The Carl Martin Ampster features a fully analog, single-tube signal path that provides touch-sensitive dynamics and an immediate, natural response that reacts directly to your playing style. Delivering a British-voiced overdrive character that transitions smoothly from full clean tones into a musical breakup, its front panel includes intuitive controls for Gain, Master, a three-band EQ with Presence, and a switchable 2×12 open-back or 4×12 closed-back cabinet simulation.
The unit offers comprehensive routing with an instrument input, amp link output, balanced XLR DI with ground lift, and an integrated effects loop. For maximum flexibility on stage, it also features a voicing switch to adapt to different guitars or monitoring setups, alongside a remote cabinet switching input compatible with external controllers like the Octa-Switch The Strip.
Key Features
The Carl Martin Ampster is a fully analog, single-tube driven amplifier and speaker simulator designed to deliver the organic feel, touch-sensitive dynamics, and immediate response of a traditional tube amp in a modern, pedalboard-friendly format. With zero digital modeling and zero latency, the Ampster provides a seamless solution for players looking to downsize their rigs, complement an existing amplifier, or go entirely direct without sacrificing tone.
Familiar, Amp-Style Control
The front panel mirrors a classic amplifier layout for intuitive, menu-free sound shaping:
Gain & Master: Easily balance your drive levels and overall output volume.
3-Band EQ & Presence: Full control over Bass, Middle, and Treble, with a dedicated Presence knob for fine-tuning the high-end sparkle.
Cabinet Selection: Instantly switch between two distinct, LED-indicated speaker simulations: a 2×12 open-back or a 4×12 closed-back cabinet.
Mute Switch: A dedicated footswitch for silent tuning or quick instrument changes on stage.
Comprehensive Real-World Routing
Built to integrate seamlessly into any professional stage or studio setup, the rear panel includes:
Input & Link Out: Standard instrument input, plus a buffered Link output to feed a traditional amplifier on stage.
Balanced XLR DI: Connect directly to a mixing console or recording interface, complete with a Ground Lift switch to eliminate unwanted hum.
Effects Loop: A dedicated loop positioned after the preamp stage, perfect for your favorite time-based and modulation pedals.
Remote Input: Allows external cabinet switching via hardware controllers like the Carl Martin Octa-Switch The Strip.
Dynamic Tone & Versatile Voicing
Whether placed at the end of a complex pedalboard or used as a standalone platform, the Ampster delivers a full, rounded clean tone with exceptional depth. As the Gain is increased, the analog circuit transitions smoothly into a distinctly British-voiced overdrive that responds organically to your guitar choice, pickup selection, and playing dynamics. A subtle, rear-panel Voicing switch provides a low-frequency contour adjustment, making it simple to calibrate the pedal to different guitars or monitoring environments.
The Ampster runs on a standard, regulated 9V DC power supply capable of delivering the necessary current to drive the onboard tube and premium analog circuitry. It doesn’t try to be everything—it is simply designed to sound, feel, and behave like a real amplifier.
Specifications