Madamp A15 mk1

Characteristics are identical to A15 MK1:
- 2 channels (1 + 1 black face high gain)
- Four in 12 AX7 preamp
- Two 6V6 power (15w)
- Three speaker outputs into 4, 8 or 16 Ohms
- Effect loop

Treble, bass, volume on channel 1 + switch "fat".
Treble, mid, bass, gain and volume on the lead channel switch + Boost gain.
Just the minimum, medium on the clean channel does not lack or presence on the lead channel.
Three positions on the back of the amp; smooth, normal and smooth +

UTILIZATION

Before use, you must mount it, it is a kit anyway.

I threw myself into the adventure without knowing much (not even afraid despite many warnings about the dangers that can be encountered: a voltage of 350 volts it sticks to the ceiling people !

I still know the basic components and some basic electricity (amps, ohms, DC current and AC ..) but ultimately not much more. .. and it does not take much more than knowing how to use a multimeter and a soldering iron!
The kit I chose is A15mk2 DELUXE: it lacks nothing except buttons knob.

The difference between the MK1 and MK2:
- Transformer resized painted black
- More comprehensive manual
- Lamps better
- Pots also better

the manual is very well done: step by step description with photos and especially pictures of what it should look like at the end.

technical drawing and timeline complement each other. Anyway everything is perfect for a novice like me. I just rowed a little to identify some kit components (resistors). but I did it by inference.

In terms of security, it must certainly be very careful, but the amp is designed to discharge the capacitors when it stops. It takes about one minute. So just do not rush and remain attentive to each step and basic safety rules.

SOUNDS

The MK1 MK2 version improves:
It talks about a better clean sound and a better high gain channel.
Not knowing the other version, I can not compare.

In contrast, all sounds are excellent, no buzz and unwanted breath. Pushing the volume, boost and gain it back a little breath ... a light breeze, not a mistral .

configuration is super simple, you get very clean Fendériens.
Actually "Fat" I do not seem very convincing.

the lead sound is exemplary too!
I am an aficionado of mesa correct and I found it much!
will gain a little closer and opportunities are less varied, but there is already a great versatility.
Note that this amp accepts some good micro to low output that can not rectify.

Great with télécaster, strat, single or double coils, or PAF marzio di ... everything goes great. it still remains to find the right cab and good HP.

For my tastes, I find it less interesting with HP in the Marshallian type G12M, G12h30 ... (For these sounds, there is MADAMP M15 will probably be better suited).
In contrast with HP type Eminence governor is huge!
What I like the most is still on a Mesa 2x12 (V30 and MC90) or two Thieles EVM12L one in the other MC90.

the rear connector allows the test on a lot of cabs.

All can operate at low volume and sounds are already terrible.
At high volume, the lead channel will cover a little surly drummer
the clean channel but can not do so without cruncher.

It should be noted that you can change the feature by choosing the values ​​of some resistors. the manual stated.

the effects loop is smooth.
For my part, I do not use (sometimes) a pedal modulation (chorus, phaser) directly input and that's enough.

OVERALL OPINION

I started this project three months ago. (About 40 hours)
I feared that at the end the sound does not please me. I am extremely satisfied.
value for money seems to me exemplary. Rate this day: a little less than 300 euros, shipping included

I just ordered the kit for additional control channels and boost pedal. It quickly takes taste and I wonder to what extent I do not would do another ... probably a M15 for a change.

To conclude, it is a real pleasure to build this amp step. I made great progress in my understanding of "how it works an amp." Once completed, it's hard to do without. I play it more than an hour a day for three weeks ... and I enjoy it!

This amp is a 15 watt tube amp (push pull for 6v6), two channels with equalization separate effects loop, boost the channel saturates and stand-by.
The boost and channel change is controllable by footswitch.

This amp fills a real lack in the offers manufacturers: small light amp (well, small, ca is largely in concert), with two separate channels and effects loop.

UTILIZATION

The settings are simple equa two bands and the clean volume, master, and disto equa three bands on the drive + boost, plus a switch to change the color behind the sound at the power amp.

The amp sounds good just about anywhere, the settings can really sculpt the sound, with more than attant equa really works.

Regarding the manual, umm, you know? if you use this amp is that you just build it, so you need to know what are the settings

SOUNDS

At resonance, the type is clean "fender" (close to my deluxe reverb, but a little rounder, less Crystaline).

The distortion is more "greasy disto that drool a bit", perfect for large grunge rhythm when pushed, with little gain, it is also ideal for démerder the Hard Rock.

The boost allows you to add a dimension far more "edge" to the distortion, perfect for example for a solo.

The amp does very well in the quiet pop grunge through hard rock. it lacks a bit of gain for these assholes to metallic p.

OVERALL OPINION

I have over 3 years now, I do not regret to have bought the doc editing (in English) is very well done, it allowed me to please me even going up my amp . The result is really nice.

As against the quality of the kit is not always very good, I think particularly the transformer power clearly undersized for the amp (result, the receiver has a small tendency Buzzz, but it is not redibitoire).

From the perspective of price, DIY is not necessarily always cheaper in the end, the receiver with the speaker, the head, the speaker and the whole mess cost me $ 550 in euros, the result at the is better than what I've seen in general as "all done" at the same price, but there is not a world.

Finally, this is not a project where you have to start without a good base in electronics (there is still the 300/400 volts amps continuous light, enough to finish dead), it is better to be first hands on simple edits (effects pedals to start for example, easy to do and very cost effective price level).
If you already have some basics, start and discover the satisfaction of playing the amp that makes you.