[Effects Pedal Explanation] Distortion Effects Pedals TS System

This is a story about something that everyone loves, effects pedals!
Among them, I would like to write about distortion effects pedals in particular.

The color white is said to have 200 colors, but distortion has more than 200.
Even the GAIN and DRIVE knobs on distortion effects pedals change the character of the sound, and even the same effects pedal can sound different depending on the time of production!

There is actually a classification for convenience.
here is a wide range of distortion types, from the TS and Kenta types that are often heard about, to the recently popular transparent types, and so on.

This time, I would like to introduce the TS series. Personally, I think they are highly versatile distortion effects pedals, and you can't go wrong with them.

Now, some of you may think of this effects pedal when you hear TS.
That's right, the Ibanez Tube Screamer.

The TS series are distortion effects pedals based on the Tube Screamer, to which each company has added its own unique characteristics.
To begin with, Tube Screamer has the following characteristics:

• A sound focused on the midrange
• A single coil can be transformed into a firmer sound
• It can create a lead sound that does not get buried in the ensemble when applied in front of an amp or other distortion

This is how it sounds. This pedal is used exclusively as a booster, or I think it was made to be used as a booster.
There are also two types of Tube Screamers on the high street sold today: the TS808 and TS9 introduced earlier.

The one on the left is TS808 and the one on the right is TS9.
What are the differences?

Actually, the TS808 is as close to the original Tube Screamer as possible, and the TS9 is Ibanez's modernized version.
The internal circuitry is only slightly different, but the TS9 has a slightly brighter, rougher distortion with a more viscous sound.

Ibanez also sells various other types of Tube Screamers.

The TS808HW is a hand-wired high-end model
The TS9DX, a tube screamer with added boost functionality
The TS9B is tuned for bass guitar.

And, I would like to personally feature and introduce the mini-sized TSMINI.

Ibanez – TUBE SCREAMER MINI

Because of its mini size, the price is modest (a whopping 8,000 yen), so I recommend it for those who want to experience the Tube Screamer vibe and boost without overpowering the board.
The sound character is like the TS9, and although small, it has a solid TS9 sound.

As mentioned above, Ibanez has developed several Tube Screamer models, but since they are called the TS series, other companies have also released models with various interpretations of the Tube Screamer.

Now, here are some TS-type pedals.

One Control - PERSIAN GREEN SCREAMER

This is a TS series pedal from One Control, which is popular for its good value.
You can switch between Vintage mode, which has a Tube Screamer-like sound, and Modern mode, which adds a touch of distortion to the core sound instead of a small amount of distortion.
It is reasonably priced, but the low noise is also a plus.

Earthquaker Devices – Plumes

This is a TS series from Earthquaker Devices, a high-end effects pedal brand from the US.
This one also has a mode switch, and to my surprise, it has three modes.
The 3 modes are:

• Symmetrical diode that distorts like a British amp
• Clean Boost with low distortion
• Asymmetrical silicon diode with a TS-like sound, but with a larger and clearer output

It is very luxurious.
In addition, the function of the switch can be selected, and the latch type and momentary can be used. This may be useful for localized boosting.

Leqtique – Maestoso

The TS series from Leqtique is one of my personal favorites.
The beautiful design, which can be said to be a distinctive feature, is said to be rare.
All Leqtique's effects pedals are completely handmade and even the distinctive paint job is done by hand. This is the reason why each Leqtique effect pedal is unique, and each one is a one-of-a-kind design.
Maestoso's bejeweled sound is also naturally very good.
Features include,

• Wide range of gain and volume knobs, from clean boost to distortion-like sound.
• Good follow-up to the guitar's volume control and picking, making it easy to change nuances.
• Good sound separation, so even when playing chords, the sound does not become muddy.

I can't find anything wrong with it, and in my opinion, it is the best TS type effects pedal. It may sound pricey with this economic climate, but the price is not unobtainable. If you see one at a music store, please try it out.

How was it?
Although these effects pedals came from a single effects pedal, I can see that each manufacturer has a different interpretation of the effects pedal.
This is not limited to the TS series, but the Kenta series, Transparent series, Plexi series, Amplify series, and many other distortions that will be introduced in the future will also be interpreted very differently by each manufacturer.
That being said, the Tube Screamer is a model with a good lineage (?) that continues to be at the forefront of distortion effects pedals. Tube Screamer is a model that has remained at the forefront of distortion effects pedals.
No matter what your main distortion, you can be sure that it will always sound good.
Why don't you try a green middle boost to your daily distortion life?

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