Bad Cat Unleash V3 Amp Utility Interface

Bad Cat Amplifiers has unveiled Unleash V3, the latest evolution of its innovative amplifier utility platform. Designed to give guitarists control over their amplifier's volume without compromising on sound or feel, the Unleash V3 combines a 150-watt reactive load attenuator with a 100-watt, ultra-transparent solid-state power amplifier.

Unlike conventional attenuators, which are designed primarily to reduce volume, the Unleash V3 works in both directions, allowing players to turn high-powered amplifiers down to bedroom levels or take the fully saturated sound of a low-wattage amplifier to the biggest stages. It can absorb the output of a cranked amplifier or take that same saturated signal and amplify it with 100 watts of clean power. Throughout the process, the player's amplifier remains the source of the tone. The Unleash V3 simply gives that tone the freedom to go wherever it's needed.

Transparent Reactive Attenuation

When pushed, tube amplifiers can deliver a delicious blend of warmth, compression, and harmonic richness. The Unleash V3 allows players to achieve that sound without being limited by the resulting volume.

Its 150-watt reactive load attenuator absorbs the output of a cranked amplifier after the power tubes have reached saturation, preserving the feel and dynamics of the amplifier while bringing its volume down to a manageable level. From a 100-watt head in the bedroom to a cranked boutique amplifier in the studio, the Unleash V3 makes it possible to play at the volume the situation demands.

100-Watt Re-Amplification

The Unleash V3 also solves the opposite problem. Low-wattage amplifiers are capable of producing extraordinary tones, but their limited output can make them unsuited for larger venues. The integrated 100-watt solid-state power amplifier takes the saturated output of a small amplifier and brings it to the stage with substantial clean headroom. Players can enjoy the character and responsiveness of a fully cranked 5-watt amplifier while delivering the volume and authority required for a full band.

For recording and live applications, the Unleash V3 features Bad Cat's Purepath balanced analog XLR direct output. Designed to deliver an authentic, consistent signal to the mixing console or recording interface, Purepath provides cabinet-response voicing without latency or digital conversion.

Beyond its core attenuation and re-amplification capabilities, the Unleash V3 incorporates a collection of practical features designed around the needs of working guitarists.

Cabinet Dynamics controls allow players to shape the low- and high-frequency response to replicate the way a speaker cabinet behaves as it is driven harder. A post-power-amp serial effects loop places delays, reverbs, and modulation effects after the amplifier's power section, even when the amplifier itself does not have an effects loop.

Dual foot switchable channels provide independent volume and tonal controls, making it easy to move between rhythm and lead levels without changing the character of the amplifier. The Purepath XLR output includes selectable Edge/Center cabinet voicing, while a dedicated headphone output with independent volume control makes silent practice possible.

With multi-impedance compatibility and dual speaker outputs, the Unleash V3 is designed to integrate seamlessly into virtually any amplifier and cabinet setup.

Key features include:

• Dual-Function Design: Reactive load attenuator and 100-watt solid-state power amplifier in one unit.
• 150-Watt Reactive Load: Multi-impedance compatibility for 4, 8, and 16-ohm amplifiers.
• 100-Watt Re-Amplification: Ultra-transparent solid-state power stage with clean headroom.
• Dual Channels: Independent Volume, Low, and High controls, with included footswitch.
• Post-Power-Amp Serial Effects Loop: Instrument/Line level selection for flexible effects integration.
• Purepath Analog Direct Output: Balanced XLR output with selectable Edge/Center cabinet voicing.
• Dedicated Headphone Output: Independent volume control for silent practice.
• Flexible Speaker Connectivity: Dual 1/4-inch speaker outputs.
• Automatically Adjusted Output Impedance: Output to speaker cab automatically adjusts to impedance levels between 4 and 16 ohms.

Bad Cat’s Unleash V3 carries a $799 street price. For more information, visit badcatamps.com.