A preamp pedal is a versatile tool used to shape and enhance your instrument’s tone before it reaches the amplifier. Essentially, it acts as a “front end” for your signal chain, adding warmth, clarity, and character to your sound. Preamps can emulate the tone of different amplifier types or add additional tonal shaping with controls like gain, treble, mid, bass, and volume.

Preamp pedals are popular for their ability to drive an amplifier harder, creating natural overdrive and distortion, or they can be used to clean up your tone and add some subtle warmth. They’re also useful for achieving a consistent sound across different setups, especially when recording, as they allow you to dial in a tone that can be sent directly to a recording interface or PA system. Well-known preamp pedals include the JHS Morning Glory, Electro-Harmonix Tube Zipper, and MXR M81 Bass Preamp.