Best Mid Size Valve Guitar Amp Shootout - Updated for 2019!

[@docjikar]

Goes through 4 British amps, gets to the American one and says "that sounds different"

[@jamesdevary1428]

And Rob said something about a Fender Twin, that amp is a monster . not just volume but its HEAVY ...

[@shane011471]

I am not a huge VOX fan but that AC30 clean channel was by far the best sounding out of all of them. (My opinion only)

[@lueysixty-six7300]

@@shane011471 Hotrod sounded way fuller than the rest. Everything else sounded really tinny. I suspect it has something to do with the recording chain, though, and not just the amps themselves.

[@nicolasortiz5534]

Hahahaha

[@jeffparryncc1701]

If only every music store had a line up like this so you can compare when you play. So good.

[@markmarki9511]

Orange Rocker 32 2x10: 1:55 Marshall Origin 50: 2:26 Blackstar GT Club 40 MK II: 3:15 VOC AC30S1: 4:36 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Mark IV: 5:20

[@ericmork630]

I appreciate this

[@rockstardr]

Yes Lee do the bassbreaker 30 vs the hot rod deluxe

[@Fektthis]

or an entire series of same brand shooting out same brand? like mid priced fender amps vs mid priced fender amps do the same with marshall?

[@alecboyyes]

Or Bassbreaker vs Marshall DSL40CR

[@livingthattwelvelife2209]

My goodness the Bassbreaker is ridiculous. So versatile, so rich, the clean is great, the drive is thick and gritty, and the amp handles pedals like a champ. Add the XLR out (which actually sounds awesome), and you have IMHO the best tube amp on the market under $1000.

[@MrDustinclement]

I own a first gen HRD and a BassBreaker 15 and they are so different but yet so great so I’d love a video of the 30 and the newer HRD too.

[@saint-cetacean]

@@livingthattwelvelife2209 I've been jonesing for that Vox chime for a while but damn if the Bassbreaker doesn't tempt the hell out of me

[@blockerryan]

The disappearing cup at the 7:00 blew my mind!

[@Eventual420]

A wonderful example of the fun & joy of miking a small collection of amps. The A/B is always an ear opening experience. If you spent a few weeks with this as your personal setup, all of the EQs would relax into a homogenous singular tone, an optimum sound that you prefer. And wow, what a difference dynamics plays on recorded tone. When an amp is robustly loud, and the mic pre is just about redlining, when the file writes are just below clip it becomes a crystal clear capture, revealing the nuances that you receive in-room. Channel strips, even if they're virtual or plug in, are exceptional helpers. They level the playing field. Sounds great today, Pete. Really good fun. Thank you, as always.

[@Casmael01]

Gotta say Rob sounds top notch in this video. Quality playing Doc.!

[@tswc42]

Thanks for playing some chords, Rob! Much appreciated.

[@wesmatron]

Just wanted to throw this in... Part of what makes an amp great for YOU is how it responds to YOUR playing and YOUR touch... so even if one of these beauties sounds the best to you, if you go to buy one, do yourself a favour and do try others too. You may prefer the sound of a Marshall when Rob or the Cap'n are playing through it, but may find a Vox responds to your playing in a way that blows your mind.

[@jasong546]

Very smart comment. I don’t understand why people think that they know what the amps sound like after seeing a demo where the controls on the guitar and amp are hardly adjusted at all. That amp sucks! If all you do is fiddle with the gain/volume you don’t know what you are doing. No wonder you think the amp is crap.

[@sparkijones]

Good shout! Not forgetting, of course, youtube’s compression totally destroys the sound and experience you would get in person.

[@jwmcmillenii]

Agreed. To that end, I'd say you could take any of these great amps home, spend some time with it, and eventually find a sound you fall in love with.

[@richjohn2497]

Top comment dude, my friend has a mesa and it sounds amazing for him, but i hate the sound when i play... i play a supro ... 🤷‍♂️

[@johngannon9954]

Thanks Capt. Obvious YOU rock!😘

[@markgrimmett4894]

I think the two 10s in the Orange was inspired by the fact that it’s a 30 watt stereo amp. Really unique in this list.

[@thomassmith7608]

I agree with Rob that the Orange amp has both a distinctive clean sound and a snarly overdrive sound. The Fender sounds as if it were born to be played through a drive pedal (TubeScreamer/Dane/BigMuff). The BlackStar stands out impressively above the rest of the amplifiers, both in terms of the range and adjustability of the sounds, and in terms of the intense, heavy, textured overdrive sound that is its most noteworthy feature.. Good going, BlackStar! :) The Vox was definitely limited mostly to the Vox sound, which is not a _bad_ thing. :)

[@EpicStuffMan1000]

I do love how vox amps sound, almost like a perfect clean channel and the dirt just sounds *so good* even if you don't like classic rock (not a huge fan myself but can't get over that crunch sound) and they'll do anything if you feed them with the right preamp yet everyone seems to look straight past them nowadays

[@skinnyblonde4308]

So glad you guys are appreciating the Vox's lately!

[@rmp5s]

Again, I'm a huge fan of the Blackstar. I find myself being drawn to their stuff over and over again.

[@seanbrooks2583]

I think the Marshall sounded the best. Fantastic cleans and a great dirty tone. I love the "grind" of its overdrive.

[@spencercarter8008]

Gotta agree with you. The cleans were alright... But the gain sections in most of these amps sound like a 25yr old zoom multi FX.

[@jeremymoore5080]

"More-Gain Freeman." Nice one, Rob.

[@BenjaminCaris]

Can't we make it a regular thing that Lee plays a nice vintage Strat? The tone in that last video of Gibson vs Fender was soooo tasty!

[@dan_brett_rosenthal]

Best vid in a while gents, loved it.

[@andrewzava]

I've never seen u guys using the FENDER SUPER REVERB. Would love to see what kind of tones u guys get out of it!!

[@JordanJamesAW]

That is probably because the Super Reverb is so unnecessarily big, heavy and loud for the room they're in they'd never get it loud enough to be worth it. Same reason they rarely use 100w Marshall stacks. I would like to see them use a Deluxe or Twin reverb though.

[@andrewzava]

@@JordanJamesAW the Super Reverb weighs as much as the Vox ac30. Around 65 lbs. Its is also 45 watts. Its not nearly as loud as the Marshall. I think it would be good amp to feature since they've never used it in any video. 👍

[@firemarshal2629]

@@JordanJamesAW I think you may be confusing the twin with the super reverb. I own both and the twin is much heavier than the reverb. Plus it's double the watts so of you think they couldn't push a reverb there's no way in hell they could push a twin lol.

[@jamesdevary1428]

a 69 Reverb Deluxe reissue is 22 watts... It seems like they have trouble and do alot of adjusting to the pedals and amps when they go in the drive channel on the amp .. Not all drive channels like pedals.. i wanna see them use the clean amps and go pedal crazy ..

[@Pyrokid1998]

It is one of the most popular amps to use in worship at churches. I just picked up an ac10 from my local Guitar Center. Really impressed

[@mertmermerci218]

Why didn't you use DSL40CR rather than Origin50?

[@efecan311]

Because DSLs probably sell like bread and you have to promote the less-appreciated products?

[@onixtheone]

You want the best clean sound out of an amp you turn the master all the way up then turn the volume/gain up as much as you want, adjust the eq to taste

[@TheKingOfTheHorse]

Best medium priced guitars? 500-1000£

[@hankinho175]

Milton Velosa Epiphone les Paul tribute plus is quite good

[@dainiusvysniauskas2049]

PRS SE Custom lineup, ESP LTD Deluxe series

[@buffkonradin]

Everything made in korea

[@TheDatpussy]

Milton Velosa mexican fender strat but not the player strat. Baja tele.

[@vapporiesat3125]

something ibanez

[@davidnesbitt8938]

I would like to see a shootout of the best small tube amp through headphones shootout. I like the sound but I play in an apartment. Great job, you two! I really enjoy the challenges.

[@JohnvanCapel]

The thing about this is it's a pain to record an accurate representation of what an amplifier sounds like through headphones, while also *getting* an accurate representation of what an amplifier sounds like through headphones. You're either going to get a verdict on what an amplifier sounds like *through a recording setup*, which is a whole different can of worms from just a set of headphones, or you're not going to be able to actually hear what's being played and only get to make a verdict from Lee and Rob/Pete/Whomever saying what they thought of it.

[@ClintsGuitarStuff]

Yeah Blackstar all the way for the price. So much versatility. All are nice amps in their own way. I definitely agree though the VOX sounds a class above in the cleans.

[@lueysixty-six7300]

14:32 Who the wh*t is editing this masterpiece?!? 😂

[@ryanspencerlauderdale687]

It would be a great idea to do pedal demos with this multiple amplifier setup so that you can show how pedals react into different amps.

[@chr15tree]

"Give it just a bit more volume" said no-one ever about the Hot Rod Deluxe!

[@rbenm]

I dont, i do iT myself

[@SantOrozco]

The editing is top notch!

[@JackedLobster]

You're killing me with the full zip hoodies, Lee!

[@michaelcullen5955]

As a ac15 owner myself if you want a real good higher gain sound you HAVE to crank the master volume. It comes alive, the bass fills out nicely and the treble stays in check the more you crank the master and let the channel volume stay reasonable

[@nicolasisaksson1175]

I love these videos but I would like to see some Laney amps included in the shootouts. Thanks!

[@timrichter2077]

isn t the position of the amps in the room really crucial? (bass responce, "fizzyness", nice shime or horrible treble?) As well as putting them on the floor or up? I know how I hate my fender amp the second it leaves the floor and love the sound punching through my knees, when it is grounded... I know we re hearing the mic sounds, but I guess they are telling a totally different story, than the experience in the room (wish I would have seen this video 2 years ago) So Robs perference of the Vox might be caused by the position? Is there a sweetspot how you should position your amp to get its intended sound?

[@DonFilione]

Holy shit Captain! Your cup of tea disappeared and appeared in min 6:53! That's the magic of valves!

[@glenproctor1999]

My first gigging amp was a 120 watt Vox, when I went back to playing in a group many years later, I bought a 100 watt Fender. I now realise what a tosser I was! 30 watts of valve love is ample. Wanted to really like the Orange but the Vox outclassed them all.

[@gunznguitarz79]

Blackstar hands down. You can achieve almost all the sounds of every amp displayed here out of it. I do appreciate all these amps, but for the money, tone, and versatility it's Blackstar for me.

[@isaacarussi5822]

Agreed man. I played an ht 40 last week and decided to buy it. It’s coming in the mail in like a week. Sounded great from what heard in the store so I can’t wait to actually crank it when It comes to my home studio

[@isaiahj117]

Blackstar for me the most!! Just love that aggressive gain channel sound!!

[@royjff]

I’m happy to see that I had bought a great amp ‘Blackstar HT 40 MKII ‘

[@svfutbol20]

Jeff Roy I got an HT40 SE that shipped with a Celestion V30 and I don’t think I’ll ever sell it

[@royjff]

svfutbol20 Does it sounds better than a celestion seventy 80 speaker?

[@svfutbol20]

Jeff Roy Never compared the two side by side in the same amp, but I play Mastodon-y heavy tones and the V30 sounds the most raw from what I’ve seen online and played in other amps.

[@preferablystephen480]

So, can you do a video specifically trying to get a few great sounding hi-gain rock driven (dare I say 80s like) rigs?

[@loodakrawa7768]

Yes!

[@metubechannel1438]

Would never have expected the Marshall to have the best clean tone....but it did.

[@Dixie-Normus-209]

It actually doesn’t

[@metubechannel1438]

@@Dixie-Normus-209 it did in that video.

[@pAtTs024]

captain pls do the best mini amp head. include all 3 marshall studio’s, prs tremonti, peavey. and other. always love you videos. 😊

[@lance134679]

Thank you. I'd definitely be happy gigging with any of the amps, probably on the clean channel/setting with pedals. However, the Vox would probably cut through more easily than the rest. I think most people just use the Hot Rod Deluxe on the clean channel with pedals.

[@_RLP]

Blackstar for me. Would get the dirt from pedals, though. All low gain and in a nice stack. Would've loved to see this with a strat too. Great video. Cheers guys

[@coledraper5694]

Is that a particular tune rob playing on the clean tones? Love it

[@RobCabreraCh]

Lee's "yes" at 1:08 caught me offguard hahaha

[@Always_in_C_standard]

14:32 - That ball never fails to make me chuckle

[@snaggiz]

Chris James He had some pretty nice form on that header 😂

[@Always_in_C_standard]

@@snaggiz I'm pretty sure he scored.

[@snaggiz]

Chris James Oh, surely, it must’ve been unstoppable!

[@tomhand1070]

I’m a Marshall guy through and through, but that Vox sounds amazing!!

[@dulla8469]

i though that i only loved vox cause of the hype, but this video just proved that i want a vox ac30 for the exact right reason

[@StepByStepStudio]

Orange cleans takes the win for me, also where is that chord progression from? I can hear the vocals in my head but just can't remember the song, skynyrd maybe?

[@NathanLemmon]

Simple Man?

[@StepByStepStudio]

@@NathanLemmon That's the one! Cheers

[@The8TrackChap]

I like the Orange. The Rocker 32 was designed to produce stereo sound through the 2x10 speakers. My personal amp is an Orange TH30 head and cab.

[@SteveAEee]

Exactly, hence the 2x 10" speakers to go with the 2x 15 watt power amps - strange that the Captain did not mention this, or indeed perhaps know this about the amp.

[@SpineMDT]

Sold. based on this and the other vid on the smaller amps, its the Vox for me. Not sure they did the fender justice though. Had the volume right down and used the master to turn up during the gain test. Correct me if I'm wrong but surely would have sounded better with the volume high, the gain lower and master volume to attenuate?

[@theauthenticsteve]

19:25 No Lee Rob is correct, voice 1 is Fender inspired and voice 2 is Vox inspired. I think you guys would love the Blackstar HT MK2 amps much more if you took some time to try and get to know them and spent more time playing with settings that are not 12 o'clock.

[@ronvanhee]

[@mcswordfish]

Hi, can we have an Origin 20 vs Studio Vintage 20 video please? I'm not expectime "Twice the Price = Twice as Good", but it would be interesting to know if there is any perceptible difference in sound quality or useability (I appreciate the build-location increases the cost, and the SV20 is prettier to look at)

[@claybennett5875]

Well I can definitely tell you that the SV20 is twice as good but I think you need to get the SV20 in head+cab but for the price it’s really not worth it, you’re better off saving up that little bit more and getting one of the higher ends or a hw british combo, In my opinion the SV20 combo was lacking a lot of quality in the sound -clearly due to the 10” speaker but the cabs completely fix that issue. Another thing that drove me away is how intractable these things are! Controlling these devils are a pain in the arse! On the other hand - The origin 20 has a nice clean tone that is very tailored and I think the only way you can hear that is on this video but that’s the ONLY sound it makes, I seriously struggled to get a tone that was different when turning all the knobs. It was like the volume knob was the only thing that did anything. Plus the 10” speaker for the combo again is really restricting. One thing that both of the amps have in common is the fact they both sound like bigger amps being attenuated by a 99p attenuator made in china that’s been through no QC in it’s life but if you like them both I’d recommend just going for the 50w Origin because it’s a bit more versatile and sounds much less like an attenuated amp

[@mcswordfish]

​@@claybennett5875 Thanks dude - good to know. My dream tone is a plexi with everything on 10, but that's too loud and expensive for my purposes. The Origin and the SV 20 both appear to offer that sound on a more modest budget and sound level. My question is probably which sounds best with everything up max. A bigger speaker is definitely required, regardless of which I go fo.

[@claybennett5875]

In that case 10000000% the Studio Vintage

[@rorymcclellan3740]

That last tone was epic!

[@steelerfox]

I want to see a video where you revisit the Mesa boogie mark v 25 now that robs had one for a while and understands how to dial it in. I feel like it all the videos you’ve done with it you don’t really set it up you just plug in with everything at noon and go that’s how it sounds. Also any plan on looking at the new Mesa lineups like the California tweed or the Fillmore?

[@TP-xe2hi]

Awesome video...would love to see a 40-60w shootout of high-end combos such as Mesa Filmore or California tweed, Rivera, ToneKing, Morgan, Friedman, Hugh's & Kettner, PRS, and ???

[@fossilmatic]

Really nice to hear a Les Paul used for clean sounds. They’re underrated for that. They’re rich and still articulate. Not just one trick (gained up) ponies. Kudos to you dos.

[@Raklarpt]

Having that Orange amp, I find it starts sounding a lot less fizzy if you put the volume past 50%, which means I then need to put an attenuator, because that thing is very, very loud. In fact it sounds nicer overall if you put it past 50% (low-mid/mids are more pronounced).

[@FilippaArendt]

Orange's should be turned up :)

[@gibbysg8143]

Orange’s do need turned up. My rockerverb needs to at least be at halfway to come alive

[@FilippaArendt]

Gibby SG Mine too, and also my Rocker

[@ayylmao5121]

if you need to be quiet but want Orange (best) tone. gotta go micro terrors or a crush 35

[@tomrobinson8103]

You could say that about all of them I suspect. Gotta get the power tubes working hard to really deliver.

[@jeffreyrous4944]

Here is the comparo I want to see: Take a Vox AC15 (or AC30), a Marshall Origin 20 (or 50) and a Fender Deluxe Reverb (or Supersonic 22). Dial each one in to sound its best, and then see how well the other two can be set up to fool Chappers and the Captain. Is there one that can pull off each of the three classic tones?

[@paulcallum9057]

Always fun with you two playing 👌👍

[@TheAkwardMonkey]

Im surprised nobody has commented on the cup that dissapeared at 5:40

[@claytonduguay9617]

During the clean channel playing I kept waiting for Rob to break into Skynard's Simple Man. You can tell Rob plays more blues lately.

[@RubyRoks]

That origin sounds way better recorded than in person. Preferred the DSL testing them out.

[@Gummmibaer]

Something about the Orange sounds kinda wrong.

[@nitegoat1369]

Yep. Sounds like it was mic'd with an iPhone, which was sitting on Rob's lap.

[@larrimos]

Never heard an orange product I liked. Boxy, mid focused, in a hole 🕳

[@nitegoat1369]

Umm ... No. @@guitarfreak342

[@nitegoat1369]

And which Oranges have you heard in person, not at a show? @@larrimos

[@nitegoat1369]

WTH is that supposed to mean? @@guitarfreak342

[@toneseeker4968]

What!? Has the DSL 40 fallen out of favor?

[@toxichompdiepsplixio3921]

When are you going to open a store here in the STATES! Guitar CEnter BLOWS!

[@TheDedloc]

5:33 Watch the guys coffee mug on the right lmao witchcraft...

[@隠れた花]

Lol it’s a running editing joke they always do things with the coffee mugs

[@stuartpowell255]

Played an Orange rocker 32 at rehearsals last night, now I want one

[@seniorjuanvaldez]

Where's the Peavey classic 50?

[@saqibshabir9755]

Could you do a solid state amp shootout? Either combos or heads.

[@JackT-aux]

Is there a better combination than Les Paul and Marshall anywhere in the universe? I just love that sound...

[@bruceraymond1303]

Has Andertons' made a speaker comparison video ? If not, might that not be something you would consider ?

[@mikaelforss5725]

hey why do we hear chappers foot tapping on the orange and disappear on the marshall?

[@jwmcmillenii]

Owning the HRD4, I agree about the gain channel(s). Absolutely have to have an EQ pedal to straighten that out. More importantly, you've GOT to have something like the JHS Little Black Amp Box in the loop acting as a master volume for the clean channel. Great sounds to be had cranking the preamp. That clean channel also loves a boost.

[@Grim177]

Why the Marshall Origin and not DSL40CR?

[@asonii-7460]

Exactly what I said, in fact i literally just bought a DSL40 the other day and the guy at the guitar center told me that’s the most popular amp they sell It’s beautiful and loud asf

[@HooksBill]

Not a very good amp.

[@curtkaiser9847]

Love the disappearing coffee mug!

[@MehrRecht]

sorry but I cant find the mentioned video about the smaller valve amps - could you please link it for me?

[@TheAPW]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGi2lJiomLtsiKs

[@beng808]

I’ve loved Vox amps ever since I heard Rory Gallagher

[@smakusdod]

Did you guys forget to turn off the overheads while recording the amps?

[@RG-yz8ov]

Ac30, or30, sv20h and deluxe reverb. What more could you need

[@showmanpete2805]

is it me or is the sound not as good as usual?......

[@charlfrick8245]

The Fender Deluxe, as expected, came last in my opinion. The basic tone is simply not there, despite the recent switch from the US-made Eminence to the A-series Celestion. For me, probably a choice between the Marshall for tone and the Blackstar for versatility. Thanks guys!

[@muluman88]

I like the boom mic for the locals! Feels like sitting in the room with you.

[@wilsonsguitarlounge8244]

I don’t know why, but somehow everything just sounded bad in this video. Not sure why, I remember the review of the Orange and it sounded AMAZING. Maybe something was wrong in the video?

[@withamindwideopen5403]

Wilson From Castaway I agree. I remember the review of the hotrod and Lee and Pete thought the gain channel sounded great...and so did I. Something wonky was going on in this video. Everything sounded really bad

[@eagleswitzerland7639]

Maybe it’s the Gibson...

[@andrewgarcia3136]

@@eagleswitzerland7639 lee and chappers both SUCK at dialing amps in.

[@Lowtech14]

What about a Peavey Classic 30..?

[@kostasbk741]

Something sounds off with the Orange amp, maybe the mic placement? It sounds like it's broken

[@MrDustinclement]

How about a video on tele’s with p90’s? I saw what I think is an ASAT in the background with white soap bars and have seen Friedman put out some of his with p90’s too, so I think a cool idea would be to compare a typical single coil equipped tele with maybe some vintage style pickups and maybe one with a hotter more modern style (ie Texas special or Twisted tele or something) vs the P90 setups in those and see how much different the sound is and how much of the classic tele sound is in the design vs pickups. Idk, something just comparing them would be sick. I’ve been interested in a P90 or Humbucker tele lately. I’ll only want 5% royalty for the idea! Just kidding! You guys entertain me for free constantly! Love the videos fellas, keep on keeping on!

[@brandonwhite7131]

Does it sound like just the room mic for the Orange and not a direct mic? Something sounded off.

[@EmeraldSlyth]

Where is my "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreetings!" starter?

[@j_laf9575]

Totally agree with Rob here, the Vox and the Blackstar together sounded best. Although the Fender Hot Rod would kick butt in a bluesy/classic rock setting with the right pedals!

[@SourSnatch]

Dammit Rob, show us how sick a Fender Twin with the right pedals is!!!

[@LaDrouille64]

Laney ironheart and lionheart would crush them for sure! Underrated amps don't understand why there is nothing about it on KZbin. Their Marketing must be shit

[@marike1100]

There are lots of videos on Laney amps including the Lionheart. Tom Quayle, I think plays one, he demos it on the Dawson's Music channel not long ago. Agree, they are superb amps, probably better than most of these.

[@LaDrouille64]

@@marike1100 yes I know buddy, Tom and Martin Miller are endorsed by Laney. I own a 60W head and was really surprised. I have a Marshall, a mesa and a Evh and the laney is sweet

[@doubletwist62]

Just bought one this month (30W) and I LOVE it!

[@RCypher]

Why do they have to chuck so much gain through the amps, you'd think they would show a few different play styles like some classic blues

[@dunkdriver1972]

Hey guys. What about a best mic for guitar amp shootout. Use a few mics and try them on a few amps?

[@TheAbcakl]

What on earth is going on with them microphones? Did you use singstar mics or what?

[@pabloparamo4482]

They are all good amps, I would use any of them and be happy. I LOVE the clean of the fender model. If I could only keep one I would choose that one. My second choice would be the Blackstar. Nice video

[@drinksnstrings]

Possible to do some Peavey Delta Blues and Classic demos? There doesn't seem to bey anything current out there on the web about them.

[@WilliamLeskinen]

When are you guys opening the US store?

[@axeman14]

Prices as of upload day: Vox £599 Marshall £619 Blackstar £749 Fender £779 Orange £899 £300 difference from Vox to Orange so quite a difference. I’d go Blackstar as it’s mid priced and packs a lot of features for the money 👍🏻

[@trollfiddler]

Never been a fan of Vox but that amp was by far the nicest of the bunch. Very surprised.