Universal Audio UAFX Lion '68 Super Lead Amp Effects Pedal Purple
UA's digital recreation of a 1968 Marshall Super Lead in a compact pedal, powered by their UAFX modeling engine. Promises cranked-Plexi tones at any volume with three amp channels and studio-quality effects onboard.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Authentic 1968 Marshall Super Lead modeling captures the holy grail of British rock tone
- +Three channels (Clean, Crunch, Lead) cover the full Plexi range from sparkle to roar
- +Built-in boost, delay, and reverb eliminate the need for additional pedals in many rigs
- +Stereo output with cab simulation makes recording and direct-to-PA applications effortless
- +Compact pedalboard format delivers tube-amp tone without the weight, heat, or maintenance
- +UAFX modeling quality rivals high-end floor units like Kemper or Fractal
Cons
- −Premium price ($399) puts it above many competitors in the amp-sim pedal market
- −No MIDI or deep editing via app—what you see is what you get
- −Requires careful gain staging to avoid digital harshness at extreme settings
- −Cab simulation, while good, may not satisfy players used to real speakers moving air
The Verdict
Universal Audio brought studio-grade modeling to the pedalboard, and the Lion ’68 is their Marshall masterpiece. If you’ve chased Hendrix, Page, or EVH tones but can’t afford a vintage Plexi or justify the volume, this is shockingly close. The built-in effects are studio-quality, not afterthoughts, and the cab sim sounds convincing through headphones or a PA. At $399, it’s expensive for a pedal but cheap compared to a real Super Lead or high-end modeler. Best for recording guitarists, fly-rig players, or anyone who needs world-class Marshall tones without the tube-amp baggage. Just don’t expect to edit deep parameters—this is designed for plug-and-play simplicity.
