The Subdecay Vector is an analog preamp pedal from Subdecay that packs multiple channels of drive, distortion and fuzz into a single stompbox. Subdecay describes it as covering "all your fuzz and drive needs with eleven channels of dirty analog goodness," while still offering "the simple control surface you expect in a stompbox." Its list price is $179.00 USD, and the maker's current listing shows the same $179.00 USD as of September 18, 202612.
What it does to your sound
Subdecay's own descriptions of the channels give the clearest picture of the range on offer. The maker says the Vector "makes your amp sound overloaded with a big bottom end, yet retains note separation on the higher strings," all through a simple control surface of Volume, Tone and Gain1.
The eleven channels break down roughly by flavor:
- Vintage (Drive 1 & 2): Subdecay compares Drive 1 to "that well known green overdrive, but without the tubby cleanish signal underneath," with Drive 2 adding more bass response and a less prominent midrange hump1
- Crunch: described as having tight bass response and harmonic clarity that make it suited to palm muting and general purpose riff rock1
- Fuzz 1 & 2: inspired by the mainstay fuzz pedal of 1960s garage rock1
- Meltdown: "it sounds like a fuzz pedal into a cranked amp"1
- 1990s: big and full with lots of low end, easy to get controllable feedback and tons of sustain1
For a player, the pitch is replacing several separate overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedals with one box that keeps a familiar three-knob layout1.
Power and connections
The Vector runs on a regulated 9VDC to 18VDC adaptor with a negative center 2.1mm barrel style plug, and draws less than 25mA1. The 9V to 18V range means it can sit on a standard pedalboard supply, and the low current draw keeps headroom for other pedals on the same output.
Subdecay states that if you use a "daisy chain" power supply, all other pedals on the chain must be negative ground. Pedals with positive-ground circuits, some vintage-style fuzz designs among them, should not share a daisy chain with the Vector.
Build and design
The Vector comes in a die-cast metal enclosure that Subdecay describes as built for durability, with a yellow LED indicator. At 4.4" by 2.3" by 1.0" and 12 oz, it is a compact pedal that fits a crowded board1. Subdecay designs and handcrafts it in Oregon and backs it with a three-year limited warranty1.
Videos
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Questions
Is the Subdecay Vector Analog Preamp analog or digital?
Both, in a sense. Subdecay describes the Vector as an analog preamp whose gain stages and internal tone stack are controlled by digital technology. The audio path is analog, while the digital side handles channel selection and control of the multiple gain stages.
Does the Subdecay Vector run on a battery?
Subdecay specifies power from a regulated 9VDC to 18VDC adaptor with a negative center 2.1mm barrel style plug. No battery operation is mentioned on the maker's product page, so plan on using a DC supply.
Can the Subdecay Vector be powered from a daisy chain supply?
Yes, but with a condition: Subdecay states that if you use a daisy chain power supply, all other pedals on the chain must be negative ground. Check the ground polarity of anything sharing the supply before connecting it.
How many channels does the Subdecay Vector have?
Eleven. Subdecay describes the Vector as covering fuzz and drive needs with eleven channels of dirty analog goodness, ranging from vintage-style overdrive through crunch, 1960s-inspired fuzz and a high-gain Meltdown channel.
What warranty does the Subdecay Vector have?
Subdecay offers a three-year limited warranty on the Vector Analog Preamp, according to the maker's product page.
Where is the Subdecay Vector made?
Subdecay states the Vector is designed and handcrafted in Oregon.
Sources (2)
- Vector - Analog Preamp - Guitar Effects - Subdecay, Subdecay, 2017-11-14
- TremCoder 2, Subdecay, 2026-09-18
