Fender Champ 5E1 preset

Verified · 85/100 confidence. Complete schematic. All component values readable. Parameters derived directly from the circuit.

The Fender Champ 5E1 introduced the 12AX7 preamp tube, increasing available gain and sharpening the Champ's breakup character. Still running 5 watts single-ended through a 6V6GT with a 5Y3 tube rectifier, the 5E1 is warm, organic, and exceptionally musical when driven into saturation. Its small size made it the quintessential close-miked recording amp, used by Eric Clapton (notably on 'Layla') and many others who valued its harmonic complexity at low levels.

• Years produced: 1955–1957
• Made in: USA
• Wattage: 5W
• Channels: 1
• Preamp tubes: 1× 12AX7
• Power tubes: 1× 6V6GT (plus 5Y3 rectifier)

Known for: Eric Clapton, Neil Young.

Heard on: Layla — Eric Clapton (1970).

Tags: american, clean, vintage.

Schematic-derived preset files for 16 Fractal and Line 6 modelers: Axe-Fx II/XL/XL+, Axe-Fx III, FM3, FM9, and the full Helix family (Floor, LT, Rack, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL, Native).

Gridleak extracts amp parameters from original circuit schematics using AI vision — component values, gain staging, tone stack topology, tube types — then generates native preset files for every supported modeler. Every extraction is scored 0–100 and the score is published.