Bugera 1990 Infinium

120W amp while switchable lamps 60W (triode - pentode)
Two channels (Clean - Lead)
Footswitch jack
Adjustable in Ampédance 04/08/16 Ohms
Effects loop
technology "Infinium": automatic adjustment of Bias, automatic management of the lamp power and detection of waste lamps (as led to the back of the head)
Each channel: volume, gain and reverb
Common for the two channels: equalizer (presence - bass - mid - treble)

UTILIZATION

At the config it's hard to get any easier:
- All plugs jack
- Four knobs for EQ (presence - bass - mid - treble); Common EQ for both channels which can delight as much in some cool than others! However, and this is a very good idea, the reverb is adjustable for each channel.
The knobs are responsive but surprising at first because the numbers on the buttons are not registering on the chassie. Funny detail: the gain of the clean channel goes from 0 to 11 (homage to Spinal Tap) and the gain of the lead channel it goes up to 22 (!!).
- Footswitch two positions: channel / reverb
- The manual is finally in the package so the use is simple! This remains hearsay concrete and easy to assimilate.

SOUNDS

Sound level, this is clearly an amp built for Metal and Thrash particularly old; fans ..and Justice for All and Reign in Blood get their money!
The gain of the lead channel is amazing! Here we have indeed the big distortion and not crunch! But if you are looking for big bass groove or go your way! Now let's fast that is not there for the 7-string or the palm mute in low tempo! The attack remains disproportionately powerful, precise and sharp!
For the sweet tooth of its extreme without breaking eardrums, the switch triode-pentode (60W 120W) is simply done! with a set of 22 to 12 gain and volume to 5 + 10 is already developing the power necessary to overcome harmonics and palm mutes killer!
Note that the sound is also well suited to the European black metal well and very important point: There is virtually no breath There's even higher gain, which is a great surprise!

The clean was also a huge surprise to me because it very warm and round, really comparable to the Fender!
Pushing the gain a pleasant crunch that gets a balance compared to the astonishing distortion of the Lead channel is obtained.

Disappointment however: If having a common equalizer to both channels is something that attracted me, consistency is not waiting for you! Both the Lead is very sharp and cold, as the clean channel has her juicy bass and more accurate! Given the difference in the end felt it would have been more appropriate for a separate EQ.

OVERALL OPINION

It's been almost a year since I have this amp, I think I have raced around (given the very simple settings), like many I've played on a lot of other heads before: Dual Rectifier, Mr Hector, MG 100HDFX, Bugera 6262 Valveking, Bandit, Powerball, 5150 II, Laney, Ampeg ... Honestly the sound quality is mind-blowing! It is much closer to that of a Powerball of MG at Marshall and for less than 350 € to date, it is still amazing!

However attention to fragile fuses! The first toast after 8 months!

Technology "Infinium" Bugera is very big asset, automatic adjustment of Bias on change lamp, if the lamp dims, power is balanced on four, if a lamp is consumed, an LED on the back of the head you which indicates ... Great art! And economy luthier!

If like me you are from the late 80's Metal generation until 1996, this is what you need!