The AMT Bricks A-Bass is a compact analog bass preamp pedal from AMT Electronics, part of the maker's Bricks series. AMT describes it as based on the scheme of the legendary Alembic bass preamps line, and the intent is straightforward: classic bass amplifier tone in a pedal format, small enough to live on a board12.
Where it came from and what it is for
AMT positions the A-Bass as one of a family of Bricks preamps built around a shared idea. The maker describes the line under the motto of small dimensions, versatility, and an "adult" sound, and says the circuit implementation is either a full tube or a hybrid design, tube plus semiconductors, with efficient emulation of vacuum triode cascades by semiconductor components. AMT also highlights a really high anode voltage of +250 to 300V for the series1.
For a player, the practical picture is a preamp that can stand in for the front end of a bass amp. RockBoard's PedalPedia listing says it is designed to deliver classic bass amplifier tone in a pedal format, and that it can be used directly into a power amp, mixing console, or audio interface. The pedal also includes a built-in speaker cabinet simulation, which is what makes the direct-to-console or direct-to-interface route workable2.
The controls
Both sources agree the pedal carries a full set of knobs despite its size. AMT lists the set as Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Volume1; RockBoard's listing names them Gain, Low, Mid, High, and Level, and adds the built-in speaker cabinet simulation2. Read together, the two naming schemes map onto the same five controls: gain, three-band EQ, and master level.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of preamp drive1 |
| Low / Bass | Bass EQ band1 |
| Mid / Middle | Midrange EQ band1 |
| High / Treble | Treble EQ band1 |
| Level / Volume | Master output level1 |
How it connects
The A-Bass is meant to slot into a rig in more than one way. AMT lists the ability to use its overloaded channels in preamp mode, connected to the amp's Return, or in drive pedal mode, connected to the amp's Input. In preamp mode the pedal replaces the amp's own front end; in drive mode it acts as an overdrive in front of it1.
The switching is built around using Bricks preamps together. AMT says that turning on any preamp in the chain will turn off all other connected preamps, switching them to true bypass1. To that end the pedal has special CTRL A and CTRL B connectors, which the maker says are for controlling other devices or being controlled by other devices1.
The CTRL A and CTRL B connectors and the shared true-bypass switching are part of how the Bricks series works as a system. If you plan to run several Bricks preamps, the maker's user manual, which AMT says is available through its media center, covers the details1.
Size and related pedals
AMT sums up the Bricks format as small dimensions, Snickers size1. Within AMT's bass range, players comparing preamps may also come across the AMT BC-1, the AMT Bricks O-Bass, the AMT O-BASS, and the AMT WH-1B, alongside the broader field of bass pedals.
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Questions
Is the AMT Bricks A-Bass a real tube pedal?
AMT Electronics describes the Bricks line as using either a full tube or a hybrid circuit design, where semiconductor components emulate vacuum triode cascades, and it points to a really high anode voltage of +250 to 300V. The RockBoard PedalPedia listing describes the A-Bass as an analog circuit. For the exact tube configuration of the A-Bass, the maker's user manual is the reference.
Is the AMT Bricks A-Bass true bypass?
AMT Electronics says the Bricks preamps switch to true bypass when another preamp in a connected chain is switched on: turning on any preamp in the chain turns off all other connected preamps. That switching behavior is built around using several Bricks preamps together.
Can the Bricks A-Bass go straight into a mixer or audio interface?
Yes. The RockBoard PedalPedia listing says the A-Bass can be used directly into a power amp, mixing console, or audio interface, and it includes a built-in speaker cabinet simulation, which is what makes direct recording or feeding a console practical.
Where does the Bricks A-Bass connect in preamp mode?
AMT Electronics says the pedal can run in preamp mode, connected to the amp's Return, or in drive pedal mode, connected to the amp's Input. Preamp mode uses the pedal as the front end of the amp, while drive mode treats it as an overdrive in front of the amp's own preamp.
What are the CTRL A and CTRL B connectors for?
The A-Bass has special CTRL A and CTRL B connectors that AMT Electronics says are for controlling other devices or being controlled by other devices. In practice this is how the pedal ties into the rest of the Bricks series, where turning on one preamp switches the others to true bypass.
How big is the AMT Bricks A-Bass?
AMT Electronics describes the Bricks pedals as having small dimensions, which the maker sums up as Snickers size. The full set of regulation knobs is fitted despite the compact design.
Sources (2)
- AMT A-Bass, AMT Electronics, 2026
- Bricks A-Bass by AMT Electronics, RockBoard (PedalPedia), 2026
