Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

[Rex_Rocker]

Question's in the title.

I've already got a 20W Krank that I run through an Orange PPC112 that can pull it off, but it struggles a bit with a hard-hitting drummer (meaning it's got enough volume, but I've had to turn it up past the point where the power section is still able to keep the low-end 100% tight and pristine).

I found a good deal on a Dark Terror, and I really like the way it sounds in the clips I've heard. I've also read about a lot of people who manage to use it in a full-band-scenario, but I'm skeptical because it's got 5 watts less than my Krank, and the Krank is a LOUD 20-watter already because it runs on 6L6's. I wouldn't mind adding a second amp to my stable, but if I can't use it for what I want to use it... well...

So what do you guys say? Yay or nay?

 

[Jacew]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

I run into similar problems with Tiny Terror. Dark Terror might be louder, but I'm pretty sure it's not as loud as your Krank. Though el84's probably will keep it more defined run wide open.

Since Krank isn't loud enough, I'd suggest something in 30w range. Engl Gigmaster perhaps?

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Dual Dark?

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

What about the krank amp and swap the 112 for a 212 cab?

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

What about the krank amp and swap the 112 for a 212 cab?

Or the Krank with 1x12 cab, and the Dark Terror through another 1x12, one each side of the stage, stereo setup, blend the tones?

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Maybe, if you don't want or need any clean tone at all. By the time you get that loud, the power amp will be distorting for better or worse and, even on lower gain settings, won't clean up very well. Better through an efficient 212 or 412.

Then, there's the OR-15. You can EQ it for metal, and it stays tighter all the way up the volume dial, and is louder than the DT overall.

The Dual Terror is louder than any of the other Terror amps, except for the Dual Darks. I don't know if it would do the type of gain you seek, but it's more than loud enough.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

It would with a 4x12. Get a stereo 4x12 and run both heads.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Thanks for the replies!

I already have a 4x12. It sounds great and all, but that kinda defeats the purpose of having a lunchbox head as a portable amp, lol.

Not really looking for a 2x12. Like I said, I already own a 4x12 for tone and a 1x12 for portability.

Not really looking into the Dual Dark or the Dual Terror because I cannot get those as cheap as the Dark Terror.

So... should I expect the Dark Terror to be kinda farty at full-band rehearsal volumes, then?

 

[Jacew]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Dual Dark?

D'oh. I forgot that obvious choice...

but if it's out of budget, I say it again: Engl Gigmaster. Made for metal tones, and in the same price range with Dark Terror. Waltswartchkopf (can't spell that correctly, sorry) got one while ago. (or was it 15w version?)

I only say it as if I hadn't needed nice cleanish tones, I'd have picked up one over my Egnater in a whim.

Thanks for the replies!

I already have a 4x12. It sounds great and all, but that kinda defeats the purpose of having a lunchbox head as a portable amp, lol.

Not really looking for a 2x12. Like I said, I already own a 4x12 for tone and a 1x12 for portability.

Not really looking into the Dual Dark or the Dual Terror because I cannot get those as cheap as the Dark Terror.

So... should I expect the Dark Terror to be kinda farty at full-band rehearsal volumes, then?

Like I said I have no experience with Dark Terror, but Terror series is praised for the tones when they're pushed on the limit, so I doubt it would got farty.

But it's not going to be as loud as your Krank, so I maintain that sensible thing would be to get more power. I used to be firm believer of low wattage amps producing better tone when I was playing mostly at home, but when you try to keep up with loud band, 15 watts just isn't enough to maintain solid tone. At least not without big cab with efficient speakers.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Like I said I have no experience with Dark Terror, but Terror series is praised for the tones when they're pushed on the limit, so I doubt it would got farty.

But it's not going to be as loud as your Krank, so I maintain that sensible thing would be to get more power. I used to be firm believer of low wattage amps producing better tone when I was playing mostly at home, but when you try to keep up with loud band, 15 watts just isn't enough to maintain solid tone. At least not without big cab with efficient speakers.

Where do you usually keep your volume set at loud band rehearsals with the Tiny Terror? Do you still have some room left or do you run it just flat out cranked? Do you feel yours gets flubby at band practice?

Also, are the Terror series of amps bedroom friendly at all? The Krank certainly isn't. At least not with 6L6/5881's. Maybe if I swap them out for 6V6's. Cause I mean, if it's not a full-band amp, then maybe at least I could use the Dark Terror for bedroom practice with maybe the occasional take-it-to-a-jam premise. Thing is it sounds KILLER in the clips, and, like I said, I found a good deal on it, so I've got some terrible GAS.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

the regular tiny terror would be bedroom friendly with a good pedal, with the master volume low only it gets classic rock kinda gain but it sounds good.
and OR15 can do bedroom metal,
I bet the dark terror sounds good low and has more gain than the original TT so I'm sure you'd find use for the DT if you can find one cheap and you like the general tone you can find at least some use for it but I would expect the bass response to sponge up a little when you crank it it's just the nature of 15~20W amps, el84s in general, the fact that it's a 1x12 which has a certain boxiness and directionality to it, but if you say run it at half volume or wherever the sweet spot it hopefully you could mic it for a gig?

 

[Jacew]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

I needed to keep it cranked as far as I could, it was enough but barely. TT definitely loves to get cranked, tone gets just better as you dial up, until feedback kicks in. It gets squealy and "uneven" when pushed too far.

Some complain it needs volume to sound good. I liked the way it sounded with low volume too though. Different of course but not bad. There are much better amps for home playing though.

In optimal situation tones TT has are awesome, but it's not versatile amp. Egnater Rebel 20 I have now, is way louder and is much better at low volume too.

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Most of the Terror series have half-power modes, I think?

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Something with more wattage would help, for something in a similar price range to the Dark Terror I would suggest the Egnater Tweaker 40. It's a little bit bigger than a lunch box, but nowhere near as big as a full size head. Before throwing money at the problem though, have you tried raising your cab off of the floor, or tilting it back. This will help project the sound better, and could make a difference on how loud it sounds.

 

[Jacew]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Most of the Terror series have half-power modes, I think?

They have but it's useless for lowering volume: Just makes the amp fizzier, colder sounding with slightly less headroom. 7 watts is barely less loud than full 15w.

Something with more wattage would help, for something in a similar price range to the Dark Terror I would suggest the Egnater Tweaker 40. It's a little bit bigger than a lunch box, but nowhere near as big as a full size head. Before throwing money at the problem though, have you tried raising your cab off of the floor, or tilting it back. This will help project the sound better, and could make a difference on how loud it sounds.

Isn't Tweaker more vintagey sounding tha dark terror or Krank?

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Still undecided wether I should pull the trigger or not. It's clear to me that it won't be better than the Krank, but would you guys just say "No. These Terror series are definitely not full-band amps", then?

I'm not really looking for something louder than the Krank, BTW. The Krank is great for what it is which is which is light, small, and loud-ish. I'm just wondering if the Dark Terror would be at least able to remotely keep up with the Krank if it had to, or would it just be like a Marshall MG15 sounding like a mess that's about to explode yet that's not remotely loud enough.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Isn't Tweaker more vintagey sounding tha dark terror or Krank?

It can do pretty good modern tones, but for really tight modern metal a TS9 wouldn't hurt

 

[Jacew]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Still undecided wether I should pull the trigger or not. It's clear to me that it won't be better than the Krank, but would you guys just say "No. These Terror series are definitely not full-band amps", then?

I'm not really looking for something louder than the Krank, BTW. The Krank is great for what it is which is which is light, small, and loud-ish. I'm just wondering if the Dark Terror would be at least able to remotely keep up with the Krank if it had to, or would it just be like a Marshall MG15 sounding like a mess that's about to explode yet that's not remotely loud enough.

Well, that depends.

I think Dark Terror might keep up, but you need efficient speaker(s) for that: 100db minimum. It does have extra preamp tube compared to TT.

But since you said Krank with 6L6 tubes struggles with hard hitting drummer, definitely go for Dual Dark instead of Dark Terror.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

Still undecided wether I should pull the trigger or not. It's clear to me that it won't be better than the Krank, but would you guys just say "No. These Terror series are definitely not full-band amps", then?

I'm not really looking for something louder than the Krank, BTW. The Krank is great for what it is which is which is light, small, and loud-ish. I'm just wondering if the Dark Terror would be at least able to remotely keep up with the Krank if it had to, or would it just be like a Marshall MG15 sounding like a mess that's about to explode yet that's not remotely loud enough.

The reason I suggested louder/more powerful is,from your description you're pushing the Krank to it's limits and its mushing out the low end. A more powerful amp won't have to be pushed as hard and won't mush out. It's possible adjusting your settings and using an OD/Boost could help this problem, but without knowing your full rig and hearing it in person I can't be 100% on that

 

[speed2dirt]

Re: Is the Dark Terror through a 1x12 loud enough for a loud full metal band?

For your needs, I would look into the Fryette Power Station. It is an attenuator/50w power amplifier and highly portable. It will allow your 20w Krank to stay in the sweet spot and boost the volume to the desired level with its transparent 50w 6L6 power amp. You can also purchase a carry bag to make it easier to move.