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June 10, 2024
Valve and Solid-State Pedalboard Amps
Your whole rig right at your feet!
As guitar players, the dream of owning that larger-than-life half stack and a decked-out pedalboard to go with it seems great -- until you have to lug all of that beautiful gear to the gig. Eventually, you'll reach the point where you'll consider downsizing your rig. When that moment comes, we highly recommend downsizing to a pedalboard amp! In this buying guide, we'll walk you through a variety of pedalboard amps to help you find the best fit without sacrificing tone and feel.
So, what IS a pedalboard amp? Just as the name suggests, pedalboard amps are amplifiers packed into a pedal. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from standard stompbox size to the width and length of an entire medium-sized pedalboard. Regardless of form factor, pedalboard amps are designed to be highly portable and travel-friendly. In this guide, we will cover the two main types of pedalboard amps: all-in-one digital amp and effects modelers, and valve pedals.
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So, what IS a pedalboard amp? Just as the name suggests, pedalboard amps are amplifiers packed into a pedal. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from standard stompbox size to the width and length of an entire medium-sized pedalboard. Regardless of form factor, pedalboard amps are designed to be highly portable and travel-friendly. In this guide, we will cover the two main types of pedalboard amps: all-in-one digital amp and effects modelers, and valve pedals.
Victory V4 The Sheriff: Genuine Tube Tone -- Right on Your Pedalboard!
If you demand the warmth and power of a tube amp but desire the portability of a stompbox, the Victory V4 The Sheriff will make your downsizing efforts a breeze. Featuring an all-valve preamp and a digital class D power section working in tandem with Victory's valve response circuit (VRC), this amps packs the heft and power you'd expect from a full tube amp in a box small enough to throw in your backpack! All Victory V4 pedalboard amps, including The Sheriff, are rated for 180 watts at 4 ohms respectively.
Don't have a speaker cabinet? No problem! The V4 Sheriff comes loaded with Two Notes DynaIR Cab Sim software. Download the Torpedo app from the Two Notes website, connect the V4 amp into your computer, and access a wide variety of different cabinets and EQs to dial in your ideal sound. Once tuned to your liking, use the Cab Sim XLR out to connect to studio monitors, loudspeakers, or a PA system -- and you won't need to worry about plugging into a physical amp cab. Looking to put the V4 amp right on your board next to your pedals? They're a great fit for medium to large boards, and offer an effects loop that sits in between the preamp and power amp sections, letting the character of your pedals shine through uncompromised.
What about the tone? The Victory V4 The Sheriff is modeled after its 25- and 100-watt big brothers -- boasting 2 channels of pure British overdrive that can be toggled between using the stompbox switch right on the amp itself. The Vintage channel is inspired by '60s style blues rock, with modest breakup that feels like slightly saturated crunch. Kicking it into a higher gear is the hot-rodded channel -- a high gain setting ideal for heavy riffs and shredding for those looking to channel their inner '80s hair metal head banger. The onboard three-band EQ is simple but intuitive, as the amp is very responsive to it -- allowing for deep tone sculpting. Cap it off with the lush reverb setting that sits just to the right of the EQ, and you have a box that'll give your rig unlimited potential while using a very limited amount of space.
Own it for $999.00 or 18 payments of $55.50!
Don't have a speaker cabinet? No problem! The V4 Sheriff comes loaded with Two Notes DynaIR Cab Sim software. Download the Torpedo app from the Two Notes website, connect the V4 amp into your computer, and access a wide variety of different cabinets and EQs to dial in your ideal sound. Once tuned to your liking, use the Cab Sim XLR out to connect to studio monitors, loudspeakers, or a PA system -- and you won't need to worry about plugging into a physical amp cab. Looking to put the V4 amp right on your board next to your pedals? They're a great fit for medium to large boards, and offer an effects loop that sits in between the preamp and power amp sections, letting the character of your pedals shine through uncompromised.
What about the tone? The Victory V4 The Sheriff is modeled after its 25- and 100-watt big brothers -- boasting 2 channels of pure British overdrive that can be toggled between using the stompbox switch right on the amp itself. The Vintage channel is inspired by '60s style blues rock, with modest breakup that feels like slightly saturated crunch. Kicking it into a higher gear is the hot-rodded channel -- a high gain setting ideal for heavy riffs and shredding for those looking to channel their inner '80s hair metal head banger. The onboard three-band EQ is simple but intuitive, as the amp is very responsive to it -- allowing for deep tone sculpting. Cap it off with the lush reverb setting that sits just to the right of the EQ, and you have a box that'll give your rig unlimited potential while using a very limited amount of space.
Own it for $999.00 or 18 payments of $55.50!
Victory V4 The Duchess: Simple, Stripped-Down All-Valve Royalty
Not looking to use cab sim software, but still want the option to go cab-less? This version of the V4 The Duchess keeps it simple and offers a more stripped-down experience. Connect the amp to an external cabinet via the speaker input, or run the line out to a DI box and run the rig without a speaker load while maintaining that powerful tube sound. Victory also offers a version of the V4 The Duchess that includes Two Notes DynaIR Cab Sim software.
This V4 The Duchess offers many of the same features as its Two Notes counterpart, such as an intuitive three-band EQ, an effects loop that sits between the preamp and power amp designed to maintain the clarity of your pedals, and an onboard reverb setting. Looking to add your own pedals? The Duchess houses a 9v DC output rated at 500 mA, allowing you to power your pedals directly from the amp! Unique to the V4 The Duchess model, however, is a foot-switchable tremolo effect which includes depth and speed settings. Dial it in slow, or kick it into an aggressive staccato that'll make your head spin!
The V4 The Duchess is a single-channel amp with tones that range from American-style cleans to British overdrive with modest breakup. By tweaking the three-band EQ for tone and the volume for breakup, the Duchess makes it easy to dial in your preferred sound!
Own it for $849.00 or 12 payments of $70.75!
This V4 The Duchess offers many of the same features as its Two Notes counterpart, such as an intuitive three-band EQ, an effects loop that sits between the preamp and power amp designed to maintain the clarity of your pedals, and an onboard reverb setting. Looking to add your own pedals? The Duchess houses a 9v DC output rated at 500 mA, allowing you to power your pedals directly from the amp! Unique to the V4 The Duchess model, however, is a foot-switchable tremolo effect which includes depth and speed settings. Dial it in slow, or kick it into an aggressive staccato that'll make your head spin!
The V4 The Duchess is a single-channel amp with tones that range from American-style cleans to British overdrive with modest breakup. By tweaking the three-band EQ for tone and the volume for breakup, the Duchess makes it easy to dial in your preferred sound!
Own it for $849.00 or 12 payments of $70.75!
Quilter SuperBlock UK: A Stripped-Down Minimalist Rig Solution
There are pedalboard amps that you can throw in your backpack -- and then there are those you can throw in your pocket. Enter the Quilter SuperBlock UK, a no-nonsense amp packed with the essential features you need to get practicing and performing, and none that you don't. This pedal authentically simulates the power of a 25-watt tube amp in a package that weighs less than two pounds. Downsize to the SuperBlock to save tons of space in your rig without sacrificing on huge tones!
The Quilter SuperBlock UK comes loaded with three vintage amp voicings: AC Top, AC Norm, and 1979 JMP -- each paying homage to the classic amps that helped define the sound British rock. These settings range from slightly saturated cleans to burning, saturated overdrive, all easily accessible via the onboard toggle switch. Tweak each voicing to make them your own using the three-band (treble, mid, and bass) EQ, and dial in your preferred saturation with the gain control. Top off your tone carving with the limiter control, which will even out the dynamics of your playing and add smooth sustain. Looking to rock the SuperBlock right next to your pedals? The effects loop has you covered. And if you're a player who likes to have a bit of reverb on at all times, we recommend using the SuperBlock's onboard reverb as a static effect so you can focus on toggling your other external effects pedals.
The Quilter SuperBlock comes loaded with three cab sim options: BRT, NORM and FRF. The BRT setting simulates a bright speaker, while the NORM setting provides a warmer, rounder tone. The FRFR setting simulates a speaker with a flat EQ response that won't add color to other cab sims you may want to use. You can engage the cab sims for practice, studio or stage use via the XLR line output, or with an external speaker cabinet through the speaker output located on the left side of the pedal. The SuperBlock will run 25 watts into an 8-ohm speaker load, and 4- and 16-ohm loads will work, too. We recommend using the included PS-24 24 volt power supply for optimal performance. A 9V-300mA power adapter can be used for reduced power performance.
Own it for $299.00 or 8 payments of $37.38!
The Quilter SuperBlock UK comes loaded with three vintage amp voicings: AC Top, AC Norm, and 1979 JMP -- each paying homage to the classic amps that helped define the sound British rock. These settings range from slightly saturated cleans to burning, saturated overdrive, all easily accessible via the onboard toggle switch. Tweak each voicing to make them your own using the three-band (treble, mid, and bass) EQ, and dial in your preferred saturation with the gain control. Top off your tone carving with the limiter control, which will even out the dynamics of your playing and add smooth sustain. Looking to rock the SuperBlock right next to your pedals? The effects loop has you covered. And if you're a player who likes to have a bit of reverb on at all times, we recommend using the SuperBlock's onboard reverb as a static effect so you can focus on toggling your other external effects pedals.
The Quilter SuperBlock comes loaded with three cab sim options: BRT, NORM and FRF. The BRT setting simulates a bright speaker, while the NORM setting provides a warmer, rounder tone. The FRFR setting simulates a speaker with a flat EQ response that won't add color to other cab sims you may want to use. You can engage the cab sims for practice, studio or stage use via the XLR line output, or with an external speaker cabinet through the speaker output located on the left side of the pedal. The SuperBlock will run 25 watts into an 8-ohm speaker load, and 4- and 16-ohm loads will work, too. We recommend using the included PS-24 24 volt power supply for optimal performance. A 9V-300mA power adapter can be used for reduced power performance.
Own it for $299.00 or 8 payments of $37.38!
Line 6 Helix Floor: A Powerhouse Digital Downsizing Solution
The Helix Floor Amp and Effects Processor is the result of decades of refinement of what Line 6 does best: creating industry-leading effects and amp modelers. Designed for players who desire limitless possibilities for their rig wherever they go, this travel-ready board packs in more than 300 authentic amp, cab, mic, and effect models -- all in a package that weighs less than 15 pounds!
The Helix's amp models are designed to replicate the feel and character of analog amps, as they digitally mirror their circuitry. Using the Line 6 editor (compatible with PC and Mac) or the free HX edit app, you can not only mix and match a wide variety of amps and cabs to your liking, you can tune their settings to tweak them to your exact preferences with their respective EQ settings. Furthermore, you can use this software to place a variety of virtual mics in the front of your virtual speaker. Change their angle, position, and distance in relation to the cabs, and fine-tune your tone to the next level. The Helix also boasts world-class reverbs, delays, fuzz, pitch shifting effects, and more! Add in your effects with the with authentic, analog-inspired amp models, and you have a rig that'll deeply inspire your creativity.
Despite being a richly expansive tool, the Helix is very user-friendly! The 6.2" (157mm) LCD display makes arranging your settings a breeze while the color-labeled foot switches let you jump between any desired preset with ease. The XLR outputs allow direct connection to a PA or external speaker, making complicated gig setups a thing of the past. Looking to dial in your tones in private or practice quietly? Plug your headphones in and keep rockin' wherever inspiration strikes. Featuring additional inputs and outputs supporting the wet/dry/wet and 4-Cable Method, connection to the Line 6 Power Cab external speaker and expression pedal inputs, there's little you can't achieve with ease using the Line 6 Helix Floor.
Own it for $1,399.99 or 18 payments of $77.78!
The Helix's amp models are designed to replicate the feel and character of analog amps, as they digitally mirror their circuitry. Using the Line 6 editor (compatible with PC and Mac) or the free HX edit app, you can not only mix and match a wide variety of amps and cabs to your liking, you can tune their settings to tweak them to your exact preferences with their respective EQ settings. Furthermore, you can use this software to place a variety of virtual mics in the front of your virtual speaker. Change their angle, position, and distance in relation to the cabs, and fine-tune your tone to the next level. The Helix also boasts world-class reverbs, delays, fuzz, pitch shifting effects, and more! Add in your effects with the with authentic, analog-inspired amp models, and you have a rig that'll deeply inspire your creativity.
Despite being a richly expansive tool, the Helix is very user-friendly! The 6.2" (157mm) LCD display makes arranging your settings a breeze while the color-labeled foot switches let you jump between any desired preset with ease. The XLR outputs allow direct connection to a PA or external speaker, making complicated gig setups a thing of the past. Looking to dial in your tones in private or practice quietly? Plug your headphones in and keep rockin' wherever inspiration strikes. Featuring additional inputs and outputs supporting the wet/dry/wet and 4-Cable Method, connection to the Line 6 Power Cab external speaker and expression pedal inputs, there's little you can't achieve with ease using the Line 6 Helix Floor.
Own it for $1,399.99 or 18 payments of $77.78!
HeadRush MX5: Small In Size, Big on Tone!
When flexibility and portability are paramount for your downsizing efforts, the HeadRush MX5 delivers! Weighing in at just 3.5 lbs, this tiny but mighty pedalboard amp features a 4" high-resolution touch display for ease of use and a modeling processor that delivers ultra-realistic, high-quality amp tones and effects for your rig. When consolidating your setup, having quality features like these packed into such a compact pedalboard amp can make all the difference.
The HeadRush MX5 features over 40 amp models, 15 virtual cabinets, and 10 microphone simulations. With an array of vintage and modern-inspired amps, in addition to virtual cabinets authentically modeled after Marshall, Fender, Orange speakers, and more, you no longer need to choose between your favorite sounds -- because the MX5 puts them all at your feet! For even deeper tone sculpting, tap into the 300 onboard IRs, or load in your own! We would recommend connecting the HX5 to your Mac or PC for easy drag-and-drop organization of the available IR options. Stack those huge amp tones with over 60 premium effects, including a vast selection of reverb, delays, and many more with just one foot switch -- making it incredibly easy to switch between presets in the heat of a performance.
The HX5 features a simple, but essential connectivity layout, giving you what you need for silent practice, on-stage performance and everything in between. Play along with your favorite songs or quietly tweak your tones and effects between gigs using the aux and headphone input. When you hit the stage, connect the mono or stereo output to a PA or DI box, and you're ready for the show! If you would like to run the HX5 as just an effects pedal, disengage the amp models and run the onboard effects loop into your physical amp. Regardless of how it fits into your rig, the HeadRush HX5 is a superb option to consider for downsizing your setup -- offering huge tones and an array of premium effects and so much more in a package you can throw in your backpack!
Own it for $399.00 or 8 payments of $49.88!
The HeadRush MX5 features over 40 amp models, 15 virtual cabinets, and 10 microphone simulations. With an array of vintage and modern-inspired amps, in addition to virtual cabinets authentically modeled after Marshall, Fender, Orange speakers, and more, you no longer need to choose between your favorite sounds -- because the MX5 puts them all at your feet! For even deeper tone sculpting, tap into the 300 onboard IRs, or load in your own! We would recommend connecting the HX5 to your Mac or PC for easy drag-and-drop organization of the available IR options. Stack those huge amp tones with over 60 premium effects, including a vast selection of reverb, delays, and many more with just one foot switch -- making it incredibly easy to switch between presets in the heat of a performance.
The HX5 features a simple, but essential connectivity layout, giving you what you need for silent practice, on-stage performance and everything in between. Play along with your favorite songs or quietly tweak your tones and effects between gigs using the aux and headphone input. When you hit the stage, connect the mono or stereo output to a PA or DI box, and you're ready for the show! If you would like to run the HX5 as just an effects pedal, disengage the amp models and run the onboard effects loop into your physical amp. Regardless of how it fits into your rig, the HeadRush HX5 is a superb option to consider for downsizing your setup -- offering huge tones and an array of premium effects and so much more in a package you can throw in your backpack!
Own it for $399.00 or 8 payments of $49.88!
Victory V112-CC Compact Guitar Speaker Cabinet
If an external cabinet is still a part of your downsizing dreams, then check out the Victory V112-CC! This compact speaker cab works extremely well with the V4 The Duchess, but can also be paired with any Victory V40 series pedalboard amp for a highly portable version of the traditional head-and-cab rig. Boasting a single Celestion G12M-65 Creamback speaker and weighing in at only 35 pounds, the 1x12" cab brings the best performance out of your V40 pedalboard amp wherever you need it!
Own it for $899.00 or 12 payments of $74.92!
Own it for $899.00 or 12 payments of $74.92!
HeadRush FRFR108 MKII Powered Speaker Cabinet
When you spend tons of time tweaking your amp, cab and effect sims with a digital modeler, the last thing you want is for a speaker cabinet to replace your meticulously crafted tone with its own color. That's why FRFR (full range flat response) speakers are ideal for these types of pedalboard amps. They deliver a flat EQ so the authentic tone of your amp and cab sims can shine through as you originally intended them to. We recommend pairing an FRFR speaker such as the HeadRush FRFR108 MKII with your Line 6 Helix, HeadRush HX5, or any other digital amp and effects modeler. It also works well with pedalboard amps with separate FRFR cab sim circuitry, such as the Quilter SuperBlock.
Own it for $299.00 or 8 payments of $37.38!
Own it for $299.00 or 8 payments of $37.38!