The "Astronaut-y" Tubedreamer is an overdrive pedal from JAM Pedals, built as a one-of-a-kind hand-painted artwork edition of the company's Tubedreamer mk.2. At its core it is an 808-style overdrive, the circuit family behind the classic Tube Screamer sound, and JAM describes it as "a warm, rich and articulate 808-style overdrive built to cut through a mix without ever sounding congested or harsh"1. It differs from a standard single-footswitch overdrive by adding a dedicated HIGH GAIN footswitch that brings in an additional gain stage, turning it into a two-stage performance tool1.
How it sounds and how it is controlled
The front panel carries the usual overdrive controls plus a clipping toggle:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Controls output |
| Tone | Adjusts tonal balance |
| Gain | Sets drive |
| Clipping toggle | Selects asymmetrical or no-diode operation |
| HIGH GAIN footswitch | Activates an additional gain stage |
The Clipping toggle is the pedal's main tonal switch. In asymmetrical mode the signal runs through three diodes for the classic 808-style clipping response. No-diode mode removes diode clipping altogether, which JAM says gives "a more open, dynamic and amp-like response with greater headroom and clarity"1.
The second footswitch engages the extra gain stage, and two internal trimmers set that stage's output independently for asymmetrical and no-diode modes. That means you can match the levels between the two voices or set the high gain stage as a deliberate boost1.
JAM also notes that the mk.2 offers finer resolution at lower Gain settings than before, expanding the range of usable clean push and edge-of-breakup tones1.
The artwork editions
Every limited artwork pedal, including the "Astronaut-y" piece, is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, and JAM states plainly that the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos shown1. The same circuit is available in other artwork editions, which JAM describes as "same sound, different artwork": the "Blood Spatter", "Butteskull", "Celestial Window" and "Monterey" Tubedreamers1.
Because each hand-painted pedal is unique, the artwork on the unit you receive will differ in detail from the product photos. If you want the same circuit without the one-off artwork, the standard TubeDreamer and the Tubedreamer Screamer MK2 carry the same mk.2 design.
Circuit and specifications
The Tubedreamer mk.2 is built around the JRC4558D chip, the op-amp long associated with 808-style overdrives, paired with three-diode asymmetrical clipping that JAM says gives a natural response to picking dynamics1. Players comparing it with other members of the family can see how the 808 design differs from its rivals in the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison, or browse the wider overdrive pedal field.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Core IC | JRC4558D |
| Input impedance | 500 kΩ |
| Output impedance | <5 kΩ |
| Power | 9V DC, center-negative |
| Current draw | 60 mA |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 12 x 5.6 cm / 2.9 x 4.7 x 2.2 in |
| Weight | 280 g / 0.6 lb |
At 60 mA, the pedal draws more current than many simple overdrives, so it is worth checking your power supply's per-output budget when planning a daisy chain1.
Buying from JAM
The "Astronaut-y" Tubedreamer is listed at £309.00 GBP with tax included, as of 25 October 20261. For UK buyers, JAM ships DDP with 20% UK VAT and all duties included, so there are no extra charges on delivery, and shipping is free1. The pedal carries a 30-day money-back guarantee: if within 30 days of receiving your product you are not satisfied and wish to return it, JAM refunds with no questions asked1. A manual page exists for the "Astronaut-y" Tubedreamer on the maker's site1.
Sources (1)
- “Astronaut-y” Tubedreamer, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
