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MGR/Anonymous « Tech 21 Trademark 60 »
Published on 06/25/01 at 15:00I was searching for a flexable, powerful, portable amp for gigging and recording. I'm so glad I found this amp. Purchased at McBride music in Denton, Tx for around $500.
The amp is a tone dog. It is capable of a wide range of Fender to Marshall type tones and plenty of shades in between and beyond. Although not a super high gain amp, there is enough grind and low end to cover almost any style except modern metal. Slap an overdrive in front of the high gain channel and you will be able to chunk with the best of them. When I first played this amp at bedroom volumes I worried a little about a slight lack of sustain and a tonal mismatch between the channels (channel 2 is much darker than channel 1), but the first time I cranked the amp my worries dissapeared. At high volumes the amp character changes for the better. Sustain increases and the timbre of the amp becomes smoother. At 60 watts, this amp is loud enough for rehearsals and small venues without a mic but will have to go through a PA for large clubs and outdoor shows. Having a footswitchable boost for solos is something I now rely on. I wouldn't buy another amp without this feature. And best of all, I can carry all my gear in one trip from the car. This amp weighs around thirty pounds, leaving a second hand free to carry misc items. I've had this amp for about a year and I totally love it.
On the minus side...The direct recording XLR output is kinda weak. The sounds are overly compressed and squashed sounding. It sounds good if you mix it with a miced signal, but then what is the point of recording direct. I've had to add cab sims in order to give it a little more "open" sound direct. Also, this amp is very directional. For better monitoring I usually tilt the amp or set it on top of something else.
Construction is solid and everything appears to be of very high quality. Cosmetics are great as well. It mixes the modern look of black tolex with crome amp corners with a vintage wicker grill. The grill is tough as well. I have a cat that likes to scratch my amp grills (damn him!) and the grill still looks new after a year. Controls are top mounted.
Anybody searching for great tone in a small package should really take a look at this amp. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the new modeling amps, but it's warmth and feel are great. I've owned amps from pretty much all the major manufacturers and this is my favorite one. I currently also own a Line 6 Flextone. Although the Flextone wins hands down for versitility and direct recorded tone. The Tech 21 has it beat in terms of feel, warmth, bass response at high volumes, and over all tone. I'm very picky about my amp and although not perfect, it's the perfect choice for me.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
The amp is a tone dog. It is capable of a wide range of Fender to Marshall type tones and plenty of shades in between and beyond. Although not a super high gain amp, there is enough grind and low end to cover almost any style except modern metal. Slap an overdrive in front of the high gain channel and you will be able to chunk with the best of them. When I first played this amp at bedroom volumes I worried a little about a slight lack of sustain and a tonal mismatch between the channels (channel 2 is much darker than channel 1), but the first time I cranked the amp my worries dissapeared. At high volumes the amp character changes for the better. Sustain increases and the timbre of the amp becomes smoother. At 60 watts, this amp is loud enough for rehearsals and small venues without a mic but will have to go through a PA for large clubs and outdoor shows. Having a footswitchable boost for solos is something I now rely on. I wouldn't buy another amp without this feature. And best of all, I can carry all my gear in one trip from the car. This amp weighs around thirty pounds, leaving a second hand free to carry misc items. I've had this amp for about a year and I totally love it.
On the minus side...The direct recording XLR output is kinda weak. The sounds are overly compressed and squashed sounding. It sounds good if you mix it with a miced signal, but then what is the point of recording direct. I've had to add cab sims in order to give it a little more "open" sound direct. Also, this amp is very directional. For better monitoring I usually tilt the amp or set it on top of something else.
Construction is solid and everything appears to be of very high quality. Cosmetics are great as well. It mixes the modern look of black tolex with crome amp corners with a vintage wicker grill. The grill is tough as well. I have a cat that likes to scratch my amp grills (damn him!) and the grill still looks new after a year. Controls are top mounted.
Anybody searching for great tone in a small package should really take a look at this amp. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the new modeling amps, but it's warmth and feel are great. I've owned amps from pretty much all the major manufacturers and this is my favorite one. I currently also own a Line 6 Flextone. Although the Flextone wins hands down for versitility and direct recorded tone. The Tech 21 has it beat in terms of feel, warmth, bass response at high volumes, and over all tone. I'm very picky about my amp and although not perfect, it's the perfect choice for me.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com