Mixdown 215 Amp Special

AMP SPECIAL T

here comes a time in every guitarist, bass player and musician’s life when you simply need to either sound louder and have more tone, warmth and sustain from your instrument, or you just need to satisfy that deep seeded desire to emulate the sound of [insert your favourite guitar/bass player here].

Rather than bore you to deaf with the history of the amplifier, one of the most defining electronic inventions not only of modern music but of the 21st century, we thought we’d introduce you to the plethora of amplifiers on the market and available to purchase in Australia today.

Use this amps special as a point in the right direction, a buyers guide if you will to help you choose the amp that will best suit your playing needs, ability and style of music. These reviews were done by our team of expert guitar and bass players who between them have plugged into countless amplifiers over the years, everything from solid state and tube, vintage and new, off the shelf and boutique.

In saying this, after you read our guide, make sure you do yourself the biggest favor you can and go visit all those stores and distributors in your city.

Visit your local retailers who are trained in each model they stock, ask them all the questions you need answered, turn all the knobs, plug into as many as you can and see for yourself - as your ears will truly determine what amplifier is right for you. Volume dials to the right players...enjoy!

FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A STRAUSS SR - T15 GO TO GIVEAWAYS ON PAGE 8

3 MONKEYS GREASE MONKEY II

RRP: $3500 Head / $1375 Cab

65 AMPS LIL’ELVIS

DISTRIBUTOR: ATLANTIS ASIA

DISTRIBUTOR: ATLANTIS ASIA

RECOMMENDED FOR: Rockabilly, blues, fusion, classic rock, hard rock, country.

Players who need a decent treble cut and who need a little sparkle in their lives.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: I ncredibly versatile with a three dimensional clean sound and incredible bright overdrive. Even distorted power chords have great note separation and clarity, while complex chords are brilliant and clear. As great at rhythm as it is at lead sounds.

USABILITY: Simple to operate, easy to dial in a killer tone, and the controls are easier to see than they appear in photos of the unique sparkly crushed glass front panel. The master volume will please those who had their head taken off by the original version.

CONSTRUCTION: Flawlessly constructed from a structural point of view but also intriguing from an industrial design perspective. There are no right angles, and the front panel makes you feel compelled to really get down to tone-tweakin’.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: An expensive boutique amp but if this sound is right for you - and it probably is as long as you’re not looking for scoopedmid death tone - it’s well worth it. Sounds like a million bucks.

OVERALL: From smooth lead to jangly rhythm to punchy hard rock, this amp can do it all. It would be as good in a Foo Fighters style rock band as a blues, country or rockabilly act. And it looks like nothing else out there.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Classic rock, guitar pop, indie, rockabilly, blues, grunge this happens to be Elvis Costello’s main stage amp and it’s capable of covering a lot of sonic ground.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Boutique clear clean sounds are uncluttered and expressive with great note separation and projection. But hit the Bump switch and you’ll get a lot of growl and roar for darker, harder tones. But not a high-gain type of hard rock amp.

USABILITY: Very easy to use, with minimal controls. It’s easy to dial in just the right level of drive or ring. The tremolo’s range seems to go from ‘pleasantly subtle’ to ‘helicopter chop’ pretty quickly so be careful.

CONSTRUCTION: A little weighty but certainly manageable. All 65amps amplifiers are built to a very high structural standard befitting the tones they make, and they get extra points for great ventilation.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: A great amp for those who don’t need all-out distortion tones but are happiest at clean or warmly driven settings.

But there’s no denying that high price tag.

OVERALL: A very musical amp that will suit “players’ players” just as comfortably as it suits more textural guitarists such as Mr Costello. Lots of range in those otherwise simple controls.

PG. 38

MIXDOWN NO. 215

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 30 watts OHMS: 8,16 COVERING: Black Tolex (Custom Colours & Suede

available) WEIGHT: 7kg TUBES: 4xEL84’s, 3x12AX7’s FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: USA

Phone: (03) 9818 5040 Website: www.555music.com.au

MARCH 2012

RRP: $3500

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 12 watts OHMS: 8,16 COVERING: Tolex

WEIGHT: 13kg TUBES: 3x12AX7’s, 2xEL84’s, 1xEZ81 FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE IN: USA

Phone: (03) 9818 5040 Website: www.555music.com.au

AMP SPECIAL SUPRO DUAL TONE

RRP: $2245

SWART ATOMIC SPACE TONE

DISTRIBUTOR: ATLANTIS ASIA

DISTRIBUTOR: ATLANTIS ASIA

RECOMMENDED FOR: This amp can easily handle country, blues, rock, rockabilly, even hard rock and maybe even some vintage metal styles, although you might not think so on first glance.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Cleans range from ‘pretty’ to ‘angry’ with lots of body and life. Flip on the overdrive channel and things get much hairier, up to and including hard rock and vintage metal tones. A surprisingly flexible amp for something that looks so traditional.

USABILITY: The single tone knob on each channel really makes life easy. Each channel has a boost/cut switch for the mids, and the overdrive channel has a separate Gain control as well as the tone and volume. Simple, efficient and powerful.

CONSTRUCTION: Easy enough to lift. There are certainly more cumbersome combos out there. Everything is easy to see and to access, and the construction quality is quite fine indeed.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: One of the more financially accessible true boutique amps - it’ll still cost you a pretty penny, but maybe not your prettiest one. A great entry to real boutique mystique.

OVERALL: Clear ringing cleans are just part of the story. The overdrive sounds are so useful and flexible, and the onboard reverb is quite nice.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Rockabilly, surf, blues, roots rock, soul, indie, classic rock. Anyone who needs a punchy tone with a little bit of hair to it.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: An almost eerie-sounding reverb and a smooth, throbbing tremolo effect are great tricks for this little monster to have up its sleeve, but its greatest asset is its volume control. From clean and clear to dirty and singing, this soulful boutique amp can do it all.

USABILITY: Ridiculously simple to use. Just a volume and a tone control let you dial in everything from jangle to mangle, and it thrives on guitar control changes. Versatile yet bonehead simple.

CONSTRUCTION: Heavy and robust, and although I wouldn’t want to turf it about I’m sure it could take a knocking. The tweed feels really durable too. A little bit hard to access the controls though.

This is a professional-quality boutique amp with tone to match, so be prepared to pay for it.

OVERALL: Never before have so few controls given such variety of tone. A very powerful, articulate amplifier with lots of personality, sonically and visually. Amazing.

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 25 watts OHMS: 4,8,16 COVERING: Black/Tan Tolex

WEIGHT: 19kg TUBES: 3x12AX7’s, 1x12AT7, 2xEL84’s FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE IN: USA

Phone: (03) 9818 5040 Website: www.555music.com.au

PEAVEY CLASSIC 30

RECOMMENDED FOR: Country, blues, blues rock, jazz, hard rock, instrumental rock, classic rock, surf. Famous for its clean tones but also with a mean overdrive channel.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Great three-dimensional clean sounds with plenty of real tube depth and dimension, augmented by a rather nice reverb. One of the nicest clean amps ever. The overdrive channel is a lot more compressed and thick-sounding with less dynamics, but great for soloing.

USABILITY: Very logical, simple control layout, and quite easy to get a great tone quickly. The clean and overdrive channels are so different to each other that it’s almost like two completely different amps in one.

CONSTRUCTION: Very well built. Many players think of this as Peavey’s best amp, and it shows in the look and feel. The control panel seems to get very hot though, so don’t rest your Mars Bar on it.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Very high-class tone for high class players. It looks like a piece of classic ‘50s furniture (this is a good thing) and it’ll give you decades of loyal use. Classic in reputation as well as name.

OVERALL: An utter no-brainer of a purchase for blues rock players in particular, but also a great option for country, classic rock, hard rock and pop players. But the overdrive voicing won’t work for every guitarist.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Rock and Metal guitarists. Players liking multi-channel heads with plenty of volume and some switching options.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Leaning towards the heavier side of things the 3120 really excels with its gain and darker tones but can also do the pristine clean thing too. Adds some extra capability with the 3 channels but I’d still see it working best in louder rock and metal settings.

USABILITY: A good range of features that seem well laid out and easy enough to get your head around.

CONSTRUCTION: The 3120 is a tough looking amp with black tolex, metal grille and solid features it won’t fall apart anytime soon.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: If rock or metal is your thing and you want a multi-channel switcher that has loads of gain you’re on the right track. Not the cheapest amp of this type on the market but definitely not the most expensive and with just as many features as some of its much pricier counterparts she’s definitely worth a look.

OVERALL: Another rocking head from Peavey with plenty of gain in a solid package.

SPECS: WEIGHT: 18kg TUBES: 4 x EL84’s and 3 x 12AX7’s FOOTSWITCH: Optional MADE IN: USA

Phone: (02) 9669 3477 Website: www.audioproducts.com.au

RRP: $999

RECOMMENDED FOR: Guitar players. It’s really as broad as that. The Vypyr has a vast range of sounds, any handful of which will suit any genre of player.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: As versatile as they come. Pristine cleans, chunky crunch, rich leads, powerful death rhythms and everywhere in between. Each mode feels reactive and interactive, and the included effects are thoughtfully voiced and laid out. A killer live or recording amp.

USABILITY: Any amp with digital modelling will have a certain degree of learning curve, but the Vypyr is one of the easiest to get your head around. And the optional Sanpera I or II foot controller is an essential performance tool and highly recommended.

CONSTRUCTION: The controls feel slightly plasticy, but I’ve reviewed a lot of Vypyr series amps and have never had a problem with any of them being strong enough. I’m sure these amps will do a brilliant job on the road.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Off the chart. Plenty of easily accessible sounds for recording and stage work, a great tool for practicing at home, and there are dozens of available tones you could base your entire sound off.

OVERALL: The Vypyr is great for recording in a studio or at home, it’s great for practicing and rehearsal, it’s killer for live. Peavey’s most versatile amp and with the effects to back up the tones.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Bass players needing plenty of volume and EQ versatility without breaking the bank.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Tonnes of volume, graphic EQ, gain controls and an inbuilt subharmonic generator gives you a wide range of tones - clean, round and funky or edgy. Thanks to the 700 watts you could see this Tour model sitting in almost any style too.

USABILITY: Graphic EQ is very visual and makes it easy to really zero in on specific frequencies whilst the front panel as a whole is clear and logically laid out.

CONSTRUCTION: Coming in the 2 space rack styled look, the Tour 700 feels (and looks) tough and could take quite a beating.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: You get a lot of watts for your dollars here and as a solid rack mountable amp you’ve got the ability to set it up in the modular type deal if you want.

OVERALL: The layout and use of a graphic EQ is great, plus you’ve got a good range of ins/outs and lots of headroom. A genuine offering from Peavey that could feel at home in a range of styles and rigs.

WEIGHT: 22 kg TUBES: 1 x 12AX7, 2 x 6L6GC’s FOOTSWITCH: SANPERA I or SANPERA II (sold seperately) MADE IN: China

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 120 watts OHMS: 4,8,16 COVERING: Black Vinyl

WEIGHT: 23 kg TUBES: 4 x EL34’s, 4 x 112AX7’s FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE IN: USA

Phone: (02) 9669 3477 Website: www.audioproducts.com.au

RRP: $999

DISTRIBUTOR: AUDIO PRODUCTS GROUP

SPECS:

SPECS:

PEAVEY TOUR 700

DISTRIBUTOR: AUDIO PRODUCTS GROUP

Phone: (02) 9669 3477 Website: www.audioproducts.com.au

WEIGHT: 13kg TUBES: 2x12AX7’s, 2x6V6’s, 1x12DW7, 1x5Y3/5AR4 FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE IN: USA

RRP: $2299

DISTRIBUTOR: AUDIO PRODUCTS GROUP

AMP TYPE: Guitar Modelling Combo OUTPUT: 60 watts OHMS: 8 COVERING: Black Vinyl

AMP TYPE: Valve GuitarCombo OUTPUT: 20 watts OHMS: 8 COVERING: Tweed

PEAVEY 3120

DISTRIBUTOR: AUDIO PRODUCTS GROUP

PEAVEY VYPYR TUBE 60

SPECS:

Phone: (03) 9818 5040 Website: www.555music.com.au

RRP: $999

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 30 watts OHMS: 8,16 COVERING: Classic Tweed

RRP: $2899

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Bass Head OUTPUT: 700 watts OHMS: 4 COVERING: Metal

WEIGHT: 11 kg TUBES: solid-state FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: China

Phone: (02) 9669 3477 Website: www.audioproducts.com.au

MARCH 2012

NO. 215 MIXDOWN

PG. 39

AMP SPECIAL LANEY CUB 12H LANEY CUBHEAD CUB 12H & CUBCAB

$ RRP: $948 COMBINED (CUBHEADRRP: $549, $ CUBCABRRP: $399)

DISTRIBUTOR: DISTRIBUTOR: AUSTRALIS MUSIC GROUP Recommended for: Blues and rock guitarists when gained RECOMMENDED FOR:and Recommended for: Blues rock up guitarists when gained up, jazz enthusiasts when cleaned and any player who Blues and rock guitarists when gained up, jazz enthusiasts up, jazz enthusiasts when cleaned up and player who wants a shredding little amp with punch andany light in weight. when uplittle andamp anywith player who’s looking for a wants acleaned shredding punch and light in weight. solid rounder andVersatility: some classic Britishoverall valve clean tone.

Soundalland Musical A sharp SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Sound and Musical Versatility: sharp hi/lo overallwattage clean tone, fantastic reverb and a Aclever This head and were defiand nitely designed eachflwattage other, it tone, fantastic reverb clever for hi/lo setting thatcabprovides a amuch-needed exibility creates some really nice clean includes a sweet setting that provides a tones, much-needed flexibility in sound especially when looking to dirty it retro up. reverb and aespecially clever hi/lo wattage input choice in sound when looking to which dirty isitripper up. when you want to dirty things up or dial in some real bite.

Usability: It’s very easy to work your way around with USABILITY: Usability: very Middle, easy to Treble work your the classicIt’sBass, and way Tonearound settingswith as It’s to work your way around with the classic Bass, the classic Bass, Middle, Treble and Tone settings as wellvery as easy a Gain and Volume control.

You’re guaranteed Middle, as well as guaranteed a Gain and well as ease aTreble Gain and Volume You’re to find ofand use Tone here settings andcontrol. a great accessible sound.

Volume control. guaranteed to find ease of use here to find ease of You’re use here and a great accessible sound. and a great accessible sound.

This tough is goingwith to goa down a Construction: Light and built classic treat for recording and and also great for a guitarist wants Construction: builttolex tough with who a isclassic looking and Light thick feeling covering just to start with a classic British and colour it from looking and thick feeling tolex covering is there. just awesome.

The knobs are sound at exactly the right level of CONSTRUCTION: awesome. knobsforarenotable at exactly the right level of sensitivity, The allowing changes in dynamics.

Light and built tough for withnotable a vintagechanges grille andinyet modern sensitivity, allowing dynamics. lines this Buck: feel and look simply to awesome.

The knobs Bangmake For Your You’ll struggle find a guitarist that have been setCub at 12H exactly the right level sensitivity, Bang Buck: You’ll struggle toengaging find a of guitarist that won’tFor findYour the immediately and fun to allowing for smooth notable changes in dynamics which won’t fi nd the Cub 12H immediately engaging and fun to use. Relatively cheap and notably efficient. is handy.

Laneycheap are built so effi take it the world over. use.

Relatively andtough notably cient.

BANG YOUR BUCK: Overall:FOR A fantastic all-rounder that, although small, You’ll to as findbig a guitarist won’t find thesmall, Cub Overall: fantastic all-rounder that, although packs struggle a Apunch as any that mid-range stack when Head and Cub Cab andstack fun towhen use. packs a punch as immediately big as any engaging mid-range cranked.

Highly recommended.

It’s got bang for it’s buck alright, a whole cannons worth. cranked.

Highly recommended.

OVERALL: A fantastic all-rounder that, is relatively small, packs a punch as big as any mid-range stack when cranked and is highly recommended.

LANEY IRONHEART IRI20H LANEY IRONHEART IRT60 IRI20H DISTRIBUTOR: DISTRIBUTOR: AUSTRALIS MUSIC GROUP

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 15 and 1 watt switchable OHMS: 8 ohm (CAB) COVERING: Black Tolex

WEIGHT: 9KG (Head), 15Kg (Cab) TUBES: 3xECC83’s, 2xEL84’s FOOTSWITCH: FS1 (not included) MADE IN: China

Phone: Phone: (02) 9698 4444 Website: Website: www.australismusic.com.au

LANEY IRONHEART IRT60 LANEY LX120RT IRONHEART IRT60

RRP: $ RRP:RRP: $799 $

RECOMMENDED FOR: A guitarist with an inclination towards the heavier side of things that knows exactly what they want out of a big sounding, ball breaking combo.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: This has been designed for the Metal, Hardcore and Heavy Rock player in mind with complete control in the master section and complete channel control. It has the ability to dial in some massive hair raising lead tones while also doing it at bedroom levels which is ripper. It houses three distinctive channels of Clean, Rythym and Lead, each with independent level controls and the Lead channel has it’s own 3-band EQ with an intuitive pull-push shift feature. Couple this with the Pre-Boost feature and watch out!

USABILITY: The set-up will be really accessible for the player who knows what they are after and despite it’s heavier inclinations, it was designed to really provide the player with a range of playing styles all with the option of a real low end kick. The Clean and Rythym section really makes this a versatile little shredder and the included footswitch enables Pre Boost and channel selection.

CONSTRUCTION: This is one finely built unit, rock solid and has some bad-ass aesthetics going on.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: If you know exactly what you are after when it comes to your guitar sound, then you’ll get an excellent deal with the IRT60 combo. It just screams great value!

OVERALL: This black beauty has got some grit and you can tell will be reliable. An unquestionably powerful amp. We’re not going to lie here, the Iron Heart series are lethal weapons.

DISTRIBUTOR: DISTRIBUTOR: AUSTRALIS MUSIC GROUP

RECOMMENDED FOR: Heavier rock players that want a beast of a combo with that dynamic king of the jungle type roar with both their clean and distortion sounds.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Two channel options (clean and distortion), totally tweakable which makes this one versatile and portable combo. Intuitive in design this allows for some sweet dynamics when dialling in your sound. Dialling in a lead gain sound is easy and is big, brutal and a definite winner here. Scarily powerful when cranked and most definitely making an impact on the sound barrier at higher levels. FX loops, line socket speaker output and even a CD input provides numerous options.

USABILITY: This is not for the faint hearted, it has some really cool drive and gain-stage settings that will open up your ears and imagination when dialling in that killer tone. The reverb is really cool here too and this amp is a strong contender with what it offers.

CONSTRUCTION: This is built to last an atomic bomb. No denying it, this is solid, strong, has some weight to it and with such a badass aesthetic will work really well in your touring arsenal.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: This combo provides a variety of options that if most amps in this league provided would charge double the price. This is not due to any quality control issues, it’s rather the awesome bang for buck that Laney is notorious for.

OVERALL: If you want a solid combo that can withstand a solid amount of thrashing, shredding and big bold lead tones all in a portable unit, then this will blow your socks off!

RECOMMENDED FOR: Advanced guitarists that are looking to take their sound to that next all encompassing professional level, pure Class A here and amazing tone.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: It presents a strong front for most styles of playing. The clean channel has some real vintage tonal characteristics being, big and bold, yet clear and resonating. The options of getting a really nice dirty lead tone with the Drive channel is simply where it’s at and it really sings from here. The Bright and Drive switches really add to the tonal dynamics and the bonus of a well placed reverb option sits perfectly giving an all encompassing classic British vibe. You can really single out notes and lead lines with precision and it’s particularly efficient when powering out big chords too.

USABILITY: The set-up is really laid out nicely and will suit someone who wants access to the amps functionality straight away. The EQ options and a Clean, Drive, Drive Volume and Bright switch to add that little bit more spark to your playing, is really appealing.

CONSTRUCTION: It’s fairly big, but puts emphasis on its solid build quality. It houses all Class A components, so you want it built tough and the tweed panelling with a classic retro looking design is simply cool as.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: This is a solid investment for your budding purist and guitarist aiming for something bigger and better in sound.

OVERALL: An all-round classic in the making, The Lionheart series is really taking Laney to the next level. No matter what your poison is the L50H is a smart, rock-solid Class A amp that can hold its own against the very best.

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 120 watts OHMS: 8 COVERING: Metal Grilled, Black Vinyl.

WEIGHT: 22.7KG TUBES: N/A FOOTSWITCH: FS2 (sold separately) MADE IN: China

Phone: Phone: (02) 9698 4444 Website: Website: www.australismusic.com.au

DV MARK BAD BOY 120 DV MARK BAD BOY 120

RRP: $2995 RRP: $2995

DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L

RECOMMENDED FOR: RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED FOR: The gigging musicianFOR: who really wants to make a statement The gigging musician who really wants make a The gigging musician whoand really wants make to a will statement on stage.

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RECOMMENDED FOR: RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED FOR: Players looking forFOR: a portable, quality low wattage Players Players looking a portable, portable, quality quality lowand wattage wattage head - looking primarilyforsuited to rock, blues funk. head primarily primarily suited suited toVERSATILITY: rock, to rock, bluesblues and funk. and funk.

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MIXDOWN NO. 215

AMP AMP TYPE: TYPE: All Valve All Tube Tube Guitar Head Head Head For For Guitar Guitar OUTPUT: OUTPUT: 120 120 watts watts OHMS: OHMS: 4,8,16 4,8,16 COVERING: COVERING: Leather Leather and and Steel Steel WEIGHT: WEIGHT:

WEIGHT: 9.8kg 9.8kg TUBES: 9.8kg TUBES: ECC83,KT88 TUBES: ECC83,KT88 FOOTSWITCH: ECC83, FOOTSWITCH: KT88 Included FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE Included MADE IN: IN: Italy MADE Italy IN: Italy

Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au

MARCH 2012

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 60 watts OHMS: 16 COVERING: Black Vinyl.

WEIGHT: 36.5KG TUBES: 4xECC83’s, 2x6L6’s FOOTSWITCH: Included FS4IRT MADE IN: China

Phone: Phone: (02) 9698 4444 Website: Website: www.australismusic.com.au

RRP: $ RRP: $4490 combined (L50 Head $ $2495, L412 CabRRP: $1995)

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 50 Watt (Single Ended Class A) OHMS: 8,16 COVERING: Birch Plywood Cabinet

WEIGHT: 21.5KG Tubes: 3xECC83/12AX7, 5xEL34’s FOOTSWITCH: FS2 Included MADE IN: UK

Phone: Phone: (02) 9698 4444 Website: Website: www.australismusic.com.au

DV MARK GALILEO DV MARK GALILEO

DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L

SPECS:

SPECS:

LANEY IRONHEART LH50 LANEY LIONHEART LANEY IRONHEART L50H LH50 & L412 CABINET

DISTRIBUTOR: DISTRIBUTOR: AUSTRALIS MUSIC GROUP

PG. 40

RRP: $ RRP: RRP: $1495 $

RRP: $1150 RRP: $1150

SPECS: AMP AMP TYPE: TYPE: All Valve All Tube Tube Guitar Head Head Head For For Guitar Guitar OUTPUT: OUTPUT: 15 15 watts watts OHMS: OHMS: 4,8 4,8 COVERING: COVERING: Leather Leather and and Steel Steel WEIGHT: WEIGHT:

WEIGHT: 4.7kg 4.7kg 4.7kg TUBES: TUBES: TUBES: ECC83, ECC83, ECC84, ECC84, EL84 EL84 ECC83, ECC84, EL84 FOOTSWITCH: FOOTSWITCH: FOOTSWITCH: No No N/A MADE MADE IN: IN: MADE Italy Italy IN: Italy

Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au

AMP SPECIAL EGNATER TWEAKER 88 EGNATER TWEAKER 88

RRP: $1850 RRP: $1850

EGNATER VENGEANCE EGNATER VENGEANCE

RRP: $2450 RRP: $2450

DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L

DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L

RECOMMENDED FOR: RECOMMENDED FOR: Blues, rock, country, fusion, hard rock, stoner metal, Blues, country, fusion, hard stoner metal, grungerock, - pretty much anything that rock, requires a tone with grunge - pretty much anything that lots of dynamics and clarity, clean orrequires dirty. a tone with lots of dynamics and clarity, clean or dirty.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: SOUND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: The KT88AND power tubes give the Tweaker 88 a tight low The tubes give the Tweaker Egnater’s 88 a tightarray low end KT88 and apower pleasant musical midrange. end and a pleasant musical Egnater’s array of tone-shifting switches meanmidrange. you can go from sparkly of tone-shifting switches mean you can go from sparkly clean to warm jangle to heavy crunch to screaming lead clean to warm jangle to heavy crunch to screaming lead with ease. with ease.

USABILITY: USABILITY: The wealth of tone shifting switches, compartmentalised The tonesingle shifting knobwealth layoutofand EQswitches, section compartmentalised make take a bit of knob layout and single single EQ section make may take take aa bit of getting used and to, but onceEQ yousection figure out what does what, getting used butsense. once you figure out what does what, it all starts to to, make itCONSTRUCTION: all starts to make sense.

CONSTRUCTION: Egnater amps are famously roadworthy and the Tweaker Egnater amps are famously roadworthy the Tweaker 88 is no exception.

It feels like it can takeand a knock, It’s light 88 is no exception.

It feelsand like the it can take aisknock, It’s light enough to heft upstairs, weight distributed in enough to heftway. upstairs, and the weight is distributed in a comfortable aBANG comfortable way. BUCK: FOR YOUR BANG YOUR BUCK: BecauseFOR it’s so versatile, the Tweaker 88 can comfortably Because it’s so versatile, theplace Tweaker 88 canamps comfortably and authentically take the of several in your and authentically takearsenal, the place of several amps in your recording or touring which gives you incredible recording or touring arsenal, gives you incredible value for money.

Easily worth which twice the price. value for money.

Easily worth twice the price.like a dozen OVERALL: The Tweaker 88 feels and sounds OVERALL: The Tweaker 88 feels sounds like a for dozen amps in one, and this makes it aand great candidate pro amps in who one, need and this makesaitlot a great candidate for pro players to cover of styles from one gig players who need to cover a lot of styles from one gig to the next. to the next.

RECOMMENDED FOR: RECOMMENDED Heavy to extreme FOR: metal players, especially those who Heavy extreme especially those who like to to tune down metal or useplayers, extended range guitars, and like tune down or useeffects extended whoto like to use external units.range guitars, and who like to useMUSICAL external effects units.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY: SOUND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: rhythm, and a Plenty ofAND roar for low, scooped-midrange Plenty of roar screaming for low, scooped-midrange rhythm, and a compressed, lead tone for shredders.

Tight compressed, lead tone forwell shredders.

Tight clean soundsscreaming which work especially with external clean sounds which work especially well with external effects. Not quite warm enough for hard rock but great effects.

Not quite warm enoughplayers. for hard rock but great for metal, especially for rhythm for metal, especially for rhythm players.

USABILITY: USABILITY: Plenty of controls to fine-tune the amp’s response to Plenty of controls to whether fine-tuneit the amp’s response to your guitar’s output, be dark and low-tuned your guitar’s and output, whether ittuning. be darkThe andtwo low-tuned or brighter in standard master or brighter and are in standard two master volume controls very handytuning. for liveThe work. volume controls are very handy for live work.

CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION: Bulletproof, roadworthy construction, heavy but not too Bulletproof, roadworthy construction, heavy but too heavy. The layout is thoughtfully designed, thenot tubes heavy.

The thoughtfully the tubes are easy to layout get to is when you needdesigned, to, and they’re well are easy to get to when you need to, and they’re well ventilated. ventilated.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: BANG YOUR BUCK: A greatFOR investment for metal rhythm players because it A great investment rhythm players it has plenty of punchfor andmetal cut for live work, andbecause versatility has plenty punchspectrum and cut for work, andThe versatility within the ofmetal forlive recording. reverb within metal spectrum Thetoo. reverb soundsthe good enough to savefor yourecording. some bucks sounds good enough to save you some bucks too.

OVERALL: OVERALL: More gain than you’ll ever need for thrash, progressive More than ever need forwith thrash, progressive metal,gain djent andyou’ll metalcore styles, a nicely voiced metal, and metalcore styles, with a nicely voiced reverb djent and compressed, singing lead tone.

The perfect reverb compressed, lead tone. The perfect amp forand those who need singing to scream. amp for those who need to scream.

SPECS: AMP AMP TYPE: TYPE: All Valve All Tube Tube Guitar Head Head Head For For Guitar Guitar OUTPUT: OUTPUT: 88 88 watts watts OHMS: OHMS: 4,8,16 4,8,16 COVERING: COVERING: Vinyl Vinyl WEIGHT: WEIGHT:

WEIGHT: 18kg 18kg TUBES: 18kg TUBES: 12AX7, TUBES: 12AX7, KT88 KT88 FOOTSWITCH: 12AX7, FOOTSWITCH: KT88 Included FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE Included MADE IN: IN: China MADE China IN: China

Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au

HIWATT T40 HEAD HIWATT T40 HEAD

RRP: $750 RRP: $750

DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L

RECOMMENDED FOR: RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED FOR: FOR: rock, blues, country, indie.

Classic rock, psychedelic Classic Classic rock, psychedelic psychedelic rock, blues, country, Any style that requires punchy-yet-airy cleansindie. and Any that thatcrunch requires requires punchy-yet-airy punchy-yet-airy cleans and brightstyle ringing tones. bright bright ringing ringing crunch tones. tones.

SOUND ANDcrunch MUSICAL VERSATILITY: SOUND SOUND AND MUSICAL MUSICAL VERSATILITY: VERSATILITY: There’s aAND reason Pink Floyd and The Who based their There’s There’s a reason Pink Floyd tones around Hiwatt amplifiand ers. The TheWho cleanbased voicetheir is a tones around around Hiwatt Hiwatt amplifi amplifi ers. ers.The Theclean clean voice is isa great platform for pedals or really laying barevoice the clean great a great platform platform forguitar, for pedals pedals or really or really layinglaying the bareclean the character of the and the crunch isbare bright, clear, character clean character of powerful. the of guitar, the guitar, and the and crunch the crunch is bright, is bright, clear, punchy and punchy clear, punchy and powerful. and powerful.

USABILITY: USABILITY: USABILITY: At only 20 watts in half power mode it’s much easier to At only 20 20 watts watts ininhalf half power power mode mode it’stones, it’s much much easier easier to dialonly in those classic Hiwatt overdrive while the dial to dial in those in frequency those classic classic Hiwatt Hiwatt tones, tones, while while the push-pull shift on overdrive the overdrive midrange control helps push-pull the push-pull frequency frequency shift on shift the on midrange the midrange control control helps to fine-tune the guitar/amp relationship. to helps fine-tune to fine-tune the guitar/amp the guitar/amp relationship. relationship.

CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION: Extremely durable. One of the most tank-like amps I’ve Extremely Extremely durable.

One of thethe most most tank-like tank-like amps amps I’ve ever used.durable.

It’s heavyOne butof practically indestructible. ever I’ve ever used. used.

It’sYOUR heavy It’s heavy but practically but practically indestructible. indestructible.

BANG FOR BUCK: BANG BANG FOR FORare YOUR YOUR BUCK: Sure, there moreBUCK: versatile amps out there, but if you Sure, there there are aremore more versatile versatile amps amps outout there, butAnd but if you if want the Hiwatt sound you really need athere, Hiwatt. it’s want you want the Hiwatt the soundsound you really you need reallyaneed Hiwatt. a Hiwatt.

And it’s worth it for theHiwatt classic Hiwatt tone. worth And it’s it for worth theitclassic for the Hiwatt classic tone.

Hiwatt tone.

OVERALL: OVERALL: OVERALL: A great platform for effects or to simply show off how A great platform platform for effects effects or you to simply offlower how great your guitar sounds.

And can doshow it all at great your your guitar guitar sounds.

And And youswitching. you can can do itdo all at it lower all at volume thanks tosounds. the 40/20 watt volumevolume lower thanks thanks to the 40/20 to thewatt 40/20 switching. watt switching.

RECOMMENDED FOR: RECOMMENDED FOR: rock players. Markbass based Anyone, but especially Anyone, players. based this ampbut on especially their Littlerock Mark amp Markbass but with added this amp on amp but with added aggression fortheir thoseLittle who Mark need more grunt, growl and aggression for those who need more grunt, growl and fuzz. fuzz.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: SOUND ANDdoMUSICAL VERSATILITY: Sure, it can clean, but the Little Mark Rocker 500 Sure, it can do preamp clean, but the Little Mark Rocker grit, 500 is about tube overdrive and distortion, is about overdrive grit, dirt, fuzz,tube hair preamp and power.

Use itand for distortion, a little warmth dirt, fuzz, hair and power.

Use on it for littleforwarmth and vintage roundness, or pile the again all-out and vintage roundness, or pile on the gain for all-out overdrive. overdrive.

USABILITY: USABILITY: Markbass excels at making amps with a huge range of Markbass excels at makingofamps witharound, a huge so range of control with a minimum fiddling much control with a 500’s minimum of isfiddling around, so much of the Rocker power in its gain and midrange of the Rocker 500’s power is in its gain andgood midrange controls.

Very simple but very deadly.

In the way. controls.

Very simple but very deadly. In the good way.

CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION: The Little Mark Rocker 500 certainly isn’t going to break The Rocker certainly break yourLittle back.Mark In fact, you500 could easily isn’t cart going it to ato show in your In fact, cart it to a show in your back. backpack andyou not could break easily a sweat. your backpack and not break a sweat.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: BANG FOR players YOUR BUCK: Rock bass can spend a fortune looking for Rock players spend a right fortune for great bass distortion in a can pedal, but it’s herelooking in an amp great distortion in a pedal, it’s right amp especially designed for it. Itbut would seemhere that in theansearch especially ends here!designed for it. It would seem that the search ends here!

OVERALL: OVERALL: It’s versatile enough to sit in on a number of cleaner It’s versatile enough to sitRocker in on 500 a number of machine cleaner styles, but the Little Mark is a rock styles, butand the Little Markwith Rocker 500 isofa stage-friendly rock machine through through, plenty through andgigging through, with plenty of stage-friendly features for bassists. features for gigging bassists.

AMP AMP TYPE: TYPE: All Valve All Tube Tube Guitar Head Head Head For For Guitar Guitar OUTPUT: OUTPUT: 40/20 20/40 40/20 watts watts switchable switchable OHMS: OHMS: 88 COVERING: COVERING: Vinyl Vinyl WEIGHT: WEIGHT:

WEIGHT: 13kgs 13kgs TUBES: 13kg TUBES: 12AX7, TUBES: 12AX7, 12Auz, 12Auz, EL84 EL84 FOOTSWITCH: 12AX7, FOOTSWITCH: 12AUZ, EL84 No FOOTSWITCH: No MADE No MADE IN: IN: China MADE China IN: WARRANTY: China WARRANTY: 12 12 Months Months

Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au

Markacoustic AC 601 Markacoustic MARKACOUSTIC AC 601 AC 601

RRP: $1995 RRP: $1995

DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L

RECOMMENDED FOR: RECOMMENDED FOR: songwriters, players who use Acoustic players, singer Acoustic players, singer songwriters, who use multiple acoustic instruments during players a set, and those multiple acoustic instruments a set,sources and those who wish to separately amplifyduring two sound for who wish to separately amplify two sound sources for the same instrument. the sameAND instrument.

SOUND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: SOUND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: The AC AND 601 excels at clear, loud, hi-fi reproduction The ACacoustic 601 excels at clear, loud, of an instrument’s pickuphi-fi or reproduction microphone of an acoustic instrument’s pickupat or microphone system, and it really feels geared presenting the system, and itofreally feels geared at presenting the best version the guitar’s own sound rather than best of the tryingversion to change it. guitar’s own sound rather than trying to change it.

USABILITY: USABILITY: With two channels, you can amplify two guitars With two channels, you can amplify two guitars simultaneously, or separately EQ a preamp and simultaneously, separately EQ a Great preamp and internal mic, or or a guitar and vocals. ambient internal mic, or a guitar and vocals.

Great ambient and modulation effects too. and modulation effects too.

CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION: Very light and compact, but don’t let that fool you: Very light601 andis compact, buta don’t that fool you: the AC capable of huge let amount of clear, the AC 601 ispartly capable amount of clear, clean volume, dueof to aitshuge efficient enclosure. clean partlyBUCK: due to its efficient enclosure.

BANGvolume, FOR YOUR BANG FOR BUCK: Depends onYOUR what you want your acoustic amp to do.

Depends on what want yourfor acoustic do.

If you need it to you compensate a badamp raw to guitar Ifsound, you need toacompensate bad rawa guitar investit in preamp too.for If a you have great sound, in a preamp guitar, itinvest will sound amazing.too. If you have a great guitar, it will sound amazing.

OVERALL: OVERALL: Brilliantly clear reproduction of the guitar’s best Brilliantly clearplenty reproduction guitar’s Really best qualities, with of volume of andthe projection. qualities, with high plenty of volume and projection. Really great for very quality guitars. great for very high quality guitars.

RECOMMENDED FOR: RECOMMENDED FOR: FOR: Monster bass players who need thick low end and Monster players whostyles needand thick end and incrediblebass highs for funk thelow flexibility to incredible highs for funk andholding the flexibility to take a solo then go rightstyles back to down the take soloend then right back to holding down the entirea low in go a rock setting. entire lowAND end MUSICAL in a rock rock setting. setting.

SOUND VERSATILITY: SOUND ANDamp MUSICAL MUSICAL VERSATILITY: VERSATILITY: An incredible for flexible bass players, especially An incredible amp for of flexible players, especially those who use a lot activebass electronics to control those wholive, usebecause a lot of the active electronics to control their tone preamp is so reactive, yet their tone live, own because the preampisis plenty so reactive, yet the preamp’s sound-shaping versatile the too.preamp’s own sound-shaping is plenty versatile too.

USABILITY: USABILITY: One of the best inbuilt compressors ever and an One of the best inbuilt compressors and The an amazing tube-driven ‘Colour’ contour ever control. amazing tube-driven ‘Colour’ contour control.gives The combination of tube and solid state technology combination of tube and solid state technology gives you lots of punch and growl, definition and warmth. you lots of punch and growl, growl, defi definition nition and and warmth. warmth.

CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION: Light, well laid out and perhaps most importantly of Light, laid out perhaps most importantly of all for well gigging bassand players, especially easy to carry all for gigging bass players, especially easy tohandle carry around and stow thanks to its side-mounted around and stow thanks feet. to its side-mounted handle and extra side-mounted and extra side-mounted side-mounted feet. feet.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: BUCK: Flawless construction and with great user-friendly Flawless construction with great user-friendly features from a practicaland standpoint too. Bass players, features from practical standpoint players, engineers anda audiences will love it,too. andBass that’s worth engineers audiences will love it, and that’s worth whatever itand costs! whatever it costs!

OVERALL: OVERALL: One of the best bass amps out there, every bit One of the bassonamps bit deserving of best its place stageout withthere, Randyevery Jackson, deserving its place place on stage stagewith with RandyJackson.

Jackson, who is oneofofits the moston talented andRandy versatile session who is one of the most talented and versatile session

AMP AMP TYPE: TYPE: Solid Combo Solid State State (Acoustic Combo Combo Guitar) for for Acoustic Acoustic Guitar Guitar OUTPUT: OUTPUT: OUTPUT:watt switchable 150/250 150w 150w or or 250w 250w with with OHMS: extension extension speaker speaker 4,8 OHMS: OHMS: COVERING: 4,8 4,8 Vinyl COVERING: COVERING: Vinyl

WEIGHT: Vinyl 8.8kgs 8.8kg WEIGHT: 8.8kgs TUBES: N/A TUBES: N/A FOOTSWITCH: N/A FOOTSWITCH: MADE N/A IN: Italy MADE IN: WARRANTY: Italy 12 Months

Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au

WEIGHT: 21kg 21kg TUBES: 21kg TUBES: 12AX7, TUBES: 12AX7, 6L6 6L6 FOOTSWITCH: 12AX7, FOOTSWITCH: 6L6 Included FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE Included MADE IN: IN: China MADE China IN: China

Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au

RRP: $1595 RRP: $1595

SPECS: AMP AMP TYPE: TYPE: Tube/Solid Tube/Solid State State Head Head For For Bass Bass OUTPUT: OUTPUT: 500 500 watts watts OHMS: OHMS: 4, 4, 88 COVERING: COVERING: Steel Steel

WEIGHT: WEIGHT: 6.5kgs 6.5kgs 6.5kg TUBES: TUBES: TUBES: solid-state N/A N/A FOOTSWITCH: FOOTSWITCH: FOOTSWITCH: No No No MADE IN: MADE IN: IN: MADE Italy Italy Italy

Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au

Markbass TTE 500 Randy Jackson Signature Markbass MARKBASS TTE TTE 500 500 Randy RANDY Jackson JACKSON Signature SIGNATURE

DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L

SPECS:

AMP AMP TYPE: TYPE: All Valve All Tube Tube Guitar Head Head Head For For Guitar Guitar OUTPUT: OUTPUT: 60/120 60/120 watts watts switchable switchable OHMS: OHMS: 4,8,16 4,8,16 COVERING: COVERING: Vinyl Vinyl WEIGHT: WEIGHT:

MARKBASS LITTLE MARK ROCKER 500 MARKBASS LITTLE MARK ROCKER 500

DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC P/L

SPECS:

SPECS:

RRP: $1795 RRP: $1795

SPECS: AMP AMP TYPE: TYPE: Tube Bass TubeHead Head Head Vlave for for Bass Bass OUTPUT: OUTPUT: OUTPUT: 500 500 watts watts OHMS: OHMS: OHMS: 4,8 4,8 COVERING: COVERING: COVERING: Leather Leather Leather and and Steel Steel Steel WEIGHT: WEIGHT:

WEIGHT: 6kgs 6kgs 6kg TUBES: TUBES: TUBES: ECC83, ECC83, ECC81 ECC81 ECC83, ECC81 FOOTSWITCH: FOOTSWITCH: FOOTSWITCH: No No No MADE MADE IN: IN: MADE Italy Italy IN: Italy

Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Phone: (02) 9905 2511 Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au Website: www.cmcmusic.com.au

MARCH 2012

NO. 215 MIXDOWN

PG. 41

AMP SPECIAL SR TECHNOLOGY BASS FIDELITY 10

RRP: $1699

SR TECHNOLOGY BASS FIDELITY H 1000

DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

RECOMMENDED FOR: Bass players (both double and electric) looking for a compact, clean combo amp.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: With a 10” woofer and tweeter the Bass Fidelity 10 is clear and concise - giving a good reproduction of your fundamental tone. Being a combo it’s portable and has decent volume making it great for a variety of uses.

USABILITY: A good selection of ins/outs and EQ makes for a great quick setup and the control panel is easy to navigate.

Quite a transparent tone, you won’t have to work and work to get your bass sounding like it should.

CONSTRUCTION: Solid and a manageable size. The Fidelity 10 is handy for lugging round (with a handle cleverly positioned on the top) and comes with a padded slip cover which is a nice touch.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Combos are often overlooked in favour of bigger modular rigs but there’s something to be said about carrying a combo - straight in to your gig, plug in and you’re away.

OVERALL: Good tone and headroom, easy to operate, portable and suitable for a range of settings. Another great unit from SR Technology.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Semi Pro, Pro and anyone looking for a serious head with plenty of wattage and features.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Woah! Serious tone and tone shaping, onboard compressor, a host of ins/outs and 1000 watts of power. From super clean funk to edgy and low and nearly everything in between the H 1000 could sit almost anywhere.

USABILITY: The control panel will take a quick minute to understand fully but it’s all logical and laid out nicely.

Coloured LEDs make it easy to follow everything too!

CONSTRUCTION: It’s a tank. Tough, high quality, robust - get the picture? Made for gigs, recording and plenty of use the H 1000 should still be around for years and years to come.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Not the cheapest amp on the market by any means but a serious machine and comparable and competitive in relation to others of this ilk.

OVERALL: Sounds great, lots of EQ options, direct, dry, headphone and multiple speaker outs all in a manageable two rack sized rig. If you need a pro level amp then the Bass Fidelity H1000 might be right up your alley.

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Bass combo OUTPUT: 300 watts OHMS: 8 COVERING: Black vinyl

WEIGHT: 15.5kg TUBES: solid-state FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: Italy

Phone: (02) 9939 1299 Website: www.dynamicmusic.com.au

SR TECHNOLOGY JAM 150 PLUS

DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

RECOMMENDED FOR: Solo artists or duos needing a portable, all in one type live sound solution for small to medium gigs SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Clear and clean for vocals and acoustic guitar. Can also work with keys and has connectivity for CD player/iPod etc. The EQ section has enough scope to dial in/out tones for live use and it’s capable of handling a few different sources.

USABILITY: With a mixer type interface, it’s very straightforward.

Arranged in channel strips you just plug in, EQ that channel then set your volume. Onboard effects are a nice bonus for adding some depth to your dry sound too.

CONSTRUCTION: Classy wooden cabinet and slick, clean controls make the Jam 150 look more like a hi-fi piece as opposed to an amp. It is reasonably heavy but comparable to a powered speaker which is what this baby might replace for you. Bonus is that it’s all in one - no need to carry an additional mixer!

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Amp, speaker and mixer all in one. Good value with good tone and usable features.

OVERALL: I can definitely see the Jam 150 being useful for smaller solo or duo gigs but realistically it has a range of uses. A nice take on the mixer, speaker, amp live sound solution.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Solo, duo and small band setups using a range of inputs, public address situations or CD/iPod playback.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Plenty of versatility in terms of uses and input options - all with good, clean tone reproduction. Intended for vocals, acoustic guitar, keys, CD/iPod mainly, although other uses are possible.

USABILITY: Like it’s little brother the Jam 150 Plus, its mixer type setup is easy to follow and the fact that it’s an all in one unit it’s perfect for gigs, rehearsals, practice where quick setup is important. Logical and clear without the need for a uni degree to get it up and running.

CONSTRUCTION: Compact and clean yet tough. The Jam 400 is portable enough to chuck in the backseat to take to practice or a gig but looks classy and tasteful so won’t look out of place sitting on a stand or shelf at say a restaurant, wedding ceremony or in your lounge/bedroom.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Covers a few bases and delivers well. Means you’ve got your speaker, amp and mixer all in one unit. The added volume and speakers of the 400 gives you some extra oomph if needed too - handy if a little more juice is needed.

OVERALL: A great continuation of the Jam series from SR technology.

Perfect for a range of uses, the idea that it’s also a classy looking unit too is a nice departure from the standard muso black (although that is available too!).

SPECS: WEIGHT: 13kg TUBES: solid-state FOOTSWITCH: No MADE IN: Italy

Phone: (02) 9939 1299 Website: www.dynamicmusic.com.au

RRP: $519

DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

RECOMMENDED FOR: Classic rock, 60s rock, old school punk, hard rock, indie, blues, garage, roots music. Styles that require fat warm overdrive with complex high end clarity.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Think of it as a Special 6 that comes pre-modded.

Capable of an addictive, fat, crunchy overdrive with progressively clearer high end available on tap. Great clear ringing tones with single coils but really comes alive with humbucker, an awesome blues amp.

USABILITY: Relatively minimal control layout but with plenty of scope for tailoring the sound to get the most out of your guitar or effects. The tone retains its basic character but gets more refined as you tweak further.

CONSTRUCTION: Well built with consideration given to making the amp modification-friendly, like its little brother the Special 6. Everything is easily accessible - although there’s less space to fit extra controls compared to the Special 6.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: A low cost tube amp that sounds great, with enough muscle to really be heard and with a fine degree of tone shaping power built right in? Yes please!

OVERALL: There’s a lot of love for this amp in my household. It looks great, it’s easy to use, it’s louder than it looks and most importantly it sounds incredible for its target musical styles.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Beginners, bedroom players or those bassists needing a compact, portable practice amp.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Volume, bass and treble controls make for a basic control section but enough volume to bash along to at home. The tilt back base lets you be heard even more and if you are annoying anyone you’ve also got the headphones out.

USABILITY: Simple to use, the ability to plug in headphones or an external music source (CD/Mp3 etc) and on/off easy. The fact that it weighs next to nothing means you can take it anywhere too.

CONSTRUCTION: Light in terms of weight but with a neat covering, tough corners and cool metal knobs it’s definitely built to last.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Won’t hurt your wallet and is a solid little bass amp for the new player or bedroom enthusiast.

OVERALL: At this size and wattage the Rampage 10 would fit into the practice amp category and with headphone out and CD/Mp3 in you’ve got everything you need to keep you practicing, playing and bashing along to your favourite tunes at all hours of the day, and into the night.

PG. 42

MIXDOWN NO. 215

SPECS: WEIGHT: 10kg TUBES: 1 x 6V6, 1 x 12AX7 FOOTSWITCH: Boost Included MADE IN: China

Phone: (02) 9939 1299 Website: www.dynamicmusic.com.au

MARCH 2012

WEIGHT: 7.5kg TUBES: Solid state FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: Italy

RRP: $2399

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Acoustic Combo OUTPUT: 400 watts OHMS: Sealed COVERING: Varnished Timber

WEIGHT: 21kg TUBES: solid-state FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: Italy

Phone: (02) 9939 1299 Website: www.dynamicmusic.com.au

ROCKTRON RAMPAGE BASS 10

DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 6 watts OHMS: 4, 8, 16 COVERING: Black tolex

AMP TYPE: Bass Head OUTPUT: 1000 watts OHMS: 2,4,8 COVERING: Painted Metal

SR TECHNOLOGY JAM 400

DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

VHT SPECIAL 6 ULTRA

SPECS:

Phone: (02) 9939 1299 Website: www.dynamicmusic.com.au

RRP: $1399

AMP TYPE: Acoustic Combo (Guitar and Vocals) OUTPUT: 150 watts OHMS: Sealed COVERING: Varnished timber

RRP: $1799

RRP: $139

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Bass Combo OUTPUT: 10 watts OHMS: Sealed COVERING: Black Tolex

WEIGHT: 12kg TUBES: solid-state FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: China

Phone: (02) 9939 1299 Website: www.dynamicmusic.com.au

AMP SPECIAL ROCKTRON VELOCITY V10

RRP: $129

VHT CLASSIC 18

DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC

RECOMMENDED FOR: Beginners, bedroom players or guitarists wanting a compact, portable practice amp.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: You’d be surprised how much volume the Velocity and 6” speaker pumps out and with clean tones and a switchable distortion you can really ramp things up for your dirty sounds.

USABILITY: Getting started on the V10 couldn’t be easier - plug, tweak, play. No hidden tricks or features here.

CONSTRUCTION: Although light (in a good way) the V10 looks and feels like quite a tough little beast. Black tolexed type covering, steel corners and a solid handle give you some reassurance that you can keep lugging it between rooms, houses, parties at will.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Good price, good little amp, good tones.

OVERALL: Rocktron make a range of products for everything and everyone from the small bedroom user to big time touring pros. You get the feeling that you’re still being covered though, even when it comes to something relatively small (on a global stage) such as the Velocity V10. A good choice if you need a practice amp type deal that won’t drain your bank account.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Britpop, indie, country, classic rock, punk, certain breeds of hard rock, blues, blues rock. A vintagetoned amp for those who don’t need hi-fi sounds.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Surprisingly dark compared to the brilliant treble of the Special 6 Ultra, it sounds fat with humbuckers and it adds fullness to single coils. It does fat warmth rather than buzzy high gain, and it’s great for 60s rhythm tones.

USABILITY: Two channels - USA clean and UK crunch. Plenty of versatility and easy to figure out. The included vintage-style spring reverb and the switchable seriesparallel FX loops are great bonuses.

CONSTRUCTION: Lighter than it looks and quite reliably constructed.

The top mounted controls are easy to see and the rear-mounted FX loop connections and footswitch jack are equally accessible.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: A great value amp for players who prefer to do it all from the amplifier. A little extra gain from the clean channel for crunch tones would make it better value.

OVERALL: A brilliant amp for players who need tones that pay tribute to the past rather than look to the future, yet, with a few modern conveniences in the form of channel switching and the FX loop.

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 10 watts OHMS: Sealed COVERING: Black Tolex

WEIGHT: 10kg TUBES: solid-state FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: China

Phone: (02) 9939 1299 Website: www.dynamicmusic.com.au

HARTKE HYDRIVE HX112C

RRP: $1099

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

RECOMMENDED FOR: R&B, metal, jazz, blues, hard rock, progressive rock.

Although it’s got plenty of great recording features, the kick-back design and efficient 12” speaker are especially great for stage use.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Great low-end punch and attack which will especially please five and six string bassists, while the HyDrive speaker pushes enough volume and definition to keep jazz soloists happy. And great pick attack for metal players.

USABILITY: Ridiculously easy to set up, yet if you have a temperamental bass that only plays nice with certain amps, this will definitely tame it. The compressor is easy to use and hard to misuse.

CONSTRUCTION: Clever kick-back construction is great for live use - it makes it much easier to monitor what you’re doing. The graphic EQ is easy enough to see from a distance and the speaker is incredibly efficient.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Like the HyDrive 210C, the option to kick it back helps to cover your onstage monitor needs too, and it has great inbuilt EQ, distortion and compression effects.

OVERALL: Big bassy attack, great for deep R&B, progressive rock and severely low-end metal, but with enough dynamic and tonal range for slap and pop too.

And killer distortion.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Bass players who demand a lot of flexibility from slap and pop funk to rock and metal, and who need a useful overdrive sound from the amp rather than pedals.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Very versatile and with incredibly powerful sound projection thanks to the special HyDrive speakers, but for all its great clean tone, the most pleasant surprise is its fuzzy Bass Attack Overdrive circuit, which does killer Billy Sheehan and Geddy Lee tones.

USABILITY: There’s a lot of control power on hand but unlike some bass amps with lots of tone shaping, the HyDrive 210c isn’t complicated to use. The compressor is especially useful and musical.

CONSTRUCTION: About medium weight, not too heavy but not so light that it feels flimsy. The controls feel nice and secure and the graphic EQ is spaced just right so you don’t hit the wrong slider.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Bass players who have spent a fortune trying to find the right compressor, overdrive or fuzz pedal will definitely appreciate the cost savings offered by this amp by covering those sounds so well.

OVERALL: Great for pop, funk and R&B styles but great for rock and metal as well. Classic rock players will especially love the on-the-edge fat warm overdrive sounds, but everyone will appreciate the compressor.

AMP TYPE: Bass Combo OUTPUT: 250 Watts OHMS: N/A COVERING: Vinyl

WEIGHT: 26 Kgs TUBES: solid-state FOOTSWITCH: Yes (Shape and Bass Attack) MADE IN: China

Phone: (03) 9474 1000 Website: www.elfa.com.au

HARTKE A 100

RRP: $799

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

RECOMMENDED FOR: Live players, thanks to its kickback design, especially those playing in smaller venues. Especially handy for players who typically play clean or who get overdrive from pedals.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: With a big 15” aluminum bass speaker, the A100 pushes out plenty of low end, and there are separate inputs for active and passive basses for greater control. The onboard limiter does a great job and there’s plenty of treble cut.

USABILITY: A great workhorse amp with simple controls and some user-friendly features like an effects loop, an auxiliary input, and XLR balanced outputs.

CONSTRUCTION: The kickback construction means you can tilt the A100 back for greater sound dispersion on stage, and it also gives you a clearer idea of what’s actually coming out in the studio.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: A good all-round amp for those who need a deep or punchy clean tone with the option to use the effect loop as required. A great platform for front-end effects too.

OVERALL: Not the most versatile Hartke out there but it does what it does very well and without a lot of fuss. A particularly good ‘meat and potatoes’ kind of amp.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Blues, roots, country and classic rock styles, especially for those players who like to ride their guitar’s volume, tone and pickup controls for sonic variety.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Offering 16 watts of cathode-based 6V6 power, the Sweet 16 is incredibly reactive to the input signal. Switch pickups and it almost feels like you’ve changed amp channels. Pick lighter and it cleans up nicely. Grit and dirt or sweet cleans and a nice reverb.

USABILITY: One of those amps that makes it really hard to find a bad tone, and its clarity and re-activeness definitely reward you for using top-quality cables. And the control layout is simple and logical.

CONSTRUCTION: Quite light for a combo amp, and balanced well enough to not topple over, thankfully! The construction quality itself is outstanding and the visual element is classy and engaging.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: This is a tricky one because with minimal controls but a reactive circuit this amp is only as flexible and versatile as the player is. Highly recommended if you’re into light and shade, whisper and roar.

OVERALL: This is the kind of amp that you play, rather than simply play through. If your style and technique can support that kind of immediacy and interactivity, the Sweet 16 is one of the finest amps of its type. amp rather than pedals.

PG. 44

MIXDOWN NO. 215

AMP TYPE: Bass Combo OUTPUT: 100 Watts OHMS: N/A COVERING: Vinyl

Phone: (03) 9474 1000 Website: www.elfa.com.au

MARCH 2012

WEIGHT: 23 Kgs TUBES: solid-state FOOTSWITCH: No MADE IN: China

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 18 watts OHMS: 8 COVERING: Black Tolex

WEIGHT: 24kg TUBES: 2 x 12AX7, 2 x EL84 FOOTSWITCH: Reverb included MADE IN: China

Phone: (02) 9939 1299 Website: www.dynamicmusic.com.au

RRP: $1199

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Bass Combo OUTPUT: 250 Watts OHMS: N/A COVERING: Vinyl

WEIGHT: 28 Kgs TUBES: solid-state FOOTSWITCH: Included (Shape and Bass Attack) MADE IN: China

Phone: (03) 9474 1000 Website: www.elfa.com.au

PRS SWEET 16

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

SPECS:

SPECS:

HARTKE HYDRIVE HX210C

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

SPECS:

RRP: $865

RRP: $2499

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 16 Watt COVERING: Tolex WEIGHT: 23.18 Kg

Phone: (03) 9474 1000 Website: www.elfa.com.au

TUBES: 6V6 Power FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: United Kingdom

AMP SPECIAL MARSHALL CLASS 5 (1X10 COMBO)

RRP: $899

MARSHALL C5H (CLASS 5 HEAD)

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

RECOMMENDED FOR: Classic rock, blues rock, old school 70s style metal, country rock, roots styles, slide. Would be a great option for harmonica players too.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: With 5 watts of all-valve EL84 Class A power, the Class 5 aims to give you Plexi tone at a low volume, but the experience is a little different to playing a Plexi because you can get that simultaneous crunch and fuzz at much lower volumes.

USABILITY: A very simple and direct amp, and great for players who like to get all their tone from their hands and guitar, but it plays very nicely with boost, fuzz and overdrive pedals as well.

CONSTRUCTION: Typical Marshall solid quality, and very simply laid out. It’s nice and light, of course, and it looks and feels like a Marshall should. I want a wall of them.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Plenty of Marshall tone at lower volumes - it will save you money in noise pollution fines because you don’t have to crank it to 110 dB to get that classic Marshall Plexi sound at home OVERALL: In combo form with the stock speaker, the Class 5 is a little warmer and fatter in sound than its head version, which opens it up a little more for one-guitar bands and lead guitarists.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Classic rock, blues rock, certain strains of old school 70s style metal, roots styles - Players who need cleans and edgy dirt with minimal fuss.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: The circuit is quite simple but this means you get a lot of directness, which is great for bold, punchy styles, clean or dirty. Perhaps Marshall’s jangliest amp, and it fattens up a Stratocaster quite nicely for sweaty blues rock tones.

USABILITY: Definitely not a channel changing multi tone monster - just volume and a three band EQ. But it can drive a 4x12 cabinet like nobody’s business and it loves fuzz pedals and analogue delay.

CONSTRUCTION: It’s small and it’s light, and it has that typically Marshall solid construction. The layout is very simple and intuitive, and it sits proudly on top of any sized speaker cabinet.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Because it’s a head, you’re really encouraged to pair it with the best cabinet for your particular musical situation, and this extends its usefulness greatly. Plenty of tone and projection despite the low wattage.

OVERALL: A really great blues rock amp but also great for slightly heavier rhythm styles like vintage metal or greasy Sunset Strip hard rock of the G’n’R variety. And overdrive pedals bring out killer lead sounds.

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 5 Watt OHMS: N/A COVERING: Tolex

WEIGHT: 12 Kg TUBES: 2xECC83, 1xEL84 FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: United Kingdom

Phone: (03) 9474 1000 Website: www.elfa.com.au

MARSHALL JVM205C

RRP: $2699

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

RECOMMENDED FOR: Modern country, blues rock, hard rock, fusion, classic metal, thrash, death metal, metalcore, extreme metal, shred… anything that requires a lot of punch and power.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Unmistakably Marshall in its attack, the JVM210C runs the gamut from punchy cleans to chunky overdrives to all-out oversaturated metal mayhem. Three channels each offer three voices, each of which gets progressively dirtier, so there’s plenty of tone to be had.

USABILITY: The three voices on each of the three channels are logically accessed: just press the channel button to cycle through the three options for that channel. And each mode remembers if you selected reverb for it.

CONSTRUCTION: It’s a Marshall so it can surely take a beating (my personal Marshall has demonstrated this many times), but like most Marshalls it’s quite heavy, so bring a buddy if you need to hoist it up high.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: The JVM series is the most versatile Marshall design ever, so put this in the category of ‘amps that can take the place of a room full of other amps’ and that means exceptional value.

OVERALL: The JVM platform has done it for Joe Satriani, Trivium and Megadeth to name just a few, and it’s a great way of getting true Marshall warmth and cut with the flexibility of MIDI control.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Best for single-sound styles that don’t require a lot of fundamental tone shifts within songs. Blues, Stoner, Hard Rock, 60s Classic Rock, 70s style Country Rock, Indie.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: At lower volumes this is one of Marshall’s great clean amps. Great tremolo for The Clientele-type clean sounds. Turn it up though and you’ll get classic Malcolm Young clean-but-dirty crunch. Go further and it roars in a QOTSA kind of way.

USABILITY: Very simple layout: high and low inputs, a volume and tone control on each of two channels, and a basic tremolo circuit. Versatile within the clean/edgy realm, but always a very ‘Marshall’ sound.

CONSTRUCTION: The simple circuit means it’s not as heavy as it looks, and as a hand wired amp the build quality is impressive. Also incredibly quiet when you’re not playing.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Depends on what you’ll use it for. If you want classic Marshall tone with great build quality it’s a killer buy. If you want the versatility to play every conceivable style through it, look elsewhere.

OVERALL: Not Marshall’s most versatile amp if you’re into the heavier, louder, screamier tones, but if you’re into clean or respectably dirty, and you crave that heavenly tremolo wobble, this amp is a real keeper and simply awesome!

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 50 Watt OHMS: N/A COVERING: Tolex

WEIGHT: 29.5 Kg TUBES: 4xECC83, 1xECC83, 2xEL34 FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE IN: United Kingdom

Phone: (03) 9474 1000 Website: www.elfa.com.au

ENGL FIREBALL 100

RRP: $3199.99

DISTRIBUTOR: INTERMUSIC PTY. LTD.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Rock and Metal players needing lots of volume and darker, tight tones.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: This is pretty much a rock/metal amp that shreds.

Tight low end, focussed mids and dark, thick overall tones give you some real power for huge gain sounds.

USABILITY: Always one to include extra features the FB 100 has a few channels on offer and then adds in features like bright switch, mid boost, bottom switch and various master levels for power amp settings. A little to get your head around but once you’re set you are set!

CONSTRUCTION: Tough grille and corners, heavy duty black tolex, solid chassis - a serious amp.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: There’s a lot built in to the Fireball 100 and the ability to footswitch channels and features makes for a pretty complete package.

You also get a range of outs and features on the back panel.

OVERALL: Dark chugging riffs, thick sharp lead tones and room to dial in anything in between. Plus there’s a clean channel with good headroom making this one serious amp for the rock/metal player.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Rock and Metal players wanting multiple channels, added features and tones from clean through to brutal.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: The Powerball II has 4 channels and can do loud and clean but gain sounds are really where it excels. And for that kind of tone it really does spark up with tight, fat, razor sharp lows and attack.

USABILITY: Quite an involved front panel and a lot of built in features but once you’ve got your head around it you’ll be fine. With plenty of switching options and footswitch you can really manoeuvre without much fuss.

CONSTRUCTION: A tough, solid beast. Not the lightest amp on the market but nothing out of the ordinary for a multi channel switcher.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: In the rock and metal vein there is a bit of competition but the Powerball II has a tonne of features, delivers on the gain front and is probably all you’ll need in terms of amps for that sort of style.

OVERALL: A pumping boutique feeling rock/metal amp - that is all about the gain and does it incredibly well. Rock Gods will love this.

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 100 Watts OHMS: 4,8,16 COVERING: Black Tolex

Phone: 1300 005 319 Website: www.imd.com.au

PG. 46

MIXDOWN NO. 215

MARCH 2012

WEIGHT: 21kg TUBES: 4x12AX7, 4x6L6GC FOOTSWITCH: Engl Dual Z4 Footswitch Included MADE IN: Germany

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 5 Watt OHMS: 8,16 COVERING: Tolex

WEIGHT: 6.75 Kg TUBES: 2xECC83, 1x EL84 FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: United Kingdom

Phone: (03) 9474 1000 Website: www.elfa.com.au

RRP: $3299

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 18 Watt OHMS: N/A COVERING: Tolex

WEIGHT: 19 Kg TUBES: 3xECC83, 2xEL84, 1xEZ81 FOOTSWITCH: Yes (Tremolo) MADE IN: United Kingdom

Phone: (03) 9474 1000 Website: www.elfa.com.au

ENGL POWERBALL II

DISTRIBUTOR: INTERMUSIC PTY. LTD.

SPECS:

SPECS:

MARSHALL HANDWIRED 1974X (1X12 COMBO)

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY

SPECS:

RRP: $799

RRP: $4199.99

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 100 Watts OHMS: 4,8,16 COVERING: Black Tolex

Phone: 1300 005 319 Website: www.imd.com.au

WEIGHT: 21kg TUBES: 4x12AX7, 4x6L6GC FOOTSWITCH: Included Engl Custom Z9 Pedal MADE IN: Germany

AMP SPECIAL JET CITY JCA100H

RRP: $1299.99

AGUILAR TONE HAMMER 500

DISTRIBUTOR: INTERMUSIC PTY. LTD.

DISTRIBUTOR: INTERMUSIC PTY. LTD.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those after some clean and predominantly dirty rock tones along the SLO vibe in a 100 watt head SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Good headroom, solid without being too sparkly, nice clean tones that you could push with pedals and some cool SLO100 esque dirty tones to boot.

Would suit Rock and Metal primarily but could sit in elsewhere too.

USABILITY: Clear and easy to operate with two channels to choose from you’ll be belting it out in no time.

CONSTRUCTION: Tough and steely no problems gigging the JCAH100.

No heavier than any number of similar heads on the market this one seems built to go the distance.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Some other amps are 3, 4 or 5 times the price of these amps and this still holds it own with a great set of tones at a good price.

OVERALL: Mike Soldano’s foray into more cost friendly amps features some pretty smoking sounds and plenty of volume making for a rocking head.

RECOMMENDED FOR: It could suit anyone from an amateur player about to start gigging to a pro with the sound, tone and features covering a lot of ground.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Seriously good tones, old school honk to clean modern tones. The gain section makes it a go’er for the player that wants a little edge or some boost for fat lines and solos and the EQ section gives you plenty of scope for tweaking.

USABILITY: Straight forward, easy to use controls and clear, well laid out settings and features. Being small in size makes it great for fitting into little spaces and carrying with ease.

CONSTRUCTION: Seems rock solid to me. Small in size and light in weight but I’d think it’d handle anything you throw at it gig wise.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Damn good. A solid range of tones and features, easy to use and portable all at a more than reasonable price.

OVERALL: Aguilar has long been out of reach for a lot of players but its recent foray into pedals and now continuing with the Tone Hammer range of amps sees it becoming a reality - a great amp!

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 100 Watts OHMS: 2,8,16 COVERING: Black Tolex

WEIGHT: 19.8kg TUBES: 5x12AX7, 4x6L6GC FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE IN: China

Phone: 1300 005 319 Website: www.imd.com.au

RRP: $599

DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIA

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those looking for a small, portable valve amp. Ideal for bedroom, rehearsals and recording.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: The reappearance of Strauss has seen a host of folks revisiting this Aussie brand and SV-TNT-A adds to its existing line with warm, round tones through to more rock sounds. Although a simple EQ section you can still coax quite a bit from it and the volume and gain knobs.

USABILITY: Three knobs and two switches – clearly labelled and to say, “it’s easy to use” is an understatement CONSTRUCTION: A small, portable amp the SV-TNT-A is still robust.

I’d imagine it could withstand up to whatever you’re willing to throw at it.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: You’re getting a nifty little valve amp that you can carry round in one hand with ease. Furthermore you get a range of tones and the ability to switch between 8 and 15 watts.

OVERALL: These ‘lunchbox’ styled amps seem to be popping up more and more and its great to this impressive little offering. As a small wattage valve amp it seems perfect for practicing, recording or small band situations!

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those looking for a small, portable valve amp. Ideal for bedroom, rehearsals, recording and small gigs SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Stepping it up from the little brother TNT-A, the B has some added features with an extended EQ section.

This coupled with the switchable wattage makes for some really nice tones and dynamic capabilities USABILITY: Portable and easy to handle. Amp wise it’s super easy to use with clear controls and a well laid out faceplate CONSTRUCTION: I like the feel that it’s easy enough to grab with one hand yet still feels tough enough to stand up to some punishment. The handle is solid and the rest of the amp follows suit.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Definitely good value here! Most of the big boys are doing these styled amps and it’s good to see another Aussie brand on the same page.

OVERALL: A bit more flexibility than it’s little brother with the Deep switch adding another element again to the more ‘in depth’ EQ. The TNT - B is going to work brilliantly in either rehersals or recordings where switching wattage will enable to pump out that extra bit of bite.

SPECS: WEIGHT: 7.8 Kg TUBES: 2xEL 84 2x12AX7 FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: China

Phone: 1800 144 120 Website: www.jadeaustralia.com.au

STRAUSS SRT-15

RRP: $699

RECOMMENDED FOR: Indie, psychedelic, blues, blues rock, soul, rockabilly, psychedelic players. Definitely one for those who prefer vintage tone and attack rather than modern sparkle.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: The SRT-15 is capable of a fairly surprising range of tones, from bell-like ringing cleans to sharp, biting, overdriven blues bark. After about 6, the volume knob stops governing the output level and instead increases the gain and fullness of the tone. Great range of clean and dirty tones.

USABILITY: A great interactive amp which plays especially well with P90 pickups. Great for those ‘ride the volume knob’ gain changes. Nice but dark on board reverb and a really addictive tremolo effect.

CONSTRUCTION: It is tiny but by no means flimsy either. Sounds like a small point but the chunky handle really helps to boost the roadworthy vibe.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Nice clean and edgy tones for the rootsier, more organic side of music but if you’re buying it to cover a cover set’s worth of songs, maybe look elsewhere.

OVERALL: Great warm blues and early rock tones, cool blues and hot rockabilly sounds. Doesn’t really do ‘modern’ very well but excels at authentic, vintage-style ‘old tone.’

RECOMMENDED FOR: Blues, soul, rhythm & blues, country, blues rock, psychedelic players. Maybe even some hard rock guitarists. Anyone who wants boutique sound on a budget.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Plenty of boutique vibe, almost like a Dumble without the price tag and exclusionary waiting list.

Gorgeous clean sounds, thick sustaining overdrive and a great SRV-like lead voice. Perfectly voiced and highly addictive.

USABILITY: Very simple. The Boost function re-voices the amp in a very musical, solo-friendly way and takes it from a Hendrixy clean sound to roaring lead instantly.

CONSTRUCTION: Well constructed and within expectations for the price point. The front basketweave looks a bit rough but gives it that real vintage vibe.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Authentic feeling boutique style tone but at a ridiculously low price. A great entry point for those wanting to break away from digital models and try a real tube amp.

OVERALL: The price to tone ratio is ridiculous. Simply sounds way better than you would expect at this price point.

Definitely worth a test-drive, preferably up loud.

SPECS: WEIGHT: 12.6 Kg TUBES: 2xEL84, 2x12 AX7 FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: China

Phone: 1800 144 120 Website: www.jadeaustralia.com.au

MARCH 2012

RRP: $649

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 8 or 15 watt (switchable) OHMS: 8,16 COVERING: Valve Cage Head

WEIGHT: 7.8 KGS TUBES: 2xEL 84, 2x12AX7 FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: China

STRAUSS SVT-H50R DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIA

MIXDOWN NO. 215

WEIGHT: 1.8kg TUBES: N/A FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: New York City

Phone: 1800 144 120 Website: www.jadeaustralia.com.au

DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIA

PG. 48

AMP TYPE: Bass Head OUTPUT: 500 Watts OHMS: 500 watts into 4 ohms, 250 watts into 8 ohms COVERING: Metal

STRAUSS SV-TNT-B

DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIA

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Amp OUTPUT: 15 Watt OHMS: 4 COVERING: Vinyl

SPECS:

Phone: 1300 005 319 Website: www.imd.com.au

STRAUSS SV-TNT-A

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 8 or 15 watt switchable OHMS: 8,16 COVERING: Valve Cage Head

RRP: $1099.99

RRP: $799

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 50 watts OHMS: 4,8 COVERING: Vinyl

WEIGHT: N/A TUBES: 3x12ax7, 2x6L6 FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: China

Phone: 1800 144 120 Website: www.jadeaustralia.com.au

AMP SPECIAL BLACKSTAR HT-5RS

RRP: $999

BLACKSTAR HT 1RH

RRP: $315

DISTRIBUTOR: NATIONAL AUDIO SYSTEMS

DISTRIBUTOR: NATIONAL AUDIO SYSTEMS

RECOMMENDED FOR: At only a few years old the Blackstar HT5 is already an amp classic. As a low-watt screamer it’s great for recording, especially rock, blues and metal tones.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: The lower wattage of the HT5 makes for great clean tones with plenty of attack and liveliness and a nice compressed airiness when pushed. Distorted tones rage with harmonics and power amp crunch, making it a great recording or a mic’d up stage amp.

USABILITY: With its mini stack layout, the HT5RS is simply fun to use, but it’s also sonically flexible. The added height makes for great controlled feedback, and the footswitchable channels are stage-friendly too.

CONSTRUCTION: Reliable and solid, and although the packaging is a bit cumbersome the amp and cabs are easy to transport, set up and tear down in a live situation.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: This isn’t Blackstar’s most versatile amp design and there’s a bit of a trade-off between convenience and control, but there are several tonal ‘sweet spots’ which make it all worth it.

OVERALL: A great way of adding some visual flair and sonic projection to a minimal stage rig, and a killer option for home recording. And hey, stereo reverb in an amp this size is a great bonus.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Home recorders, bedroom jammers, bands who play in small venues. Plenty of crunch for overdrive tones but nice cleans as well.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: A real gamut-runner. With two channels, reverb, a push-pull power design and true valve tone it can cover a lot more sonic territory than an amp of this size has any right to. Clean jangle, fat overdriven roar and more, with killer harmonics.

USABILITY: More of a home or studio amp than a stage one.

Mp3/line in, emulated recording/headphone out, reverb, and only a single ISF tone control. Easy and effective.

CONSTRUCTION: It’s much smaller than the big Blackstar heads but still has a similar feel. It’s so light that you could probably fit it in a generous gig bag, and it’ll definitely fit on a computer desk.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: As a recording or practice tool it’s unbeatable. Pair it with a big cabinet and get surprising volume, but it really works best at home or in the studio.

OVERALL: A surprisingly versatile little amplifier with true tube tone and lots of user-friendly features for practicing and home recording. It’s won plenty of awards and for very good reason.

SPECS: AMP TYPE: 2 Channel, Valve 2 x12” Mini-stack.

OUTPUT: 5 watts OHMS: 8,16 COVERING: Black Tolex

WEIGHT: Head 7Kg, 12” Cabs 10.7 Kg (x2) TUBES: 1 x (EEC83), 1 x (12BH7) FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE IN: Korea

Phone: (03) 9761 5577 Website: www.nationalaudio.com.au

BLACKSTAR HT CLUB 50

RRP:$949

RECOMMENDED FOR: Blues, hard rock, metal, country, blues rock. Not as versatile as the HT Stage 100 but with everything you need to rock a club stage.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: With two channels, the HT Club 50 can handle clean, dirty, crunchy and full-on saturated distortion. It’s a great metal rhythm amp but can also kick it AC/DC style, and the digital reverb is incredibly versatile, from ambience to outright ‘effect’ vibe.

USABILITY: Although it’s capable of a huge range of tones thanks to the ISF control, this is more of a ‘set and forget’ type of amp in a live situation. This makes it great for high-energy bands and blues-rockers.

CONSTRUCTION: Typically chunky Blackstar build quality. Heavy enough to feel confident in, but not so heavy that you’ll snap your spine getting it out of the box.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Think of it as about eight different two-channel amps in a single box and which can be configured at a moment’s notice. Much more expensive amps have done much less just as well.

OVERALL: A great straightforward rock amp. Or straightforward blues amp. Or straightforward metal amp. Or straightforward country amp. It’s whatever you turn it into, and it sounds great.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Country, hard rock, thrash, shred. Especially for pro players on a budget who need several distinct sounds from one amp.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: One of Blackstar’s most versatile amps. The three channels have six modes which cover everything from brilliant shimmering boutique-like cleans to distorto mega-rage. Set up a fat UK or bright USA clean sound, crunchy hot rhythm and screaming lead and you’re set.

USABILITY: Lots of options to sculpt the sound, with Blackstar’s famed ISF control on two of the three channels for even further tone-shaping ability. The two clean options are also great.

CONSTRUCTION: Let’s just admit it: Blackstar amps kinda smell funny.

But they sound great and if they can handle an Ozzy Osbourne show with Gus G, they can handle anything.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Because it’s so versatile, the HT Stage 100 offers great value. It’s a metal amp, a rock amp, a country amp, a blues rock amp, a fusion amp, all in one.

OVERALL: Whether you need crystalline clean, warm crunch or cold brittle brutal metal grind - or all three in one song - the HT Stage 100 can give it to you. And how.

WEIGHT: 15 Kg TUBES: 2 x ECC83, 2 x EL34 FOOTSWITCH: 2 way, Included MADE IN: Korea

Phone: (03) 9761 5577 Website: www.nationalaudio.com.au

VOX NIGHT TRAIN NT50H

SPECS: WEIGHT: 21 Kg TUBES: 4 x EL34, 2 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82 FOOTSWITCH: Included MADE IN: Korea

AMP TYPE: Guitar Valve Head OUTPUT: 100 watts OHMS: 4-16 COVERING: Black Tolex

VOX TONY BRUNO TB35C2

RRP: $1999

DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA AUSTRALIA

DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA AUSTRALIA

RECOMMENDED FOR: Musicians who want enough power and versatility on stage without having to worry about turning the volume down or breaking their back with a big, heavy rig.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: The NT50H gives you plenty of tonal variety. It expands on the already versatile NT15H and brings a second channel for even more grunt. You can go anywhere from classic Vox clean sounds, to bluesy overdrives and right into higher gain rock sounds.

USABILITY: There are not a lot of musicians who wouldn’t get something out of this amp. It brings a lot to the plate and is easy to dial in a tone that will suit your needs CONSTRUCTION: Put simply, the NT50H is built like a tank. It may look like a retro toaster on steroids, but its solid build and big transformers deliver what you would hope from it.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: This is a great value amp for the money. It gives you plenty of variety and loads of headroom without carrying a price tag that will have you weeping at first sight.

OVERALL: Since they first came out last year, I have always been impressed with the NT50H. It offers more than it’s smaller counterparts making it far more versatile and has that rich tone that Vox is known for.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Vox lovers, pro, semi pro those after a loud, punchy combo.

SOUND AND MUSICAL VERSATILITY: Tony Bruno has long been considered a guru of amp design and this collaboration with Vox brings a slightly American flavour to the typical Vox tone.

Loud with tonnes of headroom the ability to drive the amp, the ‘Macho’ switch and the Master Vol bypass make for great tweaking options.

USABILITY: Easy to get started, a little more digging and you’ll really flesh out the extra switches and features beauty.

CONSTRUCTION: Tough and weighty the TB35C2 could just about stop a car I reckon. You might want to look at a trolley (or a mate) for lugging this baby around but she’s one tough combo!

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: The combination of classic Vox flavours and stylings with the extra zing of some Tony Bruno magic and you’ve got yourself a great amp. Bruno’s designs might be out of the realm for some players but this Vox offering is a little more in reach.

OVERALL: Clean, loud, a real players amp. In fact the Editor commented along the lines that there’s nowhere to hide with this Vox - toneful and clear, you’ll want to keep playing and playing and playing.

SPECS:

Phone: (03) 9693 5111 Website: au.yamaha.com

Phone: (03) 9761 5577 Website: www.nationalaudio.com.au

Phone: (03) 9761 5577 Website: www.nationalaudio.com.au

RRP: $1099

AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Head OUTPUT: 50 watts OHMS: 8, 16 COVERING: Metal

WEIGHT: 4 Kg TUBES: 1 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82 FOOTSWITCH: N/A MADE IN: Korea

RRP:$1249

DISTRIBUTOR: NATIONAL AUDIO SYSTEMS

AMP TYPE: Guitar Valve Head OUTPUT: 50 Watts OHMS: 8, 16 COVERING: Black Tolex

AMP TYPE: Guitar Valve Head OUTPUT: 1 Watt OHMS: 4-16 COVERING: Black Tolex

Blackstar HT Stage 100

DISTRIBUTOR: NATIONAL AUDIO SYSTEMS

SPECS:

SPECS:

WEIGHT: 12.2kg TUBES: 4x12AX7, 2xEL34 FOOTSWITCH: Optional VFS2A MADE IN: Vietnam

SPECS: AMP TYPE: Valve Guitar Combo OUTPUT: 35 watts OHMS: 8 COVERING: N/A WEIGHT: 33.5kg

TUBES: 3x12AX7/ECC83, 1x12AT7, 1x12AX7, 4x6V6 FOOTSWITCH: VFS-1 MADE IN: Vietnam

Phone: (03) 9693 5111 Website: au.yamaha.com

MARCH 2012

NO. 215 MIXDOWN

PG. 49