The Master Effects Cross is a preamp pedal, a pedal designed to take the place of an amplifier's front end rather than simply push an existing one harder. It sits in the family of preamp pedals that model a specific amplifier circuit, and in this case the model is a specific one: Master Effects says the Cross is based on the preamp of the Laney GH100TI, the Tony Iommi signature amplifier from the 1990s1. The maker also lists it among its amp-simulation pedals as the Laney GH100TI2.
Because it models a full preamp, the Cross is meant to go straight into a power amp, a return input, or a flat-response setup, in the same way as other pedals in the maker's range such as the Master Effects Transmission and Master Effects Seventh Son.
The controls
The Cross carries the control set of the amplifier it models, laid out as knobs and two switches1:
| Control | Type | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Knob | Sets overall output level |
| Gain | Knob | Sets the amount of preamp drive |
| Bass | Knob | EQ, low frequencies |
| Middle | Knob | EQ, mid frequencies |
| Treble | Knob | EQ, high frequencies |
| Presence | Knob | Presence control from the amplifier |
| Bright | Switch | Bright voicing |
| Bottom | Switch | Bottom-end voicing |
The Bright and Bottom switches give two extra voicing options on top of the standard three-band EQ and presence controls, which follows the layout of the GH100TI preamp the pedal is drawn from1.
Circuit and power
No tubes are involved. Master Effects states that "the preamp tubes have been replaced with JFETs and the phase inverter of the amplifier has also been modelled in the pedal"1. JFETs are transistors whose behavior resembles that of a tube stage, which is a common way of capturing an amp circuit in a pedal.
The pedal runs from a standard Boss-style 9V power supply1. Inside, a circuit boosts the voltage up to 30V, which the maker says provides "maximum headroom and amp-like feel"1. Higher internal voltage gives the JFET stages more room to swing before clipping, which is part of how the pedal aims for an amplifier-like response at pedal supply voltages.
The maker's page specifies a standard Boss-style 9V supply and does not mention battery operation. The one-year warranty does not cover damage from using an improper power supply or other misuse1.
Build, price and warranty
Each Cross uses a professionally assembled PCB and is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada1. The enclosure is powder coated with UV printed artwork1. Master Effects describes the end result of its build approach as "high quality pedals that sound amazing, are consistent from pedal-to-pedal"1.
The price is $199 US plus shipping1. Shipping within Canada and the US is $20 US, and shipping to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan is approximately $60 US1. Each pedal comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labor1.
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Questions
Which amp is the Master Effects Cross based on?
Master Effects says the Cross is based on the preamp of the Laney GH100TI, the Tony Iommi signature amplifier from the 1990s. The pedal models the phase inverter of that amplifier as well, and the preamp tubes are replaced with JFETs, so no tubes are used in the circuit.
Is the Master Effects Cross true bypass?
Yes. The Cross uses a soft-touch relay true bypass switching arrangement, which Master Effects describes as being for improved reliability. Relay bypass also means the switching is not dependent on a mechanical footswitch contact carrying the guitar signal.
What power supply does the Master Effects Cross use?
The Cross runs on a standard Boss-style 9V power supply. Inside, a circuit boosts the voltage up to 30V, which Master Effects says gives maximum headroom and an amp-like feel. A battery is not mentioned on the maker's product page.
Where is the Master Effects Cross made?
Each Cross pedal uses a professionally assembled PCB and is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, according to Master Effects.
How much does the Master Effects Cross cost?
The list price is $199 US plus shipping, as of the maker's product page dated 2026. Shipping within Canada and the US is $20 US, and shipping to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan is approximately $60 US.
Does the Master Effects Cross use tubes?
No. Master Effects states that the preamp tubes of the amplifier it is based on have been replaced with JFETs, and the phase inverter of the amplifier has also been modelled in the pedal. The pedal runs on a 9V external supply rather than tube high voltages, though an internal circuit boosts the supply up to 30V.
Sources (2)
- Cross | Laney GH100TI Tony Iommi Preamp | Master Effects, Master Effects
- Master Effects Pedals, Master Effects Pedals
