The JAM Pedals "Monterey" Tubedreamer is a limited, hand-painted version of the Tubedreamer mk.2, an 808-style overdrive pedal from Greek maker JAM Pedals. JAM Pedals describes the mk.2 as "a warm, rich and articulate 808-style overdrive built to cut through a mix without ever sounding congested or harsh"1. The Monterey carries the same circuit and sound as the standard mk.2; the only difference is the artwork on the enclosure1.
At its core is the JRC4558D op-amp, the chip associated with the classic Tube Screamer 808 design, paired with three-diode asymmetrical clipping. On top of that sits a second gain stage you can kick in with its own footswitch, plus a no-diode clipping mode for a more open, amp-like response1.
What it does to your sound
The Tubedreamer mk.2 follows the 808 recipe: a JRC4558D op-amp driving a clipping stage, with the level, gain and tone shaping familiar to anyone who has used a Tube Screamer. Where it goes further is the high gain stage. A dedicated HIGH GAIN footswitch activates an additional gain stage on top of the main drive, so you can set a clean push or edge-of-breakup sound on the main controls and jump to a heavier voice without bending down1.
The mk.2 also offers what JAM Pedals calls finer resolution at lower Gain settings, expanding the range of usable clean push and edge-of-breakup sounds at the low end of the knob1. Gearnews' Julian Schmauch summed up the update when the MK2 launched in May 2026: "the upgrades to the TubeDreamer MK2 make a great overdrive pedal even more versatile"2.
The controls
The Monterey Tubedreamer mk.2 carries four knobs and two footswitches3:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets the output volume |
| Gain | Sets the amount of drive; the mk.2 taper gives finer control at low settings1 |
| Tone | Shapes the high end |
| Clipping | Selects Asymmetrical or No-Diode mode3 |
| HIGH GAIN footswitch | Activates the additional gain stage1 |
| Engage/Bypass footswitch | Turns the pedal on and off3 |
The two clipping modes work like this:
- Asymmetrical mode uses three diodes for what JAM Pedals calls classic warmth, touch sensitivity and harmonic texture1.
- No-diode mode removes diode clipping entirely for a more open, dynamic and amp-like response with greater headroom and clarity1.
Two internal trimmers set the high gain stage's output independently for the asymmetrical and no-diode modes, so you can match the volume jump between modes or deliberately set one as a boost1.
When the MK2 was announced in May 2026, Guitar Pedal X noted the changes from the earlier version: High Gain moved from a toggle switch to a second footswitch, and the No-Diode clipping option was added3. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio called the dedicated high-gain footswitch "the other smart addition" to the design4.
Versions and artwork
The Monterey is one of several custom artwork versions of the Tubedreamer mk.2. JAM Pedals says every custom artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, and the Monterey shares its sound with the standard mk.2: "Same sound, different artwork"1. Other artwork versions in the line include the "Astronaut-y", "Blood Spatter", "Butteskull" and "Celestial Window" Tubedreamers1.
Because each Monterey Tubedreamer is hand-painted individually, no two enclosures look the same. If the look matters to you, the specific piece you receive is the one you get.
Power and placement
The Monterey runs on 9V DC, center negative, drawing 60 mA1. At 60 mA it draws more current than a vintage-style 808 clone running on a few milliamps, so plan a spot on a powered pedalboard rather than a battery. It is true bypass, so it leaves your signal alone when disengaged1. For UK buyers, JAM Pedals ships it DDP with 20% UK VAT and all duties included, with no extra charges on delivery1.
Videos
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Questions
Is the JAM Tubedreamer true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the Monterey Tubedreamer, like the rest of the Tubedreamer mk.2 line, as true bypass, so it leaves your dry signal untouched when the pedal is disengaged.
What chip does the Tubedreamer use?
The Tubedreamer mk.2 is built around the JRC4558D op-amp, the same core IC as the classic Ibanez Tube Screamer 808 circuits it is modeled on, paired with three-diode asymmetrical clipping.
What does no-diode mode do on the Tubedreamer?
No-diode mode removes the clipping diodes from the circuit entirely. JAM Pedals says this gives a more open, dynamic and amp-like response with greater headroom and clarity, compared with the warmer, more compressed asymmetrical mode.
Is each Monterey Tubedreamer one of a kind?
Yes. The Monterey is a limited custom artwork version of the Tubedreamer mk.2, and JAM Pedals says every custom artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece. The sound is identical to the standard mk.2.
Sources (4)
- “Monterey” Tubedreamer, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- JAM Pedals TubeDreamer MK2: More Tube Screamer than a Tube Screamer?, gearnews.com, 2026-05-15
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-05-14
- Jam Pedals Tubedreamer MK2, Delicious Audio, 2026-05-29
