The Preamp S2 from AMT Electronics is an analog preamp pedal that puts a high gain amp's front end on a pedalboard. AMT describes it as reproducing the five-stage preamp sound basis of the amplifier Mike Soldano created in the early 90s, a circuit whose approach also shaped the lead channels of Soldano, Mesa/Boogie Rectifier and H&K Triamp amplifiers. AMT characterizes that shared sound basis as solid and bright, and says the S2 reproduces it12.
The pedal is listed by AMT as a preamp, cab sim, booster, equalizer and distortion in one box, offering what RockBoard's PedalPedia calls "huge tube-style saturated tone in the styles of all of your favorite high gain modern and classic amp heads"13. It is part of the LA2 line of the Legend Amp series, an enhanced "PRO" version accompanying the original series1.
Circuit lineage and sound
AMT's product page tells the story directly: "In the early 90's Mike Soldano created the amp, which later became a kind of a standard for metal sound." The five-stage preamp at the heart of that design, and of the Rectifier and Triamp lead channels that followed a similar approach, is what the S2 sets out to reproduce in analog form12. For a player, that places the S2 among preamp pedals aimed at modern and classic high gain tones rather than at clean boosting or light breakup.
Channels and outputs
The S2 works as a two-channel preamp: RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the LA2 as switching between clean and overdriven channels by means of a footswitch2. It also offers three gain modes, Clean, Low gain and High gain34.
Its three outputs can all be used at the same time, which is what makes the cab sim function practical on a board or in a recording setup2:
- CAB SIM OUT: a speaker-simulated output for going direct
- PREAMP OUT: the preamp signal
- DRIVE OUT: the drive signal
Power requirements
The two maker-linked references disagree on the supply, and both figures are worth knowing before you plug in. RockBoard's PedalPedia lists 12V DC, center negative, with a current draw of 1250mA1. AMT's own product page gives a range of 9 to 12V DC, negative center, and says the pedal can run on an adapter or a battery, describing it as low power consumption2.
If RockBoard's 1250mA figure applies to your unit, a standard daisy chain supply will not cover it: plan a dedicated high-current output at 12V. AMT's own page gives a 9 to 12V range and mentions battery power, so the manual is the deciding reference for a specific pedal12.
Where it sits in AMT's range
The S2 belongs to the LA2 line of the Legend Amp series, which AMT positions as the next generation of that series and an enhanced, upgraded "PRO" version accompanying the original line1. Players who know AMT's smaller drive pedals, such as the S-Drive mini or the Preamp P2, will find the S2 a fuller preamp platform: it combines the preamp, distortion and boost roles with a cab sim and multi-output routing that the compact drives do not offer.
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Questions
What power supply does the AMT Preamp S2 need?
RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the S2 as needing 12V DC, center negative. AMT Electronics' own product page gives a wider range of 9 to 12V DC, negative center, and says it can run on an adapter or a battery. The two maker-linked sources differ on the exact figure, so check the manual for your unit before choosing a supply.
Is the AMT Preamp S2 analog or digital?
It is an analog circuit. RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the circuit type as analog, and AMT Electronics describes it as an analog preamp with Clean, Low gain and High gain modes.
Does the AMT Preamp S2 have a cab simulator?
Yes. AMT lists the S2 as a preamp, cab sim, booster, equalizer and distortion, and it provides a dedicated CAB SIM OUT among its three outputs, alongside PREAMP OUT and DRIVE OUT.
Is the AMT S2 a two-channel preamp?
Yes. AMT describes the LA2 as a two-channel preamp that switches between clean and overdriven channels by means of a footswitch. It also offers Clean, Low gain and High gain modes.
How much current does the AMT Preamp S2 draw?
RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the current draw as 1250mA. AMT Electronics' own product page instead describes the S2 as having low power consumption. The two sources disagree, so treat the 1250mA figure as the one to plan a power supply around.
Sources (4)
- Preamp S2 by AMT Electronics, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- AMT S2 | AMT Electronics official website, AMT Electronics, 2026
- AMT Electronics : S2 Preamp & Effects Pedal, AMT Electronics Media Center
- AMT S2 - Media center of AMT Electronics, Media center of AMT Electronics
