JOIN THE NEW ERA

The Latest Amp From Mark Sampson

Marking the return of legendary designer Mark Sampson to Bad Cat after two decades. Blending iconic design with modern craftsmanship, this amp represents over 35 years of Sampson's expertise in engineering and artistry.At Bad Cat, we’ve been crafting the world’s finest hand-wired guitar amplifiers since 1999, blending timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. From our workshop 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.

THE BAD CAT ERA 30: WHERE LEGEND MEETS INNOVATION

The Features

Input Gain Controls

Each channel’s Gain control acts as an input volume, letting you dial in just the right amount of signal as you turn it clockwise. Push it further to add saturation in the first gain stage, giving your sound a bold, dynamic character.

Depth Control

The Depth control is a stepped six position rotary switch, each step calibrated with a unique capacitor value to fine-tune your bass response. Turn it clockwise to let more low-end energy flow from your guitar into the amplifier, delivering a thick, resonant foundation to your tone.

Channel Volume Controls

Each channel’s pre-phase inverter Volume control lets you shape how much signal drives the phase inverter tube. As you increase it, you’ll push the tube harder, unlocking harmonically rich gain and delivering the unmistakable warmth of driven tube saturation.

Global Volume Control

The global Master Volume is a post-phase inverter circuit that tames the amp’s output, letting you transition seamlessly from stage-ready roar to bedroom-level quiet. All the while, you’ll retain the unmistakable power amp saturation that defines the Era 30’s sound.

Buffered Effects Loop

The fully bypassable buffered effects loop ensures pristine signal quality, whether you’re using analog or digital effects. For purists, the loop can be completely hard bypassed with a toggle switch on the back, preserving your signal’s pure, unaltered path.

Premium Build Quality

Handcrafted in Costa Mesa, California, with upgraded aluminum chassis, Baltic Birch cabinets, durable tolex, and premium leather details.

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 Sampsons specifications.

Stage, Studio or Home Use

The Era 30's wild side is easily tamed with the global post-phase inverter Master Volume, delivering rich, dynamic tone at any level—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 unmatched playing experience.