Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (10)
$159.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$159.00
Amazon
4.1 (4)
Used
Reverb
$149.00 New
$125.00 Used
B&H
$149.00 $126.00 $23.00 · All time low
Thomann
4.5 (6)
$98.00
Gear4Music
£106.25

Average Price: $139

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp Pedal, a true testament to the classic British invasion sound encapsulated within a compact stompbox. This pedal is not just a mere emulation, but a faithful reproduction of the iconic 30-watt British combo amplifier's tone, feel, and response. The DC30's control scheme is heavily inspired by the original, providing you with two independent gain controls (Normal and Brilliant), a 2-band EQ, and the distinctive "Cut" control to tailor your treble in your top-boosted tone.

From clean jangles to aggressive grit, the DC30 is all about versatility. The footswitchable boost control, complete with dedicated gain and pre/post switching options, allows you to transform the DC30's clean tone into a raw, snarling beast. To top it off, an official Celestion cab-sim enabled DI and dedicated headphone output make the DC30 a pedalboard-friendly way to get the most iconic chimey cleans and snarling EL84-inspired dirty tones in guitar history.

Key Features:

  • Spot-on amplifier emulation pedal of a classic 30W British combo from the ’60s
  • 2-channel design with independent channel controls for easy swapping between configurations
  • Independent gain controls for the Normal and High inputs — mirroring the original design
  • Versatile tone-shaping controls, including a 2-band EQ and iconic "Cut" control for taming your high end
  • Footswitchable boost circuit with pre/post and dedicated gain knob for tonal authority
  • Dedicated DI and headphones outputs for easy recording, performance, and practice
  • Built-in official Celestion Cab Sim IR to give your sound a true-to-life space and response

Owner's manual

TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp Pedal User Manual

Product specs

Type Guitar Preamp
Analog/Digital Digital
Channels 2
Form Factor Pedal
EQ 2-band EQ, Cut
Amp Modeling TC AMPWORX - 1965 AC30 Top Boost
Impulse Response 2 x 12 Celestion Alnico Blue cab sim IR
Distortion/Overdrive Boost
Inputs 1 x 1/4" TS
Outputs 1 x 1/4" (out), 1 x 1/4" (DI)
USB 1 x Mini-B USB (updates)
Headphones 1 x 1/8"
Bypass Switching Buffered Bypass
Power Source 9V DC 300mA power supply (sold separately)
Height 2"
Width 4.5"
Depth 5.4"
Weight 1.09 lbs.

FAQs

What type of amp modeling does the TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp Pedal use?

The TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp Pedal uses amp modeling based on the 1965 AC30 Top Boost, providing classic British guitar tones.

Can the TC Electronic DC30 Preamp Pedal be used with headphones?

Yes, the pedal includes a dedicated 1/8" headphone output, allowing for silent practice and monitoring.

Does the TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp Pedal include a cab simulator?

Yes, it features a cab sim with an impulse response of a 2 x 12 Celestion Alnico Blue cabinet.

Is the TC Electronic DC30 Preamp Pedal suitable for direct recording?

Yes, it offers a DI output, making it suitable for direct recording or connecting to a PA system.

What power supply does the TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp Pedal require?

The pedal requires a 9V DC 300mA power supply, which is sold separately.

Can the TC Electronic DC30 Preamp Pedal be updated via USB?

Yes, it features a Mini-B USB port for firmware updates, ensuring the pedal remains up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

TC Electronic

TC Electronic

Ampworx DC30 - TC Electronic (Product video)

Video thumbnail for Ampworx DC30 - TC Electronic (Product video) by TC Electronic

Ampworx DC30 - TC Electronic (Product video)

TC Electronic

TC Electronic

Video thumbnail for Does it CHIME? TC Ampworks DC30 by EytschPi42

Does it CHIME? TC Ampworks DC30

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp | Quick VOXy Tones (no talk) by Pedal Platform

TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp | Quick VOXy Tones (no talk)

Pedal Platform

Pedal Platform

Video thumbnail for Best AC30 sim Ever!? TC Electronic DC-30 Ampworx by Budget Pedal Chap

Best AC30 sim Ever!? TC Electronic DC-30 Ampworx

Budget Pedal Chap

Budget Pedal Chap

Video thumbnail for TC Electronic AMPWORX DC30 PreAmp Pedal - Pedal Empire by Pedal Empire

TC Electronic AMPWORX DC30 PreAmp Pedal - Pedal Empire

Pedal Empire

Pedal Empire

Video thumbnail for Watch this BEFORE you buy the TC Ampworx DC-30 by Pedalboards of Doom

Watch this BEFORE you buy the TC Ampworx DC-30

Pedalboards of Doom

Pedalboards of Doom

Video thumbnail for TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp by Pedal of the Day

TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TC Electronic Ampworx DC30 Preamp Pedal.

Comparisons

  • TC Ampworx DC30 and Dual Wreck are suggested as starting points alongside other amp sim options like the Benson Preamp and Hudson Broadcast.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a Behringer EQ pedal to the setup offers a dB boost for improved tonal control, particularly with limited EQ sections.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Vox Valvenergy Mystic Edge is praised for its amp-like sound, especially for those seeking an authentic preamp experience without using an actual amp.

    Source

User experience

  • The Bogner Uberschall pedal is noted for its unexpected cleanliness and powerful EQ, providing dynamic and pleasant sound manipulation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Quilter SuperBlock US is highlighted for its excellent cleans and straightforward 3-band EQ, potentially simplifying setups compared to using a preamp pedal with the Tone Block.

    Source

Critic Reviews

TC Electronic Ampworx Vintage Series Combo Deluxe 65', DC30, and JIMS 45 preamp pedals review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

TC Electronic's Ampworx DC30 Preamp Pedal is a commendable entry into the amp pedal market, offering impressive digital emulations of classic tube amps at an accessible price. The pedal includes useful features like a headphone out and custom controls, enhancing its versatility. However, the fixed onboard impulse response may limit some players seeking more flexibility. While it excels as a clean platform for overdrives, it requires careful control balancing, particularly for its gain settings. Overall, it provides great tones for home practice and recording, although it may not satisfy those needing higher gain for live performances.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
alf_andrew_pedersen

Impressed

I have been pondering about ampless setups for a while. My bad back is tired of carrying heavy tube amp combos. Whilst I still keep my tube amps, I bought this as a solution to the weight problem. I usually play gigs and practice with in-ears. The DC30 impressed me. Semi clean, with a compressor in front of it sounded great! Could have fooled me in a blind test versus a miked up AC30. The weak points of this pedal are some overdrives. It can sound a tad hairy, and I need to tinker more with the settings. But over all, I was really impressed!

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More TC Electronic Amp & Cabinet Simulators

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides