The Carvin X1 is an all-tube guitar preamp pedal that puts the circuits of Carvin's X100B amplifier into a compact pedal format. It carries two 12AX7 tubes arranged in four gain stages, the same setup as the original amp, and offers two independent channels, a master volume, a five-band graphic EQ, an effects loop and a 1-watt output that can drive a speaker cabinet on its own12. Guitar World's reviewer called it "one of the most versatile preamp pedals available on the market today"1.
The X1 is a tube preamp pedal from Carvin, driven by two 12AX7 tubes that provide four gain stages1. It offers individual Rhythm and Lead channels for instant access to two separate tones, plus a five-band graphic EQ with +/-12dB gain at 75Hz, 150Hz, 500Hz, 1.5kHz and 3kHz1. Carvin gave it a $449 street price1.
Two channels, four gain stages
The X1's design goal, as Carvin Amps & Audio stated it, was to deliver the classic sounds of the X100B amplifier in a compact package with added, modern connectivity4. The unit features the original circuits of the X100B amplifier, including the wide-range Bass, Mid, Treble and Presence tone controls32.
The two channels split the amp's character in the traditional way:
- Rhythm channel: clean tones, with its own volume control and a bright switch13
- Lead channel: overdrive tones, with a volume control, a drive control and a switchable gain boost that Carvin says is built for even more intense leads12
A master volume control governs both channels, so the two channel volumes can be balanced against each other and the overall output level set independently of how hard each channel is driven34. The two 12AX7 tubes provide four gain stages that Guitar World's reviewer found deliver "everything from pristine clean tones to extreme" high gain1.
The controls and graphic EQ
Beyond the channel controls and the X100B-derived tone stack, the X1 adds a five-band graphic EQ with boost and cut of up to 12 dB at each band1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rhythm volume | Sets the clean channel's level1 |
| Rhythm bright switch | Adds brightness to the clean channel1 |
| Lead volume | Sets the lead channel's level1 |
| Lead drive | Sets the amount of overdrive on the lead channel1 |
| Lead gain boost | Switchable extra gain for more intense leads12 |
| Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence | Wide-range tone controls using the original X100B circuits2 |
| Master volume | Overall output level for both channels3 |
| Graphic EQ | Five bands at 75 Hz, 150 Hz, 500 Hz, 1.5 kHz and 3 kHz, each with +/-12 dB1 |
Four footswitches control the pedal: one for bypass and the effects loop, one for the graphic EQ, one for the Lead channel gain boost, and one for switching between the Rhythm and Lead channels1.
Connections and the 1-watt output
All of the X1's jacks live on the rear panel: a 1/4-inch input and output, mono send and return for the effects loop, and a 1-watt output that can drive an external 4 or 8 ohm speaker cabinet1. That 1-watt output means the X1 can work as a small standalone rig plugged straight into a cab, without a separate power amp.
The standard mono out is more flexible than a typical pedal output. MusicPlayers.com's reviewer noted it "can go to another pedal, directly to the front end of an amp, or back to an effects loop return"4. Used primarily as a tone shaping tool in front of an amp, he found the pedal "delivers classic Carvin Amps tone"4.
What reviewers said
Carvin describes the X1 as delivering "a multitude of stunning clean, overdrive and high-gain distortion tones suitable for any style of music from smooth jazz to extreme metal"1. That range comes from the two 12AX7 tubes and their four gain stages, with the Rhythm and Lead channels providing instant access to two separate tones1.
"The Carvin X1 is one of the most versatile preamp pedals available on the market today."
MusicPlayers.com's review was similarly positive about the pedal's core purpose, noting that the tone controls for bass, mid, treble and presence use the original circuits of the X100B amp, and that as a tone shaping tool in front of an amp it delivers classic Carvin Amps tone4.
Where it came from
The X1 builds on Carvin's amplifier experience in pedal form. Its two 12AX7 tubes provide four gain stages, which Carvin says deliver everything from pristine clean tones to high-gain distortion, and its five-band graphic EQ mirrors the tone-shaping approach of the company's amp designs1.
The X1's front panel keeps the controls a player needs for two amp-style sounds in one pedal: individual Rhythm and Lead channels, and a graphic EQ providing +/-12dB gain for 75Hz, 150Hz, 500Hz, 1.5kHz and 3kHz1.
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Questions
What tubes does the Carvin X1 use?
The X1 uses two 12AX7 preamp tubes set up in four gain stages, the same arrangement found in the original X100B amplifier. Carvin says this tube complement is what lets the pedal move from pristine clean tones to extreme high gain.
Can the Carvin X1 drive a speaker cabinet directly?
Yes. Alongside its standard 1/4-inch output, the X1 has a 1-watt output on the rear panel that can drive an external 4 or 8 ohm speaker cabinet directly, so it can work as a small standalone rig without a power amp.
Which amp is the Carvin X1 based on?
The X1 is based on Carvin's X100B amplifier. Carvin described the X100B as one of its most iconic guitar amps, and the pedal uses the original circuits of that amp for its tone controls and gain staging.
Does the Carvin X1 have an effects loop?
Yes. The X1 includes an effects loop with mono send and return jacks on the rear panel, so time-based effects such as delay and reverb can be placed after the preamp's gain stages.
How many footswitches does the Carvin X1 have?
Four. They engage bypass and the effects loop, the graphic EQ, a gain boost on the Lead channel, and channel switching between the Rhythm and Lead channels.
Sources (4)
- Review: Carvin X1 All-Tube Guitar Preamp Pedal, Guitar World, 2018-12-03
- Carvin Audio Returns, Announces X1 All Tube Guitar Preamp Pedal, Guitar World, 2018-01-25
- Carvin Announces New X1 All Tube Preamp Pedal, Guitar World, 2018-11-01
- Carvin X1 Tube Preamp Pedal, MusicPlayers.com, 2018-11-28
