Solton

(Originally written by benabena/translated from Audiofanzine FR) Solid-state bass amplifier head, 400 watts / 4 ohms, 300 watts / 8 ohms, 1/4" jack and XLR inputs, insert point with adjustable send and return levels, balanced XLR output with level control, speaker outputs and rare features like high pass, low pass, band pass and 10-band graphic EQ plus gain and volume controls. Ultra-sturdy construction from the 70's/80s'. Awful look, I love it. Very quiet cooling system. I think this amp will survive me. UTILIZATION Nothing can be easier to use. Very effective filters and EQ settings. You'll need a strong speaker cabinet because the head has quite some power and headroom. No compressor or gadgets, the beast offers enough quality and is worthy of a good external compressor matching your playing style. SOUNDS I play "agricultural" and rustic rock 'n' roll in a trio of old rockers. Just plug into it and it sounds good (all settings flat). This amp will show whether you play a good bass or a snow shovel, the output signal is faithful to the input signal. Very effective settings (EQ and filters), very clear and clean sound. Versatility and clarity. I play it mainly with a 5-string fretless Corvette. And I can do everything I want with this amp. And with a great output power headroom. Once again: you'll need good solid speaker cabinets. OVERALL OPINION I bought it for the same price of its flight case. I wouldn't change it for another solid-state amp (tube amps belong to another world). I think they stopped manufacturing it years ago. If you see one, try it because it certainly won't be expensive (you won't pay for the name of a fashionable brand...

The Solton MS5 seems like it has been around forever, it has probably been around since the mid 90’s or so. But it still gets used in most studios that carry vintage keyboards. I havent really heard to much from Solton as far as production goes since this line of boards and maybe a few before it. UTILIZATION It is very easy to understand and to start using. No need for instructions or manuals as long as you have a basic knowledge of keyboards and equipment. It is a 61 not board with velocity and also pitch bend. The pitch been wheel is a little stiff even now still it is 20 years later. You can have up to around 48 patters. The sounds is pretty good, nothing I could see myself using anymore though, but many years back I was really into this board. I recently saw one at a music store in the used section which is what inspired me to write this review on here. The effects that are built in are the best, they are very basic and standard and nothing that will leave you shocked. Just some basic reverb chorus and maybe some rotor effects. OVERALL OPINION Overall, a board like this would only be sought after if you are into vintage equipment. Don’t expect to get this and want to use the sounds in your music if you are playing up to date stuff. But if you are a vintage buff then you will love it just like we all did back in the 90’s. Call around and see if you can actually still get your hands on one of these. It is pretty addictive though if you are just messing our with it, but as I stated I wont be using it in any of my compositions as my style is very up to date.