The Master Effects Marauder is a preamp pedal based on the preamp found in the classic Peavey Bandit Blue/Teal stripe amplifier from the late 1980s and 1990s. It carries the amp's active boost/cut EQ and Bright switch onto a pedalboard, running internal ±15V circuitry like the original amplifiers while taking a standard 9V supply1. It sits in the maker's range of amp-style preamps alongside pedals like the Master Effects Super Forty and Master Effects JC-Pre, and it belongs to the wider family of preamp pedals.
Controls
The Marauder's control set mirrors the original amp's front panel, with a few additions for pedalboard use.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Pre | Gain control; acts like the "Supersat" control on the original amp1 |
| Bottom, Body, Edge | Active boost/cut EQ as on the original amp1 |
| Bright switch | Kept from the original amp, where it was only functional on the clean channel1 |
| Shift switch | Adjusts the mid frequency for the active EQ1 |
| Low/hi gain switch | Selects between low and high gain operation1 |
The shift switch and the low/hi gain switch are additions the original amp did not offer in the same form, giving the player a choice of mid frequency center and gain range before touching the EQ1.
Power and protection
The pedal uses a standard boss-style 9V power supply. There is internal circuitry to generate a ±15V power supply like the original amplifiers, which is how the maker describes the headroom the pedal works with1. The pedal also includes power supply over voltage and ESD protection1.
Orders typically ship within 2 to 4 weeks, according to the maker's product page1.
Price, shipping and warranty
The Marauder is priced at $219US plus shipping1. Shipping within Canada and the US is $20US, and shipping to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan is approximately $60US1. Customers outside Canada are responsible for any customs/import/VAT charges their country levies on the pedal1.
Each pedal comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor. The warranty does not cover damage due to an improper power supply or misuse1.
Videos
Master Effects Pedals
Gord Olson
Kyle Bull
Questions
Which amp is the Master Effects Marauder based on?
Master Effects says the Marauder is based on the preamp found in the classic Peavey Bandit Blue/Teal stripe amplifier from the late 1980s and 1990s. The pedal carries over features from that amp, including the active boost/cut EQ, the Bright switch and a Pre control that acts like the original's Supersat control.
Is the Marauder true bypass?
Yes. The Marauder uses a soft touch relay true bypass switching arrangement, according to the maker's product page.
What does the Pre control do on the Marauder?
The Pre control acts like the Supersat control on the original Peavey Bandit amp, working as the pedal's gain control. Alongside it there is a low/hi gain switch and a shift switch that adjusts the mid frequency for the active EQ.
What power supply does the Marauder use?
The pedal uses a standard boss-style 9V power supply. Internal circuitry generates a ±15V power supply like the original amplifiers, and the pedal includes power supply over voltage and ESD protection.
Where is the Master Effects Marauder made?
Each Marauder uses a professionally assembled PCB and is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, according to Master Effects.
What warranty does the Marauder have?
Each pedal comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labour. The warranty does not cover damage due to an improper power supply or misuse.
Sources (1)
- Marauder, Master Effects
