The Tech 21 SansAmp PSA is a programmable preamp pedal that shrinks the company's classic SansAmp PSA rackmount unit into a compact, pedalboard-friendly box. The current version, the SansAmp PSA 2.0, keeps the same analog circuitry and control layout as the rackmount original while adding 128 memory locations, MIDI capability and a Performance Mode that turns it into a 3-channel stompbox12. It is built by Tech 21, the New York maker behind the whole SansAmp line.
The PSA 2.0 is a hybrid design: the signal path is 100% analog, and only the programming and memory sections are digital2. Tech 21 describes the result as "punchy, responsive, organic sounds," and the unit works as a preamp, equalizer and speaker simulator in one34. Guitar Player's Art Thompson called it "a super-flexible tone machine" when he reviewed it5.
The controls and footswitches
The PSA 2.0 carries over the original rackmount's control set: Buzz, Punch, Crunch, Drive, Gain (formerly called Pre-Amp), Low, High, Level and Trim3. The Low and High controls form a dual band active EQ1. Several of the knobs do jobs a player coming from a simpler pedal may not expect, as Guitar Player's review explained5:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Works like the volume control on a non-master tube amp5 |
| Level | Output volume5 |
| Trim | Globally adjusts the level of all presets5 |
| Low / High | Dual band active EQ1 |
| Buzz, Punch, Crunch, Gain | Character and gain shaping controls carried over from the rackmount3 |
There are three footswitches, for down, up, and Active/Search modes, using silent-switching custom actuators25. The right (up) or left (down) switches select the presets. Active mode lets you step-scroll through presets with the up or down switches, while Search speed-scrolls up or down to a desired location5. Storing your own tones is deliberately simple: you set your tones and push the Save button3.
Presets, Performance Mode and MIDI
With 128 memory locations, storing and recalling programs is straightforward2. The factory presets are organized by style. The first 29 are divided between replications of well-known Marshall, Fender and Mesa/Boogie amps, and include styles of players such as Hendrix, EVH, Santana, B.B. King and SRV5. Beyond those there are 10 bass presets and another 10 miscellaneous styles comprising AC30/Queen, Hiwatt, Fuzz Face, Triangle Muff, Tubescreamer, MXR +, a Tele simulator, "American Woman," Pantera and a speaker simulator that can be disabled5. A few named factory presets give a flavor of the range2:
- 15 Twin (Fender styles)2
- 20 Mark I (Mesa/Boogie styles)2
- 22 Santana (Mesa/Boogie styles)2
- 24 Rectifier (Mesa/Boogie styles)2
- 41 Triangle Muff (Miscellaneous styles)2
- 50 Bypass (Miscellaneous styles)2
Performance Mode turns the unit into a 3-channel stompbox for instant access to your three most used presets2. Delicious Audio noted that this feature is evidently inspired by the company's recent FlyRig line3.
MIDI capability allows calling up programs and storing program data2. Guitar Player listed the connections as input, output (1/4" TRS) and MIDI in, and found there was no lag when switching between presets5.
The PSA 2.0 runs on 9V DC, center negative, drawing 200mA4. That current draw is well beyond what a typical battery-powered pedal uses, so plan on a proper power supply.
From the 1993 rackmount PSA-1 to the PSA 2.0
The SansAmp PSA was originally introduced in rackmount format in 1993, and the PSA-1 and later PSA-1.1 quickly became studio staples2. Premier Guitar reported that the rackmount was used on countless major releases, film scores and worldwide tours by artists including Muse, Rammstein, Paul Stanley and John Entwistle, and that it was modified only once since its introduction in 1993, primarily to add hardware features6.
The pedal version is based on the PSA-1 rackmount processor introduced in 19935. Guitar World described the PSA 2.0 as updating the company's classic rackmount unit with pedal power, noting that the new portable design offers the same analog circuitry and control layout along with 128 memory locations and MIDI capability1. Delicious Audio called it a pedalboard version of the company's original rackmount unit3.
The pedal sits in a sleek brushed-metal enclosure slightly under eight inches long and two and a half inches wide, weighing .80 lbs5.
What reviewers said
Guitar Player's Art Thompson reviewed the PSA 2.0 in October 2020 and gave it high marks. His verdict on the tones5:
"the range and quality of the tones on offer is exceptional, offering a practical and programmable solution for the stage or the studio"5
Art Thompson, Guitar Player5
His plus points included excellent sound, extensive tone-control options and no lag when switching between presets5. He also found two particularly effective ways to use it: running into the effects return of a single- or dual-channel tube combo or head is a great way to expand an amp's palette of tones, and when injected straight into a Fishman SA-220 system, the PSA 2.0 turns it into an excellent electric-guitar rig5.
Videos
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Questions
Is the Tech 21 SansAmp PSA 2.0 analog or digital?
It is a hybrid. The signal path is 100% analog, and only the programming and memory sections are digital. That means your tone is shaped by analog circuitry while the pedal handles preset storage, recall and MIDI digitally.
How many presets does the SansAmp PSA 2.0 store?
It has 128 memory locations for storing and recalling programs. The factory presets include replications of well-known Marshall, Fender and Mesa/Boogie amps plus player styles, 10 bass presets and 10 miscellaneous styles, and user locations for your own settings.
What is Performance Mode on the SansAmp PSA 2.0?
Performance Mode turns the unit into a 3-channel stompbox, giving instant access to your three most used presets. It is handy live, when you want to jump between tones with a single footswitch press instead of scrolling through the full preset list.
Does the SansAmp PSA 2.0 have MIDI?
Yes. It has MIDI capability for calling up programs and storing program data, with a MIDI input on the rear. Guitar Player's review lists the connections as input, output on a 1/4 inch TRS jack, and MIDI in.
Where is the SansAmp PSA 2.0 made?
It is built in the USA, as stated in Guitar Player's review of the pedal. Tech 21 is a New York company, and the PSA 2.0 carries on the line of SansAmp products the firm has made since the early 1990s.
Sources (6)
- Tech 21's SansAmp PSA 2.0 updates the company's legendary rackmount unit with pedal power and "dizzying versatility", Guitar World, 2019-11-18
- PSA 2 - Tech 21 NYC, Tech 21 NYC, 2024-03-13
- Tech 21 SansAmp PSA 2.0, Delicious Audio, 2023-07-10
- PSA 2.0 by Tech 21, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Tech 21 SansAmp PSA 2.0 Review, GuitarPlayer, 2020-10-12
- Tech 21 Releases the SansAmp PSA 2.0, Premier Guitar, 2019-11-14
