What specific amplifier does this pedal emulate?

The pedal is an exact recreation of the lead channel circuit from the second-generation Peavey Bandit 112 (Teal Stripe) and the Supreme 160 amplifier.

Does it require a special power supply?

No, it runs from a standard 9V DC supply. However, it internally generates a bipolar voltage to mimic the headroom of the original amplifier hardware.

Is the bypass buffered or hardwire?

The Peavey Bandit Supreme Preamp Pedal features a hard bypass footswitch, ensuring your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is off.

What controls are available for gain?

The unit features both Pre Gain and Post Gain controls, allowing you to dial in the desired level of saturation and output volume independently.

What kind of EQ section does it have?

It features a three-band active EQ section, which offers more powerful frequency shaping than standard passive tone stacks found on many pedals.

What do the toggle switches do?

The pedal includes a Gain switch and a Mid Shift switch, which allow the user to alter the distortion voicing and the centre frequency of the midrange.

How does this compare to the Peavey Decade Preamp Pedal?

While both are Peavey preamp recreations, the Bandit Supreme focuses on the high-gain 'Teal Stripe' era of the 90s, whereas the Decade replicates a different era of Peavey's solid-state history.

Can it be used for low-gain tones?

While designed for aggressive rock and metal, the Pre Gain control and dynamic response allow it to produce punchy crunch tones at lower settings.

Is this a digital modelling pedal?

No, it is an analogue recreation of the original solid-state circuitry found in the Bandit 112 and Supreme 160 units.

What era of rock music is this pedal associated with?

It is specifically associated with the early 1990s, capturing the sounds found on many rock and metal records from that period.

How does the sound character differ from a valve preamp?

The Bandit Supreme is known for its tight attack and aggressive mids, which are characteristic of high-quality solid-state designs rather than the sagging compression of valves.

Can I use this as a standalone distortion pedal?

Yes, it can be used as a distortion pedal in front of an amplifier or as a preamp running directly into a power amp or recording interface.

Gear article

Peavey Bandit Supreme Preamp Pedal

The Peavey Bandit Supreme is a compact preamp pedal designed to replicate the lead channel of the second-generation 'Teal Stripe' Peavey Bandit 112 and Supreme 160 amplifiers. It utilises internal bipolar voltage generation to maintain the headroom and dynamic response of the original early 1990s solid-state hardware.

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Overview

The Peavey Bandit Supreme Preamp Pedal is a specialised floor-based unit that brings the high-gain characteristics of Peavey's 1990s solid-state heritage to a modern pedalboard format. It is specifically engineered as an exact circuit recreation of the lead channel found in the second-generation 'Teal Stripe' Bandit 112 and the Supreme 160 head. The pedal aims to provide the aggressive midrange and tight low-end response that became a staple in rock and underground metal productions during the early 90s.

Circuit Design and Powering

Unlike many standard overdrive pedals that operate on simple 9V clipping, the Bandit Supreme Preamp Pedal features internal circuitry that generates a bipolar voltage from a standard 9V DC supply. This design choice is intended to preserve the high headroom and tactile 'feel' of the original mains-powered amplifiers. The pedal features a hard-wire bypass footswitch to ensure signal integrity when the effect is disengaged.

Controls and Features

The interface offers comprehensive control over the gain structure and frequency response:

Gain Controls: Independent Pre and Post Gain knobs allow users to balance input saturation against overall output volume.
Equalisation: A three-band active EQ section provides precise sculpting of lows, mids, and highs.
Toggle Switches: Selectable Gain and Mid Shift switches allow for further customisation of the distortion character and midrange focus.
Dynamic Response: The unit is designed to respond dynamically to the player's touch, transitioning from punchy crunch to fully saturated lead tones.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the Bandit Supreme is defined by its 'tight attack' and 'singing sustain'. It avoids the loose low-end often associated with vintage valve circuits, instead favouring the precise, aggressive mids characteristic of early 90s solid-state technology. This makes it particularly effective for genres requiring fast alternate picking and percussive palm-muting.

Target Audience and Comparison

This pedal is primarily suited for guitarists seeking the specific 'Teal Stripe' era sound without the weight of a full combo amplifier. It serves as an alternative to other high-end preamp pedals such as the Fortin Meshuggah Signature Pre-Amp or the Vox Valvenergy series. While units like the Boss BP-1W focus on vintage boosting, the Bandit Supreme is a dedicated high-gain preamp strip designed for direct-to-power-amp or front-of-amp applications.

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Frequently asked questions

What specific amplifier does this pedal emulate?: The pedal is an exact recreation of the lead channel circuit from the second-generation Peavey Bandit 112 (Teal Stripe) and the Supreme 160 amplifier.
Does it require a special power supply?: No, it runs from a standard 9V DC supply. However, it internally generates a bipolar voltage to mimic the headroom of the original amplifier hardware.
Is the bypass buffered or hardwire?: The Peavey Bandit Supreme Preamp Pedal features a hard bypass footswitch, ensuring your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is off.
What controls are available for gain?: The unit features both Pre Gain and Post Gain controls, allowing you to dial in the desired level of saturation and output volume independently.
What kind of EQ section does it have?: It features a three-band active EQ section, which offers more powerful frequency shaping than standard passive tone stacks found on many pedals.
What do the toggle switches do?: The pedal includes a Gain switch and a Mid Shift switch, which allow the user to alter the distortion voicing and the centre frequency of the midrange.
How does this compare to the Peavey Decade Preamp Pedal?: While both are Peavey preamp recreations, the Bandit Supreme focuses on the high-gain 'Teal Stripe' era of the 90s, whereas the Decade replicates a different era of Peavey's solid-state history.
Can it be used for low-gain tones?: While designed for aggressive rock and metal, the Pre Gain control and dynamic response allow it to produce punchy crunch tones at lower settings.
Is this a digital modelling pedal?: No, it is an analogue recreation of the original solid-state circuitry found in the Bandit 112 and Supreme 160 units.
What era of rock music is this pedal associated with?: It is specifically associated with the early 1990s, capturing the sounds found on many rock and metal records from that period.
How does the sound character differ from a valve preamp?: The Bandit Supreme is known for its tight attack and aggressive mids, which are characteristic of high-quality solid-state designs rather than the sagging compression of valves.
Can I use this as a standalone distortion pedal?: Yes, it can be used as a distortion pedal in front of an amplifier or as a preamp running directly into a power amp or recording interface.