The Becos TS8-MS is a multi-voiced overdrive pedal with MIDI switching, made in Romania by Becos FX. At its heart is an 808-style analog circuit with gain, tone and level controls, in the tradition of the silicon diode-based "Screamer design, but with MIDI program change and control change handling built in, so it can sit in a MIDI-controlled rig as easily as a plain stompbox1. It belongs to the broader family of overdrive pedals, and its switching side also connects it to MIDI pedals and switching pedals.
Controls and voices
The front panel carries gain, tone and level knobs, plus a three-way mini-toggle that selects the overdrive voice, and an internal MIDI rotary control1. The toggle offers three voices: classic, asymmetric and custom1. The classic voice is the 808-style silicon diode circuit the pedal is built around1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Overdrive amount |
| Tone | Treble shaping |
| Level | Output volume |
| 3-way mini-toggle | Selects overdrive voice: classic, asymmetric or custom |
| Internal MIDI rotary control | MIDI setup, accessed inside the pedal |
The clipping section is designed to be opened up. The pedal uses silicon diode clipping as standard, but Becos has fitted sockets so different germanium and/or silicon diodes can be swapped in1.
"it has also provided sockets for customisation and actively encourages experimentation with different germanium and/or silicon diodes"
MIDI and switching
The MIDI side is what sets the TS8-MS apart from a conventional overdrive. It has five-pin MIDI in and out sockets, and responds to MIDI program change and MIDI control change messages for all of its switching capabilities, covering both bypass and voice selection1. It works in MIDI receive and transmit mode, and can itself be used as a MIDI controller1. Alongside the MIDI sockets there is a jack output for external switching, and the footswitch can be set to buffered or true bypass1.
Build and size
The pedal is housed in a rugged black Hammond 1590B aluminum case with clearly printed white labeling, and measures 120 x 61 x 31 mm1.
Related pedals and what reviewers said
Becos FX, based in Constanta, Romania, built the TS8-MS around an 808-style analog circuit, describing it as "a high performance, silicon diode-based 'Screamer with MIDI switching capabilities"1. The pedal carries a list price of £2251 and comes in a rugged black Hammond 1590B aluminum case with clearly printed white labeling1.
Videos
BECOS FX
BECOS FX
Sources (2)
- Review: Becos TS8-MS Overdrive Midi Switcher, Guitar.com, 2019-11-07
- Becos Effects Announces the Ziffer Overdrive, Premier Guitar, 2021-08-19
