Best Amp for Pedals (2022 Reviews Updated)
Last Updated on [todaysdate format="F, jS Y"]
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If you are looking for the best guitar amplifier that will work and sound great with any pedal set up, no matter how simple or complex, the Fender Super Champ X2 definitely tops our list. Overall it's the best clean guitar amp for pedals, and your rehearsal and recording sessions will really come alive with the unlimited tones that can be created with this combo amp. Rocking 15 watts of dual-channel tube sound and a 10" speaker, the Super Champ X2 also delivers versatile amp voicing and a wide selection of digital effects.
The Super Champ X2 comes equipped with 15 digital effects and 16 selectable voicings, which gives you the sound of a variety of classic amplifiers. There's also a line output for recording directly or for plugging into a live sound system. You can also connect to your computer via USB for direct speaker-emulated digital recording.[/wpsm_titlebox]
Best Amp for Pedals
Whether you play with a huge bank of pedals or just a few, it is worth investing in an amplifier that will make them sounds as good as possible. The best amps for pedals should have a solid, clean, tone, plenty of extra head room, and relatively simple controls without a ton of extra features.
This approach to a guitar sound can make selecting an amp a little easier because you don’t need to search endlessly for the perfect drive channel or an amp that can give you a particular sound. You can get all those sounds from your pedals. All you need is a good solid base to build off of, then you can develop your sound as you grow your pedal board. Distortion and other effects do not matter so much, as this will be provided largely by the pedals you plug in.
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Best Amp For Pedals
1. Fender Super Champ X2
The heart of this amp is pure Fender. It is based around 15W of rich, two-channel amplification that delivers quality on a par with far bigger and more expensive guitar amplifiers. The signature Fender sound is well displayed here, and as soon as you play through this amplifier you will realize why the brand has become such a favorite of musicians!
Our top pick. This amplifier is perfectly suited for the practice room or for playing gigs. If you are looking for a compact speaker that includes all of the latest features, including a wide selection of built in digital effects, look no further than the Fender Super Champ X2!
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- Unlimited tones than can be achieved with this amplifier, helping you perfect your own signature sound. This speaker is perfect for beginners in particular, because it
- The build quality is amazing. Fender has a reputation for building amplifiers that can take a beating and last for many years. This one is no exception. The people we spoke to for this review reported being able to still rock out on beat up vintage versions of the Super Champ when they encountered one in practice rooms or backstage.
- The USB output is a really innovative feature. Using this output, speaker-emulated recording is possible, so you can record your latest riff directly to your computer.
- The voicing controls are really easy to use, and gives access to 16 different types of amplifiers – Tweed, Blackface, Blues and Metal ( see best amps for metal or best blues amp) to name a few.
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- Very few. If you are playing huge venues, then you are going to need more power. However, if you are looking for an amplifier that is perfect for your pedal board, then this compact and versatile Super Champ X2 is perfect..
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2. Marshall MG102CFx MG
Marshall amps are a legend among musicians, having built an enviable reputation over the years, and this 100W MG102CFX MG combo amp continues to carry on their good name. It is an extremely solid device that will provide you with years of reliable service. Marshall amps are built to last.
The no-nonsense design suits beginners really well. Too often manufacturers feel obliged to pack the front panel with an overwhelming amount of dials and controls, most of which have no relevance at all to the beginner. With just four channels to choose from: OD1, OD2, Crunch and a Clean tone, you can focus more on playing the guitar instead of diddling with effects.
The MP3 input is a great feature. You can plug in your computer, phone, or other device, and play music directly through the speaker. Playing along with your favorite track can quickly build confidence, and increase your motivation to practice.
MG102CFX also features a switchable effects loop for adding a favorite external effect to the sound. This model also includes a 2-button foot switch as standard equipment.
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- The MG102CFX delivers more than enough power for most players. With 100W of noise, it is perfect for small gigs. If you are playing larger venues, it will easily connect to PA systems.
- Features a tried-and-true panel layout that's amazingly easy to use. Gain, 3-band EQ, volume, and master volume are laid out for quick access.
- The build quality is incredible. From the moment you receive this amp, you will be impressed with how solid it feels, and we are confident that it will survive years of abuse you may subject it to dragging it from gig to gig.
- This ruggedness extends to the circuitry inside. The solid-state amplification gives a warm, bright and clean tone comparable to a tube amp. But no need to worry about breaking, and then replacing, tubes.
- Despite the fact that these are solid state amps, they have done a great job replicating their signature sound. Nothing sounds quite like a Marshall. For on see best Marshall combo amps.
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- Very few. Some purists will never be happy with the sounds of a solid-state amplifier, but we think that the differences they hear might just be in their own heads! If you are looking for an solid state speaker that will last for years, this is a great option for you!
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3. Peavey Bandit 112 TransTube
The Peavey Bandit 112 Trans Tube is a no-nonsense piece of equipment featuring Peavey's Trans Tube technology which allows the amp to create crisp tube-like tones from a completely non-tube system.
While this may not be the most adaptable of speakers, it focuses on what really matters – amplifying every nuance of your playing without coloring the sounds produced. This means it is an excellent amp for someone that plays with a lot of pedals. Though this amp is a solid state device, the music produced is remarkably good, even when you push the volume to the limit.
There are two channels, one being a clean and the other a lead channel. Each channel features a three position switch that allows a tone selection that varies simulate different amp styles. The amp also features a reverb and master volume control.
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- The Peavey Bandit 112 offers plenty of punch from 80 watts running through a bold 12-inch Blue Marvel speaker, while an external speaker jack lets you connect to a bigger cab if necessary.
- Two footswitchable channels with independent EQ, TDynamics, presence, and resonance controls, as well as reverb and a footswitchable effects loop provide great utility at any type of gig.
- When the internal effects on this amp are turned off, it is an excellent amp to use with pedals. It really allows you to get the best out of your pedal bank, clearly amplifying whatever weird tones you want to create!
- Can be used as a clean amp to produce modern or vintage voicing on the clean channel or you can produce high-gain, modern, or vintage voicing on the lead channel to add huge amounts of instant tonal variation.
- The build quality on this amp is second to none. We don’t often review Peavey amps, but we are always pleasantly surprised when we do. They may not have the reputation of some of the more “premium” brands available, but they sure know how to build amps that will last.
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- Very few. If you are looking for an amp with gorgeous tones, and one that will make your pedals shine, this is the one!
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4. Fender ‘65 Deluxe Reverb
The history of the 22W Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb goes way back to 1965, when Fender had the great idea to add spring reverb to their then-leading tube amps. The result was an amp that quickly became incredibly popular with guitarists the world over, spawned a whole host of imitations, and founded a series of classic amps that is still going today.
The 22-watt '65 Deluxe Reverb just bleeds tube tone, thanks to its four 12AX7s, two 12AT7s, two 6V6s, and a 5AR4 rectifier tube - not to mention that both the reverb and vibrato are tube driven. A single 12" speaker puts the finishing touches on the fat sounds conjured by this reissued classic. The '65 Deluxe Reverb is the perfect amp when you crave a pure Fender tone but don't need a ton of power.
In addition, this amp has these great features:
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- This 85-watt, 2-channel all-tube guitar combo is loud enough to play large venues, and sounds great with pedals, even when pushed to its limits.
- It looks great. Whilst we know that the majority of guitarists claim to care only about sound quality, and not such unimportant things as the way an amp looks, in reality it is possible to have both a good-looking and high-quality amp – just look at this one!
- The amp has become legendary, among rock and blues aficionados and can be heard on hundreds of records. If you are just starting out on guitar, getting this amp can be a sure fire way of motivating you to continue – it will pick up even the lightest of touches, polish them, and compliment even the simplest chord progressions!
- The no-nonsense approach here pays great dividends. Too often, amp manufacturers feel obliged to pack their latest amps with a vast bank of options, dials, and knobs. Here, the stripped-back control panel means you can easily achieve the tones you need, and lets you focus on what is important – playing!
- The amp is also nicely compact, meaning you won’t give yourself a bad back lugging it too and from the practice room. Combined with all the power you will ever need, this means that this may be the only amp you ever need to buy!
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- In truth, none. If you are looking for a Fender amplifier that delivers great sound with enough power for practicing at home as well as playing small gigs this is the amp for you!
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Recommended Guitar Amps for Pedals
| Model | Size | Weight | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fender Super Champ X2 | 14.8 x 8.8 x 17.5 inches | 23 pounds | 15 W |
| Marshall MG102CFX MG 100 W | 10.95 x 26.35 x 19.45 in | 49.38 pounds | 100 W |
| Peavey Bandit 112 Transtube | 15.75 x 28.37 x 23.87 in | 48 pounds | 80 W |
| Fender ‘65 Deluxe Reverb | 26 x 11.2 x 19.8 inches | 48.4 pounds | 22 W |
What should you look for in a pedal platform?
There's no "right" or "wrong" when it comes to choosing a pedal platform, but there are certain environments where some amps are a better fit than others. Choosing an amplifier depends on the job you need it to perform and the features you want it to have. Here's a few pointers that will get you going in the right direction.
- The amount of power doesn't necessarily correlate to how good of a pedal platform an amplifier will be. But there are always exceptions of course, if you are playing a huge venue, or outdoors, you would certainly need a powerful amplifier. For most people and situations, a 60 W amplifier is more than enough.
- A common set up for guitar amps is a 12” woofer coupled with a smaller tweeter, typically 1 inch. Some speakers come with an additional mid-range horn as well, which can potentially improve frequency response and define the sound.
- You don't want it to have an overwhelming amount of controls. Also, make sure the amplifier you select has the correct type of inputs, and enough of them to accommodate all the pedals you want to plug in. Check here for some of best amp wiring kit options.
Conclusion
So which to choose?
The kind of amplifier you choose is totally up to you. These reviews merely serve as a guide to help you narrow down your options. It's up to you to make an informed decision on which amplifier best serves your needs.
All of the amps we reviewed today offer incredible sound that we are confident will please even the most discerning guitar player, but the Fender Super Champ X2 is our personal favorite.
In our opinion the Fender Super Champ X2 is by far the best pedal platform amp around, delivering that classic fender sound for a great price!
Additional Reading
