The Joyo Preamp House, sold in the maker's R series as the JOYO R-15 Preamp House, is a modeling preamp pedal that puts nine amp preamps in a single compact box. Each model has its own clean and distortion channel, switched by footswitch, and the pedal adds built-in cabinet simulation and a balanced XLR output, so it can drive an amp's return or feed a mixing desk directly. Guitar World described it as delivering "Clean and distorted tones that recall Marshall, Fender, Vox and more, all at the click of a footswitch"12.
The nine amp models
The pedal's nine preamp models are selected with a dial at the top left corner of the pedal1. The names point at well-known amplifiers across the clean-to-high-gain range:
| Model | Association |
|---|---|
| '65 Twin | Fender-style clean |
| JCM 900 | Marshall-style |
| AC 30 | Vox-style |
| Lonestar | Mesa/Boogie style |
| Dual Rectifier | Mesa/Boogie style high gain |
| 5150 III | high gain |
| Powerball | high gain |
| TH200 | |
| BE100 |
Joyo's product page lists the same nine names, "65Twin / JCM900 / AC30 / LONESTAR / DUAL RECTIFIER / 5150Ⅲ / POWERBALL / TH200 / BE100 and more", and describes the pedal as "delivering 9 amps' preamps in one pedal"2.
The controls
The front panel is a straightforward preamp layout: a model selector dial plus Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble and Volume knobs13. Each amp model carries a clean and a distortion channel, turned on and off via a footswitch, and Guitar World notes that sounds can be mixed and matched1. Joyo counts 18 tones in all across the nine models2.
Outputs and going direct
The Preamp House is built to leave the amp at home if a player wants. It has a balanced XLR output with a ground lift switch3, and a built-in cabinet simulation that shapes the signal for a desk or PA3. Joyo says the cabinet simulation "facilitates stage performance"2, and describes the pedal as "an user-friendly and stable tone solution for musicians who perform and record frequently"2.
What reviewers said
Reviewing the pedal at launch, gearnews's Jef summed it up as a value proposition:
"For the money, I think it offers a lot of choice and could be a cheap way of expanding your selection of amp tones at gigs or in the studio3."
The pedal carried an RRP of USD 169.99 when announced in November 20193, and Guitar World reported it as available for $169.99 at the same time3.
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Questions
Which amps does the Joyo Preamp House model?
The pedal carries nine preamp models: '65 Twin, JCM 900, AC 30, Lonestar, Dual Rectifier, 5150 III, Powerball, TH200 and BE100. Joyo's own product page lists the same nine names, described as delivering nine amps' preamps in one pedal, with tones that recall Marshall, Fender and Vox among others.
Does the Joyo Preamp House have cabinet simulation?
Yes. The pedal has a built-in cabinet simulation, which Joyo says facilitates stage performance. Together with the balanced XLR output, it lets the pedal feed a mixing desk or audio interface without a guitar cabinet or microphone.
Can the Preamp House go straight to a mixing desk?
Yes. The Preamp House has a balanced XLR output with a ground lift switch, and its built-in cabinet simulation means the signal is speaker-shaped before it leaves the pedal. That makes it usable direct into a desk, interface or PA for gigs and recording.
Does each amp model have a clean and a distortion channel?
Yes. Each of the nine amp models features a clean channel and a distortion channel, switched on and off by footswitches. Joyo counts 18 tones in all across the pedal, and Guitar World notes that sounds can be mixed and matched.
What is the list price of the Joyo Preamp House?
The pedal carried an RRP of USD 169.99 when it was announced in November 2019, according to gearnews. Guitar World likewise reported it as available for $169.99 at launch.
Sources (3)
- Joyo's Preamp House pedal packs 9 amps under one roof, Guitar World, 2019-11-15
- R-15 PREAMP HOUSE_JOYO, JOYO (www.joyoaudio.com)
- Joyo Preamp House: A compact, affordable modelling pedal with 9 preamp flavours, gearnews.com, 2019-11-18
