The Truetone VS-XO is a dual-channel overdrive pedal: two independent overdrive circuits in one box, each with its own distinct character, which can be used separately or stacked together12. It was launched in 2013 by Visual Sound as the VS-XO Premium Dual Overdrive, and it now sits in the archive section of Truetone's site as part of the V3 Series, so it is no longer a current product12.
The two sides are voiced differently. Truetone describes one channel as open and amp-like with a sweeping bass control, and the other as tighter with enhanced midrange presence, built to cut through a dense mix1. Guitar World's review put it the same way: the right section has an EQ curve with boosted midrange, while the left section has a flat midrange EQ2.
Two channels, two characters
Each channel has its own control set. Overdrive 1, on the right, has drive, tone, volume and clean mix controls, plus three-position clipping and bass switches. Overdrive 2 has drive, tone and volume controls, along with a rotary bass control2.
| Channel | Controls | EQ character |
|---|---|---|
| Overdrive 1 (right) | Drive, tone, volume, clean mix, three-position clipping switch, three-position bass switch | Boosted midrange |
| Overdrive 2 (left) | Drive, tone, volume, rotary bass control | Flat midrange |
The clean mix control on Overdrive 1 lets a player blend untouched low end back in with the overdriven signal, a useful trick for keeping definition at higher gain. Guitar World's reviewer found the Overdrive 1 section the more versatile of the two, calling it "the best place to dial in your ideal overall tone"2.
"The Overdrive 1 section is more versatile, and it's the best place to dial in your ideal overall tone."
Bypass and the Pure Tone buffer
Each channel can be set to true bypass or buffered operation, with the choice made per channel1. The buffer is the Pure Tone circuit, switchable on or off internally for each side3. At launch, the VS-XO was the first Visual Sound pedal to incorporate true bypass, using gold-plated relays3.
That per-channel choice matters on a real pedalboard. A player running long cable runs or several pedals can leave the buffer engaged to preserve high end, while someone who prefers a fully true-bypass chain can switch it off on both channels.
Inputs, outputs and switching
The VS-XO has separate inputs and outputs for each channel, mounted on the front of the pedal1. Premier Guitar's launch coverage noted that the separate ins and outs allow use with a switching system or changing the order of effects, while normal single-cable use still works3.
The footswitches are what Truetone calls the Forever Footswitch, rated for 10 million actuations with gold-plated relay contacts1.
Size, weight and power
The VS-XO measures 5.11" × 4.45" × 2.05" (130 × 113 × 52mm) including jacks and knobs, and weighs 1.46 lbs. (658 grams)1. Its current draw is 38mA max1, modest for a dual pedal. For comparison within the same V3 Series, the Truetone V3 Route 66 draws 44mA max and the Truetone V3 Jekyll & Hyde draws 49mA max45.
Where it came from
The pedal's build reflects Visual Sound's approach to durability: the VS-XO uses what the company calls the Forever Footswitch, rated for 10 million actuations, with gold-plated relay contacts1. Visual Sound later changed its company name to Truetone, and the pedal now appears under the Truetone name in the V3 Series archive1.
Within the maker's dual-pedal line, the VS-XO sits alongside the Jekyll & Hyde, which pairs an overdrive channel with a distortion channel rather than two overdrives. Players comparing the two circuits can read more on the Visual Sound VS-XO Premium Dual Overdrive page412.
Videos
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Questions
Is the Truetone VS-XO still in production?
No. Truetone lists the VS-XO in the archive section of its site as part of the V3 Series, meaning it is no longer a current product. It was originally launched by Visual Sound in 2013, before the company changed its name to Truetone in 2015.
Can each channel of the VS-XO be set to true bypass or buffered?
Yes. Each channel can be set to either true bypass or buffered operation using the Pure Tone circuit, and the choice is made independently per channel with internal switches. The pedal was also the first Visual Sound pedal to use true bypass, with gold-plated relays.
How much current does the Truetone VS-XO draw?
The VS-XO draws 38mA at maximum, according to Truetone's product page. That is modest by dual-pedal standards, and lower than other pedals in the same V3 Series such as the Route 66 at 44mA max and the Jekyll & Hyde at 49mA max.
How big is the Truetone VS-XO?
The VS-XO measures 5.11 by 4.45 by 2.05 inches (130 by 113 by 52mm), including jacks and knobs, and weighs 1.46 lbs (658 grams). It is a compact dual-pedal footprint, roughly the size of two single pedals side by side.
Does the VS-XO have separate inputs and outputs for each channel?
Yes. Both inputs and outputs are separate per channel and front-mounted. Truetone says this allows use with a switching system or changing the order of effects, while a single cable still works for normal use.
What is the Pure Tone circuit on the VS-XO?
The Pure Tone circuit is the buffer that Truetone, then Visual Sound, built into the VS-XO. It can be switched on or off internally for each channel, so a player can run each side buffered or true bypass depending on the rest of the pedalboard.
Sources (5)
- V3 VS-XO Premium Overdrive, Truetone, 2026
- Review: Visual Sound VS-XO Premium Dual Overdrive Pedal, Guitar World, 2014-04-28
- Visual Sound Announces VS-XO Dual Overdrive, Premier Guitar, 2013-11-15
- V3 Jekyll & Hyde, Truetone, 2026
- V3 Route 66, Truetone, 2026
