All user reviews of 4/5 for the Peavey Bandit 112

Bought this amp new in Australia for A$799.

I wanted a tube sounding solid state amp which didn't cost a fortune. It has a good range of sounds and the clean channel is really Vox/Fenderish (I know for a fact, as I have an old AC30 on loan which I have to return) Goodby tubes (unless someone gives me a lot of cash, and I would still keep the Peavey)

A pity its made in China, but most electronic components come out of there anyway, regardless of what amp you buy. Stil, thats why the price is so great. The speaker has no label on it and I think it might be a weak point (I fitted an old JBL 2130 and it sounds brilliant).
Channel switching on footswitch is obvious and should be audibly smoother.

Pretty well-built. It is not a lightweight, and should hold up to abuse like any Peavey I have had.

Bang for buck -can't beat it..not perfect but better and more versatile tube sound and EQ- than my Tech 21 Trademark 60 -which is also a top quality amp. Clean channel close to a vintage Vox.
I would suggest fitting a Celestion or JBL speaker to this amp to make it sound as good as just about anything going around. After 30 years of gigging, I am ready to embrace new technology and I think the tube argument is really up in the clouds..If you think its not as warm as tubes, then have a couple of more beers and try again.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Peavey Bandit 112 is the flagship combo in the company's venerable line of transtube amplifiers. It's been in production for decades and has survived the changing times regardless of the era. This newest version is an 80 watt 1x12 combo with two channels, one for clean and the other for drive. The amp also has onboard reverb and an effects loop, which are very handy. This modern version of the amp has an updated and modern looking cosmetic structure with lots of classy chrome accents. Sadly though the parts on this amp do feel cheaper and more likely to break with mild use when compared to the older models. They also have a Sheffield speaker replacing the Blue Marvel version.

UTILIZATION

Getting a good sound out of this amp is pretty easy. Peavey gear has a fairly intuitive interface that is able to be dialed in for a whole host of sounds by any player. The channels are laid out in typical fashion with gain, volume and EQ controls. As well, there are voicing switches on the front panel that alter the tonal structure of the amp by giving it a more vintage or more modern voice. The transtube technology is really something cool... It does indeed make the amp sound, and FEEL more like a higher powered tube rig with more sponginess and compression to bring out natural overtones in the sound. Awesome.

SOUNDS

The Bandit 112 is one of those amps that sounds excellent with a whole variety of guitars and tonal styles. The clean channel is very nice and pristine. It's a bit flat sounding at times and lacks a bit of the sparkle I like in a clean tone but for a solid state tone it's pretty good for sure. I like it as well when hit with more gain or a boost pedal for a gutsy and crisp blues tone. The drive tones are great too. Whether you're doing classic arena rock or modern thrash metal, this amp has a very clear and defined tone that at times really does sound like a decent tube rig. The voicing switches really come in handy here to alter the tone to different levels and types of gain structure. Props to Peavey, this is an admirable sounding rig for sure.

OVERALL OPINION

All in all I think the Peavey Bandit 112 is a fantastic solid state jamming amp with a great layout, cool looks and some very tubelike tones within. The parts used could be better but for an amp of this price it can be overlooked. At about $350 new these amps are a great buy for anyone who needs a high wattage combo for jamming or gig situations that sounds like the tube amps costing a lot more!

* Speaker 12''(305mm) Sheffield ®.
* 2-channel preamp controlled by pedals.
* 3-band EQ on each channel.
* High and low inputs.
Selector * Tone Modern / Vintage on clean channel.
Selector * High Tone Gain / Modern / Vintage on the Lead channel.
* Controls T-Dynamics ® and presence.
* Reverb with level control.
* Effects loop controlled by pedals.
* Preamp output and input power stage.
* External speaker output.
Dimensions: 20''(508mm) H x 23.4''(594mm) L x 11.3''(287mm) P.
Weight: 46.4lbs (21.07kg).
* Footswitch optional

Aside from the fact that it is a transistor (but it's a choice we made a purchase), the characteristics are suitable.
The most annoying is in fact the absence of the footswitch.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is relatively simple, there are no knobs which 36,000 are useless.
It's pretty easy to get a clean channel a lead channel (classic-modern) with High and Low Mid, nothing complicated, a Reset and a boost (soloist). You get to an acceptable sound relatively easy and the manual is clear and even offers different combinations to get the sound you want, it sounds clean metal blues or jazz.

SOUNDS

This amp is really a top-level clean. One can easily get a clean sound like Metallica (Fade to Black, Welcome Home Sanitarium ...), or the Red Hot (Californication, Scar Tissue ...).
As lead is still worse. To play the trash is pretty decent (it comes out on a lot of Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax ...) and you can almost ACCESS Master of Puppets sound, almost a cause of Speakers who respond poorly to Strong bass.
To play Metalcore (Trivium, Bullet ...) it is okay but nothing more. The making of micro-breaks does not like the amp, you can easily hear the sustain.
For the death or black, good enough no more.
Finally, easy access to acute, I must say that it is widely quoted solo acceptable (for me at least, I use a ESP LTD EX-400), and the Children of Bodom for example I should amply , but without too much abuse the Pre-Gain.
In the bandit's Blues 112 2007 is very good and you can have fun without problem. Jazz side it is convenient, nothing more.
So depending on the style you want to achieve this large may or may not suit us. Which earned him the note of 7 / 10, all being relatively positive.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
I use it for the past seven months.
- What is so special that you like most and least?
What I like most about the Bandit 112 is a clean sound is really quite impressive. I also like the lead sound was provided either in the trash where it is really good, or of death where he is also.
- Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Hum actually not much actually. I was looking for already in this price range. I tested the Marshall Mg 100 Dfx after that to me is much worse than the peavey bandit 112 for both clean that lead. I also tested the Valveking 112, roughly equivalent lamp version. I also enjoyed it but it was 100 euros more expensive.
- How would you rate the quality / price?
Rappport the price / quality seems very good to beat.
- With experience, you do again this choice? ...
With experience, I would hesitate more fully before making this choice, because I think that despite its 100 euros more Valvaking the 112 is better, I would have to wait to have 100 euros more and gain the lamp which is still better in terms of quality. The Bandit 112 is nevertheless an amp of choice is sufficient for what I do.

In my opinion Peavey lead all other manufactures in the amp modeling digital amp world. They take what would normally sound like trash and make it very usable. This amp is called the transtube technology amp which basically means that it is still a solid state amp design but with an emulated tube tone. So basically what you get is an amp that is cheaper to produce and sell and still be able to sound a little bit better than a regular solid state amp. I have to say that it sound sound much fuller than a standard solid state amp.

UTILIZATION


* - 100 Watts (rms) into 4 Ohms (w/external speaker)
* - 12" Blue Marvel(r) speaker
* - High and Low Gain inputs
* - TransTube tube emulation circuitry
* - Footswitchable Clean and Lead channels
* - 3 band passive EQ on each channel
* - 3 position EQ/Gain Voicing switch on each channel
* - Reverb with level control
* - Footswitchable Boost with level control
* - ¼" stereo Speaker Simulated Direct Out jack with level control
* - Footswitch optional
* - 80 Watts (rms) into 8 Ohms
* - Weight Unpacked: 40.00 lb(18.144 kg)
* - Weight Packed: 48.00 lb(21.772 kg)
* - Width Packed: 15.75"(40.005 cm)
* - Height Packed: 28.37"(72.0598 cm)
* - Depth Packed: 23.87"(60.6298 cm)



SOUNDS

This is the updated model and not much has changed in the way of tone. Any guitar sounds great with this amp. I like a nice Gibson Les Paul or another guitar with a humbucker pickup in it. Peavey amps I feel take humbuckers really well and smooths out some of that harsh high end that is naturally attributed to their tone. It sounds great with a Fender Stratocaster as well. You can definitely tell in the sound and tone that this amp is still a solid state amp. You just can't emulate a tube tone and have the same feel and punch that a real tube does naturally. However, this amp does take digital processing a step further in the right direction.

OVERALL OPINION

At new these amps come in at around $330, which is a great price for this amp. I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs a good amp for practice or jamming use. These particular model has been upgraded so you would have to score one of these on the used market.

everything has already been said

UTILIZATION

configuration over a simple, quick to take charge.
shame we can not switcher reverb

SOUNDS

For sounds clean, just beautiful for this range! you can almost do everything.
Then for lead sounds, it's a bit more mixed. The sound is sorely lacking in definition, the amp sounds rough.
However, by adopting a proper distortion pedal it comes to sound much more beautiful.
The only drawback is that HP is too sensitive to low.

OVERALL OPINION

It has been 3 years since I used it suits me perfectly.
It is a very good value for money. Better buy a distortion pedal than using the lead channel.
Regrettably, the switcher can not crank the reverb.
A final small defect at top volume the amp vibrates, sizzles (no sound, materials).
In this range, the amp is a very good choice mixing power and sound quality (to clean).