Milkman THE AMP

What is the amp? First of all, it's a 50W guitar amplifier. The preamp is based on a single 12AX7 operating at high voltage in a discrete Class A circuit. The tube preamp reacts with a guitar in the same way as any tube amplifier: it generates harmonics and the smooth, high-fidelity sound for which tubes are known. With tube EQ. there are built-in reverb and tremolo effects so the Amp can be used as a grab amplifier. Foot switches for bypassing effects are integrated. A Class D power section delivers 50 watts into 8 ohms or 100 watts into 4 ohms. The Speakon combo jack for speaker output takes either a standard 1/4" connection or a lockable Speakon connector for added security.

The amp has a built-in headphone amplifier that sounds just like a speaker output. It's perfect for practice, auditioning pedals or for those times when noise isn't appropriate. The amp can operate without a speaker, so it can live on a pedalboard and go wherever pedals go. Speaking of travel, the Amp has a universal IEC power input. It can operate from 100 to 260 VAC. No matter where it is on earth, it can be plugged into a wall socket and used without the need for additional power accessories.

How about a compact, studio-quality tube preamp? The internal XLR output provides a balanced line-level output. There's no modeling or simulation involved, no menus or presets to give anxiety to the options. It's simple to get great sound from The Amp's tube preamp, and use it as a front-end for a modeling system, recording setup, or to play directly on stage.

The amp also has a "pedal level" output where it can be used as the front end of a pedalboard or as an amp effect on the back of a pedalboard. There's no substitute for the marriage between a magnetic guitar pickup and the first stage of a tube amplifier, and this is something that modern pedalboard setups lack. Using the amp in front of a pedal chain will add harmonics and tube musicality to the whole signal chain, starting where it matters most: between a guitar pickup and a tube grid.

Using the amp further down the signal chain creates unique tonal possibilities. It plays well with pedals and can add additional EQ or reverb to an existing amplifier. The amp can drive the input of an amplifier as an additional tube gain stage. This can be a backup for a vintage amp in need of maintenance, or used in place of anemic background gear at your travel gig. At 2.5 lbs and with so many different uses, The Amp may be your new best friend.