The SpampQuackTastic is a guitar preamplifier headphone practice amplifier with an envelope filter effect. Technically it is a low pass filter with a cut-off frequency that is controlled by the envelope of the guitar signal. If you hit the strings hard, the cut-off frequency is high. If you strum gently, the cut-off frequency is low.
As the envelope falls, the cut-off frequency sweeps from high to low, which results in a “wah” effect that can sound a bit like a duck’s quack. You can control the level of the envelope relative to the input signal (sensitivity), how fast the envelope rises (attack) and how fast it falls (decay).
The strength of the effect is very dependent on your strumming, plucking, picking technique
Too much information? Don’t worry, it just means that it is a cool effect and you can change your sound with the controls and playing style.
Like all flavours of Spamp the input gain stage is a JFET amplifier.
Wings adjusts the height of the envelope relative to the input (sensitivity).
Pluck controls the rise time of the envelope (attack)
Quackiness changes the decay of the envelope and the cut-off of the effect.
Heat changes the decay of the envelope and the cut-off of the effect.
LINE IN 3.5mm socket intended for connection to a line or headphone level source from a mobile phone or other media player. A 3.5mm stereo male – male cable is supplied for this. The stereo input is mixed into a mono signal and added to the guitar output path.
‘PHONES 3.5mm output socket. The SpampQuackTastic can drive headphones with a nominal impedance of 16 ohmsor greater. The amplified guitar output is mixed with left and right channels of the headphone output so you can play along without disturbing your parents, partner or children as applicable.
Technical Stuff
| Input Impedance | 1 Mohm typical |
| Nominal Input Level | -20 dBu |
| Line Output Impedance | 1 kohm typical |
| Nominal Output Level | -20dBu (adjustable) |
| Line-in Input Impedance | >10 kohm |
| Headphone Impedance | >16 ohm |
| Current consumption | 3.5mA typical (effect) 10mA typical (effect + headphone) |
| Battery Type | 9V PP3 / MN1604 / 6LR61 Alkaline Recommended NiMH & L.Ion Rechargeable OK |