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Average Price: $231
High-end/Boutique
$50
$176+
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Description
Step into the realm of unrivaled tone with the AMT SS20, a masterclass in guitar pedal engineering. This compact yet powerful tube preamp pedal offers a dual-channel design that caters to your need for pristine cleans and dynamic overdrive/distortion. Tailor your sound with precision, thanks to the 3-band EQ available on each channel. Whether you're connecting directly to a power amp or recording via a mixer, the SS20's versatility shines through its speaker-simulated output, ensuring your tone remains consistently top-notch in any setup.
Key Features:
- Dual-channel operation with distinct clean and overdrive/distortion channels
- Each channel equipped with a 3-band EQ for in-depth tone shaping
- Individual input and output level controls on each channel
- Flexible routing options with a speaker-simulated output for direct recording or live performance
- Easy channel and lead boost switching with dedicated footswitches
Product specs
| Brand | AMT Electronics |
| Model | SS-20 Guitar Preamp |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Russia |
| Categories | Overdrive and Boost Pedals, Preamps |
FAQs
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What are the channel options on the AMT SS-20 Guitar Preamp?
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The AMT SS-20 features two high-grade channels: CLEAN and DRIVE. The DRIVE channel can operate in two modes, CRUNCH for moderate sensitivity and LEAD for high sensitivity, providing versatile tonal options.
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Does the AMT SS-20 include a cabinet emulator?
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Yes, the AMT SS-20 includes a cabinet emulator in its direct out mode, allowing you to connect directly to mixing consoles or recording devices with speaker cabinet compensated output.
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Can the AMT SS-20 be used with both guitar amps and recording devices?
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Absolutely, the AMT SS-20 is designed for use with guitar amplifier heads, combos, and speakers through its OUTPUT jack, and also provides a direct out with cabinet emulation for recording devices.
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What kind of power supply does the AMT SS-20 require?
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The AMT SS-20 operates with a high-grade high-voltage feed of triodes, eliminating the need for traditional operational amplifiers, which enhances its performance and sound quality.
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Does the AMT SS-20 have an effects loop?
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Yes, the AMT SS-20 features an effects loop with Send and Return jacks, allowing you to integrate additional effects into your signal chain.
Videos
gearmanndude
AMT Electronics SS-20 Dual Preamp guitar effects pedal demo
Reviews
PROS
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Emulates Mesa Boogie amps with great crunch and detailed clean tones
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High gain with plenty of treble, suitable for thrash to hard rock
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Features an effects loop with a surprisingly effective cab sim
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Offers three distinct amp voices including Fender, Vox, and Marshall tones
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Built sturdy in an all-metal enclosure, designed for longevity
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Acts as an all-in-one amp solution with clean, crunch, and lead channels
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Can be used amp-less, directly into a stereo system or PA
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Flexible usage with pedalboards, in FX loops, or direct to front of house
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Buffered effects loop and dedicated cab-sim line out enhance versatility
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Tube-driven for authentic analog sounds, with easy tube rolling
CONS
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Lacks midrange, might require EQ adjustments for some preferences
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The blue indicator light is excessively bright, potentially distracting
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Not ideal for use in front of most amps, best in effects return
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Full analog design limits it to its onboard cab sim without IR loading capabilities
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AMT SS20.
Features and functionality
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The built-in cab sims in the AMT SS20 are considered subpar, suggesting pairing with an external cab simulator like the Mooer Radar for improved sound quality.
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The SS20's gain levels are noted to be excessive for some users, indicating it may be better suited for high-gain applications or styles.
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AMT preamps offer multiple simultaneous output options, including "drive" for use as a distortion pedal, "preamp out," and "cab sim out," providing versatile setup possibilities.
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The Two Notes ReVolt pedal's cab sim and access to the Two Notes IR library are highlighted for delivering impressive tones through headphones and cabs.
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The Simplifier DLX is appreciated for its analog design, dual-channel operation, and ability to function seamlessly with existing pedalboards via a thru output.
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Use cases and applications
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The AMT SS20 can effectively serve as a backup amp substitute in emergency situations, particularly for gigging musicians who prefer a streamlined setup.
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Users often integrate AMT preamps into the FX return of venue amps to maintain consistent sound across different shows.
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Some musicians use the AMT O2 preamp to boost a slightly overdriven Orange amp, achieving massive cranked amp tones with a tube preamp/solid-state power amp setup.
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The Orange Terror Stamp, described as a Dark Terror in pedal form, offers a cost-effective pedal amp option with cab sim and headphone outputs.
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Comparisons
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Owners have found the AMT SS20 to be a more affordable alternative to the Tech 21 series, despite similar roles in ampless setups.
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The AMT P2 preamp is praised for closely emulating the 5150 sound when paired with the right IRs, unlike other 5150-in-a-box pedals that fall short according to some users.
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Users who have tried both prefer AMT preamps over Mooer for their main rigs, citing dissatisfaction with certain Mooer models like the Gas Station.
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The Friedman IR-X is noted for its actual preamp tubes, unlike Two Notes' similar products, offering a unique tonal advantage in the modded Marshall tone realm.
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The Line 6 Helix is favored for its flexibility, effects processing, and built-in cab sim blocks, which are regarded as superior to third-party IRs.
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User experience
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The AMT SS20 has been praised for its reliability during live performances, providing a straightforward clean, crunch, and lead sound without additional effects.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
1184
Monster Preamp Pedal
A lot of my contemporary guitar players are using things like an ACS1 or a Strymon Iridium as their amp and cab in a box needs. And those are nice, I've played them before. I decided to go a different direction and bought this monster of a preamp pedal (For less than $200 bucks on reverb). It checked all the boxes, three channels with three different amp type flavors that are powered by a 12ax7 preamp tube. Buffered Effects loop AND a dedicated cab-sim line out. It works with a good power supply (Cioks DC-10 is what mine is running off of) and is now the brains of my main board. The Cab Sim sounds pretty damn good on it's own. This pedal is full analog so you can't load any IR's, it's old school but works surprisingly well.
Recently had a worship gig where I used this pedal with an amp (Line out to Effects Return of amp) and the pedal's cab sim line out went direct to front of house. Worked really well.
This pedal super surprised me. It's easy to do a tube roll with the preamp tube. I threw in a JJ Gold Pin 12AX7 and it made this already great sounding pedal really scream. The cleans are fantastic and super usable in any situation, it also works with overdrive pedals just like a clean tube amp. The crunch is great, can go from a vox chime all the way to a Marshall style crunch. The EQ is powerful on this thing and switching the amp type changes the characteristics of the pedal a lot. The lead is also fantastic, it's shared EQ with the crunch but has a separate gain knob. It works for what it is.
Also this pedal is built like a damn tank. very sturdy in an all metal enclosure. It's kind of wild that not a lot of guitarists are using this pedal more often. They are kind of a rarity and I get asked about it often on my worship gigs. I can't give this thing less than five stars. If you don't have the coin to get an ACS1 or an iridium and want a preamp pedal that can act as your all in one amp solution on the go, this is it.
314
Kewl Pedal
It tends to be a little raspier than a mesa V-Twin but these are kick ass tube distortion/preamp/overdrive pedals. Built really solid and nary a click or squeak after 3 years of gigging. Ive loaned it to a friend who says its got him playing electric again. Good value for something built so solid and does a bunch of stuff well...
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