In this review we will be checking out the Behringer TO800 Vintage Tube Overdrive pedal! Tone Start will be covering everything you need to know about the pedal before you go out and buy it. We will be checking out its features, sound, performance, durability, and provide you with our overall opinion on the pedal.
BACKGROUND
Behringer is a company founded by Uli Behringer back in 1989. They specialise in producing high quality audio equipment among various other products, which are distributed throughout the world. Behringer is a German-based company that manufactures all of their products in China. The company is currently owned by Music Group, which is chaired by Uli Behringer himself.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Inputs: |
1 x 1/4″ |
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Outputs: |
1 x 1/4″ |
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Power supply: |
Yes (not included) |
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Batteries: |
1 x 9V |
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Dimensions: |
2.125 x 2.75 x 4.8 inches |
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Weight: |
0.73 lbs |
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Manufacturer part no. |
TO800 |
*(Listed according to the information provided at Behringer’s official website)
CONTROLS
DRIVE (min/max): controls the intensity of the overdrive effect
TONE (low/high): shapes the overall sound
LEVEL (min/max): adjusts the output level of the pedal
FOOTSWITCH: enables/disables the effect
RESOURCES
FEATURES
This pedal is honestly amazing. I’m becoming fonder of it each time I use it. It’s got everything you would want in an overdrive pedal. The sound achieved by the Behringer TO800 is very reminiscent of the Ibanez tube screamer. I’m amazed at how even after turning the drive all the way up the tone never becomes overly muddy. The controls take a little playing around with to achieve a nice tone, but once you have that down you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how nice your guitar can sound.
The vintage sound of the TO800 is achieved through the implementation of the original 4558 IC/MA150 distortion diodes. It has great sustain, although it falls a bit short in regards to the overall overdrive that can be achieved. This is where more expensive overdrive pedals will shine. Although, The TO800 can help you to push the distortion of your amp to another level.
The low price of the TO800 does not directly indicate its quality. I’ve heard other overdrive pedals that are three-times more expensive that do not sound nearly as good as the TO800. For only around $20 you really can’t go wrong with the purchase.
The TO800 can be powered using a power supply (not supplied) or a 9V battery. The common trend with guitar effects pedal manufacturers is that they do not include a power supply anyway. Battery level of the device is indicated by the LED (ON/BATT) located at the front of the pedal. This LED also indicates whether the effect is currently active or not. It should be noted that if the power supply remains attached to the pedal it will drain its battery. This is true even if the unit is turned off.
One drawback of the pedal is that it’s difficult to access the battery compartment. This was the only time the manual was needed to figure something out. The manual states that in order to remove the pedal cover you need to press the hinges down using a ball pen. I didn’t realise that changing the battery on a pedal could be so difficult until I encountered the TO800.
NOTE – The TO800 does not, or claim to feature true bypass.
DURABILITY
It’s no doubt that that people would be sceptical about the durability of the TO800. It’s true that the housing of the pedal is made of thick plastic, although it is much more sturdy than you might think. I really doubt think there will be any issues regarding the unit’s durability unless you are purposely trying to destroy it with a sledgehammer.
It will definitely feel much lighter due to plastic housing compared to the more commonly found metal housings. The components used in the pedal seem to be of decent quality also.
PROS/CONS
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Compact design
- Light weight
- Very versatile
- Responsive
CONS
- Lacklustre overdrive
- Plastic housing
FINAL VERDICT
The Behringer TO800 Vintage Tube Overdrive pedal is a great starter overdrive pedal that is quite inexpensive, but provides great functionality. It’s a steal for the amount of money it’s currently going for on the market. I give massive props to Behringer for recreating the classic vintage sound at such a low price tag. As you’d expect though, there has to be several sacrifices made to ensure the price is kept low. This includes the plastic housing, no true-bypass, and design feasibility (battery compartment).
I would highly recommend this pedal to beginners and other musicians alike looking for a more affordable alternative to the more expensive overdrive pedals found on the market at the moment.
Agree or disagree with our review? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Alex is a man of many talents. He’s been playing music since he was young, and has been the main content writer at Tone Start for the past few years. Alex loves to play around with different styles of music and enjoys listening to anything from country to classical.