Universal Audio’s new ANTI 1992 High Gain Amp: the soul of 1990s metal amps

Universal Audio strikes hard with the release of its new pedal: the ANTI 1992 High Gain Amp. Designed to capture the soul of the iconic high-gain amps of the ’90s, this pedal is a heartfelt tribute to the sound that marked metal’s most aggressive sub-genres.

Whether you’re a fan of thrash, death metal, grunge or black metal, ANTI 1992 gives you the chance to recreate the sounds that revolutionized the music scene at the time.

A legendary amp in a pedal

At the heart of the ANTI 1992 is a meticulous modeling of a 120-watt tube monster (the Peavey 5150 “Block Letter”, designed in collaboration with Van Halen), famous for its aggressive “scooped” sound. This distinctive sound, which has helped define bands like Slipknot, In Flames and Machine Head, is now available in a compact, easy-to-use form.

The pedal offers three channels: Clean, Crunch and Lead, each for exploring a unique sonic palette. Clean mode is not just clear, it’s crystalline, perfect for bright arpeggios or softer passages. Crunch mode, meanwhile, is the playground for heavy, cutting riffs, while Lead mode deploys all the power and saturation needed for fiery solos.

Six speaker/microphone combinations

UA has integrated six classic microphone and loudspeaker combinations directly into the ANTI 1992, allowing you to switch from one sound to another effortlessly:

• UK V30: A 4×12 Marshall loudspeaker equipped with Celestion V30 for precise, biting sound.
• CA V30: A 4×12 Oversized loudspeaker, also with V30s, but offering more depth.
• White 75: Another 4×12 Marshall, this time with Celestion 75s for a tighter, punchier sound.
• D65: A 2×12 D65 combo for more subtle nuances.
• Super 80: A 4×12 with Celestion 80 for a massive, roaring sound.
• Brown JB: A 4×12 speaker equipped with JBL, offering a more vintage and distinct tone.

These options let you choose precisely the configuration that best suits your style, whether you’re looking to reproduce the brutal tones of Scandinavian death metal or the saturated crunch of American thrash.

Customization and precision with the UAFX app

With the UAFX mobile app, ANTI 1992 becomes even more versatile. Not only can you access presets designed by professional guitarists, but you can also customize and save your own settings for future use. The app unlocks hidden controls, adjusts output tube bias, and even offers the option of configuring a built-in noise gate, ideal for maintaining a clean signal even at extreme gain levels.

Integrated overdrive and boost

The ANTI 1992 also incorporates a Tube Screamer-type overdrive, offering a classic midrange boost and extra saturation for tight, articulate playing. For those looking for an even punchier sound, a boost preamp is also available, perfect for recapturing classic metal tones.

Retail price: €429
More information on the Universal Audio website.