When it comes to iconic tones that punch far above their weight, the Peavey Decade has always been one of rock’s best-kept secrets. Originally released in the early ’80s, the compact Decade amplifier quietly earned a cult following for its raw, aggressive, and unmistakably gritty sound. Today, Peavey brings that same legendary tone roaring back — but this time, in pedal form — with the new Decade Preamp Pedal.
The Decade Preamp is not just inspired by the original; it’s a faithful recreation of the original 1980 circuit, packed into a rugged, compact die-cast enclosure ready to slip onto your pedalboard. Every element of the pedal, from the pre and post gain controls to the highly responsive three-band EQ, reflects the DNA of the original amp. What sets this pedal apart is the inclusion of a switchable Saturation mode, acting almost like a second channel. One flick of the switch, and you’re propelled into rich, harmonically loaded overdrive, dripping with character and edge — a true homage to the Decade’s gritty legacy.
One of the standout technical achievements is the internal voltage boost. Although the pedal runs off a standard 9V power supply or battery, it internally ramps up to 24V. This extra headroom ensures you get the same dynamic response, amp-like touch sensitivity, and fat low-end that made the original Decade so beloved. Whether you’re pushing the front end of another amp, using it as your main drive, or slotting it into a recording rig, the Decade Preamp delivers authentic vintage tone without compromise.
The pedal also features a hard bypass switch equipped with an anti-click circuit, ensuring that your signal stays clean and pure without unwanted noise when engaging or disengaging the effect. Whether you’re playing live on stage or tracking in the studio, silent switching is a welcome professional touch.
Beyond just being a tribute, the Decade Preamp is built to last. Premium components like high-quality pots, rugged switches, and heavy-duty fiberglass PCBs with 2-ounce copper plating guarantee roadworthy durability. Peavey’s commitment to authenticity even extends to the cosmetics — from the layout of the controls to the styling of the pedal, everything feels true to the spirit of the original.
Flexibility is another major win. The Decade Preamp is designed for both instrument-level and line-level applications, making it easy to integrate into a variety of setups — whether you’re running it into an amp, a DAW, a mixer, or a powered speaker system.
Ultimately, the Decade Preamp is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past. It’s a living, breathing tool for modern players who crave character, bite, and unmistakable attitude in their tone. For those who have been chasing the elusive magic of the original Peavey Decade amplifier, or those just discovering this secret weapon for the first time, the Decade Preamp Pedal offers a direct line to one of rock’s rawest, most honest voices — no vintage hunting required.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Faithful recreation of the 1980 Peavey Decade amplifier circuit
- Switchable Saturation mode for rich harmonic overdrive
- Internal 24V boost from a standard 9V power supply for authentic dynamics
- Pre and Post Gain controls, three-band EQ
- Hard bypass with anti-click circuitry for silent switching
- Built to high standards with premium materials and roadworthy design
- Output levels adjustable for both instrument and line-level use
If you’ve been looking for a preamp pedal that doesn’t just imitate vintage grit but embodies it, the Peavey Decade Preamp deserves a spot on your board. The secret is officially out — and it sounds better than ever.
