Keen to downsize your rig and have all your core tones available at your feet? Preamp pedals allow you to do just that. In this guide, we’ll tell you what they do, how they work, and give you some handy setup tips to help get you started.
Ultimate Guide to
Preamp Pedals
Frankly, we modern guitarists are spoiled. The sheer amount of incredible equipment available to us means it’s never been easier to craft ear-grabbing tones. With the rise of digital modelling amps and guitar pedals in particular, many players are deciding to completely forgo traditional valve amplifiers in favour of these smaller, more practical substitutes. And why not? They’re versatile, reliable, and effortlessly portable.
Preamp pedals are a huge part of this tone revolution. Seen as viable alternatives to conventional amps, these stompboxes can convincingly recreate their large sounds despite their small form factors and relative affordability. But just what is a preamp, how do they sound, and how should you use one? Read on for all the details!
Table of Contents
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What Is a Preamp?
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What Does a Preamp Pedal Do?
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Why Use a Preamp Pedal?
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Can you Get Preamp Pedals with Valves?
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Where Does a Preamp Pedal Go in My Signal Chain?
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Preamp Pedal Features to Look Out For
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Top Preamp Pedals to Check Out
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Preamp Pedals: FAQs
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Want to Learn More?
What Is A Preamp?
Let’s start with the basics. A preamp (short for “preamplifier”) is the first stage in an amp’s signal chain. It’s where your guitar’s signal goes right after you plug in, and its main job is to take that relatively weak signal from your pickups and boost it to a level where it can be shaped and amplified. In other words, it gets your sound ready for action.
But there’s more going on here than just volume control. A preamp also plays an important role in shaping your tone. The EQ section you see on most amps (where you’ll see knobs labelled treble, mid, and bass) is part of the preamp. And in most modern amps, especially valve models, it’s the preamp stage that adds all that glorious overdrive and gritty character we love so much. Those classic 12AX7 tubes that you’ll find in many amps are made to a high-gain specification, which causes them to compress and break up more effectively than other tubes.
What Does A Preamp Pedal Do?
It’s all in the name - a preamp pedal can emulate the preamp section of a guitar amplifier. While the majority of real preamps feature tubes, as we explained above, most preamp pedals are built upon solid-state circuitry. This is because genuine tubes tend to expire after a couple of years, as they heat up to high temperatures and are constructed from glass; making them brittle. To therefore ensure better reliability and longevity, most preamp pedals adhere to a solid-state formula.
Although the bulk of preamp pedals don’t feature valves, manufacturers still want to provide players with convincing sounds, while offering the same level of usability that they’d expect from real amps. That’s why many examples feature EQ controls, so that users can shape their sounds in a familiar way. Preamp pedals also boast gain circuits in order to produce overdriven tones.
There’s plenty of diversity within the preamp pedal market, just like with all effect types. With simple and affordable options that cater for budget-conscious musicians, there are also more sophisticated and flexible preamp pedals. The latter can boast several channels, just like amplifiers that let you switch between different sounds. There are also models that come equipped with more comprehensive control-sets, enabling you to really dial in the perfect tones.
Preamp Pedal Shootout on Andertons T.V.
Why Use a Preamp Pedal?
There’s plenty of reasons why a preamp pedal could deserve a spot on your pedalboard. For starters, they’re a brilliant option if you want more tonal flexibility from a single-channel amp. Simply set your amp to clean, then use your preamp pedal as a second channel for drive or boosted tones. You can even leave it always on to act as your “base tone” - especially if you’ve found a preamp that really nails the sound you’re going for.
Preamp pedals are also a great solution for silent recording or direct-to-PA gigs. Many modern preamp pedals come loaded with cab simulations, or pair perfectly with external cab sim pedals, which gives you an authentic amp-like sound without ever touching a mic. If you travel light or gig regularly, a modern preamp pedal could even form the core of a compact travel rig, letting you leave that bulky amp at home without worrying about sacrificing tone.
Can You Get Preamp Pedals With Valves?
You bet you can - and for many players, valve-powered preamp pedals are the real deal. It’s true that most preamp pedals use solid-state circuitry for convenience and durability, but there’s still a healthy demand for that unmistakable tube warmth and responsiveness. And thanks to some clever engineering, several brands have managed to squeeze genuine valves into compact, road-ready pedals.
Take Victory’s V4 preamp pedals, for example. With full-analogue circuitry, these high-quality stompboxes are powered by three CV4014 valves and single EC900s, which provide that unmistakable valve amp character. Likewise, Two Notes offer a range of tube-driven preamp pedals - like the Le Clean and Le Lead – that come complete with real 12AX7s to provide an authentic feel and incredible tone.
Concerned about fragility? Don’t be. Today’s manufacturers know these pedals are built for the floor, so they’re typically housed in rugged, steel enclosures with smart design features like internal shock protection and ventilation to keep those valves cool and safe. In other words, you get all the tonal goodness of a valve amp, but minus the back-breaking cab and potentially pricey amp head.
Victory V4 Preamp Pedals on Andertons T.V.
Where Does A Preamp Pedal Go In My Signal Chain?
A preamp pedal should be placed quite early in your overall signal chain, before your power amp or cab simulator pedals. As it’s a substitute for an amp’s preamp, it should be one of the first stompboxes your guitar’s output signal comes into contact with.
However, there are a few pedals that you should still place ahead of a preamp. A tuner pedal, for example, should almost always be the first thing in your signal chain. This is to make sure that the purest possible guitar signal feeds into the pedal’s input, giving it the best chance to cleanly process that signal for the most accurate tuning reading possible.
Some guitarists, especially metal players, also add overdrive pedals with their distorted amps to achieve a tighter, more saturated sound. Tube Screamer-style pedals are a common choice, as they typically shelve some low-end and boost mid-range frequencies for extra clarity and definition. Using an overdrive pedal into a high-gain preamp pedal should have a similar effect.
Preamp Pedal Features to Look Out For
Not all preamp pedals are built equally, and depending on what you need your pedal to do, some features will matter more than others. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you should look out for when shopping for a preamp pedal:
- EQ Controls: From simple tone knobs to full 3-band EQ with sweepable mids.
- Gain Staging: Some preamp pedals offer cascading gain stages for more saturation and complexity.
- Channels: Dual or multi-channel pedals let you switch between clean, crunch, and high-gain tones.
- Cab Simulation: Cab sim software or impulse response loaders can help replicate the mix-ready sound of a mic’d speaker cab.
- DI Output: Balanced outputs for running straight to a mixer or interface.
- FX Loop: Lets you place time-based effects after the preamp stage for better clarity.
- MIDI Support: Useful for integrating with complex pedalboards or switchers.
Top Preamp Pedals to Check Out
If you're sold on the idea of adding a preamp pedal to your rig, there’s tonnes of brands worth checking out, all known for their quality, innovation, and tonal versatility.
Brands like Victory, Universal Audio, and Laney offer top-tier preamp options that come complete with features like multi-channel functionality, built-in boost and reverb, or even fully-analogue, valve-driven designs. For those seeking diverse tonal options across different price points, TC Electronic, Hudson, and Tubesteader also offer top-notch pedals, equipped with dedicated DI outputs and other handy features for versatile functionality and reliability.
Best Selling Preamp Pedals
Preamp Pedals: FAQs
Do I need a preamp pedal if I already have a multi-effects unit?
Not necessarily. Many multi-effects units also include both amp and preamp modelling. But if you're not totally satisfied with those tones, or if you want a specific amp-style sound, adding a dedicated preamp pedal could significantly upgrade your rig.
Can I use a preamp pedal as my main amp?
Yes, many modern preamp pedals are designed to be total amp replacements. Pair one with a cab sim or IR loader and you’ve got a complete rig - no amp required!
What’s the difference between a preamp and an overdrive pedal?
Overdrive pedals add gain and colour before your amp’s preamp. A preamp pedal is a more comprehensive tone-shaping tool that can stand in for an amp’s front end, often with EQ and voicing controls.
Where should I put a preamp pedal in my signal chain?
Usually, you’ll want to drop your preamp pedal right after your tuner or boost/drive pedals, and before any modulation, delay, or reverb effects. If you’re using it to replace your amp, place it before your cab sim or power amp.
Can I stack an overdrive pedal into a preamp pedal?
Certainly. Many players stack a Tube Screamer or similar pedal into a high-gain preamp to tighten up their tone, especially if you’re shooting for metal or modern rock sounds.
Do preamp pedals work with bass guitars?
Yes - in fact, there are plenty of preamps designed specifically for bass. Brands like Tech 21, Darkglass, and Aguilar offer bass preamp pedals that include DI outputs and tone shaping tailored for low-end clarity.
Are valve preamp pedals better than solid-state preamp pedals?
Better is subjective, but valve preamps do tend to offer more warmth, touch sensitivity, and dynamic response. Solid-state models are often more affordable and rugged, but they can sometimes sound a little less organic. That said, modern, high-quality pedals are blurring the line between digital and analogue.
Do I need a cab sim if I’m using a preamp pedal live?
If you're going straight into a PA or recording interface, a cab sim will make your tone sound much more natural and complete. But if you're using a real amp and speaker cab, you can skip the cab sim.
Can I use multiple preamp pedals on one board?
Definitely! Many players use different preamps for different tones, including clean, crunch, and high gain. Just make sure they’re not all active at once unless you're blending them intentionally!
Is a preamp pedal the same as a DI box?
Not quite. Some preamp pedals include DI functionality (with balanced outputs), but a DI box’s main job is to convert your unbalanced signal into a balanced one for long cable runs or recording. You can use both together, or grab a preamp that does both.
Want To Learn More?
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