HIWATT Pedalsmith 50 Head | Review

HIWATT Pedalsmith 50 Head | Review

The HIWATT Pedalsmith 50 occupies a specific and clearly defined space within the amplifier market: a high-headroom, valve-driven platform designed primarily for use with external pedals. Rooted in the company’s historical designs, it draws heavily from the classic DR504 circuit while incorporating a number of modern refinements.

At its core, the Pedalsmith is a 50-watt, EL34-powered head, delivering the kind of output traditionally associated with British valve amplifiers. The use of a pair of EL34 output valves, alongside four ECC83 preamp tubes, places it firmly within that lineage, with an emphasis on clarity, dynamic response, and upper-mid presence. 

The layout follows a familiar format, with two channels—Normal and Brilliant—each with independent volume controls. Inputs are configured in both high and low sensitivity variants, and notably, these can be internally linked. This approach mirrors modified vintage Hiwatt designs, allowing both channels to be blended for additional tonal shaping. 

In terms of EQ, the Pedalsmith remains traditional: a three-band Bass, Middle, and Treble configuration, supplemented by a Presence control and master volume. There are no channel-switching gain stages or built-in overdrive circuits; instead, the amp is deliberately voiced to remain clean for as long as possible. This is a defining characteristic of the design.

A key addition, however, is the inclusion of a post-preamp effects loop. This is both quiet and transparent, intended for time-based and modulation effects placed after the preamp stage. This feature alone positions the Pedalsmith as a more contemporary tool compared to its vintage predecessors, particularly in pedal-heavy rigs.

Another modern feature is the three-position “Filter” switch, which adjusts the tonal balance of the circuit, offering subtle variations in low-end weight and high-frequency response. While not transformative, it does provide additional flexibility without complicating the control layout.

Construction follows traditional Hiwatt principles, with handwired circuitry and a birch ply cabinet. This contributes to both durability and a degree of sonic consistency, particularly at higher volumes where cabinet resonance can become a factor.

In practical use, the Pedalsmith 50 behaves exactly as intended: it delivers a high level of clean headroom, remaining articulate even at elevated volumes. The onset of natural overdrive occurs relatively late compared to many amplifiers, meaning that most gain will come from external pedals rather than the amp itself. 

This characteristic makes it particularly well suited to players who build their sound through pedalboards. Overdrives, boosts, and fuzzes retain their individual character without becoming overly compressed or indistinct. Time-based effects also benefit from the clean platform, especially when routed through the effects loop.

Tonally, the amp delivers a tight low end, clear midrange, and a pronounced top-end detail. The overall response can be described as precise rather than forgiving; it does not mask inconsistencies in playing or signal chain, which may be either advantageous or demanding depending on context.

In terms of application, the Pedalsmith 50 is well suited to genres where clarity and dynamic range are priorities. This includes alternative rock, post-rock, and ambient styles, as well as studio environments where a neutral, responsive base tone is required. It is less immediately suited to players seeking high-gain tones directly from the amplifier itself.

Volume is another consideration. At 50 watts with substantial clean headroom, the amp is capable of significant output. While the master volume allows for control, it is fundamentally designed to operate effectively in rehearsal and live settings rather than at low, domestic levels.

Overall, the HIWATT Pedalsmith 50 is a focused and purpose-built amplifier. It does not attempt to cover a wide range of tonal ground internally, instead prioritising clarity, headroom, and pedal compatibility. For players aligned with that approach, it offers a consistent and well-executed platform that reflects both its heritage and its intended modern use case.

For more info, visit: https://britampco.co.uk/hiwatt/HW-PEDALSMITH-50-HD-BLACK