The Master Effects Misanthrope is a preamp pedal built around the preamp circuit of the Ampeg VH140c, a high-gain amplifier from the 1990s. Master Effects describes it plainly as the "VH140c in a box": the amp's gain stage and EQ on a pedalboard, with the maker promising the "Same brutal tone in a smaller more pedalboard friendly package!"1
Controls
The Misanthrope carries five controls, following the gain and EQ layout of the amplifier it is based on1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the pedal's output level |
| Gain | Sets the amount of preamp drive |
| Low | Low EQ band |
| (Ultra) Mid | Mid EQ band |
| High | High EQ band |
Build and enclosure
The current design fits the circuit into a 125B enclosure with top-mounted jacks, powdercoated and finished with UV printed artwork. Master Effects notes the change from the earlier, larger format: "we managed to fit it into a a smaller 125B enclosure with top-mounted jacks"1. Inside, each pedal uses a professional high quality FR4 PCB, professionally assembled, and the hand assembly is done in Calgary, Alberta, Canada1.
Power and bypass
The pedal takes a standard Boss-style 9V power supply. Internal circuitry generates a ±15V supply for the preamp circuit, which is what lets the pedal run the VH140c preamp design at its intended operating voltage1. Switching is handled by soft-touch relay true bypass, which Master Effects describes as being for improved reliability1.
Price, shipping and warranty
The Misanthrope lists at $199US plus shipping, as of 2026-10-261. Shipping is $20US within Canada and the US, and approximately $60US to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan1. Orders typically ship within 2 to 4 weeks1. Each pedal carries a 1 year warranty on parts and labor, excluding damage from an improper power supply or misuse1.
The warranty excludes damage from an improper power supply or misuse, so the correct 9V Boss-style supply is worth using from day one1.
Videos
Master Effects Pedals
Brokenlevel
Metalhead Productions
Questions
Is the Master Effects Misanthrope true bypass?
Yes. The Misanthrope uses soft-touch relay true bypass, which Master Effects describes as an improvement in reliability over a conventional footswitch arrangement. Relay bypass switches the signal with an electronic relay rather than a mechanical switch, so the audio path is fully removed from the pedal's circuit when the effect is off.
What amp is the Misanthrope based on?
The Misanthrope is based on the preamp found in the Ampeg VH140c amplifier from the 1990s. Master Effects describes the pedal as the VH140c in a box, aimed at players who want that amplifier's high-gain character on a pedalboard rather than in an amp head.
What power supply does the Misanthrope need?
The Misanthrope runs on a standard Boss-style 9V power supply. Inside the pedal, circuitry generates a plus and minus 15V supply for the preamp circuit. A standard center-negative 9V supply of the Boss type is all that is needed at the input.
Where is the Master Effects Misanthrope made?
The Misanthrope is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Each pedal uses a professionally assembled FR4 circuit board, and the hand assembly and finishing are done at Master Effects in Calgary.
What warranty comes with the Misanthrope?
Each Misanthrope comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labour. The warranty excludes damage caused by an improper power supply or misuse, so using the correct 9V Boss-style supply matters for keeping the coverage intact.
How long does a Misanthrope order take to ship?
Master Effects states that orders typically ship within 2 to 4 weeks. The pedals are built by hand in Calgary, Alberta, so the lead time reflects the small-batch construction rather than stock sitting on a warehouse shelf.
Sources (1)
- Misanthrope, Master Effects, 2021-11-01