It’s all in the name - a preamp pedal can emulate the preamp section of a guitar amplifier. While the majority of real preamps feature tubes, as we explained above, most preamp pedals are built upon solid-state circuitry. This is because genuine tubes tend to expire after a couple of years, as they heat up to high temperatures and are constructed from glass; making them brittle. To therefore ensure better reliability and longevity, most preamp pedals adhere to a solid-state formula.
Although the bulk of preamp pedals don’t feature valves, manufacturers still want to provide players with convincing sounds, while offering the same level of usability that they’d expect from real amps. That’s why many examples feature EQ controls, so that users can shape their sounds in a familiar way. Preamp pedals also boast gain circuits in order to produce overdriven tones.
There’s plenty of diversity within the preamp pedal market, just like with all effect types. With simple and affordable options that cater for budget-conscious musicians, there are also more sophisticated and flexible preamp pedals. The latter can boast several channels, just like amplifiers that let you switch between different sounds. There are also models that come equipped with more comprehensive control-sets, enabling you to really dial in the perfect tones.