The days of lugging around an amp rig that weighs as much as your car are over! You can now get big, realistic amp tones from guitar amp pedals that aren’t much bigger than the others on your board.
Unlike guitar amp modelers, each selection here is an analog design. So rest easy, no more putting your precious tone in the hands of fate by relying on vague descriptions of venue backline or having to rent whatever the sound company has available.
Here are some of the best guitar amp pedals.
Best guitar amp pedal overall: Hughes and Kettner Amp Man
If you like H&K amps, wait until you see what this little baby can do! 50W pumps through channels that have identical and independent control sets. With the Tone control, you can select between British chime and overdrive all the way over to California cleans.
The Presence, Sag, and Resonance controls let you adjust how the power amp behaves and reacts. But perhaps the most innovative feature is H&K’s very own Spirit Tone Generator technology.
This allows you to tailor the power amp saturation as you would by cranking a real amp via the Sagging knob – but without the unmanageable volume levels.
It can output to a 4-16ohm external cabinet, or use the onboard Red Box cabinet simulation to send a direct signal of one of 8 impulse responses. Switchable serial FX loop and built-in noise gate let you integrate your other pedals with it.
And finally, Boost and Solo switches let you take it up a notch no matter what channel you are on. Amp Man comes in Classic and Modern tone styles, but the units function the same.
Best high-end guitar amp pedal: Victory V4 Duchess
This option is just as classy as the name implies. It is a single-channel all-tube preamp with a solid-state Class D 180W power section. When run with a 4ohm cab it operates at 180W, but if you’re using an 8 or 16ohm cab it will run at 90W and 45W, respectively.
It has a 3-band EQ and onboard tremolo and reverb, though they are both digital. The tremolo can be controlled externally but the reverb cannot. A balanced line out lets you fed whatever might be next in your signal chain.
Among guitar amp pedals, this one is royalty.
Best Fender-style guitar amp pedal: Universal Audio UAFX Dream ’65
Universal Audio’s new line of guitar effects pedals has been making waves in the industry for a while, specifically their guitar amp pedals. One of the reasons is the amount of professional players that have endorsed their authentic sound and feel when compared to actual guitar amps.
The Dream ’65 is their take on one of the best amplifiers of all time – the Fender Deluxe Reverb. And what a take it is! It provides all of the articulation and nuance of this beloved tube amp.
Custom microphone and speaker pairings direct from the OX Amp Top Box models three different types of speakers: Celestion Greenback, Oxford 12k5-6, and Electro-Voice EVM12L.
With six control knobs, three switches, onboard presets, UA app editing, and mono/stereo I/O this is truly one of the deepest amp-in-a-box pedals around. And Universal Audio has more in their guitar amp pedals line setting themselves up to be the new company to beat when it comes to the technology.
Best D-style guitar amp pedal: UAFX Enigmatic ’82
You’re right. A UAFX pedal was our choice for the best Fender-style too. So why did we choose another? A few reasons. There are very few amp pedal circuits that take on the Dumble sound, and surely none of them even come close to the Enigmatic ’82.
The accuracy of the models is insanely detailed, and everything is set through a 3-band EQ. A Rock/Jazz switch offers two tonal voices, and the pedal comes stock with three mic and cabinet simulations. And through the UAFX app you get access to six more.
You can even mix and match different elements like preamp, tone stacks, and more to create your own version of the perfect Dumble amplifier.
Dumble amps are as much revered as they are expensive. They have a sound like no other, but it only works for certain styles. If that style is yours, and you’re looking to add a D-style amp to your pedal chain, it doesn’t get better than this.
Best multi-effect guitar amp pedal: Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 V2
Tech 21 has been at the forefront of guitar amp pedals for decades. The original Sansamp was released in 1989 and the company has been pushing the idea forward ever since.
The Fly Rig 5 V2 solves a lot of problems. You can easily transport it, it’s sturdy as can be, and comes with seven different tone sections. You get Tech 21’s Blonde Sansamp circuit, which models a Fender-style amp. It also includes the amp sounds of Marshall and Mesa/Boogie.
Additional circuit features include delay with a tap tempo, reverb, a boost section, tuner, and effects loop. It’s got XLR and 1/4″ outputs, so it’s meant to go direct. It can’t power a cabinet, but that’s not the point.
Best power amp guitar pedal: Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170/200
Amps don’t get much smaller or simpler than this. 170W or 200W crank through an amp-in-a-pedal that can fit pretty much anywhere.
You can run your signal through your pedal chain or right into the amp. 3-band EQ and Level controls are all you need to get things going. It can run cabinets all the way up to a 4×12. Keep in mind this is a power amp. You will still need some sort of preamp or tone shaping going into it.
But it’s pretty awesome you can just bring a pedalboard to a show and plug into the backline, right?
Guitar amp pedal with the most tones: Quilter Labs SUPERBLOCK
The SUPERBLOCK puts a 25W tube amp right on your pedalboard without taking up much real estate. It comes in UK (Vox and Marshall-sytles) and US (Fender-style) versions. Each model has three different voicings and onboard limiting and reverb.
It offers two distinct cab simulations as well as a FRFR mode (for use with your favorite next generation modeler) on the XLR and headphone outputs. The FX loop lets you keep your cabling short, as you’ll likely have this right beside your other pedals.
Among the best guitar amp pedals, this one covers a lot of tonal ground.
Best guitar amp pedal for heavy styles: Diezel VH4
Diezel is a popular brand in the hard rock, punk, and metal communities. The VH4 is one of their most popular amps, and with this pedal you not only get that sound in a pedal format, but you also get the option of replacing your current amp altogether!
It’s a simple control set with an additional Deep control that functions the same as on the VH4 amp. Split outputs lets you use it simply as an overdrive pedal or a preamp to send signal to an external power amp source – or through the FX return on your amp. It also comes in a two-channel version.
Most compact guitar amp pedal: Electro-Harmonix 44 Magnum
It doesn’t get simpler or smaller than this. The Magnum is 44W that can power an 8 or 16 ohm cabinet, all in the size of a standard pedal. It’s single channel, mono and you just run the output directly into the external speaker cabinet.
It integrates with your other pedals for a very ergonomic and travel-friendly utility that doesn’t skimp on power.
Best budget guitar amp pedal: NUX Amp Academy
NUX is one of those manufacturers elitist guitarists scoff at. And if you’re one of them, Amp Academy might be the product that changes your mind.
Via NUX’s TSAC-2K amp modeling algorithm you get access to six popular amps that include kings of clean like the Fender Twin and Vibro King all the way up to high gain Friedman HBE and MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier.
It’s got a lot of headroom and dynamic range so you can really push the pedal without clipping. The USB port lets you load your own impulse responses, use the editor software to tweak things to your liking, even use it as an interface!
It might fall into the “budget” category, but the authentic amp sounds and rich feature set makes it a contender every guitar player should check out.
What to look for in a amp in a pedal
Tone and sound quality
The most important factor in a guitar amp pedal is how it shapes your guitar’s tone. Look for models that complement your playing style and the tone you’re chasing.
Try out different gain stages, EQ settings, and built-in effects to see how they respond to your playing dynamics. A/B testing different units side by side can help you hear subtle differences that might not be obvious in isolation.
Versatility and features
A good amp pedal should offer enough flexibility to cover different musical styles. Some include built-in effects, multiple channels, or switchable wattage for different performance settings.
Pedals might feature multiple modes, MIDI control, or expression pedal compatibility for more tonal variety. Consider whether you need an all-in-one solution or if you’re adding to your pedal chain.
Compatibility and signal chain integration
Any model you choose should integrate well with your existing pedal chain. Some sound best in an amp’s effects loop, others are designed for front-end use.
Consider the impedance, power requirements, and whether it stacks well with your existing setup. Testing in your own rig is the best way to ensure this.
FAQ
What is a power amp guitar pedal?
A power amp guitar pedal is a standard-size effects pedal that functions as a power amp. Most of them can be connected to an external speaker cabinet or go direct to an interface or mixing console.
What do guitar amp pedals do?
Guitar amp pedals function as the preamp and/or power amp section of a standard guitar amp. The circuit is smaller so that it can fit into an effects pedal enclosure.
What is a guitar pedal amp?
A guitar pedal amp is an amp-like circuit that is fitted into an effects pedal. They are much easier to transport and many of them have amp features like an EQ section and onboard effects like tremolo and reverb.
Many of them can power external speaker cabinets – if they offer a power section. Some are only preamps that require an additional piece of gear to function as the power amp.
What does amp in a box mean?
It’s a term used to define guitar pedals that houses amp models instead of operating as a “standard” effect. Some also include speaker cabinet and effects models. The term can also refer to standard pedals with analog or digital circuitry designed to sound like an amp but don’t include modeling.
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