MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

[Studioplayer]

I'm loving the Orange Micro Dark and wondering about the Dark Terror. Even though the MD at 20 watts is managable in my 12' x 15" high ceiling practice room. I can get it loud and not really disturb anyone within the vicinity. Would the all-tube Dark Terror destroy the status quo and up the volume factor; given that it's a 7/15 watt type amp. I think it would be more touch-sensitive thann the MD; and that one is quite touch sensitive itself.


Studioplayer

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

I had both of them on the same cab for a while (2x12 C-Rex speakers), and I'd say the Dark Terror is a tiny bit louder, and has a tiny bit more gain. It also has more fizz on the OD tones, so that's a plus for the Micro Dark which is clearer sounding overall. Not talking anything that would be noticeable in a band context. Honestly, unless you play super loud, either one would be fine for a show if you have a decent cab.

 

[Studioplayer]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

I had both of them on the same cab for a while (2x12 C-Rex speakers), and I'd say the Dark Terror is a tiny bit louder, and has a tiny bit more gain. It also has more fizz on the OD tones, so that's a plus for the Micro Dark which is clearer sounding overall. Not talking anything that would be noticeable in a band context. Honestly, unless you play super loud, either one would be fine for a show if you have a decent cab.

I think you are right about that difference between the MD and DT. Interesting that you owned both. I was thinking that the all-tube Dark Terror would be smoother sounding, especially "clean". Overhead, for me, overhead is not a factor because the MD for practice and recording. I've managed to find a very good clean in the MD; almost Jazz like and deep sounding with a Les Paul. It may be that the extra cost for the DT will not offset the current tone I've found with the MD. As far as gain goes, I only use enough to develop my own style of grit for the bridge pickup. I don't want a classic metal tone or deep "chug" and or a palm-mute tone.......that's been done to death, anyways. Tim Sult of Clutch has been a recent influence on me and his tone seems so individual to him. He has his own style that is simple and he often chooses Orange amps to get it.

Hmmmmm......this requires a lot more thought before I go with a DT.


Studioplayer

 

[BenPerkins]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

I had both of them on the same cab for a while (2x12 C-Rex speakers), and I'd say the Dark Terror is a tiny bit louder, and has a tiny bit more gain. It also has more fizz on the OD tones, so that's a plus for the Micro Dark which is clearer sounding overall. Not talking anything that would be noticeable in a band context. Honestly, unless you play super loud, either one would be fine for a show if you have a decent cab.

Mullards will reduce the amount of fizz in the gain.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

I think you are right about that difference between the MD and DT. Interesting that you owned both. I was thinking that the all-tube Dark Terror would be smoother sounding, especially "clean". Overhead, for me, overhead is not a factor because the MD for practice and recording. I've managed to find a very good clean in the MD; almost Jazz like and deep sounding with a Les Paul. It may be that the extra cost for the DT will not offset the current tone I've found with the MD. As far as gain goes, I only use enough to develop my own style of grit for the bridge pickup. I don't want a classic metal tone or deep "chug" and or a palm-mute tone.......that's been done to death, anyways. Time Sult of Clutch has been a recent influence on me and his tone seems so individual to him. He has his own style that is simple and he often chooses Orange amps to get it.

Hmmmmm......this requires a lot more thought before I go with a DT.


Studioplayer

What is that clean setting? I have an MD but haven't gotten past the metalish tones.

 

[Studioplayer]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

What is that clean setting? I have an MD but haven't gotten past the metalish tones.

I have a PPC112 cab that helps the Micro Dark's ability to get a broad range of tones. I also use a Hall Of Fame reverb pedal. I set the MD with volume just past 4 o'clock, shape to noon and gain just under 9:00 o'clock. I use my Les Paul's neck and bridge pup's volume between 8.5 to full on, and that's clean for me. Tip: for a deeper bass sound, I tend to have the 6th string side of the neck pickup up high enough so that I can almost "feel" that 6th. string. YMMV. I find this works for decent tone and still does not annoy anyone around me at home.
In short, the better cleans on the Micro Dark are ones where volume is up past 3//4 volume and less than 1/4 on the gain; adjusting the shap knob to find your own clean.



adkguy07

 

[Animal]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

While a Dark Terror would be better than a Micro Dark, the upgrade difference may be too parallel in performance to what you've already got.

With all the extra cash you'd have to spend for only a slight improvement you could consider the next tier up at around 30 watts. Dual Terror comes to mind as an option. Much greater headroom and totally gig-worthy. Less metalized and fizzy than the Dark series, though is still kind of capable in that department at the same time.

 

[Studioplayer]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

While a Dark Terror would be better than a Micro Dark, the upgrade difference may be too parallel in performance to what you've already got.

With all the extra cash you'd have to spend for only a slight improvement you could consider the next tier up at around 30 watts. Dual Terror comes to mind as an option. Much greater headroom and totally gig-worthy. Less metalized and fizzy than the Dark series, though is still kind of capable in that department at the same time.

Your line of reasoning has also been mine (after giving it some thought). I still need to read more about then Dark Terror. The Micro Dark can sound really good to my ears, but that means I must have it dialed in just right to do that. If I don't tweak it exactly right, it can get that "solid state" crisp tone. That's what I was expecting to lose with the Dark Terror.


Studioplayer

 

[Demanic]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

Mmmmmm, solid state crisp sound! You say that like it's a bad thing.

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[Studioplayer]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

Mmmmmm, solid state crisp sound! You say that like it's a bad thing.

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No. I don't look down on solid state tones. It's easier for me to get my own tone with SS' amp designs, especially today's versions. I may not be describing accurately enough; the tone I'm
hearing from the Micro Dark.


Studioplayer

 

[Demanic]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

No, I think that you probably described it right. Most mainstream players don't tend to like it. However it is quite appropriate for some of the more extreme underground metal, of which I am a fan.

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[Studioplayer]

Re: MIcro Dark vs. Dark Terror

No, I think that you probably described it right. Most mainstream players don't tend to like it. However it is quite appropriate for some of the more extreme underground metal, of which I am a fan.

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Very true. I was playing my fav. Les Paul this morning (early) through the MD/PPC112. I must have had guitar and amp dialed in just right, because my Seth Lover neck went from a tube "clean" to an edgy "clean"; both tones with some bloom to the notes. The Seth bridge can do about the same minus the bloom, but some "edge" and roll up to the grind. I just have to search around some more for the "perfect" middle position tone.

I was thinking that the Dark Terror would give off more of that, but when I look at cost effectiveness
vis a vis the two, I just cannot spring just yet.


Studioplayer