Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

[moog1000]

I know I've seen posts about these before so forgive me for my slowness, but I've only just worked out what they are!

I think the premise is quite cool, you mix and match different 'voicings' of preamp, and the fact it's all tube kind of sits it between the flexibility of modelling amps and the response/sound of all tube.

All good in theory, but I wonder how good the actual sounds are? :33:

 

[NecroPolo]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

In short: frickin' good. The RM is the best amp modeler around. If you feed the RM preamp section with the RT2/50 rack power amp it even switches the tone-correct output tubes as you switch from channel to channel, e.g. it engages the 6L6 PA tubes if you switch to Fender or Mesa preamps and engages EL34 if you switch to Marshall modules. Cute. IMO the RM100 head limits the versatility a littlebit because it uses only 6L6 or only EL34 tubes, for my like the Marshall voiced modules sounded quite strange for me with the 6L6 RM100 head when I played it, but with the rackmount power amp everything sounded and felt great. If you have the cash, I'd absolutely recommend it.

 

[moog1000]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

That's good to hear, I'm not actually interested in getting one, but I just saw an ad for it and thought it was a really good idea!

It's good to see there is still room for innovation in the amp market, Marshall take note....

 

[NecroPolo]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

That's good to hear, I'm not actually interested in getting one, but I just saw an ad for it and thought it was a really good idea!

It's good to see there is still room for innovation in the amp market, Marshall take note....

I thought the innovation of classic analogue component guitar amplification had stopped after the late '80s, too. But after having the (un)lucky opportunity of flying a 10-minutes long test ride with a Diezel VH4S, I think there are still new tones under the Sun. I'm ACHING for having one :32: :32: :32:

 

[moog1000]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

I don't think Randall are going for new tones, but more of a way to utilise existing ones. Providing the modules sound half as good as the amps they are based on, I think it's a rocking idea.

 

[Burkwieser]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

In a nut shell, yes! It rocks! The tone capability and versatility you can get is unreal. The only thing I would suggest is swapping out the preamp and power amp tubes. I was not happy with the Ruby tubes. It made a HUGE difference doing that! The Egnater M4 stuff is exellent too. Here is a good site for some clips.

http://amazingtone.com/generic.html?pid=0

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

Burkwieser, do you own a Randall RM amp?? If so, PUT SOME CLIPS UP!

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

I don't think Randall are going for new tones, but more of a way to utilise existing ones. Providing the modules sound half as good as the amps they are based on, I think it's a rocking idea.

Actually they just released a new Tube amp, the T50 or something. I think Randall is heading into the right direction.
I played the Recto and Blackface module in a Store. Sounded pretty good, but I only played it on low volumes.
I'll go back there one day to test out the xtc module, I'm very curious about it!

 

[KLINKDETROIT]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

These are made by Bruce Egnater here in Michigan

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

There was a member here about a year ago, Hawkman, who swore by his Egnater modular preamps. I remember him stating that the Randall and Egnater pre's are identical and interchangeable among the two brands. Randall's sucked for so long that I'm happy to see them heading in this direction....away from solid state.
The little 1-12 combo that takes 2 modules looks like a great practice amp.
I think I'll head to their site just to see what new stuff they've got coming out.

 

[Burkwieser]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

There was a member here about a year ago, Hawkman, who swore by his Egnater modular preamps. I remember him stating that the Randall and Egnater pre's are identical and interchangeable among the two brands. Randall's sucked for so long that I'm happy to see them heading in this direction....away from solid state.
The little 1-12 combo that takes 2 modules looks like a great practice amp.
I think I'll head to their site just to see what new stuff they've got coming out.

Yes, it does sound really nice cranked also. Make sure you take some extra preamp and power amp tubes with you next time you try it out. It takes only a couple of minutes with the self bias stuff, and makes a world of difference. After Bruce gets back from NAMM, he is going to add the bias option to my VHT. I wouldn't say my VHT is a better amp. Just different. I like both my power amps. I run the RT2 with effects and the VHT dry, for a stereo effect. I am still messing around with that though. As far as modules, I mostly use my modded SL++, Clean (really nice for any pedals added), Blackface (nice for an overall clean sound), and either a JTM or Plexi (not sure which I like better yet). I am looking at getting rid of my Recto, only because I like the sound from my SL++ better. I thought the Recto module was very close to a dual rectifier. Also I am getting rid of my Brown module. The Eddie sound is just getting old for me. When I decide on either the Plexi or JTM, one of those will go too. I have not tried the XTC Bogner module yet. I would like to before I buy it. You will have to let me know how it compares to you Bogner. I don't imagine it will sound exactly the same. They are different animals, and that should be expected, but to be real close would be nice. A Bogner with a twist I guess. Oh, als make sure you take a OD pedal to boost the signal. The preamp reacts well with one. Hope this helps some.

As far as Hawkman. Yes he did, but he ended up simplifying his rig and bought a Plexi with some effects. We use to swap modules all the time. As far as Egnater and Randall modules. Yes, the modules are interchangable. Randall sound more like the real deal, and Egnater modules are sweetend based on user results. Either way, Bruce and his people will mod any modules to what you like. They do awsome work too.

 

[Burkwieser]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

These are made by Bruce Egnater here in Michigan

Yes, you are right.

Egnater are are made by hand, and Randall are mass produced. That is where the price difference comes in. They are basically the same though.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

Last time I talked to Hawkman was when I ran into his Ebay auction for his ENTIRE rig!
He was selling his whole rack and both his Bogner 2-12's. It's funny how the gear shuffle goes full circle with a lot of gearhounds. They start small, then build it up to the size of a refrigerator, then realize it's a backbreaker, then they go straight back to basics. Then, of course, back to basics is TOO simple, so they keep the cycle going.

 

[Burkwieser]

Re: Anyone checked out the Randall 'Modular' Amps?

Last time I talked to Hawkman was when I ran into his Ebay auction for his ENTIRE rig!
He was selling his whole rack and both his Bogner 2-12's. It's funny how the gear shuffle goes full circle with a lot of gearhounds. They start small, then build it up to the size of a refrigerator, then realize it's a backbreaker, then they go straight back to basics. Then, of course, back to basics is TOO simple, so they keep the cycle going.

Hahaha! Ya, I am doing the same thing now with my modules. I am also thinking about getting rid of all my effects, and purchase a Line6 Echo Pro for reverb/delay and a Line6 Mod Pro for chorus or whatever. I have always liked the Line6 stuff. Heck, I may even just use a POD Pro and power amp later down the road. That is about as simple as it gets, with the most amount of versatility. It is a nice sounding setup too.