Amp Model Details; Basman (Based On Fender Bassman); Dlxrev (Based On Fender Deluxe Reverb); Twnrev (Based On Fender Twin Reverb) - M-Audio Black Box Addendum To Users Manual

Amp Model Details

Here are detailed descriptions of each of the 40 amps modeled in the Black Box
v2 firmware.

1. BASMAN (based on Fender Bassman)

The Bassman is a marvelous and very early Fender amp that was embraced by
many blues, rock and country guitarists in the '60s. With four 10" speakers and
very sweet 50-watt power amp distortion, this one is worthy of the high prices
the originals fetch. Excellent clean as well as overdriven, our hats are off to Leo
and the guys. Incidentally, this was the amp that Marshall virtually copied in
designing their early amps.

2. DLXREV (based on Fender Deluxe Reverb)

The Deluxe Reverb is another stellar Fender design. With a single 12", a very high
and intense treble and sweet power amp distortion, this amp was and still is a
popular mid-volume blues/rock amp. The bass folds over a little because of the
open back, single 12" design, but that's part of the sound. Oddly, they chose to
call the tremolo on this early amp "vibrato." The real amp had only bass and
treble controls, so in adding our Mid control, we tried to stick to the spirit of the
Fender design principal by looking at what they did in subsequent models.

3. TWNREV (based on Fender Twin Reverb)

It seemed that in the '70s, just about everybody had a Twin or a friend that had
one. With 100 watts in two 12" speakers as well as intense treble boost, this amp
is probably responsible for more tinnitus than any other. It might not achieve
that much distortion by today's standards, but it gets a sound that's pure classic
Fender.

4. DELUXE (based on Fender Deluxe)

This early Fender delivered great distortion—regardless of whether it was
intended or not—by virtue of its low power and relatively flat EQ before the
distortion. I'm not sure if Leo bought into Minimalism with this design, but this
little screamer had but one "tone" control, effectively a treble control. In adding
our bass and mid controls, we tried to predict what Leo would have done had
he been less austere.

5. CHAMP (based on Fender Champ)

Intended as a low-cost beginner's amp, the small '60s-vintage tweed unit was
embraced by a number of studio players who valued it for its solid tone and
kindness to their backs when carrying it around. The little speaker didn't deliver
much low end, but the uniquely crisp high end more than makes up for it.

6. MAR 45 (based on Marshall JTM45)

Released in 1962, this amazing amp head has a full, warm and remarkable
tone. Thought its circuitry is largely copied from the original Fender Bassman,
subtle differences gave it its own distinct and very attractive personality.

7. PLEXI (based on Marshall 100 watt Super Lead "Plexi")

This wasn't just an amp but almost an instrument in itself, redefining how guitar
is played—it's that significant. Released in 1959, this 100-watt head is the heart of
the famous Marshall stack used by countless bands in the '60's and '70's. Along
with the JTM45, this amp was usually played with all controls set to full because
compared to later high-gain amps, it doesn't provide that much gain.

8. MAR800 (based on Marshall JCM800)

A very popular evolution of the Plexi, this was one of the first amps to include
higher gain, a master volume and an overdrive stage before the tone controls.
Although preamp distortion isn't quite the same as power amp distortion, it
introduced a distinctive tone similar to putting a distortion stomp box before your
amp. The full and intense high gain sound further redefined the lead guitar.

9. MAR 2K (based on Marshall JCM2000 TSL100)

This modern amp stretched the Marshall sound to include more versatile tone
controls and three channels—clean, crunch and lead. You could easily switch
between clean, full mid, scooped mid and super high gain tones just by switching
channels. We modeled the lead channel here and love the full bass and warm
treble it serves up.

10. VOKS30 (based on VoxAC30 Top Boost)

A unique and truly inspired design, the VoxAC30 is one of the most famous
and coveted amps ever created. It was used by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and
lots of other British Invasion bands on tons of early recordings, as well as later
recordings by Brian May of Queen and countless others. Originally launched in
the late '50's, this gem produced a warm and singing power amp distortion by
virtue of its 30 watts into two 12" speakers. Both the intense but warm treble and
the full bass are characteristically different than other amps, making it a highly
addictive amp to play through.

11. VOKS15 (based on VoxAC15)

This smaller precursor to the AC30 produced an understatedly elegant 15 watts
of power into a single 12" speaker. It wasn't exactly a stadium filler but like the
bigger 30, it delivered a warm and unique tone that is cherished to this day.

12. JAZZ (based on Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120)

A classic transistor amp? You bet. This was a very popular unit for its shimmering
highs, full range and loud, clear tones. It departed from the designs of the day
with its inclusion of chorus effect instead of the standard tremolo. This will give
you a lovely soft jazz tone, an intense treble twang and even a bit of overdrive.

13. HIWHAT (based on Hiwatt DR103)

Most famous for Pete Townshend's sound on old The Who recordings, this
classic was also popularized by David Gilmour and many others. With a brilliant
and responsive tone unlike any others of the day, it's easy to see why those who
have played them won't turn back.

14. STU70S ("Studio 1970s", based on Mesa Boogie Mark 2)

This innovative design put high quality and high gain together into a small,
portable package, making it the choice of studio pros in the '70's. It's the perfect
gig amp—it produces a very solid mid-range tone with great sustain and
articulation, plus unusually high volume for its small size.
15. BIG90S ("Big 1990s", based on Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo head)
Clear guitar tone? Who needs it?! This exceptional amp turns your guitar signal
into a solo or crunch tone that is powerful, thick, well-defined and just plain fun
to play. Our model of this monster will give you all that low-end power, high-
end sizzle, scooped or full mids, and make you sound huge. Revel in your tonal
grandeur.

16. SOLDON (based on Soldano SLO 100 Super Lead Overdrive)

We're sold on this amp. Originally released in 1987, this stellar design was a
major force in defining the high gain sound in scores of famous players. Solid
both in tone and construction, we're proud to pay homage to this fine creation
with our Black Box model.

17. UBER (based on Bogner Uberschall)

Designed primarily for heavy playing and aggressive styles of music, this amp
blows all others out of the water. It delivers extreme gain and volume while
staying focused—no mushy sounds here. This model is guaranteed to split
eardrums and shatter rib cages.

18. Deisel (based on channel 4 of a Diezel VH4)

This is an intense, very high gain lead amp with big bass and great high end for
the most shredding of shredders. German engineering at its best.

19. ANGLE (based on ENGL Powerball)

Another great work of German engineering, ENGL's high gain amps are played by
the likes of Richie Blackmore and Steve Morse. The Powerball is the culmination
of years of research and creation by the ENGL team. Extreme flexibility, tone
and gain structure converge in this unit, resulting in the ultimate amp. Close the
windows and doors and crank this model up.

20. EDDIEV (based on Peavey 5150 MkII)

This amp is the result of a collaboration between guitar god Eddie Van Halen and
the all-American Peavey musical instrument company. We think they achieved
something great here and we're certainly not alone in our opinion. Check out
our model of this fine creation and savor its exceptional lead tone and rhythm
crunch, which goes well beyond the classic Van Halen "brown sound."

21. XTASY (based on Bogner Ecstasy)

This great Bogner amp was designed to deliver more of the classic tones like
the Marshall amps Mr. Bogner used to personally modify for the likes of Eddie
Van Halen. A versatile amp delivering clean to bark to growl and beyond, we're
proud to model this fine design.
6