Virago
One of the most popular effects of all time, with options to make it even better
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The Virago overdrive rack effect module compares to the Ibanez Tube Screamer. There are Virago configurations that compare to different versions of the Tube Screamer, as well as numerous configs that compare to other pedals that are closely related to the Tube Screamer circuit, such as: Wampler Paisley Drive, Lovepedal Eternity, Lovepedal Kalamazoo, BBE Green Screamer, Fulltone Fulldrive 1 and 2, Boss SD-1 Super Distortion, and others. This list will likely keep growing as we find additional pedals that share the base Tube Screamer circuit.
Description
The Ibanez Tube Screamer is one of the most popular pedals of all time. Its warm, mid-hump overdrive is very versatile and has been used in countless performances and recordings by many of the world's top players and weekend warriors alike. In some ways, it fueled the rise of the boutique pedal business. Many builders either modded Tube Screamer pedals or built their own customized versions of the Tube Screamer circuit.
The Virago is our take on the Tube Screamer circuit. It supports some great mods and options. It comes in many configurations that compare to a number of pedals, some of which you may not realize have a Tube Screamer-like circuit.
Configurations
- Virago TS-9 - compares to current Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer. Same as TS808, but with a different op amp and clipping diodes.
- Virago TS-808 - compares to original Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer. Nice.
- Virago MOSFET - TS-9 or TS-808 built using MOSFET transistors and op amp. Some like MOSFET tubey-ness.
- Virago Bass - TS-9 or TS-808 built to allow more bass
- Virago PD - compares to Wampler Paisley Drive. Tweaked Tube Screamer with extra controls for Presence and Mids.
- Virago Forever - compares to Lovepedal Eternity (original). See notes below.
- Virago Black - compares to Lovepedal Eternity (black). See notes below.
- Virago Burst - compares to Lovepedal Eternity (burst). See notes below.
- Virago Kanji - compares to Lovepedal Eternity (kanji). See notes below.
- Virago Zoo - compares to Lovepedal Kalamazoo.
- Virago GS - compares to BBE Green Screamer. Drop off both buffers, tweak the stripped-down remains and keep it simple. Very similar to SOS and Eternity models, but slightly different tweaks.
- Virago SOS - compares to Jack Orman Son of Screamer. Drop off both buffers, tweak the stripped-down remains and keep it simple. Very similar to GS, and Eternity models, but slightly different tweaks.
- Virago FD1 - compares to Fulltone Fulldrive 1 (original). Nearly identical to the Tube Screamer, with a switchable Gain mod and different transistors
- Virago FD2 - compares to Fulltone Fulldrive 2 (original). Nearly identical to the FD1, with a couple small tweaks, different switchable Gain mod provides 2 channels for gain level, and different transistors including one germanium. We build these with a single channel - the one with the wider range of gain which is about the same as a normal Tube Screamer. That covers the gain of both channels.
- Virago FD2M - compares to Fulltone Fulldrive 2 MOSFET. Similar to the other FD2, but with MOSFET transistors used as clipping diodes. We build these with a single channel, - the one with the wider range of gain (Boost). That covers the gain of both channels.
- Virago CJOD - compares to Clay Jones Overdrive, Landgraff Dynamic Overdrive. Two identical circuits. Early boutique version of the Tube Screamer, very close to the original circuit, but with LED clipping diodes and larger Gain pot
- Virago SD-1 - compares to original Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive. One of the longest production runs of any pedal, and still going strong. Almost identical to the Tube Screamer, but with a slightly different clipping diode config.
- Virago RTO - compares to Fulltone Robin Trower Overdrive. Tweaked up version of the TS without the input buffer.
Notes about Forever, Black, Burst, and Kanji:
There are numerous versions of the Eternity circuit, all minor variations on the same design. Leave off the input and output buffers from the Tube Screamer, and do some very minor tweaking of components and values to the remainder of the circuit, and you have the Eternity circuits (and the Green Screamer, and Son of Screamer, and probably others). In addition to the minor circuit variations, there are unmarked and gooped (covered in black crud) parts that are difficult to impossible to identify. There are all sorts of painting schemes on the pedals that people often use to refer to them (eg "black", "burst", "kanji", etc). The painting doesn't necessarily reflect the actual circuit inside. Older pedals and some of the recent ones are handwired while others are newer surface-mount technology. And then of course, the marketing, rumors, and speculation on top of all this pretty much obscure the facts - part of the mystique of the pedal and its brand.
There is no objective way of identifying the pedals that we know of that works for all the different versions. We have 4 versions of the circuit, which we call "Forever", "Black", "Burst", and "Kanji", since those names are sometimes used to identify Eternity versions. But we make no claim that the circuit we provide in each case will match any or all existing versions by those names or any other. When you buy an Eternity pedal, you get what you get. We can't make any claims that one of our Virago versions by any name will sound like a specific Eternity pedal.
Note that the tweaks and differences from one version to another are small. Most people may have difficulty hearing the difference between them. Don't expect major differences in tone between them. You'll have to listen closely in most cases to hear any differences there may be.
If you know detailed technical info about a specific Eternity circuit you want, like clipping diodes, op amp, tone stack and gain tweaks, etc, we can build it that way. We can also provide details about the versions we offer if you want to see the technical details to choose. In summary form, there are 4 small differences:
slightly different range of Gain control.
asymmetric vs symmetric clipping
optional noise cap to roll off some high treble.
slightly brighter/darker Tone range.
Here's how our versions stack up on those differences. All these differences are subtle.
Forever: less gain, asymmetric, no noise cap, darker.
Black: more gain, symmetric (with some Ge diodes), noise cap, brighter.
Burst: more gain, symmetric, noise cap, brighter.
Kanji: more gain, symmetric, no noise cap, medium tone.
The tables below summarize key differences between the different base configurations we offer.
Virago Configurations - 1
| Configuration | TS-9 | TS-808 | MOSFET | Bass | PD | Forever | Black | Burst | Kanji |
| Compares To | current Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer | original Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer | MOSFET TS-808 or TS-9 | TS-808 or TS-9 for Bass | Wampler Paisley Drive | Lovepedal Eternity (original) | Lovepedal Eternity (black) | Lovepedal Eternity (burst) | Lovepedal Eternity (kanji) |
| Controls | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level, Presence switch, Mids switch | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level |
| Input Buffer Transistor | 2SC1815 | 2SC2458 | BS170 | 2SC2458 | J201 | none | none | none | none |
| Output Buffer Transistor | 2SC1815 | 2SC2458 | BS170 | 2SC2458 | J201 | none | none | none | none |
| Op Amp | JRC4558D | RC4558P | CA3260 | RC4558P | JRC4580D | LM1458N | LM1458N | LM1458N | LM1458N |
| Clipping Diodes | (2) 1N914 | (2) 1N914 | (2) 1N914 | (2) 1N914, (2) LED recommended | (2) 1N4148 | (3) 1N914 | (2) 1N914, (2) 1N34A | (4) 1N914 | (4) 1N914 |
Virago Configurations - 2
| Configuration | Zoo | GS | SOS | FD1 | FD2 | FD2M | CJOD | SD1 | RTO |
| Compares To | Lovepedal Kalamazoo | BBE Green Screamer | Jack Orman Son Of Screamer | Fulltone Fulldrive 1 | Fulltone Fulldrive 2 | Fulltone Fulldrive 2 MOSFET | Clay Jones Overdrive, Landgraff Dynamic Overdrive | Boss SD-1 Super Distortion | Wampler Robin Trower Overdrive |
| Controls |
Drive, Tone, Level, Treble |
Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level, Clip switch, Mids switch | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level | Drive, Tone, Level |
| Input Buffer Transistor | none | none | none | MPS5172 | 2N5089 | 2SC1815 | 2SC1815 | 2SC732GR | none |
| Output Buffer Transistor | none | none | none | MPS5172 | 2N1306 | 2SC1815 | 2SC1815 | 2SC732GR | 2SC1815 |
| Op Amp | JRC4558D | JRC4558D | JRC4558D | JRC4558D | JRC4558D | JRC4558D | JRC4558D | uPC4558C | LF353 |
| Clipping Diodes | (4) 1N4148 | (2) 1N914 | (2) 1N914 | 1N4148, 1N4005 | 1N914, 1N4005 | 1N914, 1N4005 / 2N7000, 1N34A, 2N7000 | (2) 1N914 | (3) 1N914 | BAT41, 2N7000, 2N7000 |
Options
- Original Pull Down Resistor (PDR) - Some of the original pedals had a low impedance that caused some tone loss. By default we put in a larger PDR to fix that problem. If you want the original tone suck, choose this option and we'll stick to the original PDR value.
- Voltage - By default, we use the same voltages as the original circuits, which is 9V most of the time. We can instead use 12V, 15V, or 18V if you want more headroom and less distortion. A few configurations have lower limits, such as the MOSFET configuration. It is limited to 12V. We'll let you know before we take your order if your choice won't work out.
- Voltage Control - Regardless of the selected voltage, this option gives you the ability to turn down the voltage to simulate a dying battery. It allows you to turn the voltage down quite a bit lower than a dying battery.
- Custom Op Amp - You can choose another pin-compatible op amp.
- Custom Clipping - You can choose a different clipping diode configuration of your choice. By default, we don't always use the same diodes as were used in the original pedal. Some of them are expensive and difficult to find, even though they were nothing special at the time. We use available diodes that provide the same sound. If you want us to specifically use the original diodes if we have them, select this option and just specify you want the originals. NOTE FOR BASS PLAYERS: LEDs clip at a higher voltage. That means you'll get a little less distortion, a little more volume. In this circuit, that translates to much better note separation and a cleaner, crisper attack even if you're using fingers, not a pick. Some effects don't work as well for bass because your root notes can lose clarity and the rhythm softens up. But if you lighten up on the effect so that your root note isn't changed as much, you can get your clarity back, along with enough effect to achieve your tone goal. The LEDs help you do that. The original silicon diodes will give you smoother sound, but not quite so punchy. The difference is considerable, making a switch between original and LED clipping a good option to consider. Would be great for "lead bass" players!
- Clipping Switch - You can choose two different clipping diode configurations and select between them. An optional third switch position will give you no clipping diode.
- Fat Mod - Minor tweaks to add a bit more bass to the tone. Probably not a good idea for the Bass or PD configurations. They already have something similar.
- Fat Switch - Fat Mod on a switch. Allows you to select 3 different levels, including the original value.
- Gain Mod - This provides a slightly lower minimum Gain level and a slightly higher maximum Gain level. The original range is still contained within the new range.
- More Gain - This is a different Gain mod that swaps out the normal Gain control for a larger one. The original range is still there, but there is more gain available at the higher settings.
- Bright Switch - The standard Tube Screamer has accentuated mids. There are multiple mods to change that. One is to put some additional capacitors on a switch that will provide a different range of treble content for the Tone knob. This option does that. It is a 3-position switch. One position is the standard Tone range. The other two are different levels of additional brightness. Not really compatible with the Bass and PD configurations.
- Mids Switch - This switch allows you to select either the standard mid-boost tone or a flatter mids tone. Not really compatible with the Bass and PD configurations.
- Tone Mod - This is a simple and popular mod that gives the Tone control a wider range - a bit more Treble control. The original range is within the new range. Not really compatible with the Bass and PD configurations.
- Paisley Switches - The Wampler Paisly Drive provides two switches to proved additional control over the mids and presence. This mod compares to that. It is included in the PD configuration. Not really compatible with the Bass configuration.
- Switched Buffers - Adds a switch to turn the input and output buffers on/off. Can be made to work on only the input or the output buffer, too. Not recommended with the PD configuration.
- Custom Transistors - The transistors are used only for the buffers. The specific model of transistor is less important. You can choose a different transistor type from the default.
- Louder Mod - Provides more gain just before the Volume control. The effect is having a slightly higher maximum volume available. You can still turn it down, of course.
- Carbon Comp Resistors - An option for those that like carbon comp tones.
- Custom Components - We use metal film resistors and a selection of capacitors that provide good tone and low noise.
Front Panel
- On/Off indicator LED
- Drive
- Tone
- Level
- (optional) Presence switch
- (optional) Mids switch
- (optional) Clipping switch
- (optional) Voltage control
- (optional) Fat switch
- (optional) Bright switch
- (optional) Buffers switch
- (Zoo only) Treble control
Rear Panel
- Audio In
- Audio Out
- On/Off Footswitch
- On/Off Override
- DC Power
- DC Power LED
Module Width
- 1.5" standard
- 2" with options
- 2" left wing and 1.5" right wing available for 3-4 control configurations
Power Consumption (aprox)
10 - 18mA
Base Configurations
| Part # | Description | List Price |
| MOD-VIRAGO-TS9 | Virago TS-9 module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-TS808 | Virago TS-808 module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-MOSFET | Virago MOSFET module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-BASS | Virago Bass module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-PD | Virago PD module | $230 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-FOREVER | Virago Forever module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-BLACK | Virago Black module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-BURST | Virago Burst module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-KANJI | Virago Kanji module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-ZOO | Virago Zoo module | $225 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-GS | Virago GS module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-SOS | Virago SOS module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-FD1 | Virago FD1 module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-FD2 | Virago FD2 module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-FD2M | Virago FD2M module | $230 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-CJOD | Virago CJOD module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-SD1 | Virago SD1 module | $220 |
| MOD-VIRAGO-RTO | Virago RTO module | $220 |
Options
| Part # | Description | List Price |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-OPDR | Original PDR | $0 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-VOLTS | Voltage | $0 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-VOLTSPOT | Voltage Control | $49 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-OPAMP | Custom Op Amp | $0 - TBD |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-CLIP | Custom Clipping | $0 - TBD |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-SWCLIP | Clipping Switch | $19 - TBD |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-FAT | Fat Mod | $0 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-SWFAT | Fat Switch | $19 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-GAIN | Gain Mod | $0 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-MOGAIN | More Gain | $0 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-BRIGHT | Bright Switch | $19 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-MIDS | Mids Switch | $19 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-TONE | Tone Mod | $0 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-PAISLEY | Paisley Switches | $39 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-SWBUF | Switched Buffers | $19 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-TRANS | Custom Transistors | $0 - TBD |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-LOUD | Louder Mod | $0 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-CCRES | Carbon Comp Resistors | $10 |
| MOPT-VIRAGO-CC | Custom Components | TBD |