• Channel A Preamp — front
  • Channel A Preamp — angle
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Dual Stage Amplification

Channel A Preamp MK1

Channel A Preamp MK1

$184.99 USD
$184.99 USD
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Shipping calculated at checkout.

The panic chord machine.
  • Hand-built in New Haven, CT
  • Ships in 1–3 business days
  • Limited lifetime warranty

In the early '90s, Ampeg — a company known for bass amps — accidentally built the most brutal solid state guitar amplifier of the decade. The VH-140C's patented "Variable Harmonics" distortion circuit became the sound of hardcore and death metal, and thirty years later the amps are heavy, scarce, and still amusingly stereo.

The Channel A is exactly what the name says: a true 1:1 replica of the VH-140C's Channel A — the distortion channel — component for component, value for value. No "improvements," just the monstrous spirit of the original.

Where most 9V pedals starve this circuit, the Channel A runs it the way it was meant to run: an in-house, custom-designed power supply generates a full ±15V bipolar supply internally, regulated to clean, stable ±12V rails. Amp-level headroom/function and dead-quiet operation from a standard center-negative 9V pedalboard supply — no special adapters, no wall warts to lose.

Controls: Gain, Master, Treble, Ultramid, and Bass — identical to the amp's Channel A panel, including the Ultramid that defines the VH's scooped chunk and searing lead voicings.

Run it three ways:

  1. Into the front of your amp as a distortion pedal
  2. Into your amp's effects return, replacing the preamp entirely
  3. Into a power amp or straight into your DAW with a cab IR

From Slayer-grade thrash to scooped 90s chug to full Suffocation — without hauling a 70 lb solid state head to load-in.

Handmade in New Haven, CT.

Ampeg is a registered trademark of Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. DSA is not affiliated with Ampeg or Yamaha.

Specifications
  • Circuit: 1:1 replica of the VH-140C Channel A (distortion channel)
  • Controls: Gain, Master, Treble, Ultramid, Bass
  • Jacks: USA-made Switchcraft
  • Bypass: click-less relay (latching & momentary)
  • Power: 9V DC center-negative ONLY, 2.1mm barrel — no battery (internal ±12V bipolar rails — 12V/18V not needed)
  • Current draw: 130mA
  • Enclosure: 4.43″ × 2.38″ × 1.22″ — 12.2 oz
  • Built: by hand in New Haven, CT
  • Owner's manual (PDF)

Common questions

My pedal isn't powering on — what should I check?

Make sure you're using a 9V DC center-negative power supply (standard for most effects). If the LED doesn't light, test another supply or cable.

Can I run it at higher voltage?

No need — the Channel A is 9V only. Its internal supply generates the same ±12V rails no matter what your supply is set to.

The effect sounds weak or noisy.

Check cables and power first. On a daisy chain, try isolating the pedal on a clean, regulated output. Placement in your signal chain also shapes the tone — try moving it earlier or later.

What's the warranty?

Limited lifetime coverage for defects in materials and workmanship. If service is ever needed, most repairs turn around in 7–10 business days.

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Hear it
Under the hood

A true 1:1 Channel A

The VH-140C's distortion channel, component for component, value for value — no 'improvements.'

Amp headroom from 9V

A custom internal supply builds regulated ±12V rails — amp-level headroom and dead-quiet operation from a standard pedalboard output.

Run it three ways

Front of your amp, straight into the effects return, or into a power amp or DAW with a cab IR.

From the bench

Every Dual Stage pedal gets built, tested and put through its paces on the same bench it was designed on — then backed by our limited lifetime warranty. If it ever quits on you, it comes home and we fix it.

— Donato, Dual Stage Amplification · New Haven, CT