TC Electronic V550 Preamp Modeling Guitar Pedal

One Amp, Captured to Perfection

Resurrecting the famous 1992 EVH MK1 5150 tube amp with advanced TC Ampworx modeling tech, the V550 Preamp from TC Electronic delivers the authentic tone, touch, and feel of a vintage tube amp. Sporting two channels (green for clean rhythm, red for leads), you can handle everything from blues and jazz to rock and metal.

Each channel features independent gain, volume, and EQ controls for perfect tonal shaping. A 5 dB boost is included with its own footswitch, and you can select either Pre or Post boost modes from the rear panel, with Pre boost allowing you drive the amp model harder with a distinct mid-frequency hump. Both the DI output (ideal for PAs, mixers, and interfaces) and the headphone output (ideal for silent practice) offer IR-based simulations of a Celestion 4x12 G12M Heritage cabinet for the sound of a real vintage combo amp. And as a pedalboard-friendly platform, the Dual Wreck Preamp will take drive pedals like a champ.

The V550 preamp pedal embodies the charismatic sonic profile of the original tapping guitar god: Eddie Van Halen. To achieve this, his signature 1992 EVH MK1 5150 tube amp was used as a model, captured with exceptional detail using the component-based Ampworx modeling technology. The result is the original amp emulated in its full glory, along with several modern modifications to extend its versatility.

Right out of the box, the V550 is set to Dual Channel mode. This configuration keeps the pedal engaged at all times, granting instant access to each of these unique sonic profiles.

However, if you prefer a more traditional stompbox experience, TC Electronic also incorporated a Bypass mode. Entering this mode allows you to simply stomp the pedal on and off, allowing you to switch between bypass and the channel used before entering Bypass mode.

The cabinet speaker plays a crucial role in any combo, and thanks to the advancements in convolution-based IR technology, TC Electronic can now capture the essence of the past with exceptional precision and authenticity. To give you the true sound of the original, they joined forces with Celestion and incorporated the official Celestion impulse response of the revered G12M 4x12 speaker cab. It's an excellent match that reproduces every nuance of your riffs and solos with equal amounts of ease and elegance.

V550 features an extra addition not present in the original 5150 amp, a 5 dB boost circuit. To enhance its versatility, the pedal offers a selectable Pre or Post boost mode. In the Post mode, the boost circuit functions as a volume boost, elevating the output level without introducing any alteration to your core tone. It simply provides a transparent and pure increase in volume, allowing your original sound to shine through.

Switching to the Pre mode repositions the booster before the amp modeler in the signal chain. This setup drives the amplifier with greater intensity, simulating the effect of a vintage tube screamer placed in front of your amp. This introduces a touch of grit and character, delivering a tasteful vintage-style drive.

By incorporating a global Presence knob on the rear panel, V550 is able to adapt to any musical scenario you may encounter. Recognizing the likelihood of pairing this pedal with a diverse array of amplifiers, cabinets, and pedals, TC Electronic introduced this convenient and universal control, enabling you to establish the overall sonic direction. By increasing the presence knob, you will add a touch of brilliance and some additional warmth to match your desired tone.

The V550 offers three independent outputs, all of which can be used simultaneously for a three-way split. You get a DI output, ideal for front-of-house (FOH) and PA systems, a line out, and a headphone out for silent practice. The DI and headphone outputs both feature cab simulation of a Celestion V30 4x12 cab, while the line out sends a pure, amp-modeled tone, allowing you to send the line out to an optional external IR loader if desired.

TC Electronic V550 PREAMP Specs

Input Impedance	1 Megohm
Output Impedance	1 Kilohm
Audio Circuit Type	Digital (Modeling)
Buffer	Buffered Bypass
Controls	6 x Rotary Knob (Gain, Resonance, Level, Low, Mid, High) 1 x Low-Profile Knob (Master Presence) 1 x 2-Way Switch (Pre Boost, Post Boost) 2 x Footswitch (Boost On/Off, Channel)

USB I/O	1 x Mini-USB Female Input/Output
Audio I/O	1x 1/4" TS Hi-Z/Instrument Input 1x 1/4" TRS Line Output (Balanced) 1x 1/4" TRS Line Output (DI Output, Balanced) 1x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output

Power Source	AC Adapter with Power Brick (Not Included)
DC Input Power	9 VDC at 300 mA

Color	Black
Material of Construction	Metal
Dimensions	5.4 x 4.5 x 2" / 13.7 x 11.4 x 5.1 cm (D x W x H)
Weight	1.08 lb / 0.49 kg

Package Weight	1.7 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	7.5 x 7.3 x 4"