Koch Superlead

A Tube Preamp Designed as the Heart of a Modern Rig

This tube guitar preamp is aimed at musicians who want to regain the "amp" feel under their fingers while maintaining the flexibility of a pedalboard format. The 12AX7 brings that lively and harmonic character that makes the difference: the attack is more three-dimensional, playing nuances stand out, and the saturation builds progressively. With its two channels and outputs geared for stage/studio use, it can become the center of your pedalboard, a highly reliable backup preamp solution, or a direct-to-PA tool for playing on stage without an amp.

Two Channels, One Shared EQ: Simple, Effective, Musical

The Clean channel serves as a clear foundation, ideal for crystalline tones, arpeggios, funky rhythms, or pedalboard platforms. The Overdrive channel "fattens" the clean sound by adding modern gain that is tighter and more sustained, perfect for riffs, leads, and rock rhythms. Both channels share the same 2-band EQ : a deliberately straightforward approach that facilitates quick live adjustments and ensures tonal consistency when switching channels.

Key Features: Boost, Pre/Post Loops, and Outputs Adapted to All Scenarios

The Boost switch is the secret weapon when you need extra gain, sustain, and density. It allows you to go from a dynamic overdrive to a more muscular drive, ideal for solos that need to cut through the mix or for tackling edgier styles from pop rock to hard rock. Another highlight: the Pre and Post effects loops. The Pre loop is placed before the preamp, perfect for organizing effects that interact with input dynamics (compressor, wah, boost, certain fuzz pedals). The Post loop is located after the preamp, ideal for modulations, delays, and reverbs, to keep repeats clean and defined even with high gain.

Regarding outputs, you have a balanced XLR output at line level, with speaker simulation for direct feed to a mixing console, audio interface, or PA system. The ground lift helps eliminate hum caused by ground loops, a real plus in live settings. A 6.35mm Jack output completes the setup, with selectable levels to adapt to different input types (amp, stage monitor, audio interface depending on your configuration). Finally, the Remote input allows integration of an external controller to operate your preamp more easily, especially on a complex pedalboard.

The Sound

The sonic signature emphasizes a warm and articulate output, with a true "under the fingers" response. In Clean, you get a clean and musical base, capable of staying clear while retaining substance, ideal as a platform for gain or modulation pedals. In Overdrive, the tone thickens, with modern gain that maintains definition in attacks and good note sustain for leads. The Boost accentuates saturation and sustain without making the sound muddy, helping keep riffs clear and solos singing. Thanks to the Pre/Post loops and the XLR output with speaker simulation, this preamp suits both traditional rigs and amp-free setups, from studio to stage.

Technical specifications

Category	electric preamp	Number of channels	2
Technology	Tubes	EQ	2 channels
Format	Pedal	Headphone output	No
Effects loop	Yes	Color	Purple
Pre-amp tubes	12AX7	Power output	9 W

2 channels	Clean and Overdrive	Available current	up to 200 mA
Pre loop	effects insertion before the preamp	Auxiliary power output	9V DC, up to 200 mA (for pedals)
Post loop	effects insertion after the preamp