October 2024: Fractal Audio's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard has been added to the wiki.
Difference between revisions of "Amplifier models list"
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# [http://members.ziggo.nl/alexandervanengelen/lugo/cameronccvamp.mp3 Audio clip] | # [http://members.ziggo.nl/alexandervanengelen/lugo/cameronccvamp.mp3 Audio clip] | ||
# Cliff: "Our reference amp has a linear taper pot so the behavior is very abrupt. The model matches the amp extremely accurately (as do all G3 models)" [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-bugs/97385-fw-18-01-camron-ccv.html#post1168811 Source] | # Cliff: "Our reference amp has a linear taper pot so the behavior is very abrupt. The model matches the amp extremely accurately (as do all G3 models)" [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-bugs/97385-fw-18-01-camron-ccv.html#post1168811 Source] | ||
+ | # Cliff: "It's a bit of a quirky amp and kind of a one-trick pony but, man, what a trick." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-bugs/97385-fw-18-01-camron-ccv.html#post1168922 Source] | ||
==CAMERON Ccv 1B== | ==CAMERON Ccv 1B== |
Revision as of 07:03, 16 March 2015
Printable version — List of Amp Types (manual) — About the Amp block — Quick Reference Guide by jma
- About the amp controls:
- If the real amp has no master volume control, Master Volume in the model defaults at 10.
- If the real amp has two gain controls, the one which is the closest to the 1/4" input is Input Drive in the model and the other one is Overdrive.
- If the real amp only has a single Tone control, it's mapped to Treble or Presence/HiCut in the model (depending on the amp).
- If the real amp has two inputs (f.e. low and high) the model is based on the high input. Set Input Trim to 0.500 to get the equivalent of using the low input.
- The model's controls match the tapers of the modeled amp (within 10%), except for Master Volume and Presence/HiCut and Depth.
- Look up matching stock cabs for each amp model on this page: Cab: all models.
- Icons provided by CBoothe01 (originally by SynFactory).
- Amp models below: based on firmware 18.01. Amp models which have been G3-ified (see firmware release notes) are indicated by “(G3)” after the model name on the Pre page of the Amp block.
Contents
- 1 1959SLP JUMP (based on Marshall Super Lead 1959)
- 2 1959SLP NORMAL
- 3 1959SLP TREBLE
- 4 1987X JUMP (based on Marshall 1987x Vintage Series)
- 5 1987X NORMAL
- 6 1987X TREBLE
- 7 5153 BLUE (based on EVH 5150 III)
- 8 5153 GREEN
- 9 5153 RED
- 10 59 BASSGUY (based on '59 Fender Bassman)
- 11 5F1 TWEED (based on Fender Champ)
- 12 65 BASSGUY BASS (based on '65 Fender Bassman)
- 13 65 BASSGUY NRML
- 14 AC-20 DLX 12AX7 (based on Morgan AC20 Deluxe)
- 15 AC-20 DLX BASS
- 16 AC-20 DLX TREB
- 17 ANGEL SEVERE 1 (based on Engl Savage 120)
- 18 ANGEL SEVERE 2
- 19 ATOMICA HIGH (based on Cameron Atomica)
- 20 ATOMICA LOW
- 21 BAND-COMMANDER (based on Fender Band-Master)
- 22 BIG HAIR
- 23 BLANKNSHP LEEDS (based on Blankenship Leeds 21)
- 24 BLUDOJAI CLEAN (based on Bludotone Ojai)
- 25 BLUDOJAI LEAD
- 26 BOGFISH BROWN (based on Bogner Fish)
- 27 BOGFISH STRATO
- 28 BOUTIQUE 1 (based on Matchless Chieftain)
- 29 BOUTIQUE 2
- 30 BRIT 800 (based on Marshall JCM800)
- 31 BRIT 800 MOD (based on modded Marshall JCM800)
- 32 BRIT AFS100 1 (based on Marshall AFD100SCE)
- 33 BRIT AFS100 2
- 34 BRIT BROWN
- 35 BRIT JM45 (based on Marshall JTM 45)
- 36 BRIT JM45 JUMP
- 37 BRIT JVM OD1 Gn (based on Marshall JVM410)
- 38 BRIT JVM OD1 Or
- 39 BRIT JVM OD1 Rd
- 40 BRIT JVM OD2 Gn
- 41 BRIT JVM OD2 Or
- 42 BRIT JVM OD2 Rd
- 43 BRIT PRE (based on Marshall JMP-1)
- 44 BRIT SILVER (based on Marshall Silver Jubilee)
- 45 BRIT SUPER (based on Marshall AFD100)
- 46 BUTTERY (based on Budda Twinmaster)
- 47 CA OD-2 (based on Carol-Ann OD-2)
- 48 CA TRIPTIK CLASSIC (based on Carol-Ann TripTik)
- 49 CA TRIPTIK CLEAN
- 50 CA TRIPTIK MODERN
- 51 CA TUCANA CLN (based on Carol-Ann Tucana 3)
- 52 CA TUCANA Lead
- 53 CA3+ CLEAN (based on CAE 3+ SE)
- 54 CA3+ LEAD
- 55 CA3+ RHY
- 56 CALI LEGGY (based on Carvin Legacy VL100)
- 57 CAMERON Ccv 1A (based on Cameron CCV-100)
- 58 CAMERON Ccv 1B
- 59 CAMERON Ccv 2A
- 60 CAMERON Ccv 2B
- 61 CAMERON Ccv 2C
- 62 CAMERON Ccv 2D
- 63 CAR ROAMER (based on Carr Rambler)
- 64 CITRUS A30 CLEAN (based on Orange AD30HTC)
- 65 CITRUS A30 DRTY
- 66 CITRUS BASS 200 (based on Orange AD200B)
- 67 CITRUS RV50 (based on Orange Rockerverb)
- 68 CITRUS TERRIER (based on Orange Tiny Terror)
- 69 CLASS-A 15W TB (based on Vox AC-15 Top Boost)
- 70 CLASS-A 30W (based on Vox AC-30)
- 71 CLASS-A 30W HOT (based on Vox AC-30 HW)
- 72 CLASS-A 30W TB (based on Vox AC-30 Top Boost)
- 73 COMET 60 (based on Komet 60)
- 74 COMET CONCOURSE (based on Komet Concorde)
- 75 CONCERT 6G12 (based on Fender Concert 6G12)
- 76 CORNCOB M50 (based on Cornford MK50 II)
- 77 DAS METALL (based on Diezel VH4)
- 78 DELUXE TWEED (based on Fender Deluxe)
- 79 DELUXE VERB (based on Fender Deluxe Reverb)
- 80 DIRTY SHIRLEY (based on Friedman Dirty Shirley)
- 81 DIV/13 CJ (based on Divided by 13 CJ 11)
- 82 DIV/13 FT37 HI (based on Divided by 13 FTR 37)
- 83 DIV/13 FT37 LO
- 84 DIZZY V4 BLUE 2 (based on Diezel VH4 'blue')
- 85 DIZZY V4 BLUE 3
- 86 DIZZY V4 BLUE 4
- 87 DIZZY V4 SLVR 2 (based on Diezel VH4 'silver')
- 88 DIZZY V4 SLVR 3
- 89 DIZZY V4 SLVR 4
- 90 DOUBLE VERB (based on Fender Twin Reverb)
- 91 ENERGYBALL (based on Engl Powerball)
- 92 EURO BLUE (based on Bogner Ecstasy)
- 93 EURO BLUE MDRN
- 94 EURO RED
- 95 EURO RED MDRN
- 96 EURO UBER (based on Bogner Uberschall)
- 97 FAS 6160 (based on Peavey 5150)
- 98 FAS BASS
- 99 FAS BROOTALZ
- 100 FAS BROWN
- 101 FAS CLASS-A
- 102 FAS CRUNCH
- 103 FAS LEAD 1
- 104 FAS LEAD 2
- 105 FAS MODERN
- 106 FAS MODERN II
- 107 FAS MODERN III
- 108 FAS RHYTHM
- 109 FAS WRECK
- 110 FOX ODS (based on Fuchs Overdrive Supreme)
- 111 FOX ODS DEEP
- 112 FRIEDMAN BE (based on Friedman BE-100 Brown Eye / Hairy Brown Eye)
- 113 FRIEDMAN HBE
- 114 FRYETTE D60 L (based on Fryette Deliverance Sixty)
- 115 FRYETTE D60 M
- 116 GIBSON SCOUT (based on Gibson Scout)
- 117 HERBIE CH2- (based on Diezel Herbert)
- 118 HERBIE CH2+
- 119 HERBIE CH3
- 120 HIPOWER BRILLNT (based on Hiwatt DR103)
- 121 HIPOWER JUMPED
- 122 HIPOWER NORMAL
- 123 HOT KITTY (based on Bad Cat Hot Cat 30r)
- 124 JAZZ 120 (based on Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120)
- 125 JR BLUES (based on Fender Blues Junior)
- 126 JR BLUES FAT
- 127 MATCHBOX D-30 (based on Matchless DC-30)
- 128 MR Z HWY 66 (based on Dr. Z Route 66)
- 129 MR Z MZ-38 (based on Dr. Z MAZ 38 SR)
- 130 MR Z MZ-8 (based on Dr. Z MAZ 8)
- 131 NUCLEAR-TONE (based on Swart Atomic Space Tone)
- 132 ODS-100 CLEAN (based on Dumble OD Special)
- 133 ODS-100 FORD 1
- 134 ODS-100 FORD 2
- 135 ODS-100 FORD MD
- 136 ODS-100 HRM
- 137 ODS-100 HRM MID
- 138 PLEXI 100W HIGH (based on Marshall Super Lead 1959, 100w)
- 139 PLEXI 100W JUMP
- 140 PLEXI 100W NRML
- 141 PLEXI 50W HIGH (based on Marshall Super Lead 1959, 50w)
- 142 PLEXI 50W JUMP
- 143 PLEXI 50W NRML
- 144 PRINCE TONE (based on Fender Princeton)
- 145 PRINCE TONE NR
- 146 PRINCE TONE REV
- 147 PVH 6160 BLOCK (based on Peavey EVH 5150 "Block Letter")
- 148 PVH 6160 II (based on Peavey 6505+)
- 149 RECTO1 ORG MDRN (based on Mesa Dual Rectifier, 2-channel)
- 150 RECTO1 ORG NRML
- 151 RECTO1 RED MDRN
- 152 RECTO2 ORG MDRN (based on Mesa Dual Rectifier, 3-channel)
- 153 RECTO2 ORG VINTG
- 154 RECTO2 RED MDRN
- 155 RECTO2 RED VNTG
- 156 RUBY ROCKET (based on Paul Ruby Rocket)
- 157 SHIVER CLN (based on Bogner Shiva)
- 158 SHIVER LD
- 159 SOLO 100 CLEAN (based on Soldano SLO-100)
- 160 SOLO 100 LEAD
- 161 SOLO 100 RHY
- 162 SOLO 88 LEAD (based on Soldano X88)
- 163 SOLO 88 RHYTHM
- 164 SOLO 99 CLEAN (based on Soldano X99)
- 165 SOLO 99 LEAD
- 166 SPAWN NITROUS (based on Splawn Nitro)
- 167 SPAWN ROD OD-1-1 (based on Splawn Quickrod)
- 168 SPAWN ROD OD1-2
- 169 SPAWN ROD OD1-3
- 170 SPAWN ROD OD2-1
- 171 SPAWN ROD OD2-2
- 172 SPAWN ROD OD2-3
- 173 SUHR BADGER 18 (based on Suhr Badger)
- 174 SUHR BADGER 30
- 175 SUPER 6G4 (based on Fender Super 6G4)
- 176 SUPER VERB (based on Fender Super Reverb)
- 177 SUPERTWEED
- 178 SUPREMO TREM (based on Supro 1964T)
- 179 SV BASS (based on Ampeg SVT)
- 180 THORDENDAL MDRN (based on Fredrik Thordendal’s specifications)
- 181 THORDENDAL VINT
- 182 TREMOLO LUX (based on Fender AA763 Tremolux)
- 183 TUBE PRE
- 184 TWO STONE J35 1 (based on Two-Rock Jet 35)
- 185 TWO STONE J35 2
- 186 TX STAR CLEAN (based on Mesa Lone Star)
- 187 TX STAR LEAD
- 188 USA BASS 400 1 (based on Mesa Bass 400)
- 189 USA BASS 400 2
- 190 USA CLEAN 1 (based on Mesa Mark IV)
- 191 USA IIC+ BRIGHT (based on Mesa Mark IIC+)
- 192 USA IIC+ NORM
- 193 USA LEAD (based on Mesa Mark IV)
- 194 USA LEAD +
- 195 USA LEAD BRT
- 196 USA LEAD BRT +
- 197 USA PRE CLEAN (based on Mesa Triaxis)
- 198 USA PRE LD1 RED
- 199 USA PRE LD2 GREEN
- 200 USA PRE LD2 RED
- 201 USA PRE LD2 YLW
- 202 USA RHYTHM (based on Mesa Mark IV)
- 203 USA SUB BLUES (based on Mesa Subway Blues)
- 204 VIBRA-KING (based on Fender Vibro-King)
- 205 VIBRA-KING FAT
- 206 VIBRATO LUX (based on Fender Vibrolux Reverb)
- 207 VIBRATO VERB (based on Fender Vibroverb)
- 208 VIBRATO VERB AA
- 209 VIBRATO VERB AB
- 210 WRECKER EXPRESS (based on Trainwreck Express)
- 211 WRECKER LVRPOOL (based on Trainwreck Liverpool)
- 212 WRECKER ROCKET (based on Trainwreck Rocket)
1959SLP JUMP (based on Marshall Super Lead 1959)
- Based on: Marshall Super Lead 1959, the classic "Plexi" amp head that gave rise to “the stack”. Newer model than the Plexi 100w model. Normal channel and Treble (High) channel, and jumpered. 4 inputs. EL34. Speakers: G12M, G12H, G12L
- Suggested cabs: Marshall, G12M, G12H, G12L
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
- Marshall website
- Manual
- Wikipedia
- Cliff (about the Plexi model in the Standard/Ultra): "One of the first mods people make to real 'Plexi' Marshalls is to "clip the bright cap". The bright cap varied over the years, supposedly depending on what was lying around in the shop. The model defaults to the bright cap in the circuit. If you turn off Bright you're effectively clipping the bright cap. The bright cap in Marshalls can be very bright and harsh. However, if you crank the Master you might find the extra brightness helps compensate for the power amp getting darker"
- Cliff: "It's the way a Plexi is supposed to sound. That's due to the cathode follower. That raspiness helps it cut through in a mix. I own three of them and they are that fizzy" Source
- Try diming all controls, except Presence (set to taste) and Bass (low or off)
- Cliff: "Don't be afraid to turn the bass all the way down or the treble all the way up. Just like with the actual amp. For example, on the normal channel of a Plexi most people turn the bass way down. Otherwise it's too flubby"
- Try the Brit JM45 tonestack to get a modded Plexi tone
- Plexi demo
- Cliff: "The old one (Plexi 100w model) has a 2.7K cathode resistor on the first stage, the new one (1959SLP) has an 820 ohm" Source
- Cliff: "I based the SLP on using it with G12H(55) speakers which have a resonance of 55 Hz. When mounted in a typical cab the resonance will be in the low 70s. There is no right or wrong. Whatever sounds best" Source
1959SLP NORMAL
- See above.
1959SLP TREBLE
- See above
1987X JUMP (based on Marshall 1987x Vintage Series)
- Based on: Marshall 1987X Vintage Series, reissue of the Marshall 50w JMP Lead 1987. Features what many consider to be an “essential” mod to the tonestack of this Plexi. 4 inputs, EL34. 3 models: Normal, Treble, jumpered. Speakers: G12M, G12H, G12L
- Suggested cabs: G12M, G12H, G12L, Marshall
- Original controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume, Presence
- Notes: see Plexi
- Manual
- Marshall website
- Wikipedia
- Try diming all controls, except Presence (set to taste) and Bass (low or off)
- The 1987x can get bass-heavy. Try turning down Bass all the way
- Demo
- Cliff: "The 1987x doesn't have the 0.68uF cap on the last triode. Gives it a smoother distortion" Source
1987X NORMAL
- See above
1987X TREBLE
- See above
5153 BLUE (based on EVH 5150 III)
- Based on: EVH 5150 III, made in collaboration with Fender, a holy grail of modern tone. 100w, 6L6. Models: Blue (medium gain), Green (clean) and Red (high gain) channels. Speakers: G12-EVH (G12H30)
- Suggested cabs: 5150, G12H
- Original controls: Gain, Low, Middle, High, Volume, Presence. Resonance control on 50w model
- Specifications and website: "EVH 5150III heads and cabinets deliver the holy grail of tone - a truly clean channel, a super-heavy crunch channel and an off-the-scale overdrive channel you simply won’t believe. You get the incredible tones Eddie Van Halen has chased his whole life, as Eddie himself has defined and designed each of the 5150III amplifier’s three channels. Available in black or ivory, with an unmistakable look and sound that’s pure EVH"
- Cliff: "IMO, it's a very good amp. The build-quality is great and the design is very good. It is similar to the previous versions but voiced a bit different. Personally, I think all of the 5150's have more gain stages than necessary which just makes for unnecessary failure points but the "OMG, this map has sooo many toobz it must sound awesome" marketing makes it understandable. It's incredibly heavy though" Source
- EVH's personal settings
- Cliff: "A 5150 uses a fixed bias with no adjustment. Depending on the tubes used the bias can run from average to cold. The model uses average. Some people like a colder sound. If you prefer your amps biased cold, then reduce the bias parameter to taste" Source
- Information about the 5150 amp
- Ola Englund demo
- Another demo
- Reviews: iGuitar, Premier Guitar
- Cliff: "The 50W version has a different input network than the 100W version for that channel. The 50W version has about twice the gain as a result. Otherwise things are pretty similar. You can simulate this using the Input Trim knob" Source
- Other EVH amp models: "PVH 6160"
- Cliff: "It's modeled after the 100W version as that is our reference amp" Source
5153 GREEN
- See above
5153 RED
- See above
59 BASSGUY (based on '59 Fender Bassman)
- Based on: 1959 Fender Bassman, a low-to-medium gain amp designed for bass but more widely adopted by guitarists. 5F6-A circuit, Bass and Normal channel, high and low input, 6L6, Tweed era. Speakers: 4x10 or 2x12
- Suggested cabs: Fender 10" (4x), "Bassguy"
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Presence
- Try with a Treble Booster, FET boost or a clean boost
- Fender website: "In early 1952, the Fender Bassman amplified a great new invention - the Fender Precision Bass guitar. At 50 watts, it competed easily with the common instrumentation of the day: horns, piano, small drum kit, and maybe even an electric guitar through a new 10-watt amp. Through the ’60s and ’70s, the original all-tube tweed 4x10” Bassman was popular with rock, country and blues guitarists as a reliably great-sounding and easy-to-use guitar amp. In the ’90s, Fender released an affordable ’59 Bassman reissue amplifier to great acclaim. Many guitarists, tired of experimenting with preamps, equalizers and effects racks, rediscovered the simple pleasure of plugging into a Fender tube amp. The reissue Bassman’s wide stage coverage, touch-sensitive dynamics and full-frequency swirl make it perfect for building great tone with almost any guitar or effect, and it remains a staple of the Fender guitar amp line to this day"
- Wikipedia
- Fenderguru.com: "The Fender Bassman is a legendary guitar amp known to both guitar and bass players. It was introduced in 1951, primarily targeted for bass guitar players and promoted as a bass amp for the Fender Precision Bass guitar, the first mass-produced electric bass guitar ever. During the different eras the Bassman amp came in many different shapes and configurations. Few other models experienced so many changes in terms of looks and tone. Unfortunately the Bassman was one of the first amps that CBS laid their hands on after buying the company from Leo Fender. A couple of things in the circuitry were immediately changed in 1965 when the AA165 and AB165 replaced the AA864, which by amp idealists is considered the best Bassman circuit of all times together with the legendary 59 tweed 5F6-A circuit. The bassman was a combo amp in the tweed era with the 1×15″ and 4×10″ speaker configurations. From the blonde era Fender made the Bassman as a amp head and 2×12″ closed cabinet. So what does the blackface Bassman sound like? Describing tone is best done with establishing a common and well-known reference point, for example the traditional blackface AB763 amps such as the Super Reverb and Twin Reverb. The Bassman is known for its simple, pure and raw tone. It is 50w loud with power supply and output transformers sized approx. as the Super Reverb and Bandmaster. The bass channel of the AB165 and AA864 is much mellower and deeper than the normal channel of any AB763 amps since it is voiced for bass guitars. The Bassman bass channel features a deep switch that can remove the lowest frequencies, which is practical when you’re playing loud and using different speaker cabinets where you need to adjust the lower bass. The normal channel is more relevant for guitar players. The Bassman sounds “browner” than the AB763-amps, particularly the AB165 model, and it has more preamp distortion and mids when the volume is turned up. The Bassman has significantly influenced the whole guitar amp industry since it was introduced. It’s tone stack, tube configuration, preamp and power section has inspired numerous amps builders including Jim Marshall, the founder of Marshall amps, who used the Bassman tweed 5F6-A circuit in 1958-1959 as template the legendary Marshall JTM45"
- Amp Of The Week forum thread
- Cliff: "There is no "High" channel on a 59 Bassman. There is a Normal and Bright channel. The Bright channel model is selected by turning on the Bright switch. The models are based on the higher gain input (the "1" input). To simulate the lower gain input simply set Input Trim to 0.5" Source
5F1 TWEED (based on Fender Champ)
- Based on a tweed Fender Champ. 5F1 circuit ('58-'64), single-ended, 6V6, Class A, 5w, high and low input. Speakers: 8"
- Suggested cabs: Fender 8", "Champlier"
- Original controls: just Volume
- Fender website
- Wikipedia
- Turn up Drive. Try with a Treble Booster
65 BASSGUY BASS (based on '65 Fender Bassman)
- Based on: 1965 Fender Bassman, the blackface version with a different circuit design (AB165 circuit). Dweezil Zappa’s personal amp. Bass and Normal channel, high and low input, 6L6. Speakers: 4x10 or 2x12
- Suggested cabs: Fender 10", "Bassguy", Fender 12", G12M
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, fixed Presence circuit
- Cliff: "Definitely not your father's Bassman. Has a pissed-off Marshall vibe to it"
- Try it with a high Drive setting for an overdriven, crunchy tone
- Fender website
- Wikipedia
- Cliff: "The 65 Bassguy was matched to a 65 Bassman that Dweezil sent me. It's a vicious amp that sounds more like a Plexi than a Fender. It's the infamous AB165 circuit which is very crunchy and bright and does not sound like your typical Fender. I was told it is stock"
- Fenderguru.com: see 59 Bassman
- Cliff: "The AB165 uses 7025 preamp tubes (which are relabeled 12AX7). The phase inverter, however, is a 12AT7. The secret to the AB165 is the summing stage. It uses a inverting summing amp to sum the Normal and Bass inputs. This stage clips, because of all the local negative feedback, quite hard"
- Tyler Grund's video
- Forum thread
65 BASSGUY NRML
- See above.
AC-20 DLX 12AX7 (based on Morgan AC20 Deluxe)
- Based on: Morgan AC20 Deluxe. EL84 tubes, switchable between EF86 and 12AX7 preamp tube. Models: EF86 Bass, EF86 Treble, 12AX7. Speaker: Alnico Blue, G12H, Greenback
- Suggested cabs: Morgan ("AC-20"), Alnico, G12M, G12H
- Original controls: Volume, Cut (Hi-Cut in model), Bright switch, Normal/Brilliant switch, power scaling, EF86/12AX7 switch
- Morgan website and audio samples
- Morgan website: "Based around the normal channel of an AC30 and voiced intentionally to be on the dark side, this amp provides the perfect combination of clean chime and AC30 grind. With the bright switch off and a good treble booster think Brian May. With the bright switch engaged think U2". And: "The AC20 Deluxe combines the choice of EF86 or 12AX7 frontend, Normal or Brilliant channel voicing and power scaling"
- The difference between the Bass and Treble models is the position of the Brilliant switch
- About the differences between EF86 and 12AX7
- Cliff: "The AC-20 model is based on the amp with the power scaling at maximum power which effectively disables it (and sounds best IMO)" Source
AC-20 DLX BASS
- See above
AC-20 DLX TREB
- See above
ANGEL SEVERE 1 (based on Engl Savage 120)
- Based on: Engl Savage 120w, Channel 2 "Rough", Contour Off (model 1) and Contour On (model 2). Engl website: "One of the best-known ENGL heads, the Savage 120 sets new standards in modern rock music with its unique sound. Fast response and attack plus punchy headroom & dynamics are the trademarks of this workhorse. 4 basic sounds plus lots of handy features make the Savage 120 the ideal choice at the heart of a modern rock rig"
- Suggested cabs: Engl, V30
- Original controls: Gain (input sensitivity), Lead (degree of distortion), Lead Boost switch, Contour switch, Bass/Middle/Treble, Rough/Smooth switch, Master, Presence, Depth Boost switch. Controls for other modes/channels not modeled
- Engl manual about Rough overdrive mode: emphasis on high and low ends, great for rhythm playing with a pronounced bottom end and gritty, biting highs. Use Bass (11:00-13:00) sparingly. Keep Depth Boost (80 Hz +6dB) off
- Engl manual about Contour: OFF boosts lower midrange around 500 Hz (warm tone). ON boosts from 1200 Hz and cuts lower midrange (more transparency)
- Engl website
- Manual
ANGEL SEVERE 2
- See above
ATOMICA HIGH (based on Cameron Atomica)
- Based on: Cameron Atomica, a "brown sound" 100 watt amp. Models: low gain and high gain channels. EL34. Speakers: G12H
- Suggested cabs: G12H
- Original controls: Thump (Depth in model), Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Gain, Edge (Bright switch in model), 3-way gain switch
- Saturation is engaged by default
- Cliff: "The Atomica can tolerate high MV because it is a "Jose-style MV". The Jose-style MV imparts a very high source resistance to the tone stack which causes much more insertion loss and therefore lower drive level into the power amp"
- Cliff: "In the design of some amps the lowcut frequency is dependent upon the Drive setting. In these cases the Lowcut parameter defaults to 10 Hz and the actual lowcut filtering is calculated as part of the Drive knob function" Source
ATOMICA LOW
- See above
BAND-COMMANDER (based on Fender Band-Master)
- Based on: 1968 silverface Fender Band-Master. AB763 circuit, high and low inputs, 6L6, Normal and Vibrato channels. Speaker: 2x12 (Jensen C12N)
- Suggested cabs: Fender 10" (3x)
- Original controls (Vibrato channel): Volume, Bright switch, Treble, Bass, Tremolo controls
- Fender website: "The late-'50s tweed-covered Fender Bandmaster guitar amplifier combined great looks with sweet tone and powerful performance. Hailed as one of the true holy-grail amps among guitarists and collectors, vintage examples are rare and highly sought after. The new '57 Bandmaster amp now joins our prestigious Custom series, with all-tube hand-wired circuitry and premium components. We've faithfully reproduced the classic 5E7 circuit, which pumps about 26 watts through three 10" alnico-magnet speakers, and we enlisted Jensen to help create the P10R-F driver (a Fender exclusive), which is voiced for warm, sensitive response. The Bandmaster amp's harmonically rich clean tones are perfect for vintage rock, blues and country styles, and its naturally touch-sensitive overdrive tone sounds electrifying—especially when cranked up"
- Wikipedia
- Fenderguru.com: "The Bandmaster came with many different circuits during the blackface and silverface eras. The blackface head had a diode recifier, one normal channel and a vibrato channel with no reverb. In the silverface era the recitifier was changed from diode to tube and the vibrato channel got reverb. Hence, the name “Bandmaster Reverb”. As usual the later silverface models were modified to become cleaner and more powerful. The 70W model from 1978 with master volume and push/pull boost had a huge power transformer and big filter caps. It reminds us more of a classic 80w Twin Reverb than a Bandmaster Reverb, and it shared its circuit design with the Pro Reverb and Super Reverb at that time. A noticable difference in the vibrato channel between the early silverface Bandmaster Reverb and blackface Bandmaster is the extra gain stage in the silverface amps. This was also the difference between the first 1964 blackface AA864 Bassman and the following AB165. This gain stage was introduced as a part of the reverb recovery circuit, the V4 12AX7 to be exact, common for all the reverb amps of the blackface/silverface era. Amps with no reverb recovery stage cleaner sounding and will remain pretty clean when you turn up the volume knob above 4. The extra gain stage in the silverface Bandmaster Reverb amps contributes with tube distortion and compression in the preamp section when the amp is pushed. Not only is there more action in the preamp section, the silverface models also has more sag and looser response due to the tube rectifier. The Bandmaster Reverb head will remind you pretty much of the amps in the Pro Reverb, Super Reverb and Vibrolux Reverb where the sweet spot is to be found around 4 on the volume knob. Not all silverface amps were developed in a bad direction. Let’s study the blackface Bandmaster AB763 and Bassman AA864. They are similar in the way that both are clean sounding with just one 12ax7 tube in the preamp stage (vibrato ch in bandmaster and normal channel in bassman). The vibrato channel in the Bandmaster is even more clean than the Bassman because of the vibrato circuitry loading the signal chain and reducing the gain level in the premp section. Hence, the AA864 Bassman normal channel has more preamp “juice” and reaches the sweet spot at an earlier volume knob setting. The Bassman has a slightly bigger output transformer resulting in a firmer tone and more attack. A smaller output transformer will introduce sag and compression in the power amp section. The blackface Bandmaster is therefore ideal for those who look for a pure Fender clean sound without making ones ears bleed. The blackface and silverface Bandmaster is a big sounding amp with a flexible speaker impedance of 4 ohm, allowing anything between one and four speakers (8 ohm each) to be connected via the main and/or external speaker jack. This makes it possible to adapt to small and big stages and gigs just by configuring the speakers"
- Demo
- Try this: turn up Drive and Treble and turn off Bright
BIG HAIR
- Custom Fractal model, mids without mud. Revive the 80s metal scene (Spandex not included)
- Cliff: "It was a total guess. I just tuned it by ear. It's just my idea of what 80's hair metal might sound like"
BLANKNSHP LEEDS (based on Blankenship Leeds 21)
- Based on: Blankenship Leeds 21, a boutique version of an 18W Marshall with a big sound at low power. Known for sounding “big” despite being relatively low power. Mercury Magnetics transformers, EL84, two channels. Speakers: 2x10 Jensen C10Q or Alnico Blue
- Suggested cabs: Fender 10", Alnico
- Original controls: Volume, Tone (mapped to Treble in model)
- Cliff: "The model was matched to Dweezil's amp. He loaned it to me because it was one of his favorite amps and I can see why. It's a really cool amp" Source
BLUDOJAI CLEAN (based on Bludotone Ojai)
- Based on: Bludotone Ojai, an exact clone of Robben Ford's Tan Dumble. 6L6. Models: clean and OD channel. Speakers: G12-65 or EVM 12L
- Suggested cabs: Dumble, G12-65, EVM, V30
- Original controls: Volume (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Overdrive Level (Axe-Fx: Overdrive, OD channel only), Treble, Middle, Bass, Ratio, Master Volume, Presence, Bright and Mid boost switches, Preamp boost (PAB)
- Bludotone website
- Audio samples
- Firmware 10: "Both clean and lead modes were modeled with preamp boost (PAB) engaged as the owner prefers this. To disengage PAB change the tonestack type to Skyline"
- Scottl on The Gear Page: "The Ojai is an exact copy of Dumble #102. Robbens tan Dumble. It also requires the Dumbleator and specific capacitance cables to run to and from the Dumbleator (about 180-200pf per cable). This due to the large bright cap on the amp master. All controls are marked in silver sharpie for the exact settings of Robbens tone. The pot tapers are all 30% audio taper, except the treble control, presence, and the OD in/outs which are linear. Robben sets his mids at about 70K from ground. All my clips are recorded with the amp set both on the outside, and the trimmer on the inside, to be as close as possible to the Robben OD tone. One super important element is the correct setting of the internal gain trimmer that sets the amount of attenuation between V1 and V2. It should be between 25K and 26K to ground"
- Information from forum member AustinBuddy, owner of the original amp: "The model is of a 100w 6L6 BludoDrive Ojai by Bludotone amps, using Fractal's MIMIC process. The Ojai has the same schematic as the famous "Tan" boutique amp played by Robben Ford. It pairs well with the factory Rumble 4X12 cabinet. The amp was modeled with the preamp boost (PAB) set to ON for both clean and lead channels. You can defeat the preamp boost effect on tone by switching the tonestack voicing to "Skyline", which will also reduce gain. On the Ojai there is a bright cap on the Master Volume. As you turn the MV down, it will get thinner. This makes the MV even more sensitive than usual since there’s another interaction going on. To get the most range out of this amp, experiment with Master Volume and listen how it interacts with low or high Drive settings, similar to the real amp. The breakup range/tones between is wide and dynamic and can respond to your playing dynamics, getting crunchier as you dig in and cleaner as you play lighter. The amp's Bass response should increase noticeably as you turn up the Master Volume from the default MV position"
- Pictures of Robben Ford's amp settings: 1, 2
- Scott Lerner's Ojai 1, 2 Scott Lerner's Ojai 2
- Try engaging the Bright switch (clean and OD)
BLUDOJAI LEAD
- See above
BOGFISH BROWN (based on Bogner Fish)
- Based on: Bogner Fish preamp, a blue 4-channel tube preamp. EL34. Models: Strato (tight high gain) and Brown (fat high gain)
- Suggested cabs: n/a
- Original controls (Strato and Brown): Master, Presence, Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble
- Cliff: "I used the power amp models from the XTC" Source
- Bogner website
- Wikipedia
- Tone Merchants demo
- Cliff: "People think Bogners are dark but they really aren't. The reason they seem that way is the pot tapers. Most people assume knobs should be set somewhere around noon. If you do this on a Bogner it's like turning the treble way down on a Marshall. Close your eyes and adjust the tone controls with your ears. Don't be afraid to turn them way up or way down" Source
- Cliff: "Human nature is to put the knobs near noon. We are reticent to deviate much from noon. Amp designers exploit this and use different tapers to change the sound of their amps WITH THE KNOBS AT NOON. A prime example are Bogner amps. Everyone says "Bogner amps are dark". No they aren't. But he uses a Log10A taper for the treble pot. It's a standard Marshall tone stack. Usually a linear taper pot is used for the treble. The treble knob at 5.0 (noon) on a Bogner is equivalent to the treble knob at 1.0 on a Marshall. People put the knob at 5.0 and go "wow, this amp is dark". No it isn't. If you turned the treble up to 8 or 9 it would sound a lot like a Plexi but humans are reticent to turn the knobs to extremes. Amp designers know this and exploit it to give their amps a "signature sound"" Source
BOGFISH STRATO
- See above
BOUTIQUE 1 (based on Matchless Chieftain)
- Based on: Matchless Chieftain, a medium-gain amp, thick, yet crisp, with a fair amount of power amp breakup. The Boutique 2 model is modeled with a boost for more gain and high-frequency emphasis. EL34. Speakers: G12M and G12H combined
- Suggested cabs: Matchless, "Boutique", G12M+G12H
- Original controls: Volume, Master, Bass, Treble, Brilliance (HiCut in model)
- Matchless website
- Manual
- Based on a Vox circuit
- For more preamp distortion, lower Master and use Drive for Gain
- Wikipedia
- Demo
- Vinai's demo
BOUTIQUE 2
- See above
BRIT 800 (based on Marshall JCM800)
- Based on: Marshall JCM800, the vaunted model 2204. Bring the Master up for true 80's tone. EL34. Speakers: G12M, G12H, V30, T75
- Suggested cabs: G12M, G12H, G12-75, V30, Marshall
- Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Master
- Marshall website
- Wikipedia: Marshall
- Wikipedia: JCM800
- Try with a TS808 or Tube Drive block (set the Drive block to minimal Drive and full Level)
- Cliff: "It is a very bright model. However, it sounds exactly like the amp it was based on. If it is too bright, you can adjust the various tone controls and parameters to reduce the brightness to your tastes. They are designed to be run loud and the brightness decreases as the MV is increased. The sound of 80's hair metal for sure" Source
- Use the Saturation parameter to emulate the famous "Jose Arredondo mod" on the JCM800. Cliff: "The saturation switch switches in a zener diode clipping stage right before the tone stack. This is the Arrendondo Mod"
- Cliff: "Rips my head off here. I have to turn the presence way down. Check the MV. Too high and will get muddy" Source
- Cliff: "That "interference" is due to all the treble peaking used in the design. JCM800s have quite a bit of treble boost. When you first attack the string the note is unpitched. It's basically a brief explosion of noise. The treble boosting amplifies the upper frequencies of this noise burst which is what you hear. However, when you playing in a loud mix that treble boosting helps the sound cut. Modern designs use more carefully crafted treble boosting to retain the cut but tame some of the harshness of the attack. This is accomplished typically by putting a capacitor in parallel with the plate resistor(s) which rolls off around a few kHz. This preserves the treble boost in the upper midrange but softens the attack. I believe the SLO100 was one of the first amps to do this. You can see this in the Axe-Fx II as your Triode Freq parameters. You can soften the JCM800 attack by lowering the Triode Freq values. Most modern hi-gain designs use some form of HF rolloff like this. Another reason is that JCM800s use relatively low amounts of negative feedback (which is why they're so loud). This causes a treble boost in the power amp. Increase the Damping parameter to increase the negative feedback" Source
- Thread about JCM800
- The BRIT AFS100 1 is based on the JCM800 2203
BRIT 800 MOD (based on modded Marshall JCM800)
- The JCM 800 modded to be "heavier" and "less strident". The mod: removal of the treble peaker
- Notes: see Brit 800
BRIT AFS100 1 (based on Marshall AFD100SCE)
- Based on: Marshall AFD100 100w dual-mode head, Special Collectors Edition. The AFD100SCE is a remake of the amp used by Slash when recording GnR's Appetite for Destruction album (believed to be a modified 1959 Tremolo). The Brit AFS100 1 model is based on the #34/AFD switch in the #34 mode (LED off), which is the equivalent of a modded JCM800 2203. The Brit AFS100 2 model is in the AFD mode (LED on), with extra gain. 6550 tubes, low and high inputs. Speakers: V30
- Suggested cabs: V30
- Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Volume. Power attenuation
- Manual
- Marshall website
- Wikipedia
- According to the AFD100 manual Slash sets all controls between 5 and 7
- Demo
- The “Appetite”-Amp Story
- The Brit Super model is based on a schematic of the AFD100 amp, rather than on the real amp
BRIT AFS100 2
- See above
BRIT BROWN
- Custom Fractal model, a faithful recreation of the pure, raw "Brown Sound" - The Modded “#1” Marshall, EL34
- Suggested cabs: G12M, G12H, EVH
- Saturation parameter is engaged by default
- Cliff:
BRIT JM45 (based on Marshall JTM 45)
- Based on: Marshall JTM 45, made famous by Clapton and others; actually a modified Bassman design. 45W, EL34. Models: channel 1 (High Treble) and jumpered inputs. Speakers: G12M, G12H, G12L
- Suggested cabs: G12M, G12H, G12L, Marshall
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
- The JM45 JUMP type was modeled with the 4 inputs jumpered
- Try with a Tonebender or Treble Booster Drive block
- Marshall website
- Wikipedia: Marshall
- Wikipedia: JTM 45
- Demo
- Cliff: "They had no Master Volumes so people rarely got the Drive past 3.00 since it would melt your face. Without the specter of having your skin flayed off as is afforded by a model of the amp, the temptation is to turn the Drive way up. When you do this the low notes get very muddy. Single notes can form an almost perfect square wave which will sound like a synthesizer" Source
- It's a bass-heavy amp. Decreasing Bass and/or try the Cut switch
BRIT JM45 JUMP
- See above
BRIT JVM OD1 Gn (based on Marshall JVM410)
- Based on the Marshall JVM 100-watt amp, a popular high gain 4 channel 100W head. EL34. OD1 Gn: green mode (hot-rodded JCM). OD1 Or: orange mode (extra gain). OD1 Rd: red mode (even more gain). OD2 Gn: lower mids than OD1. OD2 Or and OD2 Rd: more gain and lower mids than OD1. Speaker combo: V30 and G12H
- Suggested cabs: V30+G12H, Marshall
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, Presence
- Manual
- Marshall website
- Wikipedia
- JVM forum
- Cliff: "IMO, the reason the JVM sounds good is the plate cap on the second-to-last triode. That smooths out the tone considerably. The second-to-last triode is associated with "Triode 1 Freq" in the advanced parameters. You can adjust this to simulate adding a cap to the plate. The other thing that helps the tone is the 220K plate resistor on the last triode. This shifts the bias point down vs. a "classic" Marshall. Unfortunately the bias points aren't exposed to the user" Source
- It's a very bright amp. Keep Presence low
- Demo
BRIT JVM OD1 Or
- See above
BRIT JVM OD1 Rd
- See above
BRIT JVM OD2 Gn
- See above
BRIT JVM OD2 Or
- See above
BRIT JVM OD2 Rd
- See above
BRIT PRE (based on Marshall JMP-1)
- Based on: Marshall JMP-1 preamp, a rack-mount preamplifier version of the Brit 900, OD2 channel. EL34. Crunchy “ZZ” tone
- Suggested cabs: n/a
- Original controls: Volume, Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, Bass shift
- Manual
- Marshall website
- Wikipedia
- Cliff: "I actually used a Marshall tone stack for the model. The JMP-1 is a bit of an odd duck. It has a switchable, fixed tone stack equivalent to the knobs at noon followed by active tone controls. My advice is to simply play around with the tone stack. Try the "Vintage" tone stack as that will simulate switching out the fixed tone stack" Source
BRIT SILVER (based on Marshall Silver Jubilee)
- Based on: Marshall Silver Jubilee (model 2555), a distinctive commemorative “25/50” anniversary 100W British amp model, slightly darker and higher gain than a JCM800. 100w, 1 input, EL34
- Suggested cabs: Lerxst, EVM, G12M, G12H, Marshall, V30
- Notes: see Brit 800
- Joe Bonamassa settings
BRIT SUPER (based on Marshall AFD100)
- See Brit AFS100.
- This model is based on a schematic of the amp. The Brit AFS100 models are based on a real version of the AFD100 amp
BUTTERY (based on Budda Twinmaster)
- Based loosely on a late 90s specimen Budda Twinmaster. Relies mostly on power amp distortion. EL84. Speakers: G12M, G12H
- Suggested cabs: Vox, Alnico, G12M, G12H
- Original controls: Bass, Treble, Volume
- Manual
- Budda website
- Wikipedia
- Cliff talking about the Gen1 model: "I did the Buttery model by ear. I listened to some clips of Buddas (Matchbox 20, remember them?) and tweaked the model until I thought it sounded like one. Screwed around a little with the tube bias points until it had the right balance of harmonics and called it a day"
- Cliff: "It's still the "ear tuned" version. I bought the amp but because it was so popular as-is I didn't dare change it" Source
- Budda is now owned by Peavey
CA OD-2 (based on Carol-Ann OD-2)
- Based on: Carol-Ann OD-2. The model was fine-tuned by the highly respected Alan Phillips himself. 6L6. Overdrive channel. Speakers: EVM 12L or Celestion Classic Lead 80
- Suggested cabs: Dumble, EVM, Classic Lead 80
- Original controls: Master, Pre Gain (Input Drive in model), Drive (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Sparkle (clean and overdrive channel), Shift switch
- Carol-Ann website
- Alan Phillips: "In the real world the OD2 is very very fussy on speaker choice too. The real world speakers of choice are EVM12L in a 1x12 rear ported and 2x12 with Celestion Classic Lead 80's. I found the 12L emulation did a pretty good job. Some of the others sounded so artificial with that model. Like a Rockman. Coupled with the right cab the emulated model does a good job of representing the basic tonal signature of the amp". And: "It's not a competitive model, it's a live demo of an OD2 as tweaked by me. Damn sight better than sound clips for auditioning to guys that haven't got the ability to get to a Dealer. Clearly it doesn't give you the full experience of the full amp, but is a good tonal taster. I repaired a Soldano SLO for him one day and when he came over my house to pick it up we just decided it would be a good idea to put a CA model in there. Having the actual builder involved kind of closes the loop fully. I'm happy to endorse that model because I put a lot of hours testing it and putting together a ton of technical information, fourier analysis graphs, frequency response graphs, schematics etc that would make validation of a mathematical model much easier. In reality even though the power amp and the preamp are modelled the pre-amp got the most effort. As I said in another thread, I tuned that by putting the axe in to the actual power amp of an OD2 and running that side by side with a full OD2. The final tweaks were made like that using parametric eq blocks that were hard coded in to the model. You could call that the icing on the cake and basically put the same level of tuning into the model as I do with a actual OD2. The only difference was I was using a GUI, not resistors and capacitors"
- Clips and videos
CA TRIPTIK CLASSIC (based on Carol-Ann TripTik)
- Based on: Carol-Ann Triptik, all 3 voicings. EL34, 50w or 100w, three channels. Speakers: not specified
- Suggested cabs: Triptik, various
- Original controls: Input Level (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Drive on channels 2 and 3 (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Master, Classic/Modern voicing switching
- Carol-Ann website
- Website: "This 3 Channel Amplifier is our idea for a true rock amp that is capable of reproducing both timeless classic rock tones to modern high gain tones with a super tight and crushing low end. The design of this amplifier is a true ground up design and has not been inspired by any other amplifier out there. It is an original back to the drawing board design." And: "The amp features two identical overdrive channels that both have a switch that sets the particular channel to either 'Classic' or 'Modern' voicings. The 'classic' voicing has a little less gain and low end and will produce 70's and 80's British rock tones with a very wide and complex sound stage with no buzz or brittle high frequencies. The 'Modern' setting has more gain and low end for those more modern heavy rhythm, dropped tunings. This channel also makes for a superb liquid lead channel with incredible sustain and harmonic bloom"
- Clips and videos
- Cliff: "This TripTik is badass. Dumble meets Marshall with a sprinkle of 5150 power amp" Source
- Cliff: "I think what people like about this amp is the same reason people like the BE/HBE. These amps share the same aggressive low-cut on the input and then add bass back in the power amp. This gives clear bass response without getting flubby" Source
- Information from the owner: "Start with the bass/mid/treble/pres at noon, don't be afraid to push the pres or mids up a bit. Alan's amps are pretty big and 3d sounding so you may have to bring down the bass/depth/gain a tad" Source
- Model based on 50W EL34 amp supplied by forum member jharpersj Source
- Alan Phillips from Carol-Ann commenting on the model: here and here
- Alan Phillips from Carol-Ann about the Classic mode: "On the real amp, you would set the Input level at 2 O'clock and the Gain at 1 to 2 O'clock to get a great classic rock rhythm tone. It's not overly different in character to the modern setting, less gain and less low end essentially" Source
- For a great clean channel tone (like the Shiva), crank Master Volume
- Carol-Ann: "The Tucana 3 uses KT88s driven from a 12AT7 PI and the Triptik uses EL34s driven from a 12AX7 PI" Source
CA TRIPTIK CLEAN
- See above
CA TRIPTIK MODERN
- See above
CA TUCANA CLN (based on Carol-Ann Tucana 3)
- Based on: Carol-Ann Tucana 3 clean and lead channels. This is a 3-channel amp (lead channels 2 and 3 are the same) with a Bias monitoring system, KT88 75W tubes
- Suggested cabs: G12-65, V30, G12-75
- Original controls: Input Level (Clean and Overdrive channels), Bass/Mid/Treble (Clean and Overdrive channels), Gain (Overdrive channel), Master (all channels), Presence
- Carol-Ann website
- Website: "Welcome to our flagship model! The Tucana 3 is our latest amp in the Tucana range. Tonally these amps are designed to cover many styles and are very suited to session players and players who need a very wide palette of excellent tones. With the 3 channels, they can stray into higher gain levels , yet still retain full note definition and separation even with complex chord passages and have an ultra-quiet noise floor. The first new feature of this amp are the separate Input Level Controls for the Clean and OD channels. This gives much greater flexibility than any of the previous models. It is possible to set the Clean Channel for a little more crunch or for maximum clean headroom The overdrive range can be set very easily with the OD Input Level to suit the playing styles or musical genre from a range of blues through rock to modern high gain styles. The Tucana 3 features our new BiasMon(TM) Bias Monitoring system, that constantly monitors the dissipation power of the power tubes by measuring the plate voltage, cathode current and screen dissipation in order to calculate the perfect bias point. The bias point is very easily set by using the two red and one green LED on the back panel. The adjustment is made from the back panel. This makes it a total breeze to retube the amp without the need for any tools or bias monitor. Just turn the pot until the green LED indicates. The other advantage of this system is that you can very quickly make adjustments for changes in mains power at different venues. THis ensure your amp is ALWAYS running optimally. The power amp section runs the KT88s at a moderate 75W ensuring very long tube life. The transformer set has been designed to retain a ton of warmth, a tightness in the low end that has not been previously seen in the Tucana series. The Tucana 3 is very forgiving on cabinet choice and works well with many speaker / cab combinations"
- Introduction by Carol-Ann
- Clips and videos
- Carol-Ann: "Now I can only speak for the actual amp, but my preference of speaker is a Celestion Creamback 65, though I gig these regularly with a 2x12 with Celestion T75's. Its pretty forgiving on speakers compared with some models. The foot controller and bias monitor are two of the wonderful features of the actual amp, but are both moot in the model......unless Cliff wants to model the effects of real world mains power fluctuations from place to place, but the 'green zone' of the bias monitor is 62-65% plate idle dissipation power and it measures and compensates for plate voltage and screen power , which means the real amp runs best at a slightly cooler bias. The bias monitor just allows you to set that consistently from venue to venue regardless of the main power" Source
- Carol-Ann: "The Tucana 3 uses KT88s driven from a 12AT7 PI and the Triptik uses EL34s driven from a 12AX7 PI" Source
- Carol-Ann: "It's very very difficult for anyone to get a bad tone out of the real amp. It's designed that way, the range and limits on the controls, even the biasmon system makes it difficult for even a very inexperienced player to FU. The real amp has a more British overtone to it due to the fact I am British and I designed it. The gain staging, overdrive voicing and output stage are night and day to ANYTHING Mesa, any owner of the real amp would attest to that" Source
- Carol-Ann: "The Tuc 3 is very very tolerant of most cabs and speakers, unlike say the OD2. I feel people need to approach this model very simply. Don't mess with extended parameters, basically don't try and redesign it. Use a reliable Celestion based cabinet model. I have a fantastic 4x12 with 2 old greenbacks and two old v30s that is the best cab I've played the real amp through. In actual levels of gain with the two adjustable gain controls, the amp has a maximum gain level very similar to the Triptik, the setting of these two controls with respect to each other is critical" Source
- Carol-Ann: "Real world, It has the same amount of actual gain as the Triptik. Way more than most people would need for recording or live playing. Input gain on 10 o clock, gain on 2 o clock is a 70s /80s lead tone, put the input level up to 2 o click and it's a very sustained lead tone or a very modern heavy rhythm tone" Source
- Carol-Ann: "You don't need to crank the real amp to get a ton of overdrive. I actually designed the original for myself and I play in a rock cover band. There's nowhere I would ever be able to get the amp to the point of pushing the power tubes in to overdrive. You gain stage a design based on its application. For a design that needs a lot of overdrive at a low volume, you do most of that and the harmonic makeup in the preamp. The Tucana falls in to this category. The master volumes in a 500 seat club rarely get above 10 O Clock on the real amp and at that point there's still tons of clean headroom left. Of course the power amp adds to the harmonic content, but it adds very little overdrive. Another interesting point to note is that the Tucana has a high pass filter in the power amp feedback loop, which gives you a nice tight low end because the bass is subjected to more gain. For an amp designed to be pushed hard in to power tube overdrive, this should be omitted as all bets are off in the feedback loop when you hit the rails. In other words that filter requires headroom to function properly, as does the presence control of any amp where it's a component of the feedback loop" Source
- Cliff: "One of the best amps in the world IMO. I have a Dumble and a Trainwreck and various other boutique amps and the Tucana is better than all of them" Source
CA TUCANA Lead
- See above.
CA3+ CLEAN (based on CAE 3+ SE)
- Based on: CAE 3+ SE, a preamp designed by Custom Audio Electronics. 6L6. Clean, rhythm and lead channels
- Suggested cabs: n/a
- Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Bright switch, post EQ (punch/presence)
- Manual
- CAE website
- The clean channel is based on a blackface Fender preamp
- Cliff: "An OD100 is the head version of a CAE 3+" Source
CA3+ LEAD
- See above
CA3+ RHY
- See above
CALI LEGGY (based on Carvin Legacy VL100)
- Based on: Steve Vai's original signature Carvin Legacy VL100 amplifier. 100w, EL34. Speakers: V30
- Suggested cabs: Carvin, V30
- Original controls (Lead channel): Presence, Treble (11kHz), Mid (650Hz), Bass (80Hz), Drive, Volume
- Manual
- Carvin website
- Cliff: "The thing that makes a Legacy unique is the tone stack. It uses a "James" tone stack which is more like hi-fi tone controls" Source
- Audio demo
- Forum comments
CAMERON Ccv 1A (based on Cameron CCV-100)
- Based on: Cameron CCV-100, an amp its creator Mark Cameron calls “one pissed off amp". EL34. Modeled: both channels, various settings. Speakers: G12H
- Suggested cabs: G12H
- Original controls channel 1: Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, Master, Gain/Clipping switch, Bright switch. Original controls channel 2: Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain 1, Gain 2, Gain/Clipping switch, Bright, Master. Presence, Punch
- Manual
- Cameron Ch 2 has Saturation engaged by default
- It's a very bright amp at default
- Demo
- Audio clip
- Cliff: "Our reference amp has a linear taper pot so the behavior is very abrupt. The model matches the amp extremely accurately (as do all G3 models)" Source
- Cliff: "It's a bit of a quirky amp and kind of a one-trick pony but, man, what a trick." Source
CAMERON Ccv 1B
- See above
CAMERON Ccv 2A
- See above
CAMERON Ccv 2B
- See above
CAMERON Ccv 2C
- See above
CAMERON Ccv 2D
- See above
CAR ROAMER (based on Carr Rambler)
- Based on: Car Rambler, similar to a Fender. 6L6, 28w pentode/14w triode, cathode bias. Speakers: 12" Eminence Elsinore
- Suggested cabs: Carr, "Roamer", Fender 12", EVM
- Original controls: Reverb, Tremolo, Pentode/Triode, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass
- Mid control: "Varies the mid frequencies and is very influential in taking the tone from a 60’s blackface sound (minimum to 11 o’clock) to a pushed tweed mid sound (11 o’clock to full)"
- Triode/Pentode Switch: "Changes the way the output tubes operate. Pentode sounds loud and punchy with great headroom while Triode is more vintage and warm with very thick midrange. The Pentode mode is the Rambler’s full power setting, producing 28 watts. The Triode mode makes 14 watts"
- Carr website: "Is the Rambler basically the same as a Fender Deluxe, but better? Both amps more or less occupy the same place in the general range of amps out there, so it's easy to see why people compare them, but the Rambler and the Deluxe behave very differently in practical use. At 28 watts it makes more power and is cleaner than a Deluxe, and their pre-amp sections are similar. Having said that, the Rambler's power section is much more like a Tweed Pro and its phase inverter is based on a Princeton. So, the Rambler shares heritage with a few Fender classics"
- Cliff: "It's basically a Deluxe Reverb preamp with a cathode bias 6L6 power amp and no negative feedback. Sort of a Fender-meets-Vox thing" Source
- Manual
- FAQ
CITRUS A30 CLEAN (based on Orange AD30HTC)
- Based on: Orange AD30HTC, 30w tube head, two channels, EL84. Speaker: G12H
- Suggested cabs: Orange, "Citrus", G12H, V30
- Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble
- Manual
- Orange website
- Wikipedia
CITRUS A30 DRTY
- See above
CITRUS BASS 200 (based on Orange AD200B)
- Based on: Orange AD200B 200w valve bass head, 6550 tubes
- Original controls: Volume, Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble
- Orange website
- Manual
CITRUS RV50 (based on Orange Rockerverb)
- Based on: 50W Orange Rockerverb MkII, a 50w head known for warmth and rich harmonics. EL34. Speakers: V30
- Suggested cabs: Orange, "Citrus", V30
- Original controls on dirty channel: Volume, Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb
- Manual
- Orange website
- Wikipedia
- Demo
- Demo
- Cliff: "The model is based on a MKII" Source
CITRUS TERRIER (based on Orange Tiny Terror)
- Based on: Orange Tiny Terror, 7 or 15w (modeled at 15w), EL84. Speaker: G12H (in closed back combo)
- Suggested cabs: Orange, "Citrus", G12H
- Original controls: Volume, Gain, Tone (HiCut in model), 7w/15w switch
- Manual
- Orange website
- Wikipedia
- Release notes: "The tone control is actually a high cut control in the power amp and is therefore replicated by the Hi Cut parameter. The Hi Cut set fully CCW is equivalent to the amp’s tone knob fully CW. The model uses a neutral tone stack. Set T/M/B to noon for authentic sounds or adjust to taste"
- Demo
- Cliff: "It's inaudible when clean" Source
CLASS-A 15W TB (based on Vox AC-15 Top Boost)
- Based on: Vox AC-15. The heart of this amp’s tone comes from its power section and no negative feedback. 15W, EL84. Speaker: G12M (originally) or Alnico
- Suggested cabs: G12M, Alnico, Vox
- Original controls: Volume, Cut (Axe-Fx: Hi-Cut), Bass, Treble
- Vox website
- Manual
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia: "The "Top Boost" (or Brilliance) feature was Vox's optional addition of a circuit that introduced an extra gain stage and tone controls for bass and treble (as opposed to the single "tone" control of early AC30s)"
- This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control
CLASS-A 30W (based on Vox AC-30)
- Based on: Vox AC-30, a combo that dominated the British Invasion. Gritty character, warm tone, great feel. 30W, EL84. Speakers: Alnico Blue or G12M
- Suggested cabs: Alnico, G12M, Vox
- Original controls: Volume, Tone
- For authentic tone: leave the tone controls at noon and use Hi-Cut to cut treble
- Try with a Tonebender or Treble Booster
- Vox website
- Manual
- Wikipedia
- This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control
- Cliff: "Note that the particular AC-30 used for the model has this scratchy high end. This is reflected in the high Dyn Pres value. It's a hand-wired version and that can lead to this type of sound as the parasitics cause boosting of the very high frequencies when the amp is driven hard. The obvious solution is to turn Dyn Pres down" Source
CLASS-A 30W HOT (based on Vox AC-30 HW)
- Based on: Vox AC-30HW with the Hot/Cool switch in the Hot position. 30W, EL84. Speakers: Alnico Blue or G12M
- Suggested cabs: Alnico, G12M, Vox
- Original controls: Volume, Cut (Axe-Fx: Hi-Cut), Bass, Treble, Bright switch, Hot/Cool switch
- Vox website
- Manual
- Wikipedia
- This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control
- Demo
- Amp of the week forum thread
- Cliff: "The bright cap value is normalized to a Drive pot of 1M. An AC30 has a 500K pot so the value will read out as half the actual value. IOW, it's displaying 60 pF which is equivalent to 120 pF" Source
- Audio clip
CLASS-A 30W TB (based on Vox AC-30 Top Boost)
- Based on: Vox AC-30 TBX (Topboost)., created in response to demand for "More treble". Great highs and slightly reduced bass. 30W, EL84. Speakers: Alnico Blue or G12M
- Suggested cabs: Alnico, G12M, Vox
- Original controls: Volume, Cut (Axe-Fx: Hi-Cut), Bass, Treble
- Instead of turning up Drive, try boosting the input signal before the amp, for example with Tape Dist or FET Boost
- Vox website
- Manual
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia: "The "Top Boost" (or Brilliance) feature was Vox's optional addition of a circuit that introduced an extra gain stage and tone controls for bass and treble (as opposed to the single "tone" control of early AC30s)". And: "Though widely believed to be a Class-A amplifier, the AC30 is in fact a class A push-pull amp with cathode bias. It utilizes a quartet of EL-84 output tubes. The high bias condition is believed by some to be the source of the amplifier's famous immediate response and "jangly" high-end, though the lack of negative feedback, minimal preamp circuit, simple low loss tone stack, and the use of cathode biasing on the output stage play at least as large a role, if not larger. It's the Celestion "Blue" speakers that are integral to the AC30, and also contribute much to the sound of the unit. The two 12" 15-watt speakers, often overdriven and at the brink of their power handling capability, provide a cutting mid-range speaker sound that is immediate and sharp and a distinction from the Marshall or Fender-style amplifier"
- This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control
- Cliff: "I intentionally limited the midrange notch since, IMO, it's a design flaw in that tone stack. But you can recover that behavior by setting the Mid control fully CCW" Source "Furthermore, modern AC30's don't have this flaw. They use a Fender-style tone stack with a fixed mid resistor" Source
- Demo
- Amp of the week forum thread
- Cliff: "The bright cap value is normalized to a Drive pot of 1M. An AC30 has a 500K pot so the value will read out as half the actual value. IOW, it's displaying 60 pF which is equivalent to 120 pF" Source
COMET 60 (based on Komet 60)
- Based on: Komet 60. EL34. Speaker: Greenbacks, G12H, V30
- Suggested cabs: G12M, G12H, V30
- Komet website
- Original controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, High Cut (not modeled), Touch Response
- Review of 19-watter in Premier Guitar
- See notes below about Input Trim and Hi-Cut
COMET CONCOURSE (based on Komet Concorde)
- Based on: Komet Concorde (which is based on a Trainwreck). EL34. Speaker: Greenbacks, G12H, V30
- Suggested cabs: G12M, G12H, V30
- Original controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, High Cut (not modeled), Touch Response (Fast/Gradual)
- Komet website and audio samples
- Firmware 10.06 release notes: "This model was matched with the Response switch in the “Fast” position. To replicate the “Slow” position reduce the Input Trim to approximately 0.25"
- Pete Thorn videos: Fast mode and Gradual mode
- Cliff: "The model does not have the hi-cut control" Source
CONCERT 6G12 (based on Fender Concert 6G12)
- Based on: brown-era '60 Fender Concert, 6G12 circuit, 40w, 6L6, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channel, no reverb. Speakers: 4x10 Jensen P10R, P10Q, C10R
- Suggested cabs: Fender 4x10"
- Fender website
- Similar to a Fender Super but more portable and known for its overdriven sound
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Presence, vibrato controls
- Wikipedia
- Premier Guitar article
- Ampwares
- Try this: turn up Drive to 5-6
CORNCOB M50 (based on Cornford MK50 II)
- Based on: Cornford MK50 II, a boutique British amp. Plexi-meets-Modern tone with big cojones. 50w, EL34. Speakers: 60w V30
- Suggested cabs: V30
- Original controls: Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Overdrive (Axe_Fx: Over-Drive), Bass, Middle (500Hz), Treble, Master, Presence, Resonance (Axe-Fx: Depth)
- Manual (and suggested settings)
- Cornford website (Cornford is not in business anymore)
- The Cornford model in the Standard/Ultra was a RK100
- Demo
DAS METALL (based on Diezel VH4)
- Based on: Diezel VH4, a high-gain, boutique amp famous for its powerful, heavy, aggressive sound. 4 channels, 6L6. Speakers: V30 or G12-K100
- Suggested cabs: V30, G12-100
- Original controls: Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence (4kHz), Deep (80Hz), Bright switch (not on channels 3 and 4)
- Manual
- Diezel website
- Wikipedia
- The Das Metal model was done by schematic and/or by ear. Source. Other Axe-Fx II VH4 models are based on the real amp
- Demo
- Cliff: "People think the VH4 is a metal amp which it most definitely is not. It's a mid-gain amp. If you try to use it for detuned death-metal it won't sound good because that's not its intended usage" Source
- Audio clip
DELUXE TWEED (based on Fender Deluxe)
- Based on a narrow panel Fender Deluxe (5E3), the earliest and most popular of the so-called Tweed amplifiers. 12-15 watts, 6V6. Speakers: Jensen P12R, C12N of Alnico Blue
- Suggested cabs: Fender 12", Alnico
- Original controls: Volume, Tone (Axe-Fx: Treble)
- For Neil Young's fuzzy Tweed Deluxe tone: crank both Drive and Treble
- Fender website
- Wikipedia
- Release notes firmware 8: "Note that this amp only has a single tone control. This is modeled by the Treble control in the Axe-Fx II. The Bass and Mid controls are functional and recreate the amp when set to noon. Also note that this amp suffers from extreme blocking distortion at or near maximum gain. This is common in very old designs. As it is virtually unplayable like this, the model uses a somewhat reduced level of grid conduction to lower the amount of blocking distortion and make the amp more playable at high Drive settings"
- Cliff: "I had to make some decisions on the model and what you have is based on what I felt offered the best starting point. You have the tools in the model to mold it to your preference. Add some bright cap, increase the input trim, etc. to achieve your own personal sonic goals. Hit the boost switch or increase input trim to simulate jumping the inputs" Source
- Fenderguru.com: "The Blackface Deluxe Amp is often misinterpreted as a Deluxe Reverb without reverb. It might seem so if you take a look at the front panel and the knob functions. But a closer study of the circuit design will reveal that the Deluxe Reverb vibrato channel has the extra gain stage (one half of the 12AX7 V4 tube) common for the Fender reverb amps. The wet reverb signal is mixed together with the dry signal which has gone through the 3.3MOhm resistor, therefore needing a gain boost before entering the phase inverter. This means one less tube in the Deluxe Amp in the preamp section that will contribute to sustaining harmonics, compression and sag. The Deluxe-Amp is therefore cleaner when played high on the volume knob. Still, the clean sound of these amps sound fairly similar goven a common EQ circuitry, phase inverter and power amp section. When the volume is pushed beyond 4-5 where the amps will differ in tone. The Deluxe will remain relatively clean, while the Deluxe Reverb breaks up in a typical blackface manner. Being a middle size Fender blackface amp the Deluxe has not been modified and experimented with so widely as other Fender amps. It’s power, clean headroom, physical size and tonal characteristics have matched the expectations of more players than any other tube or transistor guitar amp of any brand on this planet. It is said that the Deluxe Reverb is the nr 1 most used amp in recording studios. We can understand why. It is powerful enough to cut through in a band with a drummer and reaches the sweet spot at a reasonable volume. It has the typical blackface 60′s sparkling, scooped clean sound as it’s bigger brothers, just with more smooth breakup, sag and compression. The smaller brother Princeton Reverb is rolling off more top frequencies and breaks up earlier with more warmth producing a brownface type of tone. It can not really cut through with Albert Collins’ icy licks like the Deluxe"
- Forum thread
- This amp, like the original, starts to distort at low volume levels already. It also has loads of bass, so use the Cut switch or cut bass in another way
- Cliff: "The G3 version of the 5E3 Deluxe Tweed model is a hoot. Totally unpredictable, nasty, gnarly and raunchy. I couldn't stop playing it yesterday. Just like the real amp you have to be careful with your volume control and how you approach the amp so that you keep it right on the edge of playability. So cool' Source
DELUXE VERB (based on Fender Deluxe Reverb)
- Based on: '65 blackface Fender Deluxe Reverb. Great, chimey tone with nice power amp breakup when you push the Master. AB763 circuit, 22W, low and high inputs, 6V6, Normal and Vibrato channel. Speaker: 1x12 (Jensen C12Q, EVM 12L, JBL D120) or 2x10 (Jensen C10N, C10Q, P10R)
- Suggested cabs: Fender 12", EVM
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Reverb, Tremolo controls
- Fender website: "The 22-watt ’65 Deluxe Reverb amp is for rock, country or blues players who want a moderately powered amp they can crank up at the gig or in the studio. The full, snappy guitar tones heard on many famous recordings from Memphis to Abbey Road were made using the Deluxe amp. Features include dual 6V6 Groove Tubes output tubes, one 5AR4 rectifier tube, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 tubes, one 12” 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speaker, dual channels (normal and vibrato), tube-driven Fender reverb, tube vibrato, two-button footswitch for reverb and vibrato on-off, black textured vinyl covering and silver grille cloth"
- Wikipedia
- Fenderguru.com: "The Deluxe Reverb 1×12″ has for decades been one of the most popular amps among all Fender amps, and its popularity is still growing as the demand for low wattage tube amps increases. The combination of size, weight and performance makes the Deluxe Reverb a true road warrior on gigs and practise. Since the year 2002 we have observed, by monitoring the amp market on US ebay, that low wattage amps have increased dramatically in popularity. Nowadays (2012) you can score a big 6L6 vintage Fender amp for the same price as a Deluxe Reverb or Princeton Reverb. We find it irrational. The PA was invented long time before that and guitar tones containing fuzz and distortion have been around since the sixties-seventies. Why has the desire for low wattage amps with 20-25 watts of tube power come up so late? Both the Deluxe Reverb (DR) and Princeton Reverb (PR) “survived” the CBS silverface periods with minor changes. Many people consider the silverface amps just as sonically good as the blackface models. Being almost a blackface amp with a new faceplate (wrong for collectors), the silverface models became popular value-for-the-money amps. Collectors hunt the blackface models and players hunt the silverface for it’s quality and price. The push/pull volume boost was installed in 1977 by CBS. The circuit was then significantly different from the blackface circuit. Hence, the price for this amp is lower than it’s predecessors. The DR is a small/medium-sized amp with an ability to deliver both sparkling clean tones and low wattage breakup at 22W with 6V6 tubes and relatively small transformers (power and output). It has found its way in to more recording studios, clubs and bars than any other Fender amp. It has met many players’ expectations. It is just powerful enough to cut through in practise in a band with a drummer and, unlike some bigger amps, it will reach its sweet spot at a reasonable volume. It has the typical blackface 60′s sparkle with a scooped clean sound just like the bigger Fender brothers, just with more smooth breakup, sag and compression. The smaller brother Princeton Reverb is rolling off more top frequencies and breaks up earlier with more warmth producing a brownface type of tone. It will not cut through the mix as easily as the stingin tone of the Deluxe Reverb"
- ToneQuest: Under 40 Watt of Whoop Ass: "An equally fine choice for a versatile small club amp is the Vibrolux Reverb’s little brother, the Blackface Deluxe Reverb (1964 through 1967). It is rated at just 24 watts or so (with two 6V6 power tubes), but the overall circuitry in the amp is virtually the same as the Vibrolux Reverb. It has two channels, but I only use the second channel, again, due to the extra stage of gain. It drives a single 12" speaker. Most of the Deluxe Reverbs that Fender built have a very inefficient Oxford 12" in them. The first thing you should do to make this amp really worthy is to install a much larger ceramic magnet speaker. A better 12" is essential to having a Deluxe sound as good as it possibly can (and that is very good indeed.) The Deluxe Reverb will not have as much bottom as a Vibrolux Reverb, due to it’s smaller power tubes, but anyone who’s heard a Deluxe Reverb set at about "6" for leads knows how sweet the 6V6 power tubes sound. Again, you need to run this amp at "6" or above in terms of volume to really bring out the classic overdriven Fender tone. I find that setting my guitar’s volume knob on "10" for leads works wonderfully, then when I back it off to say "7" or so for rhythm, the amp naturally cleans up. That’s a neat trick to use. If you are hesitant to change your original speaker, consider acquiring a second speaker cabinet for your new and improved speaker. But remember, amps are tone machines, not museum pieces, so if you are torn between swapping out the speaker, keep in mind that you can always store it away and reinstall it if you decide to sell the amp later. I have an extension cabinet with a 15" Electrovoice SRO speaker in it, and I sometimes run my own Deluxe Reverb through that setup. It dramatically improves the tone—huge fat bottom, low mids, and much more overall volume"
DIRTY SHIRLEY (based on Friedman Dirty Shirley)
- Based on: Dirty Shirley amp by Dave Friedman of Rack Systems, designed to be an ultra Fat Sweet sounding Classic Rock Amp. 5881/EL34, 40w, single channel. Based on a JTM-45. Speakers: V30, G12M, G12H
- Suggested cabs: G12M, G12H, V30, Marshall
- Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
- Demo
- Friedman website
- Audio clip
DIV/13 CJ (based on Divided by 13 CJ 11)
- Based on: Divided by 13 CJ 11, which is based on a high-performing 1959 tweed Fender amp made in Fullerton: “Tweed” meets “EL34” meets “Master Vol” in a 1x12 combo. 11w, single channel, 6V6. Speaker: G12M
- Suggested cabs: Divided by 13, G12M
- Original controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Master
- Divided by 13 website: "When asked, by Corky James, amongest others, "Can you take my favorite 1959 tweed amp from Fullerton and instead of the controls being Volume Tone make it Volume Treble Bass, give it more clean headroom, a wider range of usable overdrive (throw in a little EL 34), make it a little louder with fuller, tighter low end, and put a master volume in it so i can play at all levels and dial in and hit the sweet spot of whatever speaker i am using at the time, mostly a G12M Celestion"
- Cliff: "It is a bassy amp. Works best with single coils" Source
- Cliff: "That's what a CJ11 sounds like. You increase the LOW CUT FREQ to reduce the fuzziness on bass notes but then it won't sound like the real thing" Source
- Demo
DIV/13 FT37 HI (based on Divided by 13 FTR 37)
- Based on: Divided by 13 FTR 37, 37w, Class-AB, two channels, 6V6, push/pull Mid/Gain Boost. “LO”: Gain Boost off, “HI”: Gain Boost on. Speakers: Celestion Blue plus G12H30
- Suggested cabs: Div13, G12H+Alnico
- Original controls: Volume, Treble, Bass
- Divided by 13 website: "Capturing and exceeding some of the best tones offered by our favorite amp from Fullerton and our favorite amp from England, the FTR 37 from 1 to 10 can produce the most pure and bodied clean tones, to varying degrees of medium and over-the-top types of complex and full-bodied overdrive"
- YouTube demo
- If the combination of Alnico and G12H30 is too bright, try replacing the Alnico with a G12M
DIV/13 FT37 LO
- See above
DIZZY V4 BLUE 2 (based on Diezel VH4 'blue')
- Based on: Diezel VH4. Channel 2 (Crunch): said to be great for gritty funk, dynamic clean. Based on original "Blue Face" VH4 amp supplied by forum member jharpersj, Source. Channel 3 (Distortion): higher gain but still big dynamic range. Channel 4 (Solo): a monster of gain which still has great definition and authority. 100w, 6L6. Speakers: V30 or G12K100
- Suggested cabs: V30, G12-100
- Original controls: Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence (4kHz), Deep (80Hz), Bright switch (not on channels 3 and 4)
- Manual
- Diezel website
- Wikipedia
- Demo
- Cliff: "I think part of the issue is people think the VH4 is a metal amp which it most definitely is not. It's a mid-gain amp. If you try to use it for detuned death-metal it won't sound good because that's not its intended usage" Source
- Audio clip (channel 3)
DIZZY V4 BLUE 3
- See above
DIZZY V4 BLUE 4
- See above
DIZZY V4 SLVR 2 (based on Diezel VH4 'silver')
- Same as above but based on the model with the silver faceplate
DIZZY V4 SLVR 3
- See above
DIZZY V4 SLVR 4
- See above
DOUBLE VERB (based on Fender Twin Reverb)
- Based on: '66 Fender Twin Reverb, an indispensable icon, known for amazing cleans. Based on the Vibrato channel. '66 blackface, AB763 circuit, 6L6, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channel, 100W. Speakers: 2x12 (Jensen C12N, JBL D120, EVM-12L)
- Suggested cabs: Fender 2x12", EVM
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Bright switch, Reverb
- Fender website: "This amp has seen action in every imaginable venue and remains indispensable to this day. Be it rock, jazz, country or anything else, this is what a clean electric guitar sounds like - or add an upside-down Stratocaster guitar and a fuzz box ... The 85-watt (at 4 ohms) reissue ’65 Twin Reverb features four 6L6 Groove Tubes® output tubes, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 preamp tubes, two 12” 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speakers, dual channels (normal and vibrato), Fender reverb, vibrato, two-button reverb and vibrato on-off footswitch, tilt-back legs, black textured vinyl covering and silver grille cloth"
- Wikipedia
- Fenderguru.com: "If an alien came to earth and wanted to hear an American guitar sound, I’d play him my Twin with a set of Jensens. This was stated by a happy Twin Reverb owner on Harmonycentral.com. It could have been our own words. The Twin Reverb is the king of Fender blackface amps. Having two pairs of 6L6, the popular and traditional two-channel AB763 circuit design, a diode rectifier and enormous transformers (power & output), it offers tons of clean headroom and volume for unmiked gigs and really big stages. Where the other Fender amps break up at around 4 on the volume knob, the Twin stays clean up to almost 6 and will hold up against heavy drummers and bass players with clean notes sharp as a knife edge. This is exactly what the amp is made for, being played unmiked in in a gospel band in a 300-seat church every Sunday. It is designed not break up like the other Fender amps. You need to have your expectations set correctly to be able to appreciate the evil Twin. Warning nr 1) Weight. The big transformers and speakers makes this amp weigh around 40kgs, a burden too big for many gigging players who cannot (yet) afford a crew of roadies. Warning nr 2) Volume and clean headroom. If you want tube amp breakup and smoking tones with no pedals you will experience many fights with your band mates and club owners. Just as the other Fender amps the Twin needs to operate in its sweet spot up to sound sweet. After carrying a Twin Reverb on to the stage, the least you should deserve is to crank the bastard. Sadly, we are seldom offered the opportunity to turn the volume above 3 on a Twin Reverb. Instead we have played many nights with a thin and unpleasant tone, even worse with a sparkling, clean sounding strat. If you are one of these players, you should find some mods on this page interesting. With just a few simple tricks you can make your Twin break up earlier like the more versatile Pro Reverb 2×12 and Deluxe Reverb 1×12"
- Cliff: "After CBS bought Fender the new engineers set out to "fix" those lousy designs with all that nasty distortion. The first of these amps were late '68 or early '69 IIRC. They increased the negative feedback, changed bias points, added MV, etc. The new designs were much cleaner and much less desirable IMO. Blackface Fenders from the mid '60s are the most desirable because they have that nice breakup. Silverface Fenders are not particularly prized and are often modded to turn them into Blackface circuits"
- The model is based on a '66 Twin Reverb, tuned by Andy Fuchs
- To make the Twin cleaner, Cliff: "Reduce MV (or MV Trim). The biggest reason Silverface Twins were cleaner is because the PI had less gain. Reducing the MV or MV Trim will simulate the lower gain" Source
- Cliff: "The Twin Reverb that the model is based on breaks up like that. The model is MIMIC'd and is extremely accurate. It's a Blackface Twin which breaks up easy compared to later Twins. Furthermore, as with all models, it is modeled on the "Hi" input. If you don't want it to break up as easy turn Input Trim to 0.5 to simulate using the "Low" input, reduce Input Drive and MV as necessary. You may want to turn the Bright Switch off as well. People who want squeaky clean usually turn the Bright Switch off on these amps. However, you'd be surprised that a Twin isn't nearly as clean as you think. It's just so damn loud that you get the sensation that it's clean because a light touch on the strings creates a lot of volume" Source
- Try switching off the Bright switch (turn up Treble), and Drive at 6
ENERGYBALL (based on Engl Powerball)
- Based on: Engl Powerball, a very high-gain German model with lots of bass, great for aggressive, drop-tuned riff work. Modeled: lead channel. 100W, 6L6. Speakers: V30 or custom V60
- Suggested cabs: V30, Engl
- Original controls: Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Punch Depth, Bottom, Open or Focused (boosts 300-500 Hz) mode
- Engl website
- Manual
- Wikipedia
EURO BLUE (based on Bogner Ecstasy)
- Based on: Bogner Ecstasy (XTC), based on the 20th Anniversary model, 6L6 tubes (source). Blue / Red: Structure switch set to V(intage). Blue Mdrn/ Red Mdrn: Structure switch set to M(odern). Speakers: V30
- Suggested cabs: V30, G12M, Bogner
- Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Bright switch, Structure switch (gain reduction), Old/New Style switch, Excursion switch, Gain switch, Plexi Mode
- Manual
- Bogner website: "20th Anniversary Ecstasy: we consider this model to be the new "Flagship" in the Ecstasy line with the most organic and open sound yet. Available as an option to the base model the 20th Anniversary has a plexi panel with gold background and is housed in a slightly larger head shell for an iconic and classic vintage vibe. To further celebrate our 20 year anniversary this series is offered in white tolex with a classic salt & pepper grill at no additional up charge which applies to the cabinet as well if ordered together with a head. All other color and grill options are available for the usual up charge, however the Metal Grill option is not available. The 20th Anniversary is our finest evolution of the Ecstasy line that started with the 100B, then 101B, and Classic Options. However, the 20th Anniversary model features it's own unique circuit and many refinements never before seen. In the past few years many new boutique capacitors have come on the market such as the Sozo brand which focus on replicating the vintage toneful capacitors from the 60's. These new capacitors are very expensive and mostly hand made in their construction so we were intrigued to hear how they sounded. We purchased all the available brands and meticulously went trough the entire audio signal chain of our Ecstasy circuit incorporating these vintage style capacitors into the design"
- Wikipedia
- It's a dark amp, turn up Presence
- The Bright switch will not only brighten the tone but also adds gain. Its impact decreases as Drive is turned up
- Check this site for video demos of the Bogner Ecstasy Blue and Red and pedals. These explain the amp controls clearly (same as the pedal equivalents)
- Here's how to use these models as drive blocks (pedals) instead of amps: Like the Bogner pedals? You got them already!
- Review in Premier Guitar
- Cliff: "People think Bogners are dark but they really aren't. The reason they seem that way is the pot tapers. Most people assume knobs should be set somewhere around noon. If you do this on a Bogner it's like turning the treble way down on a Marshall. Close your eyes and adjust the tone controls with your ears. Don't be afraid to turn them way up or way down" Source
- Cliff: "Human nature is to put the knobs near noon. We are reticent to deviate much from noon. Amp designers exploit this and use different tapers to change the sound of their amps WITH THE KNOBS AT NOON. A prime example are Bogner amps. Everyone says "Bogner amps are dark". No they aren't. But he uses a Log10A taper for the treble pot. It's a standard Marshall tone stack. Usually a linear taper pot is used for the treble. The treble knob at 5.0 (noon) on a Bogner is equivalent to the treble knob at 1.0 on a Marshall. People put the knob at 5.0 and go "wow, this amp is dark". No it isn't. If you turned the treble up to 8 or 9 it would sound a lot like a Plexi but humans are reticent to turn the knobs to extremes. Amp designers know this and exploit it to give their amps a "signature sound"" Source
EURO BLUE MDRN
- See above
EURO RED
- See above
EURO RED MDRN
- See above
EURO UBER (based on Bogner Uberschall)
- Based on: Bogner Uberschall, the high gain channel of this 120W head, heavy grinding lows and insane gain. EL34. Speakers: V30 plus G12T75 (Uberkab)
- Suggested cabs: Bogner Uberkab, G12-75+V30
- Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
- Manual
- Bogner website: "Uberschall is the German word for Super Sonic and we designed this amp primarily for extreme, heavy and aggressive styles of music. Detuned or baritone guitars crave this amp. Also, be sure to check out the matching Uberkab 4x12 speaker cabinet below. Two versions are available, the UBERSCHALL with it's traditional clean and super high gain channels and the TWIN JET with a semi clean to hot rod gain and super high gain channel configuration. While the super high gain channels are identical there is more flexibility and control on the TWIN JET as well as a additional controls for the power amp section. We unleash mayhem with the super aggressive high gain channel with gain, bass, middle, treble, volume and presence controls. You think you've heard BASS before, no way, the UBERSCHALL can crush on demand. Even with extreme gain and volume this channel stays massively focused and resists mushing out from the heaviest right-hand attack. Power comes from a throaty EL34 output section. Go ahead, try and hide from the UBERSCHALL it will seek you out, relentlessly, while you sleep, in this life and the next... But all will soon embrace the UBERSCHALL and we will wonder how anyone tried to play standard tuning, 7-string or drop tuned guitar without it. Our UBERKAB is perfectly matched for the thunderous UBERSCHALL. This 4x12" straight front speaker cabinet features a black front speaker grill with silver piping and a combination of front loaded Celestion Vintage 30's and G12T75's wired at 16 ohms. This combination unleashes the aggressiveness of the UBERSCHALL amp, plus helps to maximize the low end and give great cutting power to the mids and highs. Our standard Bogner 4x12" cabinet, with Vintage 30's, also sounds great with the UBERSCHALL"
- Wikipedia
- Bogner: "One of the most unique items is our "Presence" control. It's an amazing combination of a midrange-presence control. As you sweep through its range you will notice an incredible variety of tones this one control allows. For an extremely aggressive sub-harmonic bass and scooped-midrange sound, keep the presence off or very low. A huge 3-dimensional tone can be found by running the presence around 2 o'clock. Pushing the "Presence" control to maximum will allow you to cut a sonic path through the mix by reinforcing your midrange and slightly rolling off the sub-bass. Trust us: REALLY check out the presence control to unleash the hidden secrets of the UBERSCHALL. The "Midrange" control is very interactive with all the other tone controls, you can go from a hollow scooped-mid setting to an aggressive in your face and on your throat kind of intensity. The "Bass" control allows almost a sub-harmonic low-end to be added, at high volumes be sure to keep the bass down a bit to keep your tone focused like a laser beam"
- Check this site for a video demos of the Bogner Uberschall pedal. It explains the amp controls clearly (same as the pedal equivalent)
- Use the Cut switch in the model if the bass is too booming. Or try another cabinet
- Cliff: "People think Bogners are dark but they really aren't. The reason they seem that way is the pot tapers. Most people assume knobs should be set somewhere around noon. If you do this on a Bogner it's like turning the treble way down on a Marshall. Close your eyes and adjust the tone controls with your ears. Don't be afraid to turn them way up or way down" Source
- Cliff: "Human nature is to put the knobs near noon. We are reticent to deviate much from noon. Amp designers exploit this and use different tapers to change the sound of their amps WITH THE KNOBS AT NOON. A prime example are Bogner amps. Everyone says "Bogner amps are dark". No they aren't. But he uses a Log10A taper for the treble pot. It's a standard Marshall tone stack. Usually a linear taper pot is used for the treble. The treble knob at 5.0 (noon) on a Bogner is equivalent to the treble knob at 1.0 on a Marshall. People put the knob at 5.0 and go "wow, this amp is dark". No it isn't. If you turned the treble up to 8 or 9 it would sound a lot like a Plexi but humans are reticent to turn the knobs to extremes. Amp designers know this and exploit it to give their amps a "signature sound"" Source
- Cliff: "The feedback circuit is responsible for the behavior of the Presence and Depth controls. Certain Bogners and Diezels have a unique type of feedback circuit. There are no new parameters and nothing to do except twist the Presence and Depth knobs to your desired tone. Note that an Uberschall doesn't have a Depth knob. The default Depth value when you select the Euro Uber model is equivalent to the amp's fixed depth circuit" Source
- Amp Of The Week forum thread
- Audio clip
FAS 6160 (based on Peavey 5150)
- Custom Fractal model, a modified version of the PVH 6160 - less fizzy than the original, with a bouncier feel
FAS BASS
- Custom Fractal bass mode. Active controls
FAS BROOTALZ
- Custom Fractal model, brings teh brootalz
- Cliff: "This amp was an accident. I was working on the Savage model and accidentally used the input stage from an SLO100. So it's the front end of an SLO100 with the back end of a Savage. It's probably an SLO100 power amp too but I'd have to check" Source
FAS BROWN
- Custom Fractal model, the original BROWN model from the Axe-Fx Standard/Ultra
FAS CLASS-A
- Firmware 12.03 release notes: "Added “FAS Class-A” amp model which is a “Blackface” preamp into a cathode-biased 6L6 power amp with no negative feedback. This was a happy accident when originally modeling the Carr Rambler in the beta version of this release. Several mistakes were made in the model prior to MIMIC’ing the amp but the model was so well liked that we decided to make it into its own custom amp model"
FAS CRUNCH
- Custom Fractal model, Fractal Audio's take on the ultimate British-sounding amp. More dynamic/open plus more gain
FAS LEAD 1
- Custom Fractal model, neutral high-gain lead with a tight midrange
FAS LEAD 2
- Custom Fractal model, hot-rodded British lead sound with a tonestack by Custom Audio Electronics
- Presumedly based on the Mesa Boogie Triaxis
FAS MODERN
- Custom Fractal model, a high-gain hybrid, equally well-suited to modern rhythm and lead work
- Cliff: "This model is my interpretation of the ideal modern metal tone. In the digital realm we are not constrained by the limitations that face tube amp designers so we are free to implement designs that would be nearly impossible with a tube amp. The Axe-Fx II modeling includes a variety of general purpose filters that I can place anywhere in the signal path. So I put some second-order filters in there to tighten up the tone. Implementing second-order filters in a real tube amp is difficult and costly so is rarely seen" Source
FAS MODERN II
- Tighter version of the popular FAS Modern model with a 5150-style bass boost in the tone stack
FAS MODERN III
- Similar to a Recto but with tighter bass and a cathode-biased power amp
FAS RHYTHM
- Custom Fractal model, combines the best features of the British and USA crunch models
FAS WRECK
- Custom Fractal model, the original WRECKER 1 model from the Axe-Fx Ultra
FOX ODS (based on Fuchs Overdrive Supreme)
- Based on: Fuchs Overdrive Supreme, based on an amp that's based on an amp. "ODS": Deep switch off, "DEEP": Deep switch on. Overdrive channel, 50w, 6L6. Both models are modeled with the Preamp Bypass (PAB) active. Speakers: G12-65 or EVM 12L
- Suggested cabs: Dumble, G12-65, EVM
- Original controls: Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), High (pull: mid boost), Mid (pull: gain boost), Low, Input (Axe-Fx: Over-Drive), Brite switch, Deep switch, Rock/Jazz switch, Master, Accent (presence/edge)
- Fuchs website
- Manual
- Demo
FOX ODS DEEP
- See above
FRIEDMAN BE (based on Friedman BE-100 Brown Eye / Hairy Brown Eye)
- Based on: amp by Dave Friedman of Rack Systems, what many call “the ultimate modded Plexi” by Dave Friedman of Rack Systems. HBE: the amp’s alternate voicing with a gain boost. A killer hi-gain tone in your arsenal. EL34, 50 or 100W. Speakers: G12M, G12H, V30
- Suggested cabs: V30, G12M, G12H, Marshall
- Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence. Switches: FAT (use Fat switch), C45, SAT (use Sat switch)
- Friedman website
- Demos: 1, 2
- This amp was previously named "Marsha"
- Premier Guitar review
- Cliff: "The BE/HBE has a fixed depth circuit that gives a lot of bass boost. The model defaults the Depth to match this" Source
- The HBE mode is a second input on the amp, with a preamp triode boost for additional gain
- Amp of the week forum thread
- Audio clip (BE)
- Audio clip (HBE)
FRIEDMAN HBE
- See above
FRYETTE D60 L (based on Fryette Deliverance Sixty)
- Based on: Fryette Amplification Deliverance Sixty in the "Less" resp. "More" mode. 60W, KT88. Speakers: Eminence P50E
- Suggested cabs: Fryette P50E
- Original controls: Gain 1 (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Gain 2 (Axe-Fx: Over-Drive), Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Depth, More/Less switch
- Manual
- Fryette website
- Wikipedia
- Fryette was formerly named VHT
- "Less" mode: 3 gain stages. "More" mode: 4 gain stages
- Audio demo
- Website about the Eminence P50E speaker: "The P50E speaker is custom built to SFD specifications by Eminence, and is only available from Steven Fryette Design, Inc. The P50E is not an OEM version of the Eminence Redcoat or Patriot series speaker lines. It is difficult to discuss the sonic characteristics of the P50E or any speaker for that matter, in isolation because so much of speaker behavior depends on the environment in which it is operating - that is to say, 2X12 cab, 4X12 cab, front-mount, rear-mount, wood type, construction style, playing volume, etc, etc. Having said all that lets talk about the P50E versus the popular Celestion Vintage 30 in a Fryette 4X12 FatBottom straight cab. The P50E is actually a 50-watt speaker. The V30, although officially rated at 60 watts is in reality closer to 75 watts. The P50E has a smaller magnet than the V30, which insures that the speaker will break up at lower amplifier power than a V30. However, the V30 has a more compliant suspension, which together with the larger magnet causes the speaker to move more-low end. This also causes more distortion in the higher frequencies contributing to a harsh top end. The highly compliant suspension makes it difficult for the speaker to track low frequencies especially at high volume levels and this causes a “woofy” sound when playing staccato chording (‘palm muting”). It is also partly why the P50E, although lower in power handling capacity, seems to produce about as much low end as a V30, yet with better control of the low end. The smaller magnet on the P50E also contributes to a softer, more natural sounding high-end response, which is not smeared out by the sloppy suspension, as is the case with the V30. Finally, the Fryette cabinet is a front loaded type, producing a more open, well-dispersed sound. Front mounting a V30 is less desirable as the harshness on the top end, which is normally masked in a rear-mounted enclosure, is now more audible. (...) Comparing the FatBottom to the Deliverance cabs, the FatBottom series cabs loaded with the P50 speaker is considered modern sounding and exhibits lots of projection, low-end control and excellent tonal detail. The Deliverance cab on the other hand will sound warmer, looser and sweeter than the FatBottom cab even though they use the same speaker. The Deliverance cab is designed to make the speaker fatter and warmer sounding, as might happen in a traditional 4X12 cab design, but without the traditional boomy, sloppy rattling low end" Source
FRYETTE D60 M
- See above
GIBSON SCOUT (based on Gibson Scout)
- Based on: Gibson GA17RVT Scout (1964). If you love vintage clean tones, this 17-watter got 'em. 17w, two inputs, 6AQ5 tube. Speaker: 1x10
- Suggested cabs: Fender 10", G12M
- Original controls: Reverb, Tremolo, Volume, no tone controls
HERBIE CH2- (based on Diezel Herbert)
- Based on: Diezel Herbert, 3-channel head (ch 2 with +/- modes), called looser and more familiar than the VH4. 180w, KT66. Speakers: V30 or G12K100
- Suggested cabs: V30, G12-100
- Original controls: Gain (not on channel 1), Bass, Middle (1 kHz), Treble, Master, Presence (> 3kHz), Deep (120Hz), Mid-Cut (not modeled), Gain Boost switch (not modeled)
- On the original amp channel 2- with gain at around 35% gives you a cranked Plexi tone, and at around 60% JCM800 tone. Channel 2+ gets you into VH4 territory
- Manual
- Diezel website: "It's main difference from the VH4 models are in voicing, circuit design, and general layout. Overall the Herbert has a more familiar, slightly looser feel than the VH4, without losing much of the Diezel signature definition and tightness. Simply put, the amp is a player's amp, forgiving and ready for whatever one's soul and mood desires"
- Wikipedia
- Demos
- Audio clip
- To reproduce the Herbert’s Mid Cut function: use a Peak EQ filter at 400 Hz with a Q of 1.4. Decrease its Gain until the desired scoop is achieved. Play with the Q to set the width of the scoop Source
HERBIE CH2+
- See above
HERBIE CH3
- See above
HIPOWER BRILLNT (based on Hiwatt DR103)
- Based on: Hiwatt DR103, an amp with an unique tone-stack and a brilliant chimey tone. Normal and Brilliant channels. 100w, 4 input, EL34s. Speakers: 4x12 Fane
- Suggested cabs: Fane
- Original controls: Volume, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble
- Hiwatt website
- Wikipedia
- Cliff: "I have a 1974 Hiwatt DR-103. The model is based on that. It is one of the Harry Joyce, Hylight era models. Still has the original tubes. Closet find and sounds glorious"
- Hiwatt DR103 review
- Need more gain? Use the Brilliant channel and crank the Master Volume and Drive
- The jumpered type is modeled with the 4 inputs jumpered
- Pete Townsend's settings
- Audio clip
HIPOWER JUMPED
- See above
HIPOWER NORMAL
- See above
HOT KITTY (based on Bad Cat Hot Cat 30r)
- Based on: Bad Cat Hot Cat 30r (channel 2), voted by Guitar Player as "the second best combo of all time". 30w, EL34, cathode bias. Speaker: Bad Cat proprietary Celestion
- Suggested cabs: Bad Cat Hot Kitty
- Original controls: Gain/Level, Bass, Middle, Treble, Brilliance (Axe-Fx: Hi-Cut), Edge (Axe-Fx: use Bright), Master
- Bad Cat website: "Hot Cat 30 and 30R are both built into the same 17", 16-gauge steel chassis. If Bad Cat has a flagship, this is it. We started with one of the nicest most touch responsive clean channel ever designed and added our 5-way tone selector, enabling the ability to tailor the amp to bright single coils or thick warm double coils. We've added a master volume that can be engaged and utilized to drive channel one into all shades from clean to soft pushed overdrive and beyond. The little secret that loyal users of the Hot Cat have known for years is that the clean channel crunches like the sounds found on vintage 70's vinyl. Channel two is a pure Class A EL34 high gain. The same sweet harmonically rich gain only now with an added mid-range knob to help you dial into a rich scooped thump"
- Manual
- Demos
- Audio clip
- The tone controls (Bass, Treble, Hi-Cut) are pretty radical. Don't hesitate to turn up Hi-Cit a lot (to make the tone less brittle)
JAZZ 120 (based on Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120)
- Based on: Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120, the only solid-state-based model in the collection; a quintessential clean tone. 120W (stereo: 2x 60W). Speakers: 2x12 "silver" Roland
- Suggested cabs: Roland 12", Fender 12"
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Bright switch. Chorus and Reverb controls
- Manual
- Roland website including video demo
- Wikipedia
- The real amp has no Master Volume. Try cranking the Master control
- Engage bright (disabled by default) to add some bite
JR BLUES (based on Fender Blues Junior)
- Based on: Fender Blues Jr., a gutsy little classic with dual EL84s. The Jr Blues Fat model is the same, with the Fat switch enabled. 15W. Speaker: C12N or P12R
- Suggested cabs: Fender 8" or 12"
- Original controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, Volume, FAT boost
- Fender website: "The 15-watt Blues Junior has long been a favorite grab-and-go tube amp perfect for the studio and small gigs that need a little extra growl and punch. This limited-edition model is covered in two-tone red and black vinyl, with black grille cloth and a top-mount black control panel with front-reading text. Other premium features include warm overdrive, real spring reverb, simple controls and a single 12" Eminence Wizard speaker that delivers gorgeous clean tone and warm, full British overdrive"
- Wikipedia: "The Blues Junior is a professional tube guitar amplifier introduced in 1995 by the Fender company. It is aimed at achieving the warm, tube-driven tone common in many styles of American blues and blues rock dating back to the 1950s, while remaining both portable and affordable. Fender frequently releases limited editions of the Blues Junior. All have the same electronic components [1] and specifications but have cosmetic changes and often a different speaker, at varying prices. The Fender Blues Junior is most similar to the Fender Blues Deluxe, which adds a "drive" channel, an effects loop, and uses 6L6GC output tubes for 40 watts of rated output.[2] The Fender Blues Junior was introduced after the Fender Pro Junior, but has entirely different circuitry other than EL84 output tubes rated at 15 watts"
- Use the JR Blues model with no Damping (no negative feedback) to make it sound like an Egnater Rebel 20. Cliff: "The Eggie is very similar to a Blues Jr. Basically the same preamp with some minor tweaks" Source
- Cliff: "The Blues Jr. amp has a fixed presence circuit" Source
JR BLUES FAT
- See above
MATCHBOX D-30 (based on Matchless DC-30)
- Based on: Matchless DC-30, 30w, Class-A, EL84. Modeled: channel 1 (12AX7), master volume bypassed. Speakers: G12H30 plus G12M
- Suggested cabs: Matchless, G12M+G12H
- Original controls on modeled channel 1: Volume, Master, Bass, Treble, Cut, Master (bypassed in modeled channel)
- DC stands for: dual combo. Current version is the C-30
- Matchless website
- Sample settings
- Wikipedia
- Cliff: "The DC-30 is basically an AC-30 copy. The voltages are a bit different but the topology is nearly identical. However, IMO, it does sound better. Not sure why. Perhaps the better quality components. AC-30's have kind of crappy OTs" Source
MR Z HWY 66 (based on Dr. Z Route 66)
- Based on: Dr. Z Route 66. 32w, KT66, EF86 and 12AX7
- Suggested cabs: V30+G12H
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble
- Dr. Z website: "This tube generates the "Milkshake Thick" tones, as heard on John Mayall’s "Bluesbreaker" album featuring Eric Clapton (the "Beano Album" as it is known to many). This is not a duplicate of the Marshall JTM-45, but completely original spin with new tonal end results. The Route 66 has an EF-86 front-end. For those not familiar with this tube, it is a 9 pin pentode that offers incredible gain and input dynamics. It is normally used in high-end stereos, most often for its accurate transfer of input signal, balance, and headroom. The Route 66 features a deceptively simple tone stack, consisting of Volume, Bass, and Treble, which feeds a non-negative feedback Phase Inverter, for true harmonic content and full output tube dynamics. It has a GZ-34 Tube Rectifier to complete the round enveloped tone. The amp has piano-like clarity with endless sustain, even at low volumes. Its 32 watts truly sing when driven hard in a focused, thick distortion, with the tightest bass response you've ever heard.
- Treble and bass operate regularly until 12:00, and dial in gain once turned past noon
- To put this amp into overdrive, crank all three controls (Volume, Treble, Bass), use humbuckers and possibly an overdrive pedal
- Manual
- Wikipedia
- Guitar Buyer review
MR Z MZ-38 (based on Dr. Z MAZ 38 SR)
- Based on: Dr. Z MAZ 38 SR, popular with country and roots players. EL84, 38W
- Suggested cabs: 1xG12H
- Original controls: Volume, Master, Bass, Mid, Treble, Cut, Reverb
- Manual
- Dr. Z website: "The Maz 38 is one of Dr Z's most enduring designs. It is the perfect combination of sound and power. 4 EL84s with no negative feedback give you a wide pallet to work from. The 38 has enough clean headroom to make for a great pedal platform and gives up the goods for a great drive sound at reasonable levels. The 38 can satisfy many different styles and playing approaches. You are able to dial in mid 60s blackface sounds as well as UK flavored chime. The Dr. Z MAZ-38 is a truly versatile amp for the working or studio musician. Whether your forte' is Blues, Country, Roots, or Rock, The MAZ 38 Senior will fit the bill"
- Wikipedia
- YouTube
- YouTube
- This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control
- Cliff: "Dr. Z is the quintessential country amp" Source
MR Z MZ-8 (based on Dr. Z MAZ 8)
- Based on: Dr. Z MAZ 8, a popular low-wattage, single-ended amp, EL84, 8W
- Suggested cabs: 1xG12H
- Original controls: Volume, Master, Bass, Mid, Treble, Cut, Reverb, Pentode/Triode switch
- Manual
- Dr. Z website: "Based on the modern day classic Maz 18 platform, the Maz 8 is set to become the new standard in single ended class A amps. If you are tired of thinking of ways to win the volume wars with sound guys, club owners, and recording engineers the Maz 8 is the solution. The Maz 8 is a full featured 8 watt amp that will give you an incredible range of shimmering cleans to full on rock action at reasonable volume levels. The Maz 8 gives you the true class A experience. The single EL84 output section can be run in Pentode or Triode mode. In Pentode mode you get the sonic signature of the Maz 18. The chimey top end and sweet low end bloom are all there, but at a significantly lower volume. The pentode setting gives you plenty of dynamic range for clean country picking to grinding riff rock bliss. You can even take it a step beyond with the footswitchable EQ bypass function. This gives you a great gain boost for effortless leads that will sustain for days. The Maz 8 takes on a much different dialect in triode mode with more of a vintage feel and sound. In triode, the volume level drops back and the tone fattens up making you think you plugged into a lost gem from the 1950s. Kicking on the EQ bypass in triode mode will have you reaching for your slide in no time. The front panel features Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb, Master, and the ever versatile cut control. Think of the cut control as a tone knob for the output section. The 1x12 comes standard with a Celestion H30 speaker"
- This amp has no negative feedback (Damping is 0), therefore Presence turns into a Hi-Cut control
- Cliff: "Dr. Z is the quintessential country amp" Source
- Wikipedia
- Review of 8-watter in Premier Guitar
NUCLEAR-TONE (based on Swart Atomic Space Tone)
- Based on: Swart Atomic Space Tone, a cool little, gritty, stylishly retro all-tube combo. Try the Bias Trem! 20w, 6V6, Lo and Hi inputs. Speaker: G12M
- Suggested cabs: Atomic/Nuclear, G12M
- Original controls: Volume, Tone (Axe-Fx: Treble), and reverb and tremolo controls
- Swart website: "This amplifier has 20w of twin 6V6 power in high Class A biased AB and brings some of the most soulful, rich, near three-dimensional tone you have ever heard. This has to be one of the most expressive amplifiers made to our knowledge, and we've tried more than a few. TUBE REVERB and TUBE TREMOLO, something virtually nonexistent in today's marketplace, is just part of the picture. Includes a 12" Custom British Vintage Series BV-25m that screams TONE with body and soul; This amp has excellent breakup (wait till you hear the samples). This all new circuit is housed in a lacquered TWEED pine cab with dark Tweed panels. This amp is in its own league." And: "The idea of the Atomic Space Tone hit me when I was working on a vintage Gibson Scout guitar amp. It had Reverb, Tremolo, and 15 watts of pure rocking vintage tone power but only three preamp tubes and two EL-84 output tubes. I thought to my self - I have never seen an amp that could do so much with so little and sound surprisingly good. But I knew it could be even better. I knew something could be built revolving around my favorite little tone generator, the 6V6. I sent a note of thanks to my cohort for the inspiration for one of the best amplifiers I have ever built and the only thing I have found to equal the soul and amazing tone of the ST-6V6se but with MORE power"
- Firmware 10 release notes: "Based on a Swart Atomic Space Tone. As with the actual amp the bias tremolo is particularly effective"
- Manual
- Audio samples
- Video
- Cliff: "It's unique character comes from the PI. It's a cathodyne phase inverter so it doesn't drive the grids as hard" Source
ODS-100 CLEAN (based on Dumble OD Special)
- Based on: Dumble OD Special, HRM version, serial number 213. A coveted but rare amp brand made famous by Robben Ford. Clean and OD channel. 6L6. "HRM" models: based on HRM-version of circuit. "Ford 1/Ford 2" models: based on the non-HRM version of the ODS-100. "Md/Mid" models: mid-boost switch engaged. Speakers: G12-65, EVM 12L
- Suggested cabs: Dumble, G12-65, EVM
- Original controls: Volume (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Bass, Middle, Treble, Overdrive Level (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Ratio (the Master Volume for the overdrive channel), Master Volume, Presence, Bright switch, Mid boost switch, Preamp boost (PAB)
- Wikipedia
- Previous to firmware 10 the ODS models were based on the Bludotone Ojai (now a separate model)
- Firmware 10 release notes: "The ODS-100 models were redone and matched to a Dumble Overdrive Special, S/N 0213. This particular amp is a 100W “HRM” version. The lead channel was matched with the preamp bypass (PAB) engaged which bypasses the input tone stack. Note that the clean channel has a bright cap on the Master Volume. This causes the tone to get brighter as the MV is reduced and vice-versa"
- Cliff: "The ODS100 has two drive controls, one is right at the input, the other is in the lead boost section"
- Cliff: "I hate to admit it but there is something special about a real Dumble. I don't know what it is but there is something in the voicing. The various clones I have are cool and have their own thing going but they don't sound like the Dumble. Hard amp to play though. Very unforgiving but tremendous clarity" Source
- Cliff: "They call HRM "Hot Rubber Monkey" but what it really means is "Hot Rod Marshall". The HRM Dumbles have a fixed Marshall tone stack at the output of the lead channel. This gives a little scoop to the mids" Source
- Pictures of Robben Ford's amp settings: 1, 2
- Cliff: "The default tone stack in Lead 2 is neutral. With all tone controls at noon the response is flat" Source
- Firmware 17:
- "Changed name of “ODS-100 Lead” and “ODS-100 Lead Mid” to “ODS-100 HRM” and “ODS-100 HRM Mid” respectively to indicate that they are based on the “HRM” version of the ODS circuit. The names of the “ODS-100 Lead 2” and “ODS-100 Lead 3” models have been changed to “ODS-100 Ford 1” and “ODS-100 Ford 2” respectively to indicate that they are based on the “non-HRM” version of the ODS circuit."
- "All the ODS-100 models have been redone and re-MIMIC’d based on errors found in the models (wrong negative feedback values)."
ODS-100 FORD 1
- See above
ODS-100 FORD 2
- See above
ODS-100 FORD MD
- See above
ODS-100 HRM
- See above
ODS-100 HRM MID
- See above
PLEXI 100W HIGH (based on Marshall Super Lead 1959, 100w)
- Based on: Marshall Super Lead 1959, the classic "Plexi" amp head that gave rise to “the stack”. '69 100w and '72 50w heads. Normal channel and Treble (High) channel, 4 inputs. EL34. Speakers: G12M, G12H, G12L
- Suggested cabs: Marshall, G12M, G12H, G12L
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence
- Marshall website
- Manual
- Wikipedia
- Cliff (about the Plexi model in the Standard/Ultra): "One of the first mods people make to real 'Plexi' Marshalls is to "clip the bright cap". The bright cap varied over the years, supposedly depending on what was lying around in the shop. The model defaults to the bright cap in the circuit. If you turn off Bright you're effectively clipping the bright cap. The bright cap in Marshalls can be very bright and harsh. However, if you crank the Master you might find the extra brightness helps compensate for the power amp getting darker"
- Cliff: "It's the way a Plexi is supposed to sound. That's due to the cathode follower. That raspiness helps it cut through in a mix. I own three of them and they are that fizzy" Source
- Try diming all controls, except Presence (set to taste) and Bass (low or off)
- Cliff: "Don't be afraid to turn the bass all the way down or the treble all the way up. Just like with the actual amp. For example, on the normal channel of a Plexi most people turn the bass way down. Otherwise it's too flubby"
- Try the Brit JM45 tonestack to get a modded Plexi tone
- The jumpered types were modeled with the 4 inputs jumpered
- Plexi demo
- Audio clip ('68 50w, Variac)
- Audio clip (José mod)
PLEXI 100W JUMP
- See above
PLEXI 100W NRML
- See above
PLEXI 50W HIGH (based on Marshall Super Lead 1959, 50w)
- See above
PLEXI 50W JUMP
- See above
PLEXI 50W NRML
- See above
PRINCE TONE (based on Fender Princeton)
- Based on various Fender Princeton amplifiers: one without reverb, a '66 reverb edition and a tweed version. Circuits: 5F2-A, AA964 (modeled after early CBS “Silverface” model, pre-CBS design and components). Class A, 6V6, low wattage, single-ended power section. Speakers: Jensen C10N
- Suggested cabs: Fender Princeton
- Original controls: Volume, Tone (Axe-Fx: Treble)
- Fender website
- Wikipedia
- Fenderguru.com: "The Princeton Reverb is the smallest blackface/silverface Fender amp with both tremolo and reverb. With a 10 inch speaker run by a 12-15W dual 6V6 amp, it delivers a true “American” Fender tone with punchy, responsive lows together with chimey highs. When it is cranked it tends to sound a bit “browner” than the bigger two-channel amps, meaning more breakup in the lower frequencies and mid-focused tone. Much of this is due to an unefficient phase inverter circuit design. Compared to many bigger Fender amps the Princeton Reverb (PR) went through the CBS/silverface periods with very little changes. Originally the Princeton Reverb came with Jensen C10N, C10r, Oxford 10L5 or Oxford 10J4. Personally we favor the vintage Jensen C10n speakers due to the huge clean tone and big bottom end caused by the large magnet and 1,5″ voice coil. A vintage 1966 Jensen C10n matches the amp and cabinet size perfectly and you get a classic, scooped fender blackface tone from a little amp. Personally we mostly play our Princeton Reverbs at volume 5-6 with a decent amount of tube amp distortion (caused by preamp, power amp, transformers, rectifier all together). The amp delivers a thick sustaining tone where single notes are clean and chords are crunchy. A 12″ speaker will push more air and give you a bigger sound with more low ends, particularly more lower mids. A 12″ can normally handle more power than a 10″ at both lower and higher frequencies. The 12″ speaker is slightly harder to drive and if you’re really into a soft touch and finger tips you’ll probably appreciate the dynamics of a 10″ more than with a 12″. An interesting effect with 12″ speakers is the “3D” sound effect. While 10″ speakers can be front directional (depending on cabinet also) there is a better spread with 12″ speakers which contributes to a better sound on stage. People will hear you better wherever they are positioned relatively to the amp. A 15″ speaker has even more spread and it will cut through skin and bone. We have never heard anyone who upgraded to a 12″ go back to 10″. The Princeton Amp is often misinterpreted as a Princeton Reverb without reverb. Just by looking at the front panel and the knob functions it might seem so. A closer study of the circuit design will reveal that the Princeton Reverb has an extra gain stage (one half of the 12AX7 V3 tube) just after the dry and the wet reverb signals are mixed. This means that there is one extra tube stage that can cause preamp gain and contribute to the tone with sustaining harmonics, compression and sag. Hence, the Princeton-Amp is cleaner than the Princeton-Reverb when the volume is pushed beyond 3-4. The volume knob is less sensitive on the Princeton Amp, and you can play them on volume 7-8 still sounding clean"
- ToneQuest: Under 40 Watt of Whoop Ass: "Hey, that’s a practice amp you say, and you’re right, PRs are not widely recognized as gigging amps. However, under the right conditions, this amp will work extremely well in a small room. Like the Deluxe Reverb, Princetons were equipped with an inefficient 10" speaker. Same thing goes with this as with the Deluxe Reverb’s original speaker. Remove it and install a bigger, more efficient 10", or even better by far, get a 12" Jensen reissue or other efficient speaker with a ceramic magnet. Installing a 12" will involve cutting a new baffle board from three-quarter inch plywood, transferring the original grill cloth and saving the original baffleboard just in case you ever want to sell the amp. But believe me when I tell you the extra work and expense are definitely worth it. An efficient 12" speaker in a properly biased and maintained Princeton will change your tone—lovin’ life forever. Still another option for the Princeton is to use a second cabinet with a larger speaker. My 15" SRO sounds incredibly fine with this amp"
PRINCE TONE NR
- See above
PRINCE TONE REV
- See above
PVH 6160 BLOCK (based on Peavey EVH 5150 "Block Letter")
- Based on: Peavey EVH 5150 "block letter", the high-input lead channel of an amp named after the criminally insane. 6L6, 120W. Speakers: Sheffield 1200
- Suggested cabs: 5150, G12M, G12H
- Original controls: pre- and post-Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, Resonance
- Wikipedia
- Information about the 5150 amp
- Firmware 10 release notes: "Based on “Block Letter” EVH 5150. This model has been renamed PVH 6160 Block”
- Cliff: "I have a "holy grail" Block Letter 5150 (supposedly). It sounds way better than most 5150s for some reason which is a good thing for you guys. I think it's partly due to the fact that it has a bias mod so it's biased a bit warmer than a stock version" Source
PVH 6160 II (based on Peavey 6505+)
- Based on: Peavey 6505+ (identical to the EVH II), called the new standard for "brutality and agression". 6L6, 120w. Speaker: Sheffield 1200
- Suggested cabs: 5150, G12M, G12H
- Original controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Resonance, Pre (Drive), Post (Master)
- Peavey website
- Manual
- Cliff: "Chris Quigley's 6505 was the reference amp. It's my amp now. It's a very good sounding one" Source
RECTO1 ORG MDRN (based on Mesa Dual Rectifier, 2-channel)
- Based on: original 2-channel (Recto1) and 3-channel (Recto2) Dual Rectifier, high-gain masterpieces with crushing power and tighness. 6L6. Orange and Red channels in Normal, Vintage and Modern modes. Speakers: Recto, V30
- Suggested cabs: 4x12 V30, 4x12 Classic Lead 80
- Original controls: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence/HiCut (see below)
- Manual
- Mesa website
- Wikipedia
- Cliff: "Real Rectos are bassy/fizzy beasts but that tone works great for certain genres" Source
- Firmware 10 release notes: "The Modern modes are highly sensitive to MV setting. Higher MV settings result in more midrange focus while lower MV settings produce a more scooped tone. It is recommended to experiment with the MV setting to achieve the desired tone while compensating for the level increase/decrease with the Level control"
- Demo
- Cliff: "If you are using the Modern modes be very careful with the MV. If you turn it up too high it will flub out really quick. If in doubt reduce the MV. Compensate with the Level control" Source
- Cliff: "The Modern mode in Rectos has no negative feedback so there's a huge bass boost from the speaker impedance. Fortunately you can reduce this by reducing the LF Resonance on the Spkr tab which is something you can't do with the real amp without trying different speakers or cabinet" Source
- Many players prefer the original 2-channel Recto to the 3-channel version
- Firmware 14:
- Improved Recto models tone stack accuracy. The Recto models now use an exact digital replica of the unique tone control network used in those amps. Furthermore the Presence control now operates like the actual amp in all models (i.e. for those models where there is no negative feedback the Presence control is actually part of the tone stack). NOTE: If the power amp modeling is defeated the Presence control usually operates as a shelving filter with noon being neutral. For the Recto models where the Presence control is part of the tone stack this will not be the case. The Presence control will continue to act as it does when the power amp modeling is active since it is part of the preamp. Due to the above, all Recto1 and Recto2 models have been re-MIMIC’d
- Added “Recto1 Org Mdrn” amp model based on the Orange channel of an original Dual Rectifier with the “Channel Cloning” switch set to “Org to Modern”. NOTE: Unlike the actual amp the Presence knob is effective in this model (in the actual amp the Presence knob has very little effect). When set to zero the Presence matches the actual amp at zero. When set to about 1.0 it matches the actual amp at full
- By selecting Recto Modern, the damping parameter doesn't default to 0 (zero). Cliff: "That is intentional. It's a software trick to force the model not to use Hi Cut but Presence instead. That amount of feedback is inaudible" Source
- Amp-Of-The-Week forum thread
- It's a bassy amp. Decrease bass and/or use Cut
- Cliff: "Depth works by varying the negative feedback at low frequencies. There is no NFB in the Modern Red mode so the Depth knob won't do anything. NFB is set to 0.01 just to fool the GUI into displaying Presence instead of HiCut below the left knob." And: "When you put a Recto into Modern Red mode it opens a relay which removes the NFB" Source
- Audio clip
- Cliff: "All passive tone controls interact and all the Axe-Fx tone stacks replicate this behavior. The unique thing about a Dual Recto tone stack is that the Presence control is part of the tone stack. So the Recto tone controls also interact with the presence control" Source
RECTO1 ORG NRML
- See above
RECTO1 RED MDRN
- See above
RECTO2 ORG MDRN (based on Mesa Dual Rectifier, 3-channel)
- See above
RECTO2 ORG VINTG
- See above
RECTO2 RED MDRN
- See above
RECTO2 RED VNTG
- See above
RUBY ROCKET (based on Paul Ruby Rocket)
- Based on: Paul Ruby Rocket, a Trainwreck Rocket clone (similar to a Vox). EL84. Speakers: Alnico
- Suggested cabs: Alnico, G12M
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Cut
- Paul Ruby website
- Trainwreck Rocket information
- Trainwreck Rocket video
- Cliff: "The Ruby Rocket is not the same as an actual Trainwreck Rocket. There are topology differences and the amps don't sound the same." Source
SHIVER CLN (based on Bogner Shiva)
- Based on: Bogner Shiva Clean, 20th Anniversary model with KT88 tubes (source)
- Clean: powerful shimmering cleans. Lead: a sweet, rich-sounding amp with aggressive, English-style midrange punch. KT88. Speakers: V30, G12M
- Suggested cabs: Bogner, V30, G12M
- Original controls for Clean channel: Bass, Treble, Volume, Master, Presence, Bright switch (less to none effective the higher Drive is set). Original controls for Lead channel: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume, Master, Presence, Bright switch (less effective the higher Drive is set but still noticeable). "Boost" Mode and "Shift" controls on the original amp are not modeled (use Input Trim as Boost)
- Manual
- Bogner website
- Audio samples
- Wikipedia
- It's a dark amp, engage the Bright switch, or increase Presence
- Cranking Master Volume works well with the clean channel
- Review in Premier Guitar
- Cliff: "People think Bogners are dark but they really aren't. The reason they seem that way is the pot tapers. Most people assume knobs should be set somewhere around noon. If you do this on a Bogner it's like turning the treble way down on a Marshall. Close your eyes and adjust the tone controls with your ears. Don't be afraid to turn them way up or way down" Source
- Cliff: "Human nature is to put the knobs near noon. We are reticent to deviate much from noon. Amp designers exploit this and use different tapers to change the sound of their amps WITH THE KNOBS AT NOON. A prime example are Bogner amps. Everyone says "Bogner amps are dark". No they aren't. But he uses a Log10A taper for the treble pot. It's a standard Marshall tone stack. Usually a linear taper pot is used for the treble. The treble knob at 5.0 (noon) on a Bogner is equivalent to the treble knob at 1.0 on a Marshall. People put the knob at 5.0 and go "wow, this amp is dark". No it isn't. If you turned the treble up to 8 or 9 it would sound a lot like a Plexi but humans are reticent to turn the knobs to extremes. Amp designers know this and exploit it to give their amps a "signature sound"" Source
- Amp of the Month Thread AOTM
- Cliff: "The original Shiva models were based on a borrowed amp. We now have a 20th Anniversary Shiva (with KT88s) and the new models are based on that amp. We did notice that this amp has less gain than the one used originally but the model is faithful to the amp" Source
SHIVER LD
- See above
SOLO 100 CLEAN (based on Soldano SLO-100)
- Based on: Soldano SLO-100 (Super Lead Overdrive), noted for its hot-rod chrome chassis and aggressive rhythm tone. Normal (Clean / Crunch) and snarling Lead channel, 100W, 6L6. Speakers: 12" Eminence
- Suggested cabs: Soldano, EVM
- Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Presence, Bright switch (Normal channel)
- Soldano website: "While setting that standard (we’ve been told) we created a modern classic. Unchanged in over twenty years, the SLO’s remarkable sound, award-winning innovative design, and flawless construction make it simply the finest amplifier money can buy. And the SLO’s tone, construction, and reliability have made it the heart and soul of many of Rock, Metal, and Electric Blues’ most creative and celebrated players. It’s because of this that you’ve been hearing the SLO 100 on your favorite records since 1987. From Clapton to Van Halen, from Warren DeMartini to Lou Reed – and from you to Mike Soldano himself, the SLO is simply the player’s choice. The SLO-100 offers two channels, Normal and Overdrive, each with independent Preamp gain and Master Volume controls. The Normal channel has a Bright switch and a Clean / Crunch gain selector switch. Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence controls provide the tone shaping"
- Wikipedia
- Cliff: "The SLO-100 is the loudest amp I've ever used. It feels like there's a small nuclear explosion going off inside when ever you hit a power chord. It's a wicked amp but not something I would recommend for anything but large gigs. If you like the SLO-100 model you might want to try the Recto models too. It's not widely known but the Rectifier preamp is a derivative of the SLO-100. Some minor changes but the basic topology is identical"
- Cliff: "I have a really good SLO-100. An original black faceplate version. Pristine condition. That amp was one of the primary amps used in the G2 modeling development. It was by studying that and a really nice JCM-800 that I finally figured out the secret to cathode follower" Source
- Cliff: "Many people find SLOs too bright. The "Warren Haynes" mod is a popular mod to reduce the brightness" Source
- Emulating Warren Hayes' tone
- Cliff (talking about the Depth control, firmware 10): "Mine doesn't have the depth mod but I used the values from the schematic I have and I believe the schematic is correct" Source
- Cliff: "SLOs are brittle at low volumes. When you crank them up it smooths out. The problems is at cranked volumes they can kill small animals" Source
- Cliff: "The key to an SLO100 is to run the MV high so that the mids thicken up. Otherwise it's a shrill mess. In certain contexts with the right IR it can be a cool sound." Source
- Carol-AnnAmps: "The secret of the SLO is the arch enemy of most you guys, volume. It has to be run hard with less preamp gain. It transforms into a gorgeous amp like that. It was designed as a large stage/stadium amp. Cue Warren Haynes. Running one at your local pub is going to give results that are very thin and buzzy. I would imagine the best tones from the axe model will probably be achieved by increasing the master and backing off the preamp, just like the real deal." Source Cliff: "Yup, this is why the MV defaults to a higher setting than other MV amps" Source
- Cliff: "Note that the knobs on '5' on the Axe-Fx correspond to '6' on an SLO because they go to 11. 'Noon' on an SLO isn't actually the knobs at half-way. The range of the knobs is like 8:00 to 6:00 as opposed to 7:00 to 5:00. They're biased clockwise" Source
- Cliff: "Another caveat when comparing amps: many times the knobs aren't "centered". IOW if you put the Treble knob at noon it isn't actually at 50%. You can see this by turning the knob all the way down and all the way up. It may not be symmetrical. This happens when the pots don't have a flat spot and/or the pot is rotated within the mounting hole. Or in the case of an SLO100 it is intentional. On an SLO100 all the way down is around 8:00 and all the way up is 6:00 so 50% is around 1:00 not noon" Source
- Audio clip
SOLO 100 LEAD
- See above
SOLO 100 RHY
- See above
SOLO 88 LEAD (based on Soldano X88)
- Based on: the lead resp. rhythm channel of a Soldano X88R preamp, 6L6
- Suggested cabs: n/a
- Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume
- Soldano website
- Wikipedia
- Cliff: "Solo 88 RHY is based on an X88R since the rhythm channel of an X99 is identical to an SLO 100. FWIW, I have two X88Rs and the model agrees with both" Source
SOLO 88 RHYTHM
- See above
SOLO 99 CLEAN (based on Soldano X99)
- Based on: the clean and lead channels of a Soldano/Caswell midi-motorized Soldano X99 preamp. 6L6
- Suggested cabs: n/a
- Original controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume
- Soldano website
- Wikipedia
- Cliff: "The rhythm channel of an X99 is identical to a SLO 100" Source
SOLO 99 LEAD
- See above
SPAWN NITROUS (based on Splawn Nitro)
- Based on: Splawn Nitro, lots of saturation and big lows. Overdrive channel, 100w. Speakers: G12M, G12-65, V30
- Suggested cabs: G12M, G12-65, V30
- Original controls: Resonance, Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Gain
- Splawn website: "All the Splawn tone with more saturation and voiced for a bigger low end and low mids"
- Manual
- Audio samples
- Review in iGuitar
- Audio clip
- Audio clip
SPAWN ROD OD-1-1 (based on Splawn Quickrod)
- Based on: Splawn Quick Rod, an amp with bold body and a bit of bite. 100w, EL34, clean and overdrive channels, 3 modes (1st gear = Plexi, 2nd gear = Hot Rod JCM 800, 3rd gear = Super Hot Rod 800). OD-2: additional gain boost. Speakers: G12M, G12-65, V30
- Suggested cabs: G12M, G12-65, V30
- Original controls: Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Solo, Volume, Gain, Mode
- Splawn website: "Signature Splawn tone with lots of bite, strong mids and 3 gear versatility"
- Manual
- Audio samples
- Cliff: "The reason Splawns sound weird is because the tone stack is plate driven. You lose the cathode follower compression and the high source resistance of the plate alters the tone stack frequency response. The plate driven tone stack in the Splawn reduces the highs considerably. You can see this is you run Tone Stack Calculator for the Marshall tone stack and increase the source resistance" Source
- Audio clip
- Audio clip
- Cliff: "OD2 switches in a cathode bypass cap which increases the gain of that stage" Source
- Cliff: "The Quick Rod is a bit odd in that the Drive pot is linear taper. Most amps use an audio taper pot. This means that at noon the amp is nearly at full gain. Not sure why they did it that way but it is what it is" Source
SPAWN ROD OD1-2
- See above
SPAWN ROD OD1-3
- See above
SPAWN ROD OD2-1
- See above
SPAWN ROD OD2-2
- See above
SPAWN ROD OD2-3
- See above
SUHR BADGER 18 (based on Suhr Badger)
- Based on: Suhr Badger, 18w and 30w models, single channel. The 18w has a EL-84 powered tube rectifier. The 30w has a solid state rectifier and EL34 tubes. Speakers: V30
- Suggested cabs: V30, G12M
- Original controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, Power (controls Power Scaling), Drive (acts as Master with Power at 10)
- When increasing Gain, turn down Bass
- Suhr website
- See website for suggested settings
- Manual Badger 30
- Manual Badger 18
- Badger 30 demo by Pete Thorn
- Demo by Haar Guitars
- Cliff: "The Badgers were MIMIC'd with power scaling at full. The knobs are a bit confusing on a Badger. The knob closest to the input jack is labeled "Gain". It is equivalent to the Drive knob in the Axe. The knob labeled Drive is the Master Volume" Source
- For 100% clean sounds, use the Badger 30 instead of the Badger 18
- Firmware 17.03: "Note that these amps do not have Hi-Cut controls and the Hi-Cut control in the model is therefore non-functional"
SUHR BADGER 30
- See above
SUPER 6G4 (based on Fender Super 6G4)
- Based on: brown-era '60 Fender Super, 6G4 circuit, 40w, 6L6, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channel, no reverb. Speakers: 2x10 Jensen P10R, P10Q, Oxford 10K5
- Suggested cabs: Fender 2x10"
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Presence, vibrato controls
- Wikipedia
- Ampwares
- Similar to a Fender Concert but more portable and known for its overdriven sound
SUPER VERB (based on Fender Super Reverb)
- Based on: pre-CBS 1964 blackface Fender Super Reverb, AB763 circuit, 6L6, 40w, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channel. Speakers: 4x10 Jensen C10R, C10Q, P10R
- Suggested cabs: Fender 4x10"
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Bright switch, tremolo controls
- Fender website: "This faithful recreation of the legendary Blackface Super Reverb of 1963-1968 is a must-have for vintage enthusiasts and Stratocaster guitar slingers, but players of all styles enjoy its shimmering tone. The 45-watt Super Reverb’s medium output and stage-filling sound make it the perfect amp to crank up for club gigs or the concert stage. Features include dual 6L6 Groove Tubes output tubes, one 5AR4 rectifier tube, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 tubes, four 10” 8-ohm Jensen P10R speakers with alnico magnets, dual channels (normal and vibrato), tube-driven Fender reverb, tube vibrato, two-button footswitch for reverb and vibrato on-off, black textured vinyl covering with silver grille cloth, and tilt-back legs"
- Wikipedia
- Fenderguru.com: "The AB763 Super Reverb is a very popular Fender amp due to the huge tone, robustness and the pure tone from the traditional blackface AB763 amp design. The AB763 design is also to be found in some silverface amps between 1967 and 1969. The later silverface circuits were changed further by CBS to become cleaner, harder and thinner sounding, specially if one compares amps at the same volume and EQ setting. If you’re into sparkling clean tones, a silverface can do the job just as well as a blackface amp. The blackfaces have more growl and a distorted, cranked tone. It is heavy to carry with the 4×10″ speakers and massive iron transformers. The height also makes it difficult to carry, making you sweat when hauling it between gigs. It’s a big sounding amp with a potential for being very loud and bassy given the right (wrong) speakers. The nature of the 4×10″ speaker configuration is a directional tone with screaming treble right forwards and backwards and unfortunately little spread. A lot of deep bass is produced by the bigt cabinet while the important mids are fairly low, a scooped tone. Many players are stupid and increase the volume to compensate for the lack of spread and mids. This will introduce even more bass and sharp treble. Playing the Super Reverb is not supposed to be easy… Despite all the difficultness with this amp there will occasionally be gigs, perhaps outdoors or at a big stage, where the amp won’t hurt anyone in a radius of 3 meters. You are allowed to turn the volume beoynd 4 where the amp comes alive. We remember these occasions as our happiest musical moments. The notes bounce off our strings and we are musically and physically connected with the amp just using the pick attack and guitar volume to roll back and switch between rythm and solo. Perhaps a transparent boost pedal to take us into David Gilmour land with sustain, harmonics and a creamy tone. You can physically feel the dynamic response from one of the best vintage Fender amps of them all. But only if you know how to tame this beast"
- Cliff: "I modeled the Super with V1 pulled as most people pull V1 so the amp has more grunt. Turn down the MV to make it cleaner"
- Cliff: "The Super Reverb model is "Diaz Modded". IOW, I pulled V1. This gives the amp a lot more gain so it's not surprising you're getting breakup at around 1.5. You can un-mod the model by turning down the MV Trim to around 0.5" Source
- Several forum members recommend using the "Magic Six" settings: Volume 6, Treble 6, Middle 3, Bass 2 (6, 6, and 3x2=6). And Bright switched on
- Cliff: "A Pro Reverb is basically identical to a Super Reverb except for the speakers (and faceplate)." Source And: "The Blackface Pro Reverb, model AA165, was virtually identical to the AB763 Super Reverb except for the speakers and tone stacks. If you use the Super Verb model and set the Tone Stack type to Blackface you'll basically have a Pro Reverb. Set the Mid control fairly high to emulate the fixed 6.8K mid resistor. I'd say around 7 or 8" Source
- Try Drive around 6, Bright disengaged and Treble turned up
SUPERTWEED
- Ported model from the Ultra: Deluxe Tweed on stereoids
- Suggested cabs: Fender 12", Alnico
- This amp, like the original, starts to distort at low volume levels. Don't hesitate to set Input Drive really low, i.e. "0.75"
- It has loads of bass, so use the Cut switch or cut bass in another way
SUPREMO TREM (based on Supro 1964T)
- Based on: Supro 1964T, a cool classic, built in Chicago by Valco, originally inteded for bass. 6973 tubes. Speakers: 6" oval speaker, 12" or 15" Jensen
- Suggested cabs: Supro, Fender 12" or 15"
- Original controls: Volume, Tone (Axe-Fx: Treble)
- Youtube
- Firmware 10 release notes: "Renamed “SUPER TREM” model to “SUPREMO TREM” to avoid confusion with other models"
- It's a very bright amp. Use Tone (Treble) to tame it
SV BASS (based on Ampeg SVT)
- Based on: Ampeg SVT, a bass head used for decades by famous bassists the world over. Super Vacuum Tube bass amp, 6550 tubes, 300W. Speakers: 8x10
- Suggested cabs: bass cabs
- Original controls: Gain, Bass, Mid (and Mid Frequency), Treble, Master
- Ampeg website
- Manual
THORDENDAL MDRN (based on Fredrik Thordendal’s specifications)
- Based on: Fredrik Thordendal’s (Meshuggah) specifications, two modes, 6L6
- Suggested cabs: n/a
- Original controls: n/a
- Cliff: "It's not a DAR model. It's a custom model based on input from Fredrik" Source
THORDENDAL VINT
- See above
TREMOLO LUX (based on Fender AA763 Tremolux)
- Based on a Fender AA763 Tremolux. 6L6, high and low inputs, 6L6, Normal and Vibrato channels. Speakers: 2x10"
- Suggested cabs: Fender 2x10"
- Original controls (Vibrato channel): Volume, Bright switch, Treble, Bass, Tremolo controls
- Fender website
- Fenderguru.com: "The blackface Fender Tremolux was produced just a few years between 1963 and 1966 and had one circuit model; the blackface Tremolux AA763. In terms of power and clean headroom it is the smallest of all the Fender piggy back amps. Its history is much less complex than the bigger Bassman and Bandmaster amps who experienced a rapid development in terms of different circuit models and tube configurations. The blackface Tremolux and Bandmaster (AB763) are almost identical amps, just that the Tremolux is sized for smaller events and gigs. The Tremolux had tube rectifier, while the blackface Bandmaster had diode. Both amps had tremolo but no reverb. The Tremolux speaker cabinet was 2×10″ and not 2×12″. The Tremolux had smaller transformers (power and output) than the Bassman and Bandmaster. All these things add up to an amp with less volume, less clean headroom and more sag/compression; a more forgiving tone. What does the blackface Tremolux sound like? It feels very much like the blackface Bandmaster, the normal channel of the Vibrolux Reverb and Pro Reverb or the normal channel of the earliest blackface Bassman (AA864). The sound is nice and clean and the tone remains relatively clean when one turns the volume knob. One does not reach the sweet spot as early as with the Reverb-amps with an additional gain stage in the preamp section. The Tremolux uses only one 12ax7 tube in the preamp section in both channels before the signal enters the phase inverter. The Tremolux is appreciated for its simple and basic circuit. A less complicated circuit means fewer things that can go wrong, less component drift issues, it’s easier to service and has less potential for noise problems. The Tremolux is rarer than the other blackface piggy back amps since it was produced over a shorter period of time. It was discontinued in 1966 and had no silverface models to follow. All the narrow-panel tweed, blonde and blackface Tremoluxes are very valuable today with a well-deserved collector status. The 2×10″ closed cabinet that came with the Tremolux is practically sized and performs well on most stages. Oxfords or CTS speakers were delivered with these cabinets in the blackface years. A 2×10″ cabinet is easier to carry around than a 2×12″ cabinet, and with the right (wrong) speakers it can almost get as loud as the twelves just with less spread, lower bass and mids. Jumping channels in the AA763 Tremolux can give you a wider spectrum of tones than by using just one channel. You may for example use the normal channel to deliver the bass tones and the vibrato channel for sparkling clean sound with bright switch on and zero bass. This will give you an full and meaty tone which you won’t get using just one channel. The Tremolux came without a mid pot"
- Turn up Drive. Try disengaging Bright and turning up Treble
TUBE PRE
- Based on: a completely neutral, low-gain tube preamp, useful for “warming up” various sources or to act as a power amplifier
- Suggested cabs: n/a
- Cliff: "The Tube Pre model is neutral. The "Vintage" tone stack is flat. The Tube Pre model uses the Vintage tone stack. The Vintage tone stack is a passive EQ model but it has a flat response when the controls are at noon. If you want "active" EQ you need to set the type to Active Source
- Because it's neutral you can use the Tube Pre if you need power amp simulation without a preamp. More info
TWO STONE J35 1 (based on Two-Rock Jet 35)
- Based on: Two-Rock Jet 35, 35w tube amp, 6L6. Model 1: lead mode, Preamp Bypass engaged (Bypass switch bypasses the input tone stack to give a more focused lead sound. Model 2: lead mode, Preamp Bypass off. Speakers: G12-65
- Suggested cabs: Dumble, G12-65, EVM
- Original controls: Treble, Mid, Bass, Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Gain), Master, Lead Gain (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), pull bright
- Two-Rock website
- Manual
- Two-Rock website: "A peerless small venue or studio amp, specifically designed to deliver killer Two-Rock tone at a lower volume than any other series in the line. It can produce 22W through 2 6v6's or 35W through 2 6L6's. The Jet 22 and 35 have a Custom Reverb-type circuit but are more basic in their features. The Jet does not include the EQ1/EQ2 switch and has a simpler feature layout than the CR V3. It offers the basic EQ settings - bass, mid & treble - and it is closer to the EQ2 or the CR Sig in voicing. Same serial effects loop as the Custom Reverb, and same all-tube spring reverb. The Jet 35 has a pull bright, mid and deep boost, as well as the bypass and lead switches available by a "pull" pot on the front of the amp"
- Cliff: "Yes, it's very smooth but there's this unique chirp or something that I've never heard in an amp before. When you hit the note there's this blast of high end that rapidly decays so it has an almost vocal quality. The frequency shaping is very different than most other amps"
- Cliff: "The Two Rock is the most unique amp I've ever modeled. Almost like a violin but with this really cool chirp on the pick attack" Source
- Videos
TWO STONE J35 2
- See above
TX STAR CLEAN (based on Mesa Lone Star)
- Based on the clean and lead channels of a Mesa Lone Star. 6L6 (Classic version). Speakers: Mesa C90
- Suggested cabs: V30, EVM, Classic Lead 80, Mesa
- Original controls: Drive (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Gain (Axe-Fx: Overdrive, Lead channel), Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Master, Voicing
- Mesa website: "Tone! Big as Texas! Wide as the Rio Grande. Clear as the bell that rang over the Alamo. Unstoppable as a rising Texas flood. Yeah, that's some bold proclamation. But the Lone Star® backs it up. Just as our Mark I sprang from the Black Face era and took classic guitar tones to a new level, the Lone Star took the next step forward, crystallizing perfect sound that's haunted you for years. As guitar players, we live for those elusive moments of divine musical inspiration, where you become one with the interaction between your guitar and amplifier and it magically transcends you and your playing to a level well beyond your normal plane. You know the ones…. Those moments of unbelievable gratification where your tone is so amazingly right and the feel of your strings are so perfectly connected to your fingers that you become an unbridled channel of soulful musical expression. These are the moments that truly motivate us as players and keep us coming back to the art of playing guitar! It is in this exact spirit that we have created the Lone Star! The Lone Star is an amplifier of such extravagant tone and seductive feel that we can almost guarantee that you will experience divine inspiration and effortless expression every time you plug into it! It is that amazing! From its innovative custom circuitry, down to its new classic retro/vintage looks, the Lone Star was designed to be the new defining vintage/boutique amplifier from the original boutique amp builder"
- Manual
- Wikipedia
- Andy Timmons' Lone Star settings
TX STAR LEAD
- See above
USA BASS 400 1 (based on Mesa Bass 400)
- Based on: Mesa Boogie Bass 400 tube amplifier. Model 2 has Bass Shift engaged
- Suggested cabs: bass cabs
- Original controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Pull Bright, Bass/Mid/Treble Shift, 7-band GEQ
- Manual
USA BASS 400 2
- See above
USA CLEAN 1 (based on Mesa Mark IV)
- Based on: Mesa Boogie Mark IV (Rhythm 1 channel), a beautiful clean-sounding model that can pushed into warm clipping. 6L6. Speakers: Mesa C90
- Suggested cabs: V30, EVM, Classic Lead 80, Mesa
- Original controls: Gain, Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Bright switch. Graphic Equalizer not modeled
- Mesa website
- Manual
- Wikipedia1, Wikipedia2
- Use the GEQ page (5-band type) to simulate the graphic EQ on the real Mark amps. Band 80: 7, Band 240: -0.47. Band 750: -7.46. Band 2200: 2.36. Band 6600: 0
- Cliff: "The MK V is basically a compendium of previous Mesa amps. There may be minor differences in tone due to circuit layout but nothing a few tweaks to the EQ can't fix" Source
- Cliff: "Having owned multiple Mark IV's, multiple Triaxis's and a variety of other Boogie products, I can tell that the Mark series in general are a bitch to dial in. Once you figure them out though they are great amps. IMO, the key to a MKIV is to use the TMB to get the feel and the EQ to get the tone"
- John Petrucci videos
- Firmware 10 release notes: "All Mesa Mark lead models have been reworked and renamed for clarity. Note that the models are modeled with the amp’s Pull Shift knob disengaged. To replicate the function of the Pull Shift, set the Depth to zero. Also note that the Presence control (as in the actual amp) is neutral when set to 5.00 (noon). Turning the knob CCW decreases the amount of presence and vice-versa. By comparison, most amps are only able to increase presence and the control is neutral when set to zero"
- Cliff: "The actual amount of feedback is reduced by the presence network. Setting it max was necessary to allow the unique feedback network topology to be compatible with the existing framework" Source
- Firmware v17:
- "An exact solution has been implemented for the power amp feedback network in the “USA” amp models. As such all these amp models have been redone accordingly with the exception of the “USA Pre” amp models which use a more conventional power amp model. Any presets using these amp models should be reset either by deselecting then reselecting the amp model or by using the “Update Amps Default” in the Utility->Preset menu. Note: due to the unique topology of the feedback network in these amps the Depth control is non-functional"
- "A “Presence Shift” switch has been added to certain “USA” amp models (those based on amps with a “Pull Shift” on the Presence knob). This switch is found under the Presence control and replicates the behavior when the Presence knob is pulled out on these amps. Note that the behavior of this switch is authentic and may result in volume reduction when active since the negative feedback is increased which lowers the loop gain"
USA IIC+ BRIGHT (based on Mesa Mark IIC+)
- Based on: Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ Lead, a US-made amp famous for its smooth overdrive sound. 6L6. Models: pull bright OFF / ON. Speakers: EVM 12L
- Suggested cabs: EVM, Classic Lead 80
- Original controls: Gain (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Drive (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Master, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, Bright switch pullout, Treble Shift. Graphic equalizer and Gain Boost not modeled
- Alternatively try the USA PRE Yellow model (Triaxis)
- Manual
- Additional information: see first USA model
- Cliff: "To match a Mark V on the IIC+ (v11.01 and later) (source):
- Select the appropriate USA IIC+ Norm or Bright model (based on the Mark V switch)
- Set Overdrive to about 8.0
- Turn on Fat and Bright Switches
- You may need to fine-tune the Presence slightly as the presence network is very sensitive to the taper of the pot
- I had to set Presence to 5.59 to match the Mark V presence at noon"
- Cliff: "The model (11.0 and earlier) was based on a early non-SimulClass version. I updated the model (11.01) to be consistent with the later SimulClass version which most people prefer. The mode in the Mark V is based on the later SimulClass version" Source "If you want the sound of the non-SimulClass version set Triode 1 Plate Freq to 1350 Hz" Source
USA IIC+ NORM
- See above
USA LEAD (based on Mesa Mark IV)
- Based on: Mesa Boogie Mark IV. Tight, focused, hi-gain sound, great for fusion and rock leads. 6L6. LEAD: Mid Gain switched off, Pull Bright off. LEAD+: Mid Gain switched on, Pull Bright off. LEAD BRT: Mid Gain switched off, Pull Bright on. LEAD BRT+: Mid Gain on, Pull Bright on. Speakers: Mesa C90
- Suggested cabs: V30, EVM, Classic Lead 80, Mesa
- Original controls: Drive (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Lead Drive (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, pull Bright switch, pull Fat (Axe-Fx: Fat). Presence Shift not modeled. Graphic Equalizer not modeled
- On models with Mid Gain switched off, the amp model is set to "Harmonics" Source
- Cliff: "the Fat switch works the same as Pull Fat" Source
- Manual
- Additional information: see first USA model
USA LEAD +
- See above
USA LEAD BRT
- See above
USA LEAD BRT +
- See above
USA PRE CLEAN (based on Mesa Triaxis)
- Based on: Mesa Boogie Triaxis preamp Rhythm Green channel (“Vintage Fat Rhythm" or "old Black Face"). 6L6
- Suggested cabs: n/a
- Original controls: Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, Master. Dynamic Voice (EQ) not modeled
- Mesa website
- Manual
- Wikipedia
- Cliff: "I used a Triaxis for, shoot, I dunno, over a decade before designing the Axe-Fx. I have two of them. So I'd say I'm pretty familiar with the tones. To my ears (and my measurement equipment), the Axe-Fx models are spot-on"
- Cliff: "I did NOT use a Boogie power amp model with these as I always preferred using my Triaxis (I have two of them) with a more typical tube power amp. My favorite power amp with the Triaxis was a VHT 2502 so the power amp model is very similar to that" Source
- Firmware 13.07 added the “Bright” control to the Amp block. This high treble control is a shelving filter between the preamp and power amp and may be used to darken or brighten the output of the preamp. This control also accurately replicates the “Presence” control found in the Mesa Triaxis preamp when set to negative values (the Presence control in the Triaxis is actually a high frequency cut shelving filter)
- Cliff: "I can nail the sound of my Triaxis now by setting it (Bright) around 9:00 - 10:00" Source. And: "10 on the Triaxis would be 0 dB on the Bright parameter. Anything below 10 is equivalent to less than noon on the Bright parameter. The "Presence" control on a Triaxis is always a hi cut, it never boosts. The Bright parameter is not an exact match to the Triaxis Presence control though. It is a fixed shelving filter. The Triaxis Presence control is passive so the center frequency changes with the amount of cut. It also changes the load on the plate which distorts the frequency response a bit too. The Presence parameter should be set to 5.00, which is neutral (see the manual for details)"
- Firmware v17:
- "An exact solution has been implemented for the power amp feedback network in the “USA” amp models. As such all these amp models have been redone accordingly with the exception of the “USA Pre” amp models which use a more conventional power amp model. Any presets using these amp models should be reset either by deselecting then reselecting the amp model or by using the “Update Amps Default” in the Utility->Preset menu. Note: due to the unique topology of the feedback network in these amps the Depth control is non-functional"
- "A “Presence Shift” switch has been added to certain “USA” amp models (those based on amps with a “Pull Shift” on the Presence knob). This switch is found under the Presence control and replicates the behavior when the Presence knob is pulled out on these amps. Note that the behavior of this switch is authentic and may result in volume reduction when active since the negative feedback is increased which lowers the loop gain"
USA PRE LD1 RED
- Based on: Mesa Triaxis preamp, Lead 2 Green ("Mid Gain Mark IV Lead") / Yellow ("Classic MKII Lead") / Lead 1 Red (TX-4 board) / Lead 2 Red ("shred"). 6L6
- Suggested cabs: n/a
- Original controls: Drive (Axe-Fx: Input Drive), Lead Drive (Axe-Fx: Overdrive), Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, Master. Dynamic Voice (EQ) not modeled
- Manual
- Additional notes: see USA PRE CLEAN
- Firmware 10 release notes: "Based on Mesa Triaxis LD2 modes. Note that these were modeled with the Triaxis Presence control at maximum as this control is actually a hi-cut control. Also note that the mid control in the model has far more range than the preamp. At a value of 5.0 the responses will match but the amount of mid cut on the Axe-Fx is greater"
- To emulate Dynamic Voice on the real preamp: Band 80: 7, Band 240: -0.47. Band 750: -7.46. Band 2200: 2.36. Band 6600: 0
USA PRE LD2 GREEN
- See above
USA PRE LD2 RED
- See above
USA PRE LD2 YLW
- See above
USA RHYTHM (based on Mesa Mark IV)
- Based on: Mesa Boogie Mark IV (Rhythm 2 channel), THE California crunch rhythm sound. 6L6. Rhythm channel 2 with “Fat” switch OFF. Speakers: Mesa C90
- Suggested cabs: V30, EVM, Classic Lead 80, Mesa
- Original controls: Gain, Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence. Graphic Equalizer not modeled
- Manual
- Additional information: see first Mark model above
- Cliff: "I modeled the USA Rhythm with the Presence Shift pulled (for variety and since I thought it sounds better that way)" Source
USA SUB BLUES (based on Mesa Subway Blues)
- Based on: Mesa Subway Blues, 20w, EL84. Inputs/switch: Bright and FAT. Speakers: 10" Eminence Black Shadow
- Suggested cabs: Fender 10", Eminence
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Reverb, Bright/FAT
- Manual
- Mesa website
- Wikipedia
VIBRA-KING (based on Fender Vibro-King)
- Based on: Fender Vibro-King, famous for crystal cleans and powerful overdrive. Models: Fat engaged and Fat disengaged. 6L6. Speakers: 3x10
- Original controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Middle, Fat switch (no Bright switch), tremolo controls, reverb controls
- Suggested cabs: Fender 3x10"
- Fender website: "Fender introduced the Vibro-King in 1993 to great acclaim, marking a return to a great hand-wired amp tradition while including a previously unavailable selection of sought-after features. In the two decades since, guitarists and amp aficionados everywhere have prized the enduringly classic Vibro-King as one of the most touch-sensitive amps ever, with sparkling-clean shimmer at lower volumes and powerfully thick overdrive when cranked up. Fender now celebrates those two decades of great tone with the 20th Anniversary Vibro-King. Fender and Jensen collaborated on the amp's trio of warmer-sounding 10" speakers, and a finger-joined solid-pine cabinet increases resonance. Other premium features include all-tube hand-wired circuitry, custom Schumacher transformers, and much more"
- Cliff: "The model is based on the custom version which has higher plate voltages which causes more overdrive on the power tubes"
VIBRA-KING FAT
- See above.
VIBRATO LUX (based on Fender Vibrolux Reverb)
- Based on: 1963 "brownface" Fender Vibrolux Reverb, legendary amp called the "little Vibro-King". 6L6, low and high inputs, 35w, Normal and Vibrato channels. Speakers: 2x10 (Jensen C10Q) or Oxford 1x12
- Suggested cabs: Fender 2x10", Fender 1x12"
- Original controls (Vibrato channel): Volume, Bass, Treble, Reverb, Speed, Intensity
- Fender website: "The Custom Vibrolux Reverb is more a modern interpretation of a classic Fender rather than a reissue; connoisseurs call it a “little Vibro-King.” Turn it up when you want to soar, or turn your guitar down to play clean with this super-responsive 40-watt all-tube amp. The more dynamic your style, the more you’ll love its ability to whisper or scream in response to changes in your pick attack. Features include dual 6L6 Groove Tubes output tubes, five 12AX7 preamp tubes, one 12AT7 tube, two 10” 8-ohm Jensen P10R speakers with alnico magnets, two independent channels (normal and bright), reverb and vibrato (both channels), 4-ohm external speaker jack, two-button footswitch and tilt-back legs"
- Fenderguru.com: "The 35w blackface Vibrolux Reverb (VR) is the smallest member of the blackface/silverface 6L6 Fender amp family. Its strength lies in the sweetness and early breakup caused by the smaller transformers than the Super Reverb, Vibroverb and Pro Reverb. The Vibrolux is quite similar to the Pro Reverb 2×12″ except for the smaller speakers and a smaller power transformer delivering less 6L6 plate voltage. Hence, less clean headroom. 10″s provide a more scooped, responsive, punchy and sparkling sound than 12 inch speakers. The 12″s are fuller, warmer, has more mids and a more three-dimensional tonal spread. Like all silverface amps, the Vibrolux Reverb was modified in the CBS periods to increase the clean headroom. The Vibrolux Reverb has become a very popular amp since The ToneQuest Report published the article “Under 40 Watt of Whoop Ass“, awarding the VR as the most preferred low wattage Fender amp"
- It was used to record Sultans of swing Source
- Cliff: "Early Dire Straits tone is a Vibrolux (Vibrato Lux model). The Vibrato Lux model is based on the same model and year amp used on the eponymous album. There's a cab in there too" Source
- Cliff: "It's a brown face" Source
- ToneQuest: Under 40 Watt of Whoop Ass: "If I had to recommend just one amp to a player, this would be the one. First, it’s 35 friendly watts (two 6L6 power tubes). That’s plenty of power to produce great lows and low mids when you need them. Second, it has a 5AR4 rectifier tube, which provides adequate sag and natural compression to help give you a nice hard attack and improve overall sustain. Third, it has two decent sized 10" speakers, which are desirable for two reasons; you’ll love the crunch of 10" speakers at higher volumes, and you’ll be pushing more air with two speakers, providing more headroom than a single 12", while not moving the volume of air as a much louder Super Reverb with four 10"s. Some claim that the output transformer in a Vibrolux Reverb is a bit wimpy, and to a point that is true; however for smaller gigs, what makes the bottom end sometimes seem a little loose also makes your highs and leads sing brilliantly. So there is a trade off, but the overall sound of a stock blackface Vibrolux Reverb is outstanding. Your tone will also benefit from having a great pair of speakers in this amp (a subject for later articles). I find Jensen C10Ns in particular, to be excellent. Crank It! The key to great tone at a show is to run your amp fairly full to bring the most out of it. To me, a Fender doesn’t begin to find its voice until just past "5", into the "6" range on the volume control. I also run the treble fairly high, the bass somewhat high as well, with reverb on about "3" or so, and the "bright" switch off. I prefer the "effects" or second channel because I love the sound of Fender reverb, but I also use the second channel since it has one more stage of gain in the pre-amp. And remember, that’s where all of your tone and harmonics are defined. The harder you hit the power section with a hot signal, the better the harmonics and tone will be. The Vibrolux Reverb will certainly take you where you want to go in the search for tone, but, I repeat, you’ll have to run it at "5" or higher, and try boosting those highs and lows with your treble and bass controls. Doing so adds a lot. At louder volumes, you may notice a bit of looseness in the bottom end. That’s characteristic of these amps and it’s related to the size of the output transformer, but it’s still a very versatile amp. Other advantages of the Vibrolux Reverb are that it’s comparatively light, small, fits into your car easily and it won’t break your back hauling it around. If you want to own just one Fender Blackface amp, this is the one to have"
VIBRATO VERB (based on Fender Vibroverb)
- Based on: 40w Fender Vibroverb, great for clear or grinding cleans and gutsy blues. 6L6 tubes, low and high inputs, Normal and Vibrato channels. Vibrato Verb model: brownface. AA model: blackface with AA763 circuit. AB model: blackface with AB763 circuit. Speakers: 1x15 (Jensen C15N, JBL D130, Eminence) or 2x10 (Jensen C10Q)
- Suggested cabs: Fender 15"
- Original controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Reverb, tremolo controls
- Fender website
- Wikipedia
- Fenderguru.com: "Stevie Ray Vaughan’s musical influence has made the Fender Vibroverb the most sought after and hyped of all Fender amps. He played many other amps too, Super Reverb, Dumble and Marshalls. In studio he used dozens of amps that were thrown at him. For some reason the Vibroverb has become the most famous and is now widely associated with his signature tone (though you can reproduce his tone with most Fender amps with the right speakers). On the vintage amp market on US eBay the blackface Vibroverb sells for three to four times as much as the price for other 6L6 Fender amps, sometimes even more than the legendary 4×10″ narrow panel tweed Bassman. Since Fender did not continue the Vibroverb after the CBS takeover in 1965, most likely because players didn’t desire 1×15″ amps at that time, there are only a few blackface Vibroverb amps out there. Given the hype and popularity, these few Vibroverbs are extremly valuable and collectable. So, what is so special with the Vibroverb? First, the 15″ speaker sets it apart from most guitar amps. While most guitar amps have multiple 10″ and 12″ speakers the Vibroverb came with one big Jensen C15n or JBLd130f, the last one with a aluminium dust cap that can be hard to tame. Otherwise the blackface Vibroverb is very similar to the other blackface and silverface AB763 Fender amps. In fact, there aren’t any different features or technical improvements in the Vibroverb that justifies its popularity. It’s all about emotions. But that’s what music is all about; emotions. The Vibroverb belongs to the 6L6 Fender family. It is powerful and loud, but in a different way than the 10″ and 12″-amps. The Vibroverb did not sell very well in 64 and 65. Players probably thought the amp was suited for bass amps, we’re not sure. The Vibroverb did score among steel guitar players at the time. The 15″ speakers are firm in the bass and have lots of sparkle but most importantly, they have an enormous spread carrying the lower mids to anyone on stage. Mid frequencies is exactly what you need on stage in an electrical band. The mids will blend in nicely with the bass, drums, piano and horns. It will not interfer with the bass like a 4×10″ setup does. Of course this is a matter of taste, but a guitar tone with strong mids will contribute to a rich overall melodic footprint in an electrical band"
- YouTube
- This model has been ported from the Axe-Fx Ultra
VIBRATO VERB AA
- See above.
VIBRATO VERB AB
- See above.
WRECKER EXPRESS (based on Trainwreck Express)
- Based on: Trainwreck Express, designed and built by the late, great Ken Fischer. EL34. Speakers: G12M
- Suggested cabs: G12M
- Original controls: Volume, Bas, Mid, Treble, Presence, Bright switch
- FAQ
- Cliff: "The Trainwreck depends on power amp distortion. The OT has a high impedance which causes the power tubes to enter clipping early. I would not recommend using that model as preamp"
- "Can you hear it ring"
- Demos
- Cliff: "The secret to a Trainwreck is the output transformer. The impedance ratio is about twice that of other amps. I.e. typical 50W Marshall has a primary impedance of about 3200 ohms. A Trainwreck is about 6500 ohms. The causes the power tubes to clip much sooner" Source
WRECKER LVRPOOL (based on Trainwreck Liverpool)
- Based on: Trainwreck Liverpool. Basically a Trainwreck Express preamp with a Trainwreck Rocket power amp. EL84. Speakers: G12M
- Suggested cabs: G12M
- Original controls: Volume, Bas, Mid, Treble, Presence, Bright switch
- FAQ
- Demos
WRECKER ROCKET (based on Trainwreck Rocket)
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- Based on: Trainwreck Rocket, designed and built by the late, great Ken Fischer. EL84
- Suggested cabs: see Vox
- Original controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Cut (passive tone control in the output stage of the amplifier, to adjust the contour of treble frequencies)
- FAQ
- The Rocket is similar to a Vox AC-30