Formula B Eighty Master V2

A "British 80's" distortion designed as a true amp channel

The Formula B Eighty Master V2 follows the great tradition of "amp-in-a-box" distortions: the goal is not just to add gain but to recreate the feel of a big British 80's amp drive channel, with its punchy mids, clear attack, and that ideal "master volume" vibe perfect for riffs and leads.

In this V2 version, the approach is firmly focused on pedalboard efficiency : two distinct gain stages, extended EQ, and a Presence (Modeling) control that lets you dial in brightness and articulation according to your signal chain (guitar, pickups, amp, speaker, IR, etc.).

Who is it for? From hard-hitting rock to hard rock, live and studio

The Eighty Master V2 is aimed at guitarists seeking a structured, powerful, and versatile distortion capable of delivering solid rhythm parts and leads that hold their note without collapsing in the mix. It suits both intermediate players (looking for a "ready-to-play" sound) and seasoned musicians who finely sculpt their tone depending on guitar and amp.

Its natural playgrounds are rock, hard rock, classic rock, traditional heavy, punk rock, and more broadly anything requiring tight riffs and singing solos. On stage, it excels at switching from tight crunch to denser saturation with a single tap. In the studio, the EQ and Presence help lock the guitar's place in the spectrum without multiplying takes or corrections.

Controls and ergonomics: two gains, full EQ, and ultra-effective presence

The pedal offers a simple and highly practical layout: one footswitch to activate/deactivate the effect, and a second to switch channels. Gain 1 targets a compact, precise crunch, ideal for articulated rhythms and heavy riffs without excessive saturation. Gain 2 (indicated by the blue LED) pushes further: a richer high-gain distortion with more sustain for leads.

To shape your tone, you have a 3-band EQ (Bass, Mids, Highs) and a Modeling (Presence) control acting like a presence: it opens up the upper spectrum, adds clarity, and helps adapt the pedal to your amp's character (too dark, too bright, too mid-heavy, etc.). The Volume knob allows precise output level adjustment, whether to stay unity gain or to push a clean channel.

Regarding integration, the true bypass reassures purists, and the standard format power supply makes life easier on a modern pedalboard: a classic 9V DC adapter is all you need for daily use.

Sound

The Eighty Master V2 delivers a distortion with a British grain : firm lows, mids that bite just right, and an attack that remains clear even as gain rises. On channel 1, you get a tight crunch that retains dynamics and handles palm-muting very well, perfect for punchy rock rhythms. On channel 2, the saturation becomes more generous, more "lead"-oriented, with enhanced sustain and a denser feel under the fingers.

The strong point is its ability to sit in a mix : by adjusting mids and presence, you can go from a thick, dark sound (ideal with slightly bright single-coils) to a sharper drive that cuts through without harshness. The spirit clearly echoes the great rock guitars of the 80s, in the vein of tones associated with bands like AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, or the famous "brown sound" style.

Technical specifications

Effects	Distortion / Overdrive / Fuzz, Distortion	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Blue
EQ	3 channels

2 channels	Gain 1 (crunch/low gain) and Gain 2 (high-gain, blue LED)	Dimensions	122 x 70 x 38 mm
Bypass	true bypass	Power supply	no (sold separately)
Manufacture	hand-assembled in Todi, Italy	Required power supply	9V DC (center negative)
3-band EQ	Bass, Mids, Highs	Consumption	20 mA