
Updated by Bobby
Updated on December 7th, 2022
Note that we've seen a lot of these amps don't necessarily allow you to use both inputs simultaneously. We've found that it's a case-by-case basis, depending on your amp. Solid state amps with channel selectors seem to be friendlier to this. Thanks to DefJef in the comments for raising this issue.
Parent article: Best guitar amps
QUICK HIT: A table listing guitar amps that have two input jacks, also sometimes called "dual inputs" for multiple instruments or different gain levels.
Most guitar amps have one input. This page is a collection of guitar amps that come with two inputs, which effectively allow you to have two instruments or two "lines in" to the preamp. There are actually a handful of reasons why this type of setup might be beneficial to you:
- Multiple pedalboards
- Multiple instruments
- Different gain levels per input (for active or passive pickups)
This list has been built based entirely on that feature. As a result, it includes combo amps, heads, rackmount preamps, and rackmount power amps. The only pre-requisite is that they have two inputs.

Two inputs on the Fender '65 reverb combo amp.
We've also focused on brands with good reputations that we know and trust. And while it's not a "best of" list, it is meant to provide a reliable selection to choose from based on the experience of myself and other musicians I work with.
If you have additions or suggestions, feel free to let us know via the comments section at the bottom of this page. After the table, we'll provide some additional information and resources about dual amplifier inputs.
Our List of Guitar Amps with Dual Inputs (Combos and Amp Heads)
AMP | Title | Rated | Browse |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Bugera 1960 Infinium Tube Head | n/a | |
![]() | Bugera 333 XL Infinium Tube Head | n/a | |
![]() | Bugera V22 HD Infinium | n/a | |
![]() | Bugera V55 Infinium | n/a | |
![]() | Diezel Big Max Tube Head | n/a | |
![]() | Dr. Z MAZ 38 NR MKII | n/a | |
![]() | Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Tube Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Fender GB George Benson Twin Reverb | n/a | |
![]() | Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV | n/a | |
![]() | Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Kemper Profiler Power Head | n/a | |
![]() | Kemper Profiler Rack Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Magnatone Super Fifty-Nine MKII Tube Head | n/a | |
![]() | Magnatone Twilighter | n/a | |
![]() | Marshall 1959 HW Hand-wired Tube Head | n/a | |
![]() | Marshall JCM800 Amp Head | n/a | |
![]() | Marshall SC20C Studio Classic | n/a | |
![]() | Marshall SC20H Studio Classic Tube Head | n/a | |
![]() | Marshall SV20H Studio Vintage | n/a | |
![]() | Morgan Amps Dual 20 | n/a | |
![]() | Rivera Sedona 55 ES | n/a | |
![]() | Roland Blues Cube Artist | n/a | |
![]() | Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus Combo Amp | n/a | |
![]() | Seymour Duncan PowerStage Amp Head | n/a | |
![]() | Supro 1606 Super | n/a |
About 1/4" and TS Inputs
When shopping for a guitar amp with two inputs, you might run into the following terms:
- Quarter inch or 1/4" cable
- TS cable or TS inputs

TS cable on the left (unbalanced), TRS cable on the right (balanced)
A quarter inch cable is how an instrument or guitar cable is sometimes described because of the size of the connection (roughly 0.25 inches). It can also refer to either TS or TRS cables. What's the difference between TS and TRS?
Read more: Difference between TS and TRS cables
TS cables send an unbalanced signal to a mono input. That means with dual inputs you'll likely have two unbalanced TS jacks, one for each instrument cable. TRS cables send a balanced signal and are often used for a line out.

TS and TRS cabling interior. Unbalanced on the left and balanced on the right.
Different Types of Dual Amp Inputs
You might also notice some odd labeling next to the amplifier's inputs. Here are a couple we've run into.
- High and low inputs
- Normal and bright inputs
High and Low
While the meaning of a high and low inputs can sometimes shift between brands, this generally refers to inputs for high and low gain sources.
For example, humbuckers that are more aggressive - with higher output - might put out more gain, in which case you'd plug them into the "low" input jack. This might provide something like a -12 db cut in your signal to give you some headroom for the louder pickup. However, the difference between the two doesn't necessarily preclude a certain type of guitar or pickup.
Normal and Bright
Perhaps a more familiar (and less technical) pairing would be the normal and bright inputs, which in some cases will replace the bright switch like you sometimes see on Fender amps.
Conventionally, the bright input produces a more crisp or louder tone compared to the "normal" input which has no adjustment made before the preamp. Technically, this could still be described as a difference in gain. The wording is just more intuitive and descriptive. This Fender article covers it a little more in-depth for those interested.
How can I use both inputs?
As I mentioned earlier, there are several ways that you can use two inputs on your amp. Primarily, they include the following:
For active pickups
The most common reason to have more than one input in a guitar amp is to accommodate different levels of gain or to "dampen" active pickups. Since active pickups are typically louder than passive pickups, an amp with a second input will often cut gain automatically, going 10 to 15 decibels lower, thus giving you some headroom to avoid unwanted clipping from a hotter pickup.
For easily switching guitars
It's not necessarily a best practice to plug two instruments at a time into the same amp, even with dual outputs. However, it is technically possible, depending on the amp, and people do this in certain situation. For example, rather than have to switch guitars during a gig, performers might plug one into each input and then just mute the one they're not using until they switch.
For multiple pedalboards or signal chains
Some players, particularly when performing live, might want to take advantage of the gain differences in the two inputs given different signal chains. For example, a pedal chain with a distortion might be better served going into the input for an active pickup (the lower input) while the other chain goes to the normal input.

A higher gain source could be plugged into the lower gain input
Again, the difference between the two inputs is subtle, but the idea is to give yourself some extra headroom so you can have more gain without having unwanted distortion or too much volume. For pedals this is less of an issue since you can usually turn volume and gain down. However, for something like a high output pickup - that you can't turn down - the distinction becomes far more crucial.
Additional Gear that Might be Needed
You'll need extra instrument cables (TS or TRS cables). Otherwise, it could be helpful to add a signal splitter or A/B/Y switch.
Does it add to the cost?
These amps don't typically cost more because of the inputs themselves, since so many other factors play into the cost of a guitar amp. However, it is important to recognize that the types of amplifiers that usually include a dual input setup are naturally more expensive because they're considered higher-end, more professional-grade amps.
In other words: Does the second input itself add to the cost? No.
But, amps with that type of functionality are typically more expensive because of the type of guitar player they're built for.
More Common in Tube Amps
We've also noticed that dual inputs are more common in tube amps than solid state. This is particularly true with Fender tube amps, and Marshall amps, albeit to a lesser degree.
Other Factors to Consider
As I mentioned, the number of inputs is a fairly small consideration when it comes to the functionality of an amp. Here are a couple more features to keep an eye on as you shop:
- Number of channels
- Number and type of outputs
How many channels?
Having multiple channels is one of my primary concerns when looking at guitar amps. You should have at least two, while three or four is preferable. Multiple channels, regardless of how many inputs you have, allow you to switch between different volume, gain, and EQ levels without moving the knobs manually.
How many and what type of outputs?
You should also look at outputs, especially if you're getting an amp head. Generally speaking, you'll have some mix of the following outputs:
- Speaker outs with various ohm loads
- Balanced XLR out
- Unbalanced line out
- Slave out
- Power amp out
- Effects loop output

Some of the outputs on the back of a Bugera Infinium amp head.
Most of these will be on the back of your amplifier. Make sure to do a thorough rundown of all the outputs so you know what you'll be able to hook your amp up to. This is less critical with combo amps (since they include a speaker) but still something to keep an eye on.
Here are some other resources we've written on guitar amps and amp outputs:
Conclusion
That should cover most buying concerns related to this feature. Again, the amp itself is likely to be higher-end, so make sure that you're basing your decision on other quality factors outside of just the dual inputs. Otherwise, it's wide open with plenty of brands, models, and styles to choose from. I listed the best and most recognizable options I could find, but I certainly haven't covered everything.
Missed an amp?
That said, if you know of a particular amp with dual inputs that I didn't list here, let me know in the comments section below and I'll consider adding it. Technical questions or other thoughts about the amps listed are welcome there as well.
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Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
I’m baffled by the inclusion of my Bugera V22 on this list. If I plug TWO guitars into the two inputs I get SOME signal but also a lot of hum and noise. Take either jack out and the noise goes away. Is there something wrong with my amp or shouldn’t the V22 be on the list?
What happens when you hit the Channel button?
Hi Bobby. I just get more noise! It’s as though the bright input is leading the way with some guitar sound and overlaid hum/buzz whilst the normal channel barely gets any signal, just some sort of static sound when I hit the strings on that guitar. Take EITHER jack out and things are all fine again.
Just more noise Bobby. It’s as though the bright input is dominating the normal one. There is some ghastly guitar sound on the bright input but lots of buzz and hum and next to no guitar sound on the normal channel but additional static/crackle when I hit the strings on the guitar. Unplug EITHER guitar from the input socket and all is lovely again.
I’ve tried different leads or even a split signal – one from the guitar and one from a stereo pedal and still the same situation. Can the circuit be in series rather than parallel so hates my messing about?
This is just a guess on my part, but I think some of these amps are made with a bright/normal channel that are intended to be used separate and only for different sounds. If there is no channel selector on the amp that might be the case and then it would be a series circuit.
Sorry I’m not more informed on this. 😐
Not to worry Bobby. I’d just be interested whether anybody has found they CAN use both inputs at the same time.
There IS a channel selector button which can be pressed when using EITHER input and it works fine as long as only ONE input has been used. It’s as though the inputs are less CHANNELS than inputs with pre determined EQ. The CHANNELS seem to be separate to this: one clean with a volume control and one with more gain and its own gain and volume knob so that the two of them can be balanced for volume when switching between them.
So unless the amp that I have is misbehaving it seems correct that the Bugera V22 shouldn’t be on the list?
As an aside I also have a Fender Champ 25SE which also has a pair of inputs and a channel select button. Again this amp doesn’t like the two inputs to be used in unison.
“It’s as though the inputs are less channels than inputs with predetermined EQ.”
I think this is exactly what’s going on. I might need to reword this post to account for that possibility.
This should not be the case with most of these. As long as the gain going in isn’t too high, which it shouldn’t be.
I’m wondering whether the PRESENCE of a channel switch is the clue. I’d love to know whether anyone who has successfully used both channels of an amp at the same time has a channel switch as well, rather than a BRIGHT switch or something similar?
It seems that the Bugera may be designed as almost the OPPOSITE of the vintage Fender amps, with the two inputs being similar to the BRIGHT switch on a Fender and the CHANNEL switch being similar to the the two channel inputs of something like a Bassman.
Maybe more likely on a solid state amp? I’m just speculating based on what I’ve picked up from YouTube videos.
No, I think you’re right. But at the end of the day, the amp still has two inputs. I’ll amend to make mention of the possibility that both are not meant to be used in unison.
STOP PRESS!!!
Further trials seem to have revealed that there IS something wrong with my Bugera AND a cable but NOT the Fender Champ.
I have 10 cables here. All 10 failed to work in the Bugera when dualled but 9 DID work in the Fender. So I know 1 cable has a problem (no problem when used individually but a problem when dualled). However the fact that NONE of them worked in the Bugera led me to do some more experiments. If I really pushed the bad cable in and held it in I could just about silence the hum and hear both guitars cleanly through both inputs. Of course there was no way to play like this! So what of the 9 cables that DID work in the Fender? Same problem. Another fix was to hold both jack housings at the same time and strike both guitars: no hum and clear guitar signals. So it seems to me there is SOMETHING wrong with that Bugera’s grounding when BOTH inputs are used. A problem that doesn’t reveal itself when only one input is used. I will need to have this looked at by a pro technician as I have no idea whether this is potentially a dangerous situation, or why bridging the ground problem using my hand or a fiercely pushed in jack should fix it!
Thanks for your engagement though Bobby. I wouldn’t have discovered this if you hadn’t first listed the Bugera as a candidate for dual input use.
Same.
I was trying to run a wet & dry line into my V22i tonight and thought maybe I had a bad cable or something…googled the problem and BOOM it led me here, lol
Read the whole thread, glad to hear it’s normal and not a blown channel or anything, phew.
Was trying to run wet & dry signals which I intended to blend with a pedal…well, long story short, can’t do that on this amp…no biggie, separate amps is probably smarter anyway 👍
Thanks for the confirmation!
Interesting. Have you tried pushing the jacks in really hard and the hitting the guitar strings? I know, you sort of run out of hands! I found it seemed to make some internal connection work and fix the grounding. But you can’t play like that.
Or what about if YOU ground the two jacks by holding them both with one hand and using the the other (yes – a FREE hand!) to stroke the guitar? I found that also worked but again is not a permanent solution.
I’d be really interested if you find the same solutions temporarily work for you. It’ll confirm that SOMETHING is badly carried out in the Bugera’s circuit. Just not sure what…