The Spaceman Effects Atlas III is a medium-gain preamp booster: a pedal designed to sit in front of a tube amplifier and push its input stage, adding gain and harmonic color rather than acting as a standalone distortion. Spaceman describes it as staying relatively clean and transparent while adding subtle color and harmonic overtones that grow as the gain is turned up1. It is a boost pedal in the preamp mold, closer in spirit to the maker's Saturn VI harmonic booster than to a straight clean boost.
What it does to your sound
Spaceman's own description sets out the intent: "Specifically created for pushing the front end of tube amps, the Atlas III was designed to do so in a rich, warm way; while adding a touch of sparkle in the highs, and never muddying up the lows"1. The coloration comes from what the maker calls a discrete preamp design, and the gain control is described as completely usable throughout its full rotation, with plenty of gain to overdrive an amp's tubes1.
Controls and construction
The pedal's control set is simple, and its build is where Spaceman puts most of its specification detail:
- Gain: usable across its full rotation, from subtle color to enough gain to overdrive the amp's tubes1
- Phase switch (internal mini switch): selects the phase of the pedal's output, in or out of phase with the input source signal; Spaceman calls this extremely helpful for multiple amp setups and studio situations where phase matters1
- Switching: true bypass via what the maker describes as the heaviest duty mechanical footswitch available1
- Jacks: quality open-frame Switchcraft jacks1
The enclosure is a USA-cast aluminum box topped with a durable, engraved vinyl faceplate and a vintage dim-able indicator light. Inside, Spaceman points to an immaculate hand-soldered PCB, detailed military-spec wiring, and a custom Spaceman heavy-duty battery connector. The whole pedal is hand-soldered and handmade in Portland, Oregon1.
Power
The Atlas III's tone is transferred via quality open-frame Switchcraft jacks1. Inside, Spaceman describes a discrete preamp design, which the company credits for the pedal's tasteful organic coloration1.
Availability and what came after
The Atlas III is no longer in production. Spaceman's product pages list it as sold out, and the maker describes the pedal as having been out of production for several years13. It was produced in Silver, Black, Light Blue, Copper, and Chrome finishes, all listed as sold out1. A Red Edition limited to only 2 units also appeared and sold out2.
The Atlas III remains listed by Spaceman Effects at a list price of $199.001. The pedal was specifically created for pushing the front end of tube amps, designed to do so in a rich, warm way while adding a touch of sparkle in the highs and never muddying up the lows12.
The Atlas III's design details carry through the series: Spaceman describes it as obtaining its tasteful organic coloration via a discrete preamp design, with tone transferred through quality open-frame Switchcraft jacks1. Its gain control is completely useable throughout its full rotation, with plenty of gain to overdrive an amp's tubes1.
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Questions
What does the phase switch on the Spaceman Atlas III do?
Inside the pedal there is a mini switch that selects the phase of the output, either in phase or out of phase with the input source signal. Spaceman notes this is extremely helpful when using a multiple amp setup, and for studio situations where phase becomes an important consideration.
Is the Spaceman Atlas III true bypass?
Yes. Spaceman describes the Atlas III as using true-bypass switching via the heaviest duty mechanical footswitch available, with the signal carried through quality open-frame Switchcraft jacks.
How much current does the Atlas III draw?
Spaceman's own product pages give two different bypass current figures for the Atlas III: one lists 0.9 mA and another lists 2.8 mA. Either way the draw is very low, and the pedal runs on 9V DC.
Is the Spaceman Atlas III still available?
No. The Atlas III is sold out on Spaceman's product pages, and the maker describes it as having been out of production for several years. Occasional limited editions, such as a Red Edition limited to 2 units, have also sold out.
What replaced the Spaceman Atlas III?
The Atlas IV: Preamp Booster, reviewed by Pedal of the Day on its release in August 2025 as the next generation of the Atlas III. Before that, Guitar Pedal X reported in June 2025 that the Atlas III had been updated into an MKIV Edition with added Thrust and Axis toggles.
Where is the Spaceman Atlas III made?
Spaceman states the Atlas III is completely hand-soldered and handmade in Portland, Oregon, with a hand-soldered PCB, military-spec wiring, and a USA-cast aluminum enclosure.
Sources (3)
- Atlas III: Preamp Booster, Spaceman Effects
- Atlas III: Preamp Booster, Spaceman Effects
- Atlas IV: Preamp Booster, Spaceman Effects
