The PedalPalFX PAL808 V2 is a TS808 Tube Screamer style overdrive, released on 12 October 2026 as what Guitar Pedal X called an "evolved and enhanced" take on the classic circuit1. It is built around the TS808 Tube Screamer topology but with selected superior components that, per the release coverage, provide higher headroom, more gain, a wider EQ sweep and more volume than the original design1.
What it does to your sound
The PAL808 V2 keeps the Tube Screamer mid-forward character players know but pushes past it. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson described the result as "like a machine-shop custom modded hotrod - with a lot more horsepower and dynamics, and better handling"1. The changes come from component choices rather than a new circuit: higher headroom, more gain on tap, a wider EQ sweep and more output volume1.
Two departures from the stock TS808 shape the tone most. The original input buffer is replaced with a JFET input buffer, and the core IC is a Texas Instruments part instead of the JRC45581. On the chip, the coverage is not consistent: one passage names a TI RC4588, another a TI RC4558 described as a high-performance version of the classic JRC4558 op-amp, so the exact part number is reported both ways1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Output volume |
| Gain | Amount of overdrive |
| Gain Stage | Selects Modern (more aggressive) or Vintage (classic) output profiles |
| Tone | EQ, with a wider sweep than the original per the release coverage |
| Clipping | Clipping options, three per the release coverage1 |
The Gain Stage switch is the pedal's main voicing control: Modern for a more aggressive profile, Vintage for the classic Tube Screamer response1.
How it compares
The Tube Screamer circuit has attracted many enhanced takes. The Pedal Pawn Black Glass Mod Overdrive Pro TS-808 is another, which its maker describes as "a glassier, more open and dynamic overdrive that retains everything players love about an original TS808 while delivering greater clarity, improved clean-up with your guitar's volume knob and a lot more tube-like overdrive on tap!"2. PedalPalFx's own range leans toward Marshall-style preamps, including the PAL800-V4 Gold and PAL987 Plexi Carrera, making the PAL808 V2 the builder's take on a different classic. For the wider field, see Overdrive Pedals and the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison.
Design and availability
Guitar Pedal X credits the design to Luis, described as a Marshall expert taking a break from his "much celebrated golden pedals" to build his own take on the TS8081. The enclosure departs from Tube Screamer tradition: "It's a pretty handsome pedal all-round, and interestingly not green in the slightest - not even the LED!"1.
On whether the changes are worthwhile, Karlsson's verdict was that the pedal is "genuinely different, and a significant cut above the original"1.
The pedal was priced at $180 plus shipping and was available from PedalPalFX's Reverb.com store at the time of release1.
Videos
PAL Effects (PedalPalFx)
PAL Effects (PedalPalFx)
Questions
What chip does the PedalPalFX PAL808 V2 use?
The PAL808 V2 uses a Texas Instruments core IC in place of the JRC4558 found in the original TS808 circuit. Reporting on the release described it as a TI RC4588, while another passage in the same coverage called it a TI RC4558, described as a high-performance version of the classic JRC4558 op-amp. Either way, the chip is a TI part rather than the JRC unit the original design used.
What is the difference between the Modern and Vintage modes on the PAL808 V2?
The Gain Stage control selects between two output profiles: Modern, described as more aggressive, and Vintage, described as classic. It is one of five controls on the pedal, alongside Level, Gain, Tone and Clipping.
Where can I buy the PedalPalFX PAL808 V2?
At the time of its October 2026 release, the PAL808 V2 was available from PedalPalFX's Reverb.com store, according to Guitar Pedal X's coverage of the launch.
How much does the PAL808 V2 cost?
The pedal was priced at $180 plus shipping through PedalPalFX's Reverb.com store, as reported by Guitar Pedal X on 12 October 2026.
Who designed the PedalPalFX PAL808 V2?
Guitar Pedal X credits the design to Luis, described as a good friend of the publication and a Marshall expert who normally builds what the site calls his much celebrated golden pedals, taking a break from those to produce his own take on the TS808.
Sources (2)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-10-12
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-08-17
