Fryette Cyclops: The Ultimate Amp & Preamp Switcher for Your Fryette Power Station

What Is the Fryette Cyclops and Why Do You Need One?

If you’ve invested in a Fryette Power Station to attenuate, boost, or re-amp your tube amps, you’ve already discovered one of the most versatile tone tools in modern guitar amplification. However, connecting both a traditional tube power amp and a preamp or modeler to your Fryette power station simultaneously has traditionally been a headache of cable swaps, ground loops, and frustrating hum. Enter the Fryette Cyclops (APS-1)—a transformer-isolated dual A/B switcher designed specifically to solve this exact problem.

The Cyclops is the missing link that transforms your fryette power station from a great attenuator into a complete rig command center. Whether you’re running a vintage Fryette Pittbull, a modern Fryette Deliverance, or integrating a modeler alongside your fryette amps, the Cyclops lets you switch seamlessly between amplifier and preamp sources without unplugging a single cable.

How Does the Fryette Cyclops Work with Your Fryette Power Station?

At its core, the Fryette Cyclops is a signal router. You plug your guitar or pedalboard into the Cyclops’ input, and it sends your signal to either your traditional amplifier OR your preamp/modeler. Once your signal has been processed, the Cyclops routes either the preamp output or your amplifier’s loaded output back into the Fryette Power Station’s Line In jack for re-amplification through your speaker cabinet .

This means you can:

• Switch instantly between a cranked tube power amp and a digital modeler rig

• Eliminate ground loops entirely thanks to transformer-isolated preamp and amplifier sends 

• Match levels perfectly with the built-in preamp level switch that provides a 10dB boost when needed 

• Control everything remotely via a single latching footswitch connected to the rear Remote jack 

The Cyclops is particularly valuable for players who use both Fryette amplification and modeling technology. Instead of choosing between your Fryette PS-100 or Fryette PS-2A and a digital rig, you can have both—ready to go at the stomp of a switch.

Where Does the Fryette Cyclops Fit in a Complex Guitar Rig?

Fryette designed the Cyclops with the serious rig builder in mind. The rear panel features a complete array of connectivity options: Input, Preamp In, Preamp Out, Amp Input, From PS Line Out, To PS Line In, Preamp Level switch, Ground Lift, and Remote jack . This comprehensive I/O means the Cyclops can sit at the heart of even the most elaborate guitar tube power amp and rack mount guitar power amp setups.

For players using Fryette LXII power amps, Fryette ZMACs, or Fryette GP/DI IR units alongside a Power Station, the Cyclops provides the organization and noise-free operation that professional rigs demand. The unit’s compact dimensions (7.75″ x 3″ x 1.75″) and lightweight construction (just 1 lb) mean it fits easily on a pedalboard shelf, inside a rack drawer, or atop your Fryette power station itself .

Can the Fryette Cyclops Eliminate Hum and Ground Loop Issues?

Absolutely—and this is one of its most important benefits. Ground loops are the enemy of any complex rig, especially when connecting multiple amplifiers, preamps, and powered devices. The Fryette Cyclops addresses this head-on with transformer-isolated Preamp In and Amp Input jacks . This means you don’t need to add external isolation transformers or worry about hum creeping into your signal path when switching between sources.

Additionally, the rear-panel Ground Lift switch provides an extra layer of protection against grounding issues that can arise in unpredictable venues or studio environments . For guitarists who have struggled with noise in elaborate Fryette power station rigs, the Cyclops is a revelation.

Is the Fryette Cyclops Compatible with All Fryette Power Station Models?

The Fryette Cyclops is designed to work seamlessly with both the Fryette Power Station PS-2A (50-watt) and the Fryette Power Station One Hundred PS-100 (100-watt) . Both of these Fryette power station models feature the Line In and Line Out jacks that the Cyclops requires for its routing magic.

For PS-2A users, the Cyclops unlocks the ability to run a preamp or modeler alongside your attenuated amplifier without constant cable swapping. For PS-100 users, the Cyclops adds even more value, since the PS-100 already offers footswitchable A/B selection and a footswitchable FX loop . Combining the PS-100 with a Cyclops gives you an incredibly flexible system for switching between multiple amplifiers, preamps, and modelers—all while maintaining optimal signal integrity.

How Do You Set Up the Fryette Cyclops for Silent Switching?

One of the Cyclops’ most practical features is its pop-mute circuit, which eliminates switching transients regardless of how hot your preamp signal is . This means you can switch between your tube power amp and your preamp/modeler without any audible pops or clicks, even at high gain settings.

Setting up the Cyclops is straightforward:

1. Connect your guitar or pedalboard to the Cyclops Input

2. Connect the Preamp In/Out to your preamp or modeler

3. Connect the Amp Input to your traditional amplifier’s input

4. Connect the From PS Line Out and To PS Line In jacks to your Fryette Power Station

5. Use the front-panel The Eye button (or a remote footswitch) to select your source 

The Preamp Level switch on the rear panel lets you match your preamp’s output level to your amplifier’s level, ensuring consistent volume whether you’re using Fryette amplification, a modeler, or both .

Why Is the Fryette Cyclops Essential for Fryette Power Station Owners?

The Fryette Power Station is already one of the most versatile tools in guitar amplification—serving as an attenuator, power booster, reactive load, and tube power amp for preamps and modelers . The Cyclops removes the final barrier to using the Power Station to its full potential: the ability to connect both an amplifier and a preamp simultaneously without compromise.

For players who use Fryette Pittbull heads, Fryette Deliverance amplifiers, or any other fryette amp alongside a modeler or external preamp, the Cyclops is the organizational hub that makes it all work. It’s also invaluable for Fryette Valvulator Mini users and those running Fryette Valvulator Mini tube buffer units who want to integrate multiple signal sources into their Fryette power station rig.

Fryette Cyclops Key Features at a Glance

• Dual A/B switching with ultra-low-noise signal buffer for instrument and amplifier-level signals

• Transformer-isolated preamp and amplifier sends for complete ground loop elimination

• Preamp Level switch with 10dB boost for perfect level matching

• Pop-mute circuit for silent, click-free switching at any gain level

• Rear-panel Ground Lift switch for additional noise control

• Remote footswitch jack for hands-free control from your pedalboard

• Compact, lightweight design (1 lb) that fits any rig

• Designed and built for seamless integration with Fryette Power Station PS-2A and PS-100

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fryette Cyclops

Is the Fryette Cyclops only for Fryette Power Station users?

The Cyclops is specifically designed to work with the Fryette Power Station lineup. However, its core function—switching between amplifier and preamp sources with transformer isolation—could theoretically be useful in other contexts. That said, Fryette engineered it specifically to address the unique routing challenges of the Power Station platform .

Can I mount the Cyclops on my pedalboard?

Fryette recommends keeping the Cyclops near your amplifier or rack, not on your pedalboard, due to cable capacitance concerns with long runs. Instead, connect a single latching footswitch to the Remote jack and place that on your pedalboard for hands-free switching .

Does the Cyclops work with any preamp or modeler?

Yes. The Cyclops is designed to handle both instrument-level and amp-level signals, making it compatible with virtually any preamp, modeler, or guitar tube preamp pedal you want to integrate into your rig .

What’s the difference between the Cyclops and just using an AB box?

A standard AB box doesn’t provide transformer isolation, level matching, or pop-free switching. The Cyclops addresses all of these issues in one purpose-built package, eliminating the ground loops and noise that plague passive switching solutions .

Where to Buy the Fryette Cyclops

The Fryette Cyclops is available through authorized Fryette dealers worldwide. Given its specialized nature and the popularity of the Fryette Power Station platform, stock can be limited—so if you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your Fryette power station rig, don’t wait. Check with your preferred dealer for current availability and pricing.

For guitarists running complex rigs with Fryette amps, modelers, preamps, and a Fryette Power Station, the Cyclops isn’t just an accessory—it’s the solution that makes everything else work better.