CONS: None.
Line 6 pretty much started the amp modeling trend in the mid 1990s. Partnering up with Bogner, their new combo amp brings modeling back to its essence: the amplifier. It’s a 2-channel combo, with no effects, save for your typical amp reverb. Wrapped in a retro/boutique look, each channel has the usual EQ & reverb controls, as well as 4 amp modes; Classic American, British, Chimey & Modern High Gain. The back panel has DI outs, effects loop jacks, 1/4” footswitch connection, and extension speaker outputs.
It is tube driven, (1) 12AX7 in the preamp and (2) EL84 tubes in the power amp section. The Speaker is a G12H90, by Celestion. With the American channel, the cleans are perfect. Cranking up the gain brings in very nice overdriven tones, as well. The British mode works the same way, the Marshall-esque sounds are all there, and even better; lowering the gain, the clean tone is very punchy and tight.
The third mode is in that Vox/Matchless type of zone. It’s probably one of the most copied amp models these days, and this one nails it! Plenty of drive while maintaining individual note clarity. In the Modern High gain mode, super saturated, liquid lead tones ooze out of it, and aggressive rhythms sounds are a breeze – the perfect amount of chunk to sustain ratio.
EQ-wise, it’s quite flexible and musical, responding well to a guitar’s volume control, and cleaning up nicely in all modes. With class A/B and Class A, modes, and Pentode and Triode modes, it’s easy to refine tones. The EQ also interacts differently with each variation of these two selections. The master volume control gives you all these tones at lower volumes, making it useful for home jamming and in a live setting, too.
There are a lot of boutique amps out there; few do so much, and even fewer at this price point. The tones have their distinct flavors, but the player has the ability to mold them in their own way. Highly recommended.
SPECS:
- Advanced HD modeling technology
- 1 x 12AX7 preamp tube
- 2 x EL84 power amp tubes
- 2-channel design
- Reconfigurable analog components (Class A/Class AB; Pentode/Triode)
- Complete, 1-touch analog reconfiguration (via Channel select switch)
- Low-power mode
- 1 x 12″ Celestion custom G12H90 speaker
- L6 LINK in/thru connection for POD HD integration
- 4-, 8-, and 16-ohm speaker outs