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Fender Vibro Champ XD
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Fender Vibro Champ XD

Modelling Combo Guitar Amp from Fender

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iamqman iamqman

« Great amp »

Published on 04/22/11 at 11:37
Let me begin by saying I'm not a fan of amp modeling. This amp is sort of an amp modeler even though they don't advertise it as such. The don't have a control knob that dials in certain amps that they are recreating, but they have a dial that is called voice which essentially does the exact same thing. It does change the voice but it can be very dramatic like an amp modeler would do. When I think of voice changing I think of something subtle that slowing changes the voicing, but not sounds completely like a different amp. Not that there is anything wrong with that but it does amp model. This is a cool amp!


Fender Vibro Champ XD Features:

* Tube Amplifier with DSP
* Output: 5 watts (Class A)
* Speaker: One 8", 4-ohm Special Design Speaker
* "Voice" Control with 16 Different Amp Voicings
* 16 DSP Effects
* External Speaker Output Allows use with External Speaker Cabinet
* Line Output.
* Strap Handle.
* Red Jewel Pilot™ Light
* Covering: Black Textured Vinyl with Silver Grille Cloth
* Chrome Hardware
* Blackface Control Panel

UTILIZATION

Detail
Type Hybrid
Number of Channels 1
Power 5W
Speakers 1 x 8" Special Design
Effects Yes
Reverb Yes
EQ Treble, Bass
Amp Modeling Yes
Number of Models 16 Amp Voicings
Number of Tubes 2
Preamp Tubes 1 x 12AX7
Power Tubes 1 x 6V6
Inputs 1 x Instrument
Outputs 1 x Speaker, 1 x Line
Footswitch I/O No Footswitch I/O
Effects Loop No Effects Loop
Height 14"
Width 17"
Depth 8.7"
Weight 23 lbs.

SOUNDS

I am not generally a fan of Fender's approach to amp modeling. I think Roland and Peavey do the best at amp modeling. I have never been a fan of Line 6 modeling either. Their sounds are always thin and brittle to me. Which is the same feeling I get with most of Fender's amp modeling tones. However, this amp has gotten my attention. This one to me is by far the best example of a solid amp that has a hybrid circuit. I'm guessing what that means is they use solid state along with the preamp and power amps tubes that are in it. This feature is what gives this amp a leg up on the other Fender amp modeling products. It actually has a natural feel and sound to it because of the tubes.

Another nice features is that it has effects built right into the amp. So this an great amp for bedroom playing or office playing and all you need is a guitar. It doesn't have a headphone jack so you cannot play silently.

OVERALL OPINION

A couple more great features is that it has a speaker output which means you can hook it up to a 2x12 or a 4x12 speaker cabinet for some pushing of air. Plus it has a line out for going into a power amp, direct PA, or even a recording device.

At new these units come in at around $240, which isn't a bad price. For the options it has and the price point they come in they is a great value for the money. If you are looking for a solid practice amp that will be a good learner amp for beginners or even something that won't be too loud that gets a good sound, then this might be your amp.