Audiofanzine FR
Published on 12/15/08 at 10:16
(Originally written by victhebig/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Hybrid amp with one preamp tube.
Controls: tube gain, bass, mid, high, channel on/off, OD1/OD2 drive, contour, FX loop with dry/wet mix, reverb, master volume, line out.
UTILIZATION
It's my first big amp so my opinion is very subjective.
This is an old Marshall Valvestate model so I'm going to have to service it. I'll replace the condensers, resolder the connectors, eventually replace the potentiometers, clean it thoroughly, replace the speaker (for a Vintage Celestion), etc.
Sometimes, it shows typical Valvestate defects: noise, signal level loss... You must know how to service it!
SOUNDS
Excellent sound but you'll need a booster pedal for lead guitar parts when playing with a band.
Clean rhythm parts have a pleasant and natural presence.
The clean channel with high gain settings sounds great with distortion pedals (Rat Proco).
Rhythm parts with OD2 and the Contour turned all the way are perfect for heavy metal.
The OD1 setting produces nice and typical TS9 or AC/DC chord sounds.
OVERALL OPINION
I've had it one week. Its sound quality and character are very impressive even at home with very low output volumes.
Nevertheless, you'll need an additional 4x12" cabinet when you play with a band... or you'll get a "mosquito sound"! In this case, watch out for your ears!
Hybrid amp with one preamp tube.
Controls: tube gain, bass, mid, high, channel on/off, OD1/OD2 drive, contour, FX loop with dry/wet mix, reverb, master volume, line out.
UTILIZATION
It's my first big amp so my opinion is very subjective.
This is an old Marshall Valvestate model so I'm going to have to service it. I'll replace the condensers, resolder the connectors, eventually replace the potentiometers, clean it thoroughly, replace the speaker (for a Vintage Celestion), etc.
Sometimes, it shows typical Valvestate defects: noise, signal level loss... You must know how to service it!
SOUNDS
Excellent sound but you'll need a booster pedal for lead guitar parts when playing with a band.
Clean rhythm parts have a pleasant and natural presence.
The clean channel with high gain settings sounds great with distortion pedals (Rat Proco).
Rhythm parts with OD2 and the Contour turned all the way are perfect for heavy metal.
The OD1 setting produces nice and typical TS9 or AC/DC chord sounds.
OVERALL OPINION
I've had it one week. Its sound quality and character are very impressive even at home with very low output volumes.
Nevertheless, you'll need an additional 4x12" cabinet when you play with a band... or you'll get a "mosquito sound"! In this case, watch out for your ears!