The next generation of Bad Cat's Unleash gives guitarists complete control over amplifier volume, combining reactive attenuation, 100-watt re-amplification, and analog direct output in one powerful utility.
COSTA MESA, CA — November 10, 2026 — Bad Cat Amplifiers is proud to announce the Unleash V3, the latest evolution of its innovative amplifier utility platform. Designed to give guitarists unprecedented control over their amplifier's volume without compromising the sound and feel that made them fall in love with it, the Unleash V3 combines a 150-watt reactive load attenuator with a 100-watt, ultra-transparent solid-state power amplifier.
Some amplifiers sound their best at 100 watts. Others come alive at five. The Unleash V3 bridges that gap, 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.
Unlike conventional attenuators, which are designed primarily to reduce volume, the Unleash V3 works in both directions. 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.
Three Essential Tools. One Powerful Utility.
Transparent Reactive Attenuation
Great tube amplifiers are designed to be driven hard. The warmth, compression, and harmonic richness that players chase often come from pushing the power section into its sweet spot. 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 difficult to use in 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.
Purepath Analog Direct Output
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.
Designed for the Stage. Built for the Studio.
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.
The Unleash V3 isn't designed to sound like a tube amplifier. It's designed to let your tube amplifier sound exactly like itself, at any volume.
That's the idea behind the Unleash: maximum tone, any volume. The engineering should disappear. The tone should remain.
Key Features
- 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.
- Input Trim: Adjustable input stage with clip-indicator LEDs for optimal signal management.
- 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.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Power Handling | 150W Reactive Load / 100W Power Amplifier |
| Impedance | 4 / 8 / 16 Ohms |
| Input | 1/4-inch Amplifier Input |
| Effects Loop | 1/4-inch Serial Send/Return |
| Direct Output | Balanced XLR |
| Headphone Output | 1/4-inch |
| Speaker Outputs | Two 1/4-inch |
| Footswitch | 1/4-inch Footswitch Jack |
| Dimensions | 4" H × 10" W × 9" D |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs |
About Bad Cat Amplifiers
Bad Cat Amplifiers builds boutique guitar amplifiers and accessories for players who demand exceptional tone, feel, and performance. Based in Costa Mesa, California, Bad Cat combines thoughtful engineering, meticulous craftsmanship, and a commitment to delivering distinctive amplifier experiences for discerning guitarists.
For more information, visit: www.badcatamps.com
