The AMT Bricks A-Bass is a compact bass preamp pedal from AMT Electronics, part of the company's Bricks series. AMT states that the device is based on the scheme of the legendary Alembic bass preamps line, and RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as designed to deliver classic bass amplifier tone in a pedal format12. The circuit is fully analog and optimized for bass guitar, housed in a durable metal enclosure2.
AMT sums up the design intent behind the Bricks line in its own words:
"Small dimensions, versatility, and \"adult\" sound, under this motto the new line of pedals was created."
Where it came from and what it is
The A-Bass belongs to the AMT Bricks series, a line of compact preamp pedals that also includes guitar-oriented models like the Bricks P-Lead and Bricks X-Lead, as well as a sibling bass preamp, the Bricks O-Bass1. AMT describes the Bricks circuit design as either full tube or hybrid, combining tubes with semiconductors, with efficient emulation of vacuum triode cascades by semiconductor components1. The tubes run at what AMT calls a really high anode voltage of +250 to 300V1.
The pedal is small; AMT describes its dimensions as Snickers size1. AMT also lists a user's manual for the Bricks devices on its media center for players who want the full documentation1.
The controls
The A-Bass carries a full set of regulation knobs despite the compact design1. RockBoard's PedalPedia lists them as Gain, Low, Mid, High and Level, together with a built-in speaker cabinet simulation2; AMT's own page names the same five knobs as Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass and Volume1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of preamp gain12 |
| Bass / Low | Bass EQ control12 |
| Middle / Mid | Midrange EQ control12 |
| Treble / High | Treble EQ control12 |
| Volume / Level | Output level control12 |
The built-in speaker cabinet simulation means the pedal can be recorded or played through a full-range system without a bass cab coloring the signal2.
Using it in a rig
AMT gives the pedal two ways into an amp: the overloaded channels can be used in preamp mode, connected to the amp's effects return, or in drive pedal mode, connected to the amp's input1. That makes the same pedal serve as a whole preamp section or as a front-end drive, depending on where it sits in the signal chain.
The A-Bass runs on 12V DC, center negative2, so power planning matters on a pedalboard.
For switching, the pedal has special CTRL A and CTRL B connectors, which AMT says allow it to control other devices or be controlled by other devices1. AMT also describes a chain behavior for its preamps: turning on any preamp in the chain will turn off all other connected preamps, switching them to true bypass1. So in a multi-preamp rig built from Bricks units, selecting one preamp takes the others out of the signal path entirely.
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Questions
Is the AMT Bricks A-Bass a tube pedal?
AMT describes the Bricks series circuit design as either full tube or hybrid, combining tubes with semiconductors, and notes that semiconductor components can efficiently emulate vacuum triode cascades. The pedal runs its tubes at a really high anode voltage of +250 to 300V, according to AMT. RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the circuit type as analog and optimized for bass guitar.
What power supply does the AMT Bricks A-Bass need?
RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the Bricks A-Bass as running on 12V DC with a center negative plug. That is a higher voltage than many pedalboard power supplies deliver, so a player should plan their power supply accordingly.
Does the AMT Bricks A-Bass have cabinet simulation?
Yes. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the pedal as having a built-in speaker cabinet simulation alongside its Gain, Low, Mid, High and Level controls, which is useful for recording or playing through a flat-response power amp or full-range system.
Is the AMT Bricks A-Bass true bypass?
AMT describes a chain behavior for the Bricks preamps: turning on any preamp in the chain switches all other connected preamps to true bypass. So when another preamp in a connected chain is switched on, the A-Bass sits in true bypass.
What are the CTRL A and CTRL B connectors for?
AMT says the pedal has special CTRL A and CTRL B connectors that let it control other devices or be controlled by other devices. That makes it possible to switch the A-Bass in and out alongside other gear in a larger rig.
Can the Bricks A-Bass be used as a drive pedal?
Yes. AMT says the overloaded channels can be used in preamp mode, connected to an amp's effects return, or in drive pedal mode, connected to the amp's input. The same circuit serves both roles depending on where it is patched in.
Sources (2)
- AMT A-Bass, AMT Electronics, 2026
- Bricks A-Bass by AMT Electronics, RockBoard (PedalPedia), 2026
