Tech 21's latest introduction to their SansAmp line is the SansAmp Character series. The series is new to 2008, and it consists of five different pedals: Blonde, British, California, Liverpool and VT Bass.

Each amp brings the feel of a range of eras and specific amp personalities into an artistic pedal format. The parameters on these pedals let you access a range of tone from rare vintage to modern standards. Every pedal focuses on a particular amp style.

The Blonde tones range from '50s Fullerton amps to classic blackface and silverface amps. The British pedal focuses on classic hard rock of the '60s. California takes over the next decade's tones with a focus on the late '70s / early '80s and expands into modern metal. Liverpool revisits the '60s for a tone you can surely imagine. The final pedal, the VT Bass, ranges from '60s flip top to high gain indie rock.

Each pedal can be used standalone as a pre-amp to drive a power amp, studio mixer or PA system. Each can also be used as a stompbox in conjunction with an amplifier. The Character series features built-in speaker simulation, 3-band active EQ, Drive and Level controls, and completely analog circuitry.