TC Electronic Ampworx V550 Preamp Pedal Reviews
Latter-day Van Halen tone in a box, TC Electronic’s V550 Preamp harnesses the power of Ampworx technology to precisely emulate a revolutionary tube amp from the early 1990s. Like its fellow Ampworx siblings, this pedal boasts a versatile 2-channel design, giving you access to two distinct voices: a lower-gain “Green” channel and the all-out, arena-shaking high-gain shriek of the “Red” channel. A 3-band Low/Mid/High tone section and Gain/Level/Reso knobs function independently depending on your selectable channel, allowing you to carve out each of the V550’s two voices to perfectly suit your tonal taste. And if you need to add just a touch of extra impact to a key lick or solo, a quick stomp of the dedicated Boost switch cranks up your signal by 5dB. Lastly, the V550’s back panel tops it all off with a cab sim-enabled DI out, global Presence control, and Pre/Post switch to choose where the V550’s boost lies in the circuit.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Amazing!!!
I bought the JIMS 800 but it doesn't sound that great to my ears. However. the V550 sounds pretty close to a 5150! There is plenty of gain! my experience with most amp in a box pedals lacks such a certain gain staging quality.
I got a ripping Rythm tone almost immediately! Basically, I love it!
Fantastic
This thing is unreal.
Really is that 5150 tone in a box, but so much more. The stock Cab IR is fantastic and exactly what I have been looking for regarding to the tone I wanted for my next project. Because of the output jacks orientation with the DI out or Preamp out, I'm able to run one through the stock cab IR and run another line through my cab sim pedal. I have a Mesa Cab IR panned left and the stock ir panned right to create this massive sound.
You don't need to put a TS in front of it because the stock boost is exactly what a TS in front would do.
Hard to believe something like this is only $ because it's one of the best sounding preamps I've ever heard. Definitely excited to grab the other Ampworx models!
The 550
The TC 550 pedal is a versatile and powerful tool for musicians who want to fully customize their sound. With a 3-band Low/Mid/High tone section and Gain/Level/Reso knobs that function independently depending on the channel you select, you have complete control over your tonal palette.
Whether you're looking for a clean and crisp sound or a gritty and distorted tone, the V550 has got you covered. You can adjust the Low/Mid/High frequencies to bring out the warmth in your playing or add more bite to your sound. The Gain control lets you dial in the intensity of the distortion, from subtle overdrive to full-on fuzz. The Level knob controls the overall volume of the effect, while the Reso knob lets you fine-tune the resonance of the pedal to match your playing style.
What's more, the TC 550 pedal has two voices that can be tailored to your preferences. You can adjust each voice independently using the tone and gain controls, so you can create a unique sound that is all your own. And if you need to add some extra oomph to your playing, simply stomp on the dedicated boost switch to increase your signal by 5dB.
In short, the V550 pedal is an essential tool for any musician who wants to fully customize their sound and take their playing to the next level.
Old School Meets New School
I run a HM2W into this then into a Mooer radar for phenomenal old school early 90's Death Metal guitar tracking. This pedal has a ton ov power on tap and I could see using this for live application. The 5150/6505 tone is there and plenty ov heaviness can be attained with dialing in and adding some drive in front. With the HM2W or without this thing burns. Rock, Black, Death or Thrash? Just get it.
TC Electronic 550
Interesting pedal, have added to my "arsenal."
Seem to have more control over the amount of overdrive/distortion.
Good pedal so far.
Great pedal
I play in a church worship team, but at home, I like to play metal and hard rock. This pedal gave me the versatility to play everything I need. I replaced a line 6 pod XT live with this and a couple other pedals. I highly recommend this if you cannot use an amplifier in your venues
Initially not impressed
I was disappointed at first, very muffled. Best way to get good sound is hit both switches at same time and make it on off. Crank treble and drive with boost on and use guitar volume. In this mode it sings,and when switched off is totally clean. For some reason headphones out sounds great but di sucks. You do get an almost perfect cranked metal sound through headphones so definitely worth price.
