The TC Electronic Ampworx V550 Preamp is a dual-channel guitar preamp pedal built to recreate the tone and feel of a classic high-gain tube amplifier, most notably inspired by the 5150 Mk.1 sound1. TC Electronic positions it in the Ampworx line as a way to carry a legendary 5150-style high-gain amp on a pedalboard, with independent channel controls, a pre/post boost, optional cabinet simulation, and dedicated DI and headphone outputs2. Pedal of the Day describes it as a true-to-life digital simulation of a Peavey 5150 Mk.1 tube amplifier, created using TC Electronic's AMPWORX modeling3.
The circuit type is described differently by different outlets: RockBoard's PedalPedia lists it as analog1, while TC Electronic's own product page describes digital amp modeling with convolution-based IR technology2, and Pedal of the Day calls it a digital simulation3. TC Electronic's description of its own product points to a digital design.
What it does to your sound
The V550 is a preamp pedal, meaning it replaces or stands in for the preamp section of a guitar amp rather than sitting in front of one as an overdrive or distortion pedal would. TC Electronic says the foundation of the V550 is rooted in a true modern amp classic from the 90s, reminiscent of Eddie van Halen's sound2. RockBoard's PedalPedia puts it more directly: the pedal faithfully recreates the tone and feel of a classic high-gain tube amplifier, most notably inspired by the iconic 5150 Mk.1 sound1.
Where the amp connection matters for a player is in the outputs. When you use the HEADPHONES or DI outputs, an integrated cabinet impulse response (IR) delivers a simulated cabinet sound, which TC Electronic positions for silent rehearsal, recording and live use2. The DI output can be connected directly to a mixing desk for sound reinforcement, so the pedal can feed a front-of-house system while the HEADPHONES output keeps practice quiet2.
Channels and controls
The V550 has two independent channels, each with its own Gain, Volume and EQ controls1. Pedal of the Day describes switching between the 5150 channel and a high-gain lead channel3, and MusicRadar's Rob Laing, writing when the Ampworx line was announced, noted that like the original amp there are Green and Red clean and drive channels4.
Beyond the per-channel controls, the pedal carries a wider set of shaping tools:
- 7 parameters in total, including Resonance and Presence controls3
- A 3-band EQ section3
- A global PRESENCE knob on the rear panel for shaping the overall tone2
The boost circuit
TC Electronic included a Boost circuit to add versatility, with two modes that change where it sits in the signal path2:
| Mode | Position | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| PRE | Before the amp modeler | Drives the amplifier harder, simulating a vintage Tube Screamer sitting in front of the amp2 |
| POST | After the amp modeler | Clean boost that elevates output level without altering the core tone2 |
Pedal of the Day puts the boost range at up to +18dB of on-board boost3. MusicRadar's report on the Ampworx launch noted that the V550 has a boost circuit with pre and post modes, like the other pedals in the line4.
Outputs and practical use
The V550 carries three outputs, and TC Electronic says you can use all of them simultaneously2:
- HEADPHONES output, with the integrated cabinet IR, for silent practice2
- DI output, with the cabinet IR, connectable directly to a mixing desk for live sound reinforcement or recording2
- Line OUT2
RockBoard lists the current draw at 300mA1. That is well above what a typical low-current daisy-chain output supplies, so plan your power supply accordingly if the V550 shares a board with other pedals.
Where it sits in the Ampworx line
The V550 is part of TC Electronic's Ampworx series of amp-in-a-pedal preamps, a line aimed at players who want an amp voicing in a pedal format. For players comparing amp voicings across the series, related pages on this site cover the TC Electronic Ampworx JIMS 800 Preamp, the TC Electronic Ampworx Dual Wreck Preamp and the TC Electronic Ampworx Combo Deluxe 65'.
Videos
TC Electronic
Mike Hermans
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Is the TC Electronic Ampworx V550 analog or digital?
The two sources disagree. RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the circuit type as analog, while TC Electronic's own product page describes the V550 as digital amp modeling with convolution-based cabinet IR technology. TC Electronic's description of its own product points to a digital design, and Pedal of the Day calls it a digital simulation of the Peavey 5150 Mk.1.
What amp is the V550 Preamp based on?
TC Electronic says the V550 is rooted in a modern high-gain tube amp classic from the 90s, reminiscent of Eddie van Halen's sound. Pedal of the Day identifies it more specifically as a true-to-life digital simulation of the Peavey 5150 Mk.1 tube amplifier, built with TC Electronic's AMPWORX modeling.
What power does the TC Electronic V550 Preamp use?
RockBoard lists the V550 as running on 9V DC, center negative, drawing 300mA. That current draw is high for a single pedal, so a standard low-current daisy-chain output may not be enough; a dedicated power supply output rated for at least 300mA is the safer choice.
Does the V550 Preamp have a headphone output?
Yes. The V550 has a dedicated HEADPHONES output alongside a DI output and a Line OUT, and TC Electronic says all three can be used simultaneously. The headphone and DI outputs carry an integrated cabinet impulse response, so you can practice or record without a guitar amp.
How much boost does the V550 Preamp have?
Pedal of the Day reports up to +18dB of on-board boost. The boost circuit has PRE and POST modes: in PRE it sits before the amp modeler and drives it harder, like a Tube Screamer in front of an amp, while in POST it acts as a clean boost that raises output level without changing the core tone.
Sources (4)
- Ampworx V550 Preamp by TC Electronic, RockBoard (rockboard.de PedalPedia), 2026
- V550 PREAMP, TC Electronic
- TC Electronic Ampworx V550 Preamp, Pedal of the Day, 2023-08-31
- TC Electronic already has three more Ampworx preamp pedals ready: and they're based on the JCM800, 5150 and Dual Rectifier, MusicRadar, 2023-08-09
