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Audio Kitchen Big Chopper

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Page last updated Mar 18, 2026

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Description

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Although the Big Chopper shares much of its DNA with the Little Chopper it is more than merely a ‘louder version’. With more bottom end and a substantial output it explores an even broader spectral field.

The precedent we set with the Little Chopper gave us a running start and we continued to hone our attention to detail, emphatically focused on the amplifier as an inspirational tool. As we continued to spend more time on design and development, we realised we were naturally allotting more time to critical listening. This echoes the sentiment in the 1956 edition of Radio Designers Handbook, which states – ‘The ear is the only judge of tonal balance’.

That realisation bred confidence in our method of component engineering. It precipitated the use of an unorthodox output stage which whilst more powerful, retained the Little Chopper’s smooth harmonic response. The addition of a second channel based on the beautiful simplicity of a Baxandall EQ, gave yet more scope for tonal exploration.

The Big Chopper has built on the Little Chopper’s harmonic legacy and delivers an increased potential for tonal variation and power. We have designed an amplifier to serve and advance your creativity wherever and whatever the demand.

Audio Kitchen Big Chopper 27 Watt single ended class A guitar amplifier. Nominal Output Impedance: 4, 8 or 16 Ohm 2 x ECC81, 1 x ECC83 preamp valves, 4 x EL84 output valves

Controls:

Channel One – Bright switch, Hi/Lo input, Gain, Bottom, Middle, Top, Stack

Channel Two – Bright switch, Hi/Lo input, Gain, Bottom, Top

Power – Master headroom control

Output – Off/Standby/On switch, 15W/ 30W selector switch, 4/ 8/ 16 Ohm selector switch

Mains Power Requirement: 240V @ 50HZ, 1.75A Voltage switch fitted as standard switchable to 115V @ 60Hz, 3.4A

Dimensions Approx Excluding Handle and Feet: 525mm x 310mm x 270mm (W x D x H) 20.6″ x 12.2″ x 10.6″ (W x D x H)

Weight: 29 Kg (60lbs)

Videos

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That Pedal Show

Our 10 Favourite Guitar Amps – That Pedal Show

That Pedal Show

Big Chopper Overview

AudioKitchenAmps

NY Amp Show '10 - Audio Kitchen Big Chopper & Probett Guitars Rapide Demos

Premier Guitar

Audio Kitchen Big Chopper Demo featuring Stand Alone Productions

AudioKitchenAmps

Manson Custom Guitar, Korg Kaoss Pad and Audio Kitchen Big Chopper Demo

Soundgas

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio Kitchen Big Chopper.

Features and functionality

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The Big Chopper's "Radiohead mod" turns an unused channel into a reverb return, uniquely allowing full EQ control over the reverb.
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The Big Chopper may serve primarily for stage volume rather than front-of-house sound, indicating its reliability and clarity for stage monitoring.
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Mods and upgrades

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The "Radiohead mod" on the Big Chopper is not standard and must be requested off-menu; it's removable to ensure no compromise in core tone.
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Comparisons

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Unlike traditional amps with onboard reverb, the Big Chopper's reverb is designed to be fully removable to preserve tone integrity.
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The Big Chopper is likened to a Matchless, which in turn shares characteristics with a Vox, highlighting its bright and chimey tonal qualities.
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Use cases and applications

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The Big Chopper, with its quad of EL84s, produces approximately 30 watts, making it suitable for both live performances and studio settings.
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Jonny Buckland has transitioned from Fender Hot Rod Deville's to Audio Kitchen Big Chopper's for stage use, suggesting a preference for its unique tone in live settings.
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User experience

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Ed O'Brien from Radiohead utilizes multiple Big Choppers in a stereo setup for both live and studio use, highlighting its versatility and professional appeal.
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Artist usage

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Jamie Cook

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

Verified via Photo

Jamie Cook played an Audio Kitchen Big Chopper during the recording of Arctic Monkeys fourth album, “Suck It and See.” Jamie borrowed the amp from sound engineer James Brown, as mentioned in an interview with Sound on Sound with producer James Ford.

“Cook's guitar setup revolves around a '60s Simms Watts rig and custom‑built Rosewell Bluesman, though for the Sound City sessions, he also borrowed engineer James Brown's Audio Kitchen Big Chopper amp. For more ambient sounds, he'd plug into various toys, including a WEM Copicat or Roland Space Echo, Electro‑Harmonix Holiest Grail reverb pedal and Fulltone Deja Vibe stereo phase/chorus.”

Ford goes on to mention more about Jamie’s set up with the amp, as well as his normal amps "Cookie does either the spacey, watery, roomy sounds,” says Ford, ‘which were vibrato and reverb and a bit of echo. Or he does the kind of heavy, single‑note type of stuff. We used the Audio Kitchen for his heavier stuff.. it had a Vox AC30 sort of vibe, but with a bit more presence and clarity. His live take would be close‑miked, and then we'd bring the amp into the room and maybe double it with a distant mic, Jimi Hendrix‑style, from the other side of the room.’”

Pictured is from the recording sessions of “Suck It and See” with pictures from the interview including Alex’s set up, Jamie’s, Matt’s and Nick’s. Right is the Audio Kitchen Big Chopper Amplifier next to Jamie’s custom‑built Rosewell Bluesman.

(Sound on Sound, James Ford: Producing Arctic Monkeys) https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.soundonsound.com/people/james-ford-producing-arctic-monkeys%3famp

Ed O'Brien

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

Verified via Photo

This photo is taken from Rock Werchter 2017 and shows the amp used by Ed onstage. Ed also added details about the amps in an excerpt from this article:

Lately I’ve been using Audio Kitchen amps - I’ve got two Big Chopper heads and a 1x12 cab: they’re just amazing!

Graham Coxon

Guitarist

Blur

Verified via Photo

In this image from Blur's documentary "To the End," Graham Coxon can be seen recording with the Audio Kitchen Big Chopper amp head and matching speaker. It was used during the sessions for Blur's most recent album.

Russell Lissack

Guitarist

Bloc Party

Verified via Photo

In the background of this photo, Russell Lissack can be seen using a Big Chopper amp head from Audio Kitchen in his live rig (in addition to his Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amps, which you can see a small corner of in the photo). It is usually used with an Audio Kitchen 2x12 cabinet, also pictured here.

Duke Erikson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Garbage

Verified via Premierguitar

In this profile from Premier Guitar magazine, the sidebar lists a Big Chopper head and matching cab among Erikson's gear.

Jacob Bugden

Guitarist, Music Producer

Verified via Photo

Jacob Bugden, guitarist for Beabadoobee, is shown using the Audio Kitchen Big Chopper amplifier head in his live performances, as seen in his Instagram post.