Marking the return of legendary designer Mark Sampson to Bad Cat after two decades. Combining iconic design with modern craftsmanship, this amp represents over 35 years of Sampson's engineering expertise and artistry.
At Bad Cat, we have been building the world's finest hand-wired guitar amplifiers since 1999, blending timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. From our shop to the stage, every Bad Cat amp embodies a legacy of sonic excellence and a commitment to inspiring musicians to unleash their true potential. The Era 30 is no exception.
Input Gain Controls
Each channel's gain control acts as an input volume, allowing you to set the exact amount of signal as you turn it clockwise. Push it further to add saturation in the first gain stage, giving your sound a bold and dynamic character.
Depth Control
The depth control is a six-position stepped rotary switch, each step calibrated with a unique capacitor value to refine your bass response. Turn it clockwise to let more of your guitar's low-frequency energy pass into the amplifier, providing a thick, resonant foundation to your sound.
Channel Volume Controls
The pre-phase inverter volume control for each channel allows you to shape the amount of signal feeding the phase inverter tube. By increasing it, you push the tube harder, unlocking harmonic-rich gain and providing the unmistakable warmth of driven tube saturation.
Global Master Volume Control
The global master volume is a post-phase inverter circuit that tames the amp's output, allowing you to transition seamlessly from stage-ready roar to bedroom quiet. Throughout, you will retain the unmistakable power amp saturation that defines the sound of the Era 30.
Buffered Effects Loop
The fully bypassable, buffered effects loop ensures pristine signal quality, whether you are using analog or digital effects. For purists, the loop can be completely bypassed with a toggle switch on the back, preserving the pure, unaltered path of your signal.
Premium Build Quality
Hand-built in Costa Mesa, California, with an upgraded aluminum chassis, Baltic birch cabinets, durable Tolex, and premium leather detailing.
Tube
Powered
4 x EL84 power tubes
1 x EF86 preamp tube
3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
1 x 5AR4 rectifier tube
Point-to-Point
Hand-wired
Each unit is hand-wired, point-to-point, to Mark Sampson's specifications.
Stage, studio
Or home use
The wild side of the Era 30 is easily tamed thanks to the global post-phase inverter Master Volume, offering rich, dynamic tone at all levels, from roaring stage power to bedroom-friendly volume.
Mark Sampson
Designed
Inspired by decades of iconic design and refined artistry, this amp celebrates tone, versatility, and power. From custom transformers to hand-wired circuitry, every detail is crafted for an unparalleled playing experience.