Ashdown FA 40 DSP Combo

I tried this amp a few years ago. It has tubes but is apparently a "digital-with-tube" amp. There is one input that is 1/4", as well as an optional external speaker out and a footswitch input, both of which are 1/4". There are 40 watts of power. There are 2 channels, clean and distorted. There are also knobs for effects such as reverb, chorus, flange, and delay. There are also gain controls as well as 3-band EQ for each channel. There are volume and master volume controls for each channel as well, which gets really confusing.

UTILIZATION

I don't think that one can easily get a good sound with this amp. This is mainly because of the sound, which I'll get to later. I think the biggest problem I had with this was the vast multitude of knobs and controls, it made it really difficult to dial in the tone I was looking for, assuming the tone was possible at all. The manual actually explains everything in detail, but it's still almost impenetrable because the amp is so detailed, and the manual is poorly worded.

SOUNDS

I have tried this with my Tele, my Strat, and my Les Paul, and I was convinced at that point that there was no hope with this amp. The clean tone is way too smooth for my liking, mainly because I didn't think there was much to it. There's no character at all for a supposed tube amp. The distortion channel is clearly aiming for the nu-metal crowd, as the only thing going on in the guitar tone is the low end. It's incredibly muddy and frustrating for anyone not looking to play metal on the really heavy side. I'd rather hear a Fender Twin cranked with no distortion than hear this. The EQ doesn't really help this at all. And let's not even talk much about the effects, let's just say that they really don't do anything justice, regardless of genre. There's not nearly enough control and the actual sounds of the effects are cheesy. The reverb might be the only saving grace this amp has.

OVERALL OPINION

I don't really like this amp at all, I think it's clear why. It's been discontinued, I just discovered, which is good, don't ever try and buy one if you can avoid it.

Integrated tube amp with digital effects. The best of both worlds really. Power 40watts, but for 40w lamps give enough volume to be heard properly in groups. It has two channels, one clean / crunch, and the other more typical distortion. And side effects were two masters (ie an integrated boost), a reverb that has a dedicated setting and preset effects selectable by a single knob (chorus flanger delay).

The connectivity level is very complete, it has a line out, 4 inputs for diverse and varied footswitch, a di emulation hp ...

We even for use in studio or live a switch to operate the fan or not, which, if used properly will save the lamps.

UTILIZATION

Once we know a set amp settings are intuitive, it is relatively easy to find a convincing sound.

SOUNDS

Contrary to what may foreshadow the look, it is very blues rock in mind. Depending on the guitar (or bass at low volume) used, the character is respected. A low volume, it will tend to put extreme settings (with my les paul in the apartment is low and treble background, mediums no higher than a quarter of the race). I love the crunch, the distortion side is fat! I do not like the effects of modulation, by their lack of finesse in the settings: it should, or not at all (especially on delays and flangers is in time or not).

A change of Original HP (and why not lamps) will give acclaim to this amp.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for more than 6 years, I've tried a bunch of amps and it has the advantage of being powerful for group play, what amps it there less powerful prize can not be (even if the sound quality is sometimes better).

The value for money is good, especially today we can find secondhand for a small price!

Today until I sell it is my amp apartment!

Characteristics have already cit t so I do not call.
there is no line out, but I personally do not care, because that it is equipped with a celestion vintage 30 so it would be a shame not transplant the beast with a microphone.
The place is not seen a gadjet, it is useful and contributes to the look of the beast ..
Mine is equipped with chrome knobs knob without landmarks ..
I put 10 even if there is no line out and identify, even if have useful functions, it would be quibbling, compare a certain brand that they are these two functions and when you see the sound that comes out of it because the most important c sound.

UTILIZATION

To the sound settings, the knobs are really effective but it must not hesitate to spend time on it, the possibilities are numerous.
c then a 40w lamp has good potential for use of the house up the scene.

SOUNDS

I play mostly rock / metal. I mainly use a Start type customs also retouch BC Rich Mockingbird, a flying V type (retouch soon.
for her it takes time to try it because as I said above the action of the knobs is effective and can play a lot on the type of sound research, but its fat as crystal clear and precise tjr with a big potato plain as saturated.
I wanted a precise grain and in this ashdown that I found.

OVERALL OPINION

What I like is that this amp has a good look, 40w all-tube, a crisp, precise with a good potato.
I advise that only uses the saturation of the amp to try it before buying it, this amp does not suit can be to everyone as fairly typical of the saturated channel.
it corresponds to what I want so yes I would do this choice.