Newer Randall Modular tube amps

[metalj]

Anyone have personal experience with these?

I played through the MTS head and tried about 6 of those swappable preamp modulars. It was unbelievable. Went from oversaturated metal to a break up blues/rock tone all through the same amp, just swapping out a different preamp. These are all tubes and have serial and parralell effects loops.

Im leaning towards the rackmount that will hold 4 differents amps and the 50/50 stereo rack poweramp. could be the last amp I buy

ANyone? Pros and COns. I personally dont see any Cons, but maybe someone who ones one and gigs with it can tell.

Thanks

 

[PhiloBeddoe]

I've an RM4 with the RT2/50 power amp and also a little RM20 amp for about a year and so far no problems, but I've only used them for recording rather than gigging.

They're not cheap, but IMO they're great recording tools. I can't think of another way to get such a wide palette of sounds besides modelers, which I'm not a fan of.

If you get the RM4, I would recommend coupling it with their RT2/50 power amp. It gives you the versatility of two channels, one with 6L6 tubes and the other with EL34. Also, it has the Presence and Density controls which I find essential.

I guess some potential cons are:
-They won't sound absolutely exactly like the amps they are trying to emulate. If you want exactly a Fender Bassman, for example, then buy a Bassman.
-Randall is a quirky company and they often don't have inventory. So if you order one, you may experience huge delays. Try to find a dealer that has them in stock.
-The equipment is kind of heavy.
-Not cheap

 

[metalj]

Thanks for the input.

Do you find you have to crank it for your recording sessions? or are you able to find a your sound at decent volumes?

At the store I tried it at, i played at fairly low volume or "bedroom" volume and it sounded really full and still held the tubie sound.

 

[PhiloBeddoe]

With the little RM20, you definitely can get some really good sounds at low volume. Between the Bass and Density controls at lower volumes you can get good low end out of the thing, but you have to watch the gain or things can get fizzy like any amp.

BUT, it depends on the module of course! They really are all drastically different.

The RT2/50 is a 50 Watt amp so it can take a little bit of volume to get the best sound out of it, but not as much as my 100W Marshall. I have a studio where I can make noise, so I don't hesitate to turn it up. Therefore I'm probably not the best judge of how it sounds at low volume, but yes I think it sounds pretty good.

Another cool product they have is the Mic Eliminator. The RM20 has one on the back which allows you to record silently or at the same time as using the speaker and it actually sounds really good, unlike most direct methods. With the larger amps, the cabinets have the Mic Eliminator but you can't disconnect the speakers and play silently since you need the load.

 

[NL5]

I have an RM20B with about a dozen modules. FANTASTIC little amp. I wish I could switch output tubes, but it still does a great job of emulating 6L6 amps. The 2/50 has EL34's on one side 6L6's on the other - you have even more flexibility.