Bad Cat Hot Cat 50 1x12" Combo Amp - 50-Watt Dual-Channel | No Limit Guitar Co, Idaho Falls
The Bad Cat Hot Cat 50 represents over 25 years of high-gain amplifier evolution, delivering everything from crystalline cleans to aggressive modern metal tones in a versatile 50-watt package. Built in Costa Mesa, California with custom-wound Bad Cat transformers and premium Baltic birch construction, this dual-channel combo is engineered for professional players who demand tonal flexibility without compromise. Whether you're a touring musician, studio artist, or discerning tone enthusiast, the Hot Cat 50 delivers jaw-dropping accuracy across every genre.
Product Overview
The Hot Cat 50 features a carefully crafted all-tube design with 2 x EL34 power tubes and 4 x 12AX7 preamp tubes driving a custom Bad Cat 12" Celestion speaker through a resonant Baltic birch cabinet. The handwired circuitry and custom-wound transformers deliver the touch-sensitive response and harmonic richness that define the Bad Cat sound, while the premium cabinet construction ensures optimal resonance and projection.
The amp's dual-channel architecture provides seamless switching between clean and overdrive voices, each with independent gain and volume controls. The shared three-band TMB EQ circuit allows precise tonal shaping across both channels, while the global master volume and presence controls give you final command over your overall sound. This thoughtful control layout makes the Hot Cat 50 equally at home in intimate club settings and arena-sized stages.
Real-world functionality meets boutique tone with studio-quality spring reverb, a buffered effects loop, individual speaker outputs (4, 8, 16 ohm), and a professional-grade line out for direct recording. The included two-button footswitch provides hands-free control over channel and mode selection, while the switchable Lo and Hi gain modes on each channel effectively give you four distinct voices in one amplifier.
Ideal For
- Rock and blues players seeking versatile tones from glassy cleans to high-gain crunch
- Professional musicians who need reliable, road-worthy amplification for diverse setlists
- Studio recording artists demanding pristine cleans and authentic British-voiced overdrive
- Metal and hard rock guitarists requiring aggressive high-gain tones with exceptional clarity
- Pedal enthusiasts looking for a responsive platform that takes effects without compromise
Key Features
Dual-Channel Versatility with Lo/Hi Modes
The Hot Cat 50's two channels each feature switchable Lo and Hi gain modes, effectively delivering four distinct voices. The clean channel produces everything from sparkling American-style cleans in Lo mode to pushing Paisley-country lead tones in Hi mode. The overdrive channel ranges from classic JCM-style crunch perfect for 1980s arena rock to modded high-gain tones that handle modern metal with authority and definition.
Premium All-Tube Design
Powered by 2 x EL34 power tubes and 4 x 12AX7 preamp tubes, the Hot Cat 50 delivers the dynamic response and harmonic complexity that only true tube amplification can provide. Custom-wound Bad Cat transformers ensure optimal power transfer and tonal integrity, while the handwired construction guarantees reliability and superior signal path quality for years of professional performance.
Studio-Grade Features
The buffered effects loop maintains signal integrity when integrating time-based effects and modulation pedals, while the onboard spring reverb adds lush ambience without external processing. The professional line out enables direct recording or connection to PA systems, and individual speaker outputs accommodate various cabinet impedances—making this amp equally capable in the studio as it is on stage.
Custom Bad Cat Speaker and Cabinet
The custom-voiced Bad Cat 12" Celestion speaker delivers balanced frequency response with tight low-end, clear midrange projection, and smooth high-frequency sparkle. Housed in a resonant Baltic birch cabinet, the speaker benefits from superior tonal transfer and durability compared to standard plywood construction, ensuring your tone translates consistently whether you're playing at bedroom volumes or pushing stage volume.
Professional Control Layout
Independent gain and volume controls per channel allow precise level matching between clean and overdrive sounds, while the shared three-band TMB EQ gives you intuitive tonal shaping. Global master volume and presence controls provide final refinement of your overall sound, and the included two-button footswitch enables seamless channel and mode switching without interrupting your performance flow.
What's Included
- Bad Cat Hot Cat 50 1x12" Combo Amplifier
- Two-button footswitch (channel and mode selection)
- Protective amplifier cover
- 5-year limited warranty
- Free standard shipping
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 50 watts |
| Power Tubes | 2 x EL34 |
| Preamp Tubes | 4 x 12AX7 |
| Channels | 2 (Clean and Overdrive) |
| Modes | 2 per channel (Lo and Hi) |
| Speaker | Custom Bad Cat 12" Celestion |
| Cabinet | Baltic birch construction |
| Controls | Independent Gain/Volume per channel, Shared TMB EQ, Master Volume, Presence |
| Effects | Studio-quality spring reverb, Buffered effects loop |
| Outputs | Speaker outputs (4, 8, 16 ohm), Line out |
| Footswitch | Two-button (channel and mode) |
| Weight | 50.2 lbs |
| Origin | Designed and built in Costa Mesa, CA |
Get Your Hands on This Tube Combo Amp Today
Experience the legendary Bad Cat tone and build quality in person at No Limit Guitar Co in Idaho Falls. Our knowledgeable staff can help you explore the Hot Cat 50's impressive tonal range and answer any questions about integrating this amplifier into your existing rig. Contact us today to schedule a private demo or visit our showroom to hear why the Hot Cat 50 is the most versatile amplifier in the Bad Cat lineup.
