The Amptweaker DepthFinder is a two-knob EQ pedal that puts power amp style Resonance and Presence controls where a tube amp normally keeps them: in the amp's effects loop, or on a pedalboard. Amptweaker describes it as a standalone pedal that makes it easy to get the tone of a tube amp's low damping factor, and Guitar.com notes that it replicates the low damping factor of a power amp section12. It is a two-band active boost-only EQ3, announced in November 2018 and reported as now shipping within days of the announcement1.
What it does
The DepthFinder's two knobs, Resonance and Presence, simulate the power amp damping EQ of a tube amplifier. Guitar World reports that the frequency range and boost of each knob was matched to the controls on a block-letter 5150 head into a Vintage 30-loaded birch plywood cabinet3. Guitar.com gives the same detail, saying each knob's frequency range and boost was matched to a Peavey 5150 head into a Vintage 30-loaded birch plywood cabinet, so the resonance matches the system resonance of that amp and speaker combination2.
For a player, the point is that these are the low-end sag and high-end lift controls found on many tube amp heads, available for amps that lack them. Guitar.com says the controls add tube-like qualities to a traditionally tight-sounding solid state amp2. The pedal also has a high impedance input, which Guitar.com says adds clarity to the overall tone2.
"Each knob's frequency range and boost was matched to a Peavey 5150 head into a vintage 30-loaded birch plywood cabinet"
Where it came from
Amptweaker did not design the DepthFinder from scratch. Premier Guitar's press release explains that after modding many pedals to add these knobs, Amptweaker created a standalone two-knob pedal1. The company describes the result as a pedal that allows you to easily add the tone of power amp style Resonance and Presence controls in your amp's effects loop, or on your pedalboard1.
Power, price and practical details
The DepthFinder runs on 9V to 18V adapters, and Premier Guitar's release notes that no batteries fit this tiny pedal, with the higher voltage giving the maximum clean headroom and dynamics1. Current draw is 4mA with either a 9V or 18V supply, according to Guitar World3, which is low enough for most pedalboard power supplies.
At launch, Guitar.com listed three prices: $90 without a power supply, $100 with a nine-volt supply, and $110 with an 18-volt supply2. Guitar World's announcement gave $90 with no power supply3.
There is no battery option: no batteries fit the pedal's small enclosure, so an external adapter is required1.
Related Amptweaker pedals
The DepthFinder arrived alongside other EQ-focused designs from Amptweaker, and it shares the same approach: its Resonance and Presence controls simulate power amp damping EQ, with the frequency range and boost of each knob matched to a block-letter Peavey 5150 head into a Vintage 30-loaded birch plywood cabinet23. For more on the wider category, see the site's page on Equalization Pedals.
Videos
Amptweaker
Robert Jackson
Guitar Bonedo
Questions
Does the Amptweaker DepthFinder run on batteries?
No. Premier Guitar's press release notes that no batteries fit this tiny pedal, so it needs an external adapter. It runs on 9V to 18V adapters, and Amptweaker says the higher voltage gives the maximum clean headroom and dynamics. Current draw is low at 4mA with either a 9V or 18V supply, according to Guitar World.
Does the DepthFinder work in an amp's effects loop?
Yes. Amptweaker designed it to add the tone of power amp style Resonance and Presence controls in an amp's effects loop, or on a pedalboard. Guitar.com notes it replicates the low damping factor of a power amp section, which is the effect it is meant to reproduce wherever it sits in the chain.
Where is the Amptweaker DepthFinder made?
Guitar World reports that the DepthFinder EQ is handmade in the USA. Amptweaker builds the pedal as a standalone two-knob unit, created after the company spent time modding other pedals to add Resonance and Presence knobs.
Does the DepthFinder come with a power supply?
It was sold in three configurations at launch. Guitar.com listed $90 without a power supply, $100 with a nine-volt supply, and $110 with an 18-volt supply. Guitar World's earlier report gave the $90 price with no power supply.
What warranty does the Amptweaker DepthFinder have?
Guitar World lists a 5 Year Limited Warranty for the DepthFinder EQ. The pedal was announced in November 2018 and reported as now shipping shortly after, handmade in the USA by Amptweaker.
Sources (3)
- Amptweaker Curveball Jr & DepthFinder EQ Launch, Premier Guitar, 2018-11-05
- Amptweaker unveils the DepthFinder, Guitar.com, 2018-11-06
- Amptweaker Announces New DepthFinder EQ Pedal, Guitar World, 2018-11-02
