PRS MT 15 Mark II: Tremonti’s High-Gain Lunchbox, Evolved
The PRS MT 15 Mark II updates Mark Tremonti’s signature lunchbox head with an improved lead channel voicing. The original MT 15 was already one of the best compact high-gain heads on the market — PRS’s answer to players who need aggressive, articulate distortion at bedroom-friendly volumes. The Mark II refines the lead voicing based on Tremonti’s feedback, tightening the response and improving the harmonic content for an even more satisfying high-gain experience.
Specifications
| Type | All-tube lunchbox head |
| Wattage | 15W |
| Channels | 2 (Clean/Lead) |
| Power Tubes | EL84 |
| Design | Mark Tremonti signature (updated) |
Improved Lead Voicing
The Mark II’s primary improvement is the lead channel voicing. Tremonti worked with PRS to tighten the gain response and refine the harmonic content — the result is a lead channel that’s more articulate under heavy saturation, more defined during fast passages, and more musically satisfying for sustained lead notes. The improvement is subtle but meaningful for players who spend significant time in the high-gain zone.
15 Watts of High-Gain Potential
The MT 15’s 15-watt EL84 power section is deliberately chosen for its saturation characteristics at lower volumes. At bedroom levels, the EL84s begin to compress and add harmonic richness. Push them harder and you get genuine power tube saturation — something that larger high-gain heads can’t achieve without dangerous volume levels. For recording metal tones, 15 watts is a sweet spot that delivers real tube feel without requiring isolation.
Two-Channel Versatility
The clean channel is surprisingly good for a high-gain focused amp — full, warm, and usable for a wide range of non-distorted playing. The lead channel covers everything from hard rock crunch to modern metal saturation. Footswitchable channel selection makes the MT 15 Mark II a viable gigging amp for players who need both clean and distorted tones.
Who Should Buy the MT 15 Mark II
Hard rock and metal guitarists who need a compact, affordable tube head. Alter Bridge and Tremonti fans. Players who want real high-gain tube saturation at home volumes. Recording musicians who need a dedicated high-gain tracking head. Budget-conscious players seeking PRS quality in an amplifier.
FAQ
How does the MT 15 Mark II compare to the HDRX amps?
Completely different animals. The HDRX series is vintage-voiced, dynamic, clean-to-overdrive — inspired by Hendrix-era tones. The MT 15 is modern high-gain — tight, aggressive, designed for hard rock and metal. The HDRX is a blues-rock amp; the MT 15 is a metal amp. PRS designed them for different players and different genres.
Is 15 watts enough for gigging metal?
With PA support, yes. 15 tube watts through an efficient speaker cabinet is surprisingly loud — enough for rehearsals and small-to-medium gigs when mic’d. For loud stages without PA, you’ll want more headroom. Many metal guitarists use the MT 15 for everything up to medium club shows and rely on the PA for larger venues.
What’s new in the Mark II vs the original MT 15?
The lead channel voicing is refined — tighter, more articulate, with improved harmonic content under heavy saturation. The clean channel and overall platform remain largely the same. If you own the original and love it, the Mark II is a refinement. If you’re buying new, the Mark II is the definitive version with no reason to look back.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mark Tremonti?
Mark Tremonti is the lead guitarist of Alter Bridge and Creed, known for his powerful rhythm playing and soaring lead work. The MT 15 is his signature PRS amplifier, designed to deliver the aggressive tones he uses on stage and in the studio.
How many watts is the PRS MT 15 Mark II?
The MT 15 delivers 15 watts from a pair of EL84 tubes, but don’t let the wattage fool you — it’s remarkably loud and has more than enough gain for heavy rock and metal.
Does the MT 15 Mark II have two channels?
Yes. The MT 15 Mark II features a Clean and a Lead channel, each with its own gain and volume controls. The Lead channel delivers crushing high-gain tone, while the Clean channel offers surprisingly lush cleans for such a small amp.