The Carvin X1 Tube Preamp Pedal is a tube preamp pedal from Carvin Amps & Audio, assembled in the USA and selling for $4491. It offers two channels: a rhythm channel for clean tones and a lead channel that goes from classic overdrive to hot gain1. Carvin describes its drive range this way: with the gain off, the drive control goes from a warm clean sound to a bluesy breakup to a dynamic crunch overdrive, and with gain on it allows thick distortion harmonics while retaining 12AX7A tube dynamics1.
The X1 sells for $4491. Its standard mono out can go to another pedal, directly to the front end of an amp, or back to an effects loop return1.
The controls and channels
The X1 features two independent channels plus a master volume control1. The two channels of tone are controlled by the Master volume: the Rhythm channel, which gives clean tones, and the Lead channel, which gives overdrive tones2. Each channel has its own volume control, and the Lead channel adds a drive control3.
The tone controls for the bass, mid, treble, and presence use the original circuits of the X100B amp1. Two switches shape the channels further: a Bright switch on the rhythm channel that adds additional sparkling shimmer to the clean tones, and a Gain switch on the lead side built for even more intense leads14.
| Control | Channel | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Master volume | Both | Controls the two channels of tone4 |
| Volume | Rhythm and Lead, individually | Sets each channel's level3 |
| Drive | Lead | Sets the lead channel's drive amount3 |
| Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence | Both | Tone controls using the original X100B circuits1 |
| Bright switch | Rhythm | Adds sparkling shimmer to clean tones1 |
| Gain switch | Lead | Built for even more intense leads4 |
In use, the rhythm channel covers clean tones, while the lead channel goes from classic overdrive to hot gain1. The mono output can go to another pedal, directly to the front end of an amp, or back to an effects loop return1.
The X1 requires DC power, and a 12V DC center positive adapter is included1. Center positive is the opposite polarity to the center negative standard of most compact pedals, so the X1 cannot simply share a typical pedalboard daisy chain.
What reviewers said
MusicPlayers.com's reviewer, Matt Abrams, described the drive control's range in detail:
"With the gain off, the drive control has the range to go from a warm clean sound, to a bluesy breakup, to a dynamic crunch overdrive. Gain on increases the amount of drive available, allowing thick distortion harmonics while still retaining 12AX7A tube dynamics. Hi-gain sounds are available without the need for additional pedals that can limit dynamics."
He also noted an overall improvement in tone similar to what a buffer or a clean boost that does not color tone would produce, most pronounced with single-coil guitars in front of amps1. Guitar World's review found that while the X1 is packaged in a pedal format, it is packed with features comparable to standalone multi-channel amps, offering the tones and versatility of Carvin's X100B amplifier at a $449 street price31.
Where it came from
The X1 comes from Carvin Amps & Audio and is assembled in the USA1. The company also publishes a user manual for the pedal, dated September 10, 20181.
The X1 puts a two-channel tube preamp in pedal form, with a rhythm channel for clean tones and a lead channel that ranges from classic overdrive to hot gain1. Its standard mono out lets it sit anywhere in a rig: into another pedal, into the front end of an amp, or back into an effects loop return1.
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Questions
Does the Carvin X1 use real tubes?
Yes. The X1 is an all-tube preamp pedal that incorporates two real 12AX7 preamp tubes set up in four gain stages, the same arrangement found in the original Carvin X100B amplifier. It is not a solid-state circuit emulating tube behavior.
What tubes are in the Carvin X1?
The X1 uses two 12AX7 preamp tubes arranged in four stages, matching the tube layout of the original X100B amplifier. Carvin's design goal was to deliver the classic sounds of that amp in a compact pedal package with added modern connectivity.
Is the Carvin X1 true bypass?
Yes. The MusicPlayers.com review of the X1 states that the pedal provides true bypass operation, so it is out of the signal path entirely when switched off.
Does the Carvin X1 have an effects loop?
Yes. Guitar World's announcement of the X1 All Tube Preamp Pedal lists an effects loop among its features, alongside the original X100B circuits, real 12AX7 tubes, and a cabinet voiced output.
What power supply does the Carvin X1 use?
The X1 requires DC power, and a 12V DC center positive adapter is included with the pedal. Note that this is center positive, the opposite of the center negative standard used by most compact pedals, so it cannot share a typical pedalboard daisy chain.
How much does the Carvin X1 weigh?
The X1 weighs 3.9 lbs and measures 3.875 inches high by 8.687 inches wide by 8.312 inches deep, according to the MusicPlayers.com review. That is a large enclosure compared with most compact stompboxes.
Sources (4)
- Carvin X1 Tube Preamp Pedal, MusicPlayers.com, 2018-11-28
- Carvin Audio Returns, Announces X1 All Tube Guitar Preamp Pedal, Guitar World, 2018-01-25
- Review: Carvin X1 All-Tube Guitar Preamp Pedal, Guitar World, 2018-12-03
- Carvin Announces New X1 All Tube Preamp Pedal, Guitar World, 2018-11-01