Updated by Bobby
Updated on December 12th, 2022
Added the Fender Pro 100 acoustic amp. Thanks to Dennis in the comments section.
QUICK HIT: A simple list of guitar amps with line out and/or direct out connections that allow you to send a line-level signal (preamp only) directly to a PA system or external power amp.
What most of us understand as a guitar amp is usually two parts combined into one unit: A preamp and power amp. Most EQ and gain (volume going into the preamp) is controlled at the preamp level before it gets to the power amp. This is why you have a gain and master volume or a channel volume and master volume on your amp. A combo amp combines all three of a preamp, power amp, and speaker into one box.
In this article we're going to roundup guitar amps with a line out (or direct out) connection built in.
You can also checkout our main guide for a list of our best guitar amp recommendations.
With these amps the following functionality is possible:
- You can bypass your power amp entirely
- You can send a "line level" signal straight into a PA system or mixer
- You can send a "dry" signal straight into a PA system or mixer
- You can add an external power amp
The Mesa Boogie Recording preamp is a good example of a guitar amp with a line out:
The Mesa Boogie Recording preamp has a line out.
Here's a look at the back of the Recording preamp:
Back of the Mesa Boogie preamp.
You have two stereo outputs on the back: A record out for going to a mixing console and a live out for going to a power amp.
I'll do a list for each of the following categories:
- Acoustic Amps
- Electric Combos
- Electric Heads
- Preamp-only
Top Picks from This List
Amps | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fishman Loudbox Mini | n/a | |
 | Boss Katana 100 series | n/a | |
 | Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister | n/a |
Search for other amplifiers to compare and/or check pricing
Compare more amps
We have a bunch of amps in our database that can be added to the comparison bar that gets pulled up in the above table. Look around and add some if you want to compare other options.
Identifying Line and Direct Out Connections
There are usually a lot of different connections on the back of a guitar amp, which can be hard to decipher. I'll go over examples of line out and direct out connection, as well as some of the other ports you might see.
Example of a Line Out Jack
A line out or "line level" output jack will usually be a quarter-inch (TRS) instrument cable connection that can be used to send a signal to a power amp, recording interface, or PA system, and looks like this:
Example of a "Line Out" connection jack.
Example of a Balanced Direct Out Jack
A direct out will run through an XLR jack and will send a balanced signal, which is useful to going straight into a PA system. This is why you always see balanced XLR outputs on the back of acoustic guitar amps.
Example of a balanced direct out XLR connection on the back of a guitar amp.
Other jacks you might notice on the back of a guitar amp include - but are not limited to - the following:
- Speaker outs
- MIDI ins or outs
- Footswitch jack
- Send and return jacks (effects loop)
Make sure that if you're looking for a line or direct out that you don't confuse them with any of these. Almost all amps have an external speaker jack, but it's different than a line or direct out. Just make sure to read the labels near each port.
Acoustic Guitar Amps with Line Out Connections
Almost every acoustic amp has a balanced direct out. If it doesn't, we'd be quite hesitant to recommend it. We've listed some of the most common acoustic amps here all of which have at least a direct out (some also have a line out). If you want to name an additional acoustic amp with line out or direct out connections, leave it in the comments section.
Amps | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fender Acoustic 100 / balanced XLR out | n/a | |
 | Fender Acoustisonic 40 / Balanced XLR out | n/a | |
 | AER Compact 60/4 Tommy Emmanuel Combo / Balanced XLR out, line level out | n/a | |
| Fishman Loudbox Mini Combo Amp / Balanced XLR out | n/a | |
 | Marshall AS50D Combo Acoustic Amp / Balanced direct out, line out | n/a | |
 | Mesa Boogie Rosetta One:Ten / Balanced Direct Out (multi-channel) | n/a | |
 | Behringer Ultracoustic ACX1800 / Stereo balanced direct outs | n/a | |
 | Rivera Sedona Lite Acoustic Amp / Balanced direct out | n/a | |
| Fender Acoustic Pro 100 | n/a |
Combo Guitar Amps with Line Out (preamp, power, and speaker)
As I mentioned earlier, combo amps have a preamp, power amp, and a built-in speaker, meaning you don't need any additional pieces to hear your sound. Finding combo amps with line out connections used to be a rarity, but in recent years they've become far more common. Again, be careful to avoid getting "speaker outs" confused with "line outs" as they are not the same thing.
Amps | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Line 6 Spider V 120 / Direct out | n/a | |
 | Fender Bassbreaker 30R / Direct out | n/a | |
 | Blackstar HT20R MKII Combo Amp / Emulated direct and line out | n/a | |
 | Marshall JVM410C Tube Combo Amp / Emulated direct out, serial loop | n/a | |
 | Boss Nextone Artist Combo Amp / Emulated direct out, serial loop | n/a | |
 | Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II Combo Amp / Emulated direct out and line out | n/a | |
| Boss Katana 100 Combo Amp / Line out | n/a | |
 | Supro Delta King 12 / Line out | n/a | |
 | Roland Jazz Chorus JC-40 Combo Amp / Line out | n/a | |
 | Boss Katana Artist Series / Line out | n/a | |
 | Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120 / Line out | n/a | |
 | Magnatone Super Fifty-Nine M-80 / Compensated line out | n/a | |
 | Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 / Line out, CabClone direct out | n/a | |
 | Line 6 Spider V 240 Combo / Stereo balanced direct outs | n/a |
Electric Guitar Amp Heads with Line Out (preamp and power amp)
Guitar amp heads are usually a preamp and power amp combination without the speaker cab. These will always have a least a speaker out and an FX loop, but I've put together a list of amps with a line out and/or direct out connection as well. Some of them even have both.
Guitar | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 / Balanced direct out | n/a | |
 | Boss Portable Katana Head / Line level out | n/a | |
 | Bugera T50 Infinium Amp Head / Emulated direct out | n/a | |
 | EVH 5150III LBX Amp Head / Preamp out | n/a | |
 | Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 / Emulated direct out | n/a | |
 | ENGL Amplifiers Fireball 25 / Line out | n/a | |
 | ENGL Ironball Special / IR balanced output | n/a | |
 | Mesa/Boogie Mark 5:25 / CabClone (speaker emulated), direct out | n/a | |
 | Mesa/Boogie Mark 5 (90-watt version) / Slave out | n/a | |
 | Blackstar HT20RH MKII / Balanced XLR direct out, line level out | n/a | |
 | Peavey Invective.120 Amp Head / Balanced XLR out | n/a | |
 | Mesa Boogie Triple Crown / CabClone direct out, line level out | n/a | |
 | Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier / Slave out (to power amp) | n/a | |
 | Marshall 2525H Mini Jubilee / Balanced DI output | n/a | |
 | Line 6 Spider V 240 HC / Stereo balanced DI outputs | n/a | |
 | Seymour Duncan Power Stage 700 / Stereo balanced DI outputs | n/a | |
 | Bugera 333XL Infinium / Line out | n/a | |
 | Blackstar HT Club 50 Mark II / Emulated Direct Out | n/a | |
 | Crate Powerblock CPB150 Preamp / Balanced line out (XLR) | n/a | |
 | Marshall Origin (ORI50H) / DI Out | n/a | |
 | Randall RG Series Heads / XLR (balanced) output | n/a |
Electric Guitar Amp Heads with Line Out (preamp only)
In this section I've listed some guitar amps with line out connections that are only preamp, rack-mounted-style units without a power amp or speaker cab. These can either be paired with an external power amp or run straight into a PA system or recording interface.
Amps | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Engl Special Edition Preamp E 570 / Balanced XLR stereo outs | n/a | |
 | Engl Tube Preamp E 530 / Balanced recording compensated output | n/a | |
 | Kemper Profiler Rack Rackmount Profiling Amp Head / Main and direct out | n/a | |
 | Avid Eleven Rack Preamp / Balanced XLR out and line level out | n/a | |
 | Mesa/Boogie Recording Preamp / Record out, live out (to power amp) | n/a |
Conclusion
To be clear, this list is not comprehensive.
However, it does cover some of the more popular and widely-liked guitar amps with line out and direct out connections. Keep in mind, I'm not ranking or rating these, just listing the ones I've confirmed to have this feature that also enjoy a good reputation in the guitar gear community.
My goal with lists like this one is to also keep it updated and get suggestions for amps that should be added to it.
Adding to the List
If you know of any guitar amps with a line out or direct out connection that I didn't mention here, please feel free to add it to the comments section below. Assuming it fits the bill, I'll update the page with your suggestion.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
Crate amp exactly like this one,
https://reverb.com/item/62036805-very-nice-very-clean-us-made-crate-ca30-30-watt-1×8-two-input-acoustic-guitar-combo-w-chorus
best I can do so you’d know what one it is,,
thanks for a fast respondance specially on the Supro,
as for the crate amp it is the CA30 1×8″ 30 watt amp,
so if the Supro has a trs on it think this one should be new enough to to have it but I’m not sure?
Don – yes it should be. It wouldn’t cut off the speaker cab, but you’d have a line out while the combo was still projecting. Does that make sense?
ya it does, as the reason why I needed to know if they were truly TRS jacks out of the line level was so I could hook them up to the mixer, and the mixer I want to hook them up too in there book hooking them to a XLR it had said both mic and/or LINE should be balanced,,,
thanks, but just in case, I’ll let you know if something blows up,,,,
Don,
Just leave the speaker cab connected and you should be fine. “I am not a financial advisor or a medical expert.” 😆
sorry but this kind of an answer told me nothing,
I beginning to wonder myself now as it puts me back to square one,
in other words, I found out nothing,
makes me think, but just what are you trying to tell people but only what they want to hear, yet doesn’t matter if it’s a TS or a TRS at all,,,
Like I said (and my buddy also chimed in), use a DI box and you’ll be fine.
you had said “yes there should be”, a TRS in that little Crate amp, as I know it will not shut off the speaker, but is it truly a TRS jack?
I need those amps the send a balanced signal into that mixer,
as I never tried it just yet, but not always can a guy always tell it either, but if it was a TS you should be able to feel or hear 1 click, if it is a TRS you should be able to feel or hear 2 clicks, guess all depends on how well that jack really is in there, as it make me wonder sometimes yet on both those amps,
also am kind of wondering about another amp as well, but I’ll wait till I hear back on this in my email inbox,,,,,
If it’s not balanced, just throw a DI box in there and that should take care of it (I think). Sorry if you already said this, but do you own the Crate and are thinking of replacing with the Supro? I don’t know why builders aren’t more clear about stuff like this.
ya guess could be true about that where companies would do that, but it’s also the way they write up the owner’s manual to these days for I just don’t understand why they simply don’t say as to many people are not as smart as those dumb companies are that think know it all which don’t, so ya, well whatever sorry I offended you but when you can’t simply find out nothing anymore from not many, yes it sucks, but what you goanna to do about all is let it go and learn the hard way, guess we’ll or I will find out sooner or later,,,,,,, thanks and also check out the amp here, and let me know,
monoprice 15/1 watt with 12″ as I’ve been thinking about getting one just for the hell of it, looks like it might be a good amp for a studio to me,,,,, please let me know what you might find out about them, OK?
acoustic crate amp but don’t remember model maybe a D something, 8″ 30 or 35 watts, but I’m not certain on this one at all?
also, on the supro 12 listed I assume it has a balance trs line out, correct?
Any of these? https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=crate%20acoustic%20amp%20
And for the Supro 12, it does have a TRS line out. It’s not marked as a balanced output but I think that’s assumed. It’s listed as a “buffered preamp output” in the manual: https://www.suprousa.com/uploads/supro/2021/01/1822_DK12_Manual.pdf
I hope this is helpful! Let me know about the Crates.
not sure I did this right as I posted them the way I did before,
https://reverb.com/item/62036805-very-nice-very-clean-us-made-crate-ca30-30-watt-1×8-two-input-acoustic-guitar-combo-w-chorus
it is exactly like this one,
Just a word of caution, many manufacturers use TRS 1/4″ jacks regardless of whether or not the port is actually balanced, so two clicks isn’t always a definitive indicator.
I looked at the manual for the CA30 and it lists the Line Out port as unbalanced, but suitable for high impedance FOH connections on a mixing board. You would be fine using a TRS->XLR cable for short distances, but, to echo Bobby, you’ll want to insert a DI to truly balance the signal.
Fender pro 100 acoustic amp. Sounds great through pa. Sound comes out of amp also during play time.
Added. Thanks, Dennis.
Hi, great article! I have a question, here is my scenario;
I’m doing looping stuff with a sampler Akai mpc one, looper Boss rc 505mk2 and my pedalboard. The reason why I bought the Strymon Iridium was because I did not want to loop any other sound close to my mic amp. I tried a gig with this setup and every time I was looping my guitar, we would ear the people talking close to my amp….
Would an amp with a line out could be the best choice? I would prefer the sound of a real amp rather than the iridium.
Thank you
If I’m understanding you correctly, then yes. The line out would probably make the most sense. If your amp is mic’d now that would definitely be an improvement. Keep in mind, the line out doesn’t necessarily cut off the sound of the amp itself. Hope this is helpful.
I wanta tube amp head that I can plug direct to a PA. It appears the H&K tubemiester40 you recommend does. Correct?
Hey Ron – I emailed my response but I’ll post here as well:
Your best option is EASILY the Mesa Mark V:25. It’s just fantastic for this type of thing, plus it has a built-in attenuator that saves you from having to hook up a speaker cab. It’s just $100 out of your price range but absolutely worth it in my opinion.
We actually have a full review of that amp here: https://www.guitarchalk.com/mesa-boogie-mark-v-25-review/
Again, hope this helps! Let me know if you have additional questions/thoughts. Email or comments are fine.
Telonics has direct out, Pre amp out & Power amp in . These are good amp .
These look awesome. Never heard of this brand before.
A Randall RG 80 1×12 combo.
Marshall Origin?
Good call, Mark. Added!
Can I plug the rec out on my roland cube to the aux in on my larger amp?
I definitely would NOT recommend this. Why would you want to do this anyway?
Hi – I have a Laney Pro-Tube AOR 100 Watt head similar to: https://reverb.com/au/item/36678506-laney-pro-tube-100-lead-aor-series?show_sold=true
It has a +8dBV LINE IN/OUT that in the Laney Manual is described as a “Line-Slave Socket”.
I’d like to run out of the LINE OUT via a DI Box into a DAW Interface.
Do I need to load the LINE IN at all? Because I had read somewhere that I should use a shorted 1/4″ jack in the LINE IN to ensure that the input to the power amp is earthed (ie: no stray signals) and eliminating the need for a speaker load. Is that good advice or nonsense?
Allow no longer made, the CRATE Powerblock has a XLR line out with volume control. ( Has speaker sim in the circuit ). Useful backup amp if you can find one.
This one? https://reverb.com/p/crate-cpb150-powerblock-amplifier
Yes, correct. Wonderful bit of kit to pack in your gig bag as a backup, especially if you are playing a valve or vintage amp that can be prone to breakdowns. The lineout has a volume control, so useful for balancing input to the desk.
Hi, Thanks for adding the powerblock. However, it needs to move to the pre and power amp section. It has a 150W class D amp power amp section as well as a preamp, and will run 1x150W mono or stereo 75W ( @ 4 ohm ). Pretty loud too – enough for small gigs.
Awesome – thanks for letting me know, Gary. I moved it to the proper section.
I’m looking for a Vox Pathfinder 15R guitar amp or something similar with reverb and line out for analog recording.
Curious to know which model was used in the pic for “Example of a Balanced Direct Out Jack”.
I noticed that it had a ch1+2 post Eq DI out. I’m wondering how that works or how they wired that internally.
Hey Alex – that’s some kind of acoustic amp that I think is made by LR Baggs. I can’t for the life of me remember the exact model. Most of them have those XLR outs though.
Hey there,
Great article. I’m the owner of a Magnatone Panoramic Stereo with speaker compensated line outs (left and right). Is it possible to plug these directly in an audio interface to record rather than mic the cab? Anything I should be aware of when doing so?
Thanks in advance!
M.
I think that should work fine, Mathieu. Shouldn’t be any issues there.
Great, thanks Bobby for the quick reply.
Hello. My ignorance showing here….
Can you direct out (with jack connectors) from back of guitar amp (Valvestate S80 8240) to passive speakers ( with speakon connectors). Thank you 😁
Hey Kirin – just to confirm, are you referring to this amp? https://reverb.com/item/864136-marshall-valvestate-s80-model-8240-stereo-chorus-amp
Thank you for a great article. I still have a question: what about practice combos that have a combined headphones / line out? Does this involve some compromise, as the signal for headphones may have different characteristics from a “regular” line out? I am asking because some of the more affordable amps have such a combined output, and I am wondering if this implies a sacrifice for recording purposes (through the line out).
Thank you!
Paul
Hey Paul – thanks for the question. To be totally honest with you, I don’t completely understand the distinction. I know it has something to do with impedance levels, but I’m checking with a buddy of mine to make sure I give you a decent answer.
I’ll answer back here once I hear from him.
Paul, here’s what I got back from my buddy on your question:
When discussing audio signal strength, there are generally four levels.
The weakest, ‘mic level’, is the output created by a microphone this is often a balanced output (3 contacts in an XLR for example(
The next step up would be, ‘instrument level’, this is level of signal created by a guitar or bass pickup for example and is typically unbalanced ( 2 contacts (TS) in an instrument cable for example)
The next step would be ‘line level’ this is often the level of signal between pro level audio components, between a mixer and an effect unit for example. This signal is most often balanced ( 3 contacts (TRS/XLR).
The final step would be speaker level, this is the output from an amplifier to a speaker for example, or from a device to headphones. It is often unbalanced (2 contacts TS) for driving speakers or unbalanced stereo (TRS) for driving headphones.
If it’s documented as a ‘combo’ headphone/line out it’s stereo unbalanced – probably compromising on higher impedance to drive headphones but should work at lower levels for a recording DI out. Using an appropriate DI box or interface would be important as well to get a good clean signal for recording.
Something like this DI would let you go out of a headphone out for recording from a smaller amp: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ProAV1–radial-proav1-1-channel-passive-a-v-direct-box
-Peter Driver
Hey Bobby and Peter,
Thank you so much! This is very helpful. It’s quite clear to me now.
I do find it a bit strange that some combos use a single output connection for different purposes, since it does involve a quality compromise. But from a cost perspective it may make sense, in particular for affordable practice amps.
Kind wishes and stay safe,
Paul
I still don’t know if the D.I. output on this M’2555sl is the same thing as a Line-Out. Is it the Marshall way of stating Line-Out? Or is it different than Direct-out?
Okay simply put; What is D.I. on a Marshall for?
My understanding is that it sends a preamp level signal out before getting to the power amp. Speaker would still need to be attached.
I still don’t know if the D.I. output on this M2555sl is the same thing as a Line-Out.
Unless the amp is on standby (and there is NO chance it will be accidentally taken off standby) or it has some sort of load built into it, you should NEVER run a tube amp without a speaker attached. Some –probably most — DIs on tube amps won’t put out a signal when an amp is on standby.
Running a tube amp without a speaker (or load box) connected is a big no-no.
Thanks, MG – you’re correct. I misunderstood the OP’s comment. If it’s a tube amp, even with an XLR out, you definitely need to have a speaker cab/load box connected. Sorry for my poor response and thank you for clarifying.
Well, you do need to have a load, but not necessarily a separate box. For instance, the Mesa F30 (Blues Jr type of platform) has a line out and speaker on/off switch that presumably reroutes the speaker output to a simple resistance circuit.
Hey Mike – these? https://www.mesaboogie.com/support/out-of-production/f-series.html
I don’t see anything in there about being able to turn the speaker off. I couldn’t just be missing something.
This is a great article. I wish I had come across this one at least 4 months ago, it’d have spared me lots and lots of hours trying to look for an amp that met my rather simple needs. I need a guitar amp with (preferably) XLR out, although a TRS out would also do.
Allow me to impose a question on you? I wonder if the Boss Katana 50 will continue to function as a monitor after I use the TRS to send the sound to the main mixer?
Sidebar — I noticed something interesting though — the AER 60/4 looks almost the same as the Bugera AC60. Someone copied someone 🙂
Hey James – If you’re talking about the “phones/record out” TRS output on the back panel, then I believe the answer is no. Using that connection should bypass your speaker. And yes, you’re correct on the AER/Bugera comparison. I would think AER is the originator, but who knows.
I’m thinking of going with a fender twin or deluxe reverb but can’t find that either of them come standard with a line out? Any help would be great!!
Hey Abram – I’m afraid those won’t. Tube amps usually don’t have a line out. You’d have to add an attenuator, though it would do the job pretty effectively. Here’s a list we put up of recommendations. Pretty basic. https://www.guitarchalk.com/best-amp-attenuators-guitar/
Let me know if you have any additional questions. Thanks for the comment.
Can the Blackstar HT-20RH MKII use the XLR direct to the board without a speaker cab connected?
Sorry – I misunderstood your question. You can use the XLR output, but since it’s a tube amp you would still need to have the speaker cab connected, or a load box.
Cool. The reason I bought it was to minimize my live rig, but the manual said to always have speakers connected. I contacted Korg and they said they “Recommend” always having speakers connected. Very vague responses.
Thanks!
Again, I should clarify here – you will need to have a speaker cab connected since it’s a tube amp.
I recently purchased the JJN-20 version of the aforementioned Blackstar HT-20RH MKII, plus cabinet. Which is fantastic by the way! Yet it is a fact their manual is not entirely clear, so I exchanged by Messenger with Blackstar directly about this exact same subject.
What you must not do is have the speaker cable connected to the head whilst NOT to the cabinet (but that would be rather stupid, wouldn’t it?).
If no cable is connected to any of the speaker outputs on the head, then you can happily use all emulated outputs. In order to gig without a cab for instance.
Likewise, if the head AND cab are connected together, you can also use the XLR out, in order to avoid miking the cab for instance. But then, you don’t benefit from the cab speakers’ sound. It’s just “emulated”. Hope that helps.
Thanks, Pierre – I believe you’re correct. I should’ve been more clear in my previous response.
From what i’ve been told, if your don’t have a speaker with a tube amp you can blow the output transformer.
Thanks, Brian. Assuming it’s a tube amp, you’re correct.