The Tech 21 SansAmp Liverpool Deluxe is a programmable, foot-controlled live version of the Liverpool pedal from the SansAmp Character Series, built by Tech 21. It pairs an all-analog signal path with digital programmability, and it can be used as a preamp or stomp box with any amp or combo, with a power amp and speaker cabinet, or direct into any mixing console1. Tech 21 announced it in May 2012 through its Private Stock Division, and the pedals are hand-built per order in extremely limited quantities12.
Controls and footswitches
The Liverpool Deluxe carries the same six knobs as its sibling pedal in the Character Series: Drive, Character, Low, Mid, High and Level1. Vintage Guitar's news item lists the same control set3.
| Control | What it is |
|---|---|
| Drive | Gain control3 |
| Character | Voiced tone control3 |
| Low | Bass EQ3 |
| Mid | Midrange EQ3 |
| High | Treble EQ3 |
| Level | Output level3 |
Below the knobs are four independent, pop-free footswitch actuators1. Saving a tone is done from the footswitches: "You just turn the knobs to a setting you like, double click on a footswitch and it's saved in that channel"1.
Inputs, outputs and use
The dual inputs are a defining feature of the Deluxe: "Dual inputs allow you to have two instruments on-line and ready to go"1. With 6 program locations, "you can create three custom tones for each input or use all six for a single instrument"1.
On the output side, the pedal has 1/4-inch and XLR outputs with selectable levels1, so it can feed a backline amp or send a signal straight to a mixing console. Tech 21 positions it as a preamp or stomp box for any amp, a power amp and cabinet, or a direct-to-FOH rig1.
The Liverpool Deluxe is a Private Stock product, available direct from Tech 21 with quantities described as extremely limited, and each unit is hand-built per order12.
Where it came from
Tech 21 designed the Liverpool Deluxe as the live version of its popular Liverpool pedal from the SansAmp Character Series1. Guitar Interactive Magazine reported that these Private Stock products are personally designed by Andrew Barta, founder of Tech 21, inspired by equipment he originally built2. The Private Stock line is hand-built per order with extremely limited quantities2.
The sound Tech 21 points the pedal at is British amp territory: "You can tailor and program any six sounds, from the jangle of mop-top pop to the top-boosted growl of mod rock"1.
The Liverpool name today
The Liverpool concept later returned in Tech 21's SansAmp Character Plus Series as the Mop Top Liverpool, which the maker describes as "Vox-style + Rangemaster Booster-style"4. Premier Guitar's 2023 review of the Mop Top Liverpool describes a mono input and output plus an XLR out for a balanced low-Z signal to a front-of-house mixer or other line input, four footswitches for channel A, channel B, boost and buffered bypass, two channels sharing an EQ stage, and pushbuttons for high shift and mid shift5. The reviewer found it integrated seamlessly with drive pedals placed in front of it, including a Klon-style Wampler Tumnus Deluxe, a higher-gain JHS Angry Charlie, and a Tsakalis Six overdrive5.
Videos
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McLenison
Questions
How do you save a preset on the Liverpool Deluxe?
Changes can be made on the fly. You turn the knobs to a setting you like, then double click on a footswitch and the setting is saved in that channel. With six program locations, you can keep three custom tones for each of the two inputs or use all six slots for a single instrument.
How many presets does the Liverpool Deluxe have?
The Liverpool Deluxe has six program locations. Because the pedal has dual inputs, you can create three custom tones for each input, or use all six locations for a single instrument.
Can you run two guitars into the Liverpool Deluxe?
Yes. The pedal has dual inputs, which allow you to have two instruments on-line and ready to go, each with its own set of three programmable tones if you use the six slots that way.
Does the Liverpool Deluxe have an XLR output?
Yes. The Liverpool Deluxe has 1/4-inch and XLR outputs with selectable levels, so it can feed an amplifier or go direct to a mixing console.
Who designed the SansAmp Liverpool Deluxe?
The Liverpool Deluxe was personally designed by Andrew Barta, founder of Tech 21, inspired by equipment he originally built, according to Guitar Interactive Magazine.
Where can you buy the Liverpool Deluxe?
The Liverpool Deluxe was available direct through Tech 21's Private Stock Division, with quantities described as extremely limited. The pedals are hand-built per order.
Sources (5)
- Tech 21 Launches SansAmp Liverpool Deluxe Amp, Premier Guitar, 2012-05-09
- Tech 21's Private Stock Division Introduces SansAmp Liverpoo, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2012-05-10
- Tech 21 Offers SansAmp Liverpool Deluxe, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2012-05-10
- Character Plus Series, Tech 21 NYC, 2024-03-13
- Tech 21 SansAmp Mop Top Liverpool Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2022-10-06
