The Model feT is a transistor-based preamplifier from Electronic Audio Experiments, designed around what the maker calls the legendary Sunn Model T amplifier1. It puts the front end of that amp on a pedalboard: two blendable channels, a 3-band FMV EQ with the original amp's moderately mid-scooped voicing, and a Master volume with enough output to drive a power amp on its own12.
A transistor preamp inspired by the Sunn Model T
Electronic Audio Experiments describes the Model feT as "a transistor-based preamplifier designed around the legendary Sunn Model T amplifier"1. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio, covering the V3, used the same framing: "The Electronic Audio Experiments Model feT V3 is a transistor-based preamplifier designed around the Sunn Model T amplifier"3.
Pedal of the Day's review of the original release looked at how the circuit gets there: "Going beyond the standard triode-to-JFET conversion, this pedal sounds fantastic on its own, or when you stack it with other pedals"2. The same review summed up the pedal's character:
"the Model feT Preamp is a killer in its own right, taking inspiration from a classic, and adding its own spin on that specific sound."
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Normal / Brite | Two channels, as on the original amp, which can be blended seamlessly2 |
| Bass, Midrange, Treble | 3-band FMV EQ with the same moderately mid-scooped voicing as the original amp: highly interactive and nonlinear, but familiar1 |
| Master | Sets overall output volume; capable of high volumes in order to access quieter clean settings and to properly drive an external power amp1 |
Pedal of the Day described the Master knob's role in practice: "A Master volume knob rounds things out, letting you harness or unleash the power you get to deliver to the masses"2.
Running it direct
Because the pedal is a full preamp, Electronic Audio Experiments says the Model feT can be used directly into a power amp, cab simulation, or DAW, with no guitar amp needed in the chain1. Delicious Audio's write-up of the V3 confirms the same capability3. The high-output Master control is what makes this work: the maker notes it is capable of high volumes both for quieter clean settings and for properly driving an external power amp1.
Versions and tones
The pedal has been through several versions. The maker's page marks the original as the initial release (V1)1, and Delicious Audio covered the V3 in 20221. On the current V3.7, the maker lists a new mechanical format with a changed enclosure shape, knob spacing and jacks, an added power supply over-voltage shutdown circuit and ESD protection, and increased fidelity of the simulated power amp stage for improved EQ response and lower noise1.
The V3.7 differs mechanically from earlier versions: the enclosure shape, knob spacing and jacks all changed, so used examples of earlier versions may look and lay out differently from the current pedal1.
As for what it covers tonally, Pedal of the Day found the pedal delivers "massive headroom and volume output," capable of doom-y tones but working for just about any other musical endeavor2. The Sunn Model T association draws doom and heavy players, but the reviewer's verdict was that the pedal is not limited to that use.
Videos
Mark Johnston
Noise Generator
Oscillator Devices
Questions
What amp is the Model feT preamp based on?
Electronic Audio Experiments designed the Model feT around the Sunn Model T amplifier, which the maker calls legendary. Pedal of the Day's review likewise describes it as based on that amplifier, and notes that the pedal keeps the original amp's two-channel layout, Normal and Brite, with the ability to blend the two circuits.
Can the Model feT go straight into a power amp or DAW?
Yes. Electronic Audio Experiments states that the Model feT can be used directly into a power amp, cab simulation, or DAW. The Master control is capable of high volumes, which the maker says lets you access quieter clean settings and properly drive an external power amp.
What channels does the Model feT have?
According to Pedal of the Day's review, the Model feT features two channels, Normal and Brite, as the original Sunn Model T amp did, and the two circuits can be blended seamlessly. The pedal also carries the same 3-band FMV EQ for dialing in Bass, Midrange and Treble frequencies.
Does the Model feT work for tones other than doom?
Pedal of the Day describes the pedal as delivering massive headroom and volume output, capable of doom-y tones but working for just about any other musical endeavor. The reviewer also found it sounds fantastic on its own or when stacked with other pedals.
Sources (3)
- Model feT, Electronic Audio Experiments
- Electronic Audio Experiments Model feT Preamp, Pedal of the Day, 2020-02-06
- Electronic Audio Experiments Model FeT V3, Delicious Audio, 2022-09-14