Roland Blues Cube Hot

november 2016 ToTal GuiTar
the tg test
103
£719
£649
Is this one of those Peavey TransTube things?
No. That’s the valve emulation technology the company includes
on its solid-state amps – including the pub gig staple Bandit model.
The ValveKing II 20 we have in our clutches features real 12AX7s
and EL84s. Yep, it’s that classic British set-up again.
What else do I get?
Quite a lot. Peavey designed the ValveKing as an entry-level
alternative to mega-bucks boutique amps, and yet you’ll still fi nd
two channels available to you here, each with its own EQ section,
The Artist 15 has similar valves to a Fender, right?
Well, after a fashion, but there’s a crucial di erence here. The
preamp tubes are actually ECC83 jobs, which are the British
equivalent of the 12AX7 ‘bottles’ that are indeed found in the Fender.
The power tubes, on the other hand are what’s known as 6L6
models. Ironically, these are usually found in classic American amps,
particularly those made by our old friends at Fender. So, we’ve got a
British-designed amp taking on some of the tonal makeup of the
Americans this time around, while our Fender uses the EL84 power
tubes commonly used in Marshall amps – it’s all backwards!
plus a footswitchable gain boost on the lead channel - for kicking
in on solos if you so desire - and a USB output for recording to a
computer. There’s also the useful MSDI (Microphone Simulated
Direct Interface) XLR-format direct out that allows you to get a
‘mic’d’ up sound through a mixing desk or PA system without
actually using a microphone.
So how much power does it have?
Output is rated at 20 watts and this thing is loud. You can also run
it at fi ve watts or just one watt if you want to unleash the amp’s
maximum overdrive sound at bedroom level.
Anything else I should know?.
Well Artist 15 is not just a clever name; this Blackstar combo is 15
watts. While every ri and lick travels to your lugs via its 12-inch
speaker, the spec sheet also details a chunky footswitch that
allows you to select between the amp’s two channels.
What makes this amp unique?
You’re going to love the versatile ISF control, which lets you dial in
a classic tight bottom, bold midrange American sound or a woolier,
warmer Brit sound a la Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, Led Zep’s
Jimmy Page, Paul Kosso of Free and a thousand other legends...
PeaVeY
ValVeKiNG ii 20
The beast of both worlds…
BlaCKSTar
arTiST 15
English heart, American soul
TYPE All-valve 1x12 combo
POWER 20 watts
KEY FEATURES 2 channels with
dedicated tone controls, 1 x 12”
speaker, gain boost, USB recording
output, MSDI (Microphone
Simulated Direct Interface) XLR
output for sound desk input
CONTACT Barnes And Mullins
01691 652449 www.peavey.com
at a glanCe
TYPE All-valve 1x12 combo
POWER 15 watts
KEY FEATURES 2x ECC83 preamp
valves, 2x 6L6 power amps, 2
channels with footswitch, 1x12”
speaker, ISF voice control,
onboard reverb with level control
CONTACT Blackstar Amplification
01604 817817
www.blackstaramps.com
at a glanCe
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