Technical data

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TUBEAMP EVOLUTION
Time For A New Standard 100 Watt Compact Tube Amp
1950s and 60s
The main function of the first tube amps in the 50s was to get guitars heard over
bands and orchestras. When distorted guitar tones were at last discovered in the
60s, this radical stylistic device paved the way for new genres like rock. In those
days, before the birth of the PA system, the only source of sound for concert audi-
ences came from the onstage amps themselves. Because of this, volume was the
key feature of the 60s tube amp.
1970s and 80s
In the 70s and 80s, guitarists demanded more and more features from their amps.
Multiple channels and an effects loop became the new amp standard. The newly
emerging digital technology brought programmable amps into the marketplace for
the first time. However, a massive flood of additional features meant that before
long, hardly anyone was able to make good use of them.
1990s
Seeing as the first digital modelling amps offered a bunch of presets, but couldn’t
convince tonally, the 90s saw a return back to the true virtues of the tube amp.
Traditional build types – like Plexi or Tweed – experienced a renaissance as players
once again expressed the desire for more individual tones. Some classic amp models
were upgraded with MIDI interfaces to be more flexible.
Since 2000
Since the turn of the century, a clear trend towards smaller, more portable amps
has appeared – seeing as not every guitarist wants to have to take a van to the gig.
The New Standard:
AMP1
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- 100W TUBE TONE POWER
Pros
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flexibe
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versatile
Cons
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compromises on sound
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complicated operation
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too many features
1980
1970
1960
1990
2000
2010
TUBEAMP REVOLUTION
However, these so-called “Lunchbox Amps” are often limited to just one sound.
Should a genuinely clean or heavy sound be desired, these small specialist amps
are often lacking in headroom, dynamics, tone and assertiveness. While 30 watts
may be enough for a living room, they quickly reach their limits when playing on big
stages, at open air gigs, or even in the practice room. The sound becomes “muddy”
and can’t fill the space. Sometimes you just need the power reserves of a 100-watt
amp; it’s just that no one wants to lug these heavy boxes around nowadays.
Powerful All-Tube Amps
Big amps want to be played loud, though, but in many situations, they’re just too
loud, and clog up the stage sound. Everyone – the crowd, the soundman, and
the band – ends up being unhappy with the results. Despite this, many guitarists
don’t want to go without the fat, warm sound of a driven tube amp. They buy into
the purist solution of a full-tube amp with PowerSoak. A PowerSoak enables the
player to push the amp into saturation while limiting the volume to more tolerable
levels. Unfortunately, due to flaws in the system, the PowerSoak also leads to a
loss in sound quality. The power reduction doesn’t just reduce the volume, but
also the power amp’s “Current Feedback”, which leads to a flatter, less lively
tone. To combat this problem, it was necessary to develop a new power reduction
system that doesn’t compromise on sound quality.
Most of today’s amps are still based on the philosophies of yesterday. In order
to fully meet musicians’ current needs, I have had to go down completely new
technological and conceptual paths.
I wanted to create an amp that would deliver the perfect sound in ANY SITUATION: from 0.15 Watts at home to 100 Watts on big stages.
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In 2014, AMP1
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becomes the first ever guitar amp to bridge the previously insurmountable gap between the loud, characterful tube sound, and easy transportation,
stress-free operation and professional features. AMP1
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is the first of a new generation of amps: without compromise on sound quality and performance, suitable for
any application, and always with you wherever you need it. As a guitarist, with AMP1
™
, you’re ready for anything, anywhere.
AMP1
™
heralds the start of a new tube amp era.
AMP1
™
is an amp with genuine character. You can play any style with it. AMP1
™
’s uniquely customisable sounds and features give you the freedom to realise, save
and recall all your favourite tones at any time. Despite its versatility and its remarkable options for expansion, AMP1TM does not burden you with any unnecessary
features, so you can concentrate on the most important thing: making music.
Pros
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good, individual tone
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few control
buttons/features
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easy operation
Cons
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not flexible
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normally only works in one
situation