JAM pedals Tiny Amp Destroyer

Overview: JAM pedals Tiny Amp Destroyer

The JAM pedals Tiny Amp Destroyer is a dual-stage overdrive and distortion pedal with an integrated treble booster, developed in collaboration with Stu Mackenzie from King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. Built and assembled by hand in Greece, the unit offers a wide tonal palette that covers subtle drive, rich saturation, and significant tone-shaping options, all in a single device intended for guitarists seeking customizable gain. Released in August 2026 and listed at 359, this pedal brings a flexible analog solution for players who value detailed control over their drive and EQ characteristics.

Core Functions: Two Gain Stages and Treble Boosting

The standout feature here is the two-stage design. Each stage, referred to as Gain 1 and Gain 2, has its own footswitch, letting users stack them for escalating saturation or use them independently. The unit also incorporates a dedicated treble booster circuit with its own footswitch and level control. The treble booster is internally voiced, intended for those treble-rich, cutting lead sounds historically sought after in classic rock and vintage amp tones.

At the heart of the pedal, the stages share key controls: a single level output, and active equalization via Bass and Treble, enabling either boost or cut on each band. There's also a distinct Notch control, starting from a neutral position and gradually scooping out frequencies as turned up, moving the tone from full-bodied to sharper and more hollow, for dramatic shifts in presence and mix character.

The Magic Switch and Amp Simulation

A unique component is the Magic Switch, which, when activated, transforms the overall tonal character to resemble that of a small amplifier and adds an amp-like response. This is not a digital simulation, the effect is achieved through analog circuit manipulation. While the operational details remain proprietary, the function is clearly aimed at replicating the complex, compressed interaction typical of small tube combos when pushed, a frequent recording and live technique.

Controls and Connectivity

• Gain 1, Gain 2: Controls amount of overdrive/distortion in each stage.
• Level: Sets overall output level for both stages.
• Bass, Treble: Active EQ. Both cut and boost are possible for shaping lower and upper frequencies.
• Notch: Scales from a natural, full-range voice to a scooped midrange as it turns up, offering drastic change for lead or rhythm roles.
• Treble Booster Level: Governs the amount of extra cut and attack in the upper frequencies.
• Magic Switch: Engages the small-amp-like coloration.
• Expression Pedal Input: Stereo 0.25 inch (6.3mm) jack enables external control, opening up live dynamic possibilities.
• Footswitches: Separate switches for Gain 1, Gain 2, and Treble Booster for real-time access. Status LEDs for each function.
• True Bypass: Clean signal path when bypassed, preserving tone outside of the effect engagement.

Standard 0.25 inch input and output jacks ensure compatibility with pedalboards and rigs. Power is supplied by a 9V DC adapter (not included), drawing 90mA. The device measures 145 x 124 x 59 mm and has a weight of 511 grams, making it relatively compact but robust by multi-stage pedal standards.

Versatility and Target Users

With its full-featured control set and capacity to morph between subtle boost, transparent drive, heavy saturation, and pronounced frequency-shaping (thanks to the Notch control and dual gain structure), the Tiny Amp Destroyer is engineered for guitarists who need a range of textures from a single pedal. The inclusion of an expression input and active EQ broadens live usability beyond simpler drive pedals.

The lack of a dedicated fuzz or high-gain "metal" setting places its focus on classic rock, alternative, blues, indie, and experimental tones, rather than modern metal. The overdrive and distortion can be carefully blended and sculpted, and the treble booster circuit can be accessed independently or alongside the gain stages for pronounced attack or lead passages.

Build and Usability

Assembled by hand in Greece, the construction supports boutique-level expectations regarding quality and durability. The pedal is designed to integrate into serious setups, with all standard power, input, and expression options. The control layout favors players who want to access a variety of overdrive/distortion tones without relying on multiple separate stompboxes.

Summary: JAM pedals Tiny Amp Destroyer

• Dual-stage analog overdrive and distortion for stackable, customizable gain.
• Dedicated treble booster with internal voicing and real-time control.
• Magic switch introduces amp-like coloration reminiscent of small combo amplifiers.
• Comprehensive EQ section with active boost/cut and powerful Notch filter.
• True bypass, expression pedal compatibility, rugged build quality.

The Tiny Amp Destroyer by JAM pedals is a feature-rich gain pedal suited for advanced users seeking versatile analog drive and tone-shaping within a single, road-ready unit. Designed in collaboration with an experimental guitarist, it's equally suited for diverse stage and studio demands outside the scope of more limited traditional overdrive designs.