhythm tone. Therefore, when it comes time to move from crunch rhythm to lead, I still need a little more gain/output, and prefsometimes I want what a boost pedal can do. I tried experimenting with numerous overdrive pedals (from a Boss SD1 to an OCD and more), and also used a TC Electronics Spark Boost for a while. The overdrives sounded great with some guitars, but a bit limited for what I was looking for. As for she Spark Boost, it's a great pedal, but it does add a bit extra sizzle to the tone. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes you want a cleaner boost/push to your tone, without the sizzle. I decided to give the TS808DX a try, since it appeared to be the best of both worlds and I am beyond happy with it. Keep in mind that I'm not using the boost feature to increase the overall volume (which typically requires putting it in the effects loop), but instead am using it to drive the front end of the amp. I have found it to be incredibly transparent with no extra sizzle, unless perhaps you crank the level. I usually keep the boost level between 11 and 1 o'clock, depending on the guitar, and it thickens my tone up just enough to make leads sound fuller and easier to play, without over-saturation. On the other hand, if I want more crispy gain on top and that classic TS mids bump, having the option of the TS side of the pedal is there. I also keep the voltage setting on 18v, instead of the standard 9v, and it increases the headroom so that you have a little bit more transparency. As for the switch that allows placement of the boost either before or after the TS side, I'm not overly concerned with that since I rarely use both effects at the same time (when I have tried it, so far I prefer it in the "pre" mode), but it is a very cool feature to have nevertheless. In summary, I'm very happy with this pedal and the versatility it provides me, given the number of guitars that I own, and the diverse needs that they bring with them. Being able to switch between the boost which is very transparent and clean, and the classic TS overdrive for more crunch is incredibly useful for me.

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Just what I was looking for.

This is a great pedal. The overdrive is just as I thought it would be. And now having a boost pedal along with it is a great addition to my pedalboard. Love this pedal.

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Worth every penny and then some...

I don't write many reviews. I read a lot of them before purchases but I fail when it comes to writing them. I love this pedal. I have a good 808 Tube Screamer but wanted another for different material. The 808 is an 808. Probably the best overdrive built. The boost is such a great option. You can run it all the time and it just gives your guitar a kick in the rear. If you have coil… read more taps and loose volume when going to single coil, set the boost level to equal between the single and double coils and you don't have to mess with the amp between songs. That's just the beginning. Buy it, you won't be disappointed. I have bought a lot of equipment over the years and Bart at Sweetwater is awesome to work with if you don't have a rep!

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Wow

This is a great pedal. The boost circuit alone makes this worth the price. It is a classic tube screamer with a very clean boost that compresses the signal and makes it sound sweeter. The boost works well with other pedals too. It is an epic pairing with the JHS Bonsai. Great work Ibanez.

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