Peavey Transtube Technology, how does it work? Peavey Bandits and Peavey Studio Guitar Amps

[@AlexH8280]

The Bandit is better at being a "tube amp" than some tube amps I've used over the years. Which is why I went back to a Red Stripe for gigs. Reliable, killer sound, takes OD pedals very well. I play a lot of Country and Classic Rock, and that vintage lead channel is a perfect sound for all of that. Kick on a good OD pedal and you're in business - just like a good tube amp. You get a "tube compression" that is better than most tube amps I've played; your notes are clean and articulate, but they fly off the fretboard. The amp really gives back for what you give. This is one of the most well-thought amp designs ever.

[@dq7860]

I prefer the teal stripe version, even though I don't even think that one has the transtube technology

[@joeblough261]

Hey Alex - do you use other pedals with your bandit? I hear that the OD pedals work great, but I'm wanting to use delay and compressor, and also curious if you would use the Bandit's FX loop for those.

[@AlexH8280]

@@joeblough261 Yep. Depending on the gig I’ll have your fairly standard array of effects - wah, maybe a phaser, flange, or comp and OD up front, chorus, delay and reverb in the loop.

[@joeblough261]

@@AlexH8280 Thanks!

[@spamfried-rice3179]

@@dq7860 "TransTube Technology" is a number of developments by Peavey over the years. The Teal Stripes have most of those same design elements, they just hadn't started referring to the package all as "TransTube Tech" yet. You're not the only one who prefers the Teal, but many people have their own favorite. I like the Red Stripe, but f*ck are they ugly.

[@mickthebandit]

My Bandit is 23 years old and still getting used. I have Vox, Marshall, Fender and boutique. I love my Bandit

[@carlhilton4747]

I had a few tube amps as a teenager, a Traynor, a Fender Champ, and a Bogen DB110. Peavey Transtube amps do a very good job of approximating classic tube sound and feel, especially on the clean channel. I have two, a Rage 158 and an Audition 110. I've put Jensen speakers in both and I modified the Audition to have an external bagged reverb tank. They're definitely keepers.

[@angusorvid8840]

I used a lot of Peaveys for gigs in the 80s. I knew how to use a pedal and EQ to optimize them. They worked better for me than a lot of Marshalls.

[@timrussell1559]

Just picked one of those up at an auction for 20 dollars. Haven't even hooked it up to my guitar yet. Am glad to see that every video i've seen about that amp so far has been rave reviews. Great vid!

[@KrachWerke]

$20!? Steal! Well done sir.

[@jazznotes3802]

Nice 👍🏻. I’ve just got myself the much praised “Red Stripe” version for £50 here in the UK. (Thinking of turning it into a Head)

[@chucklee347]

I had to start doing research im starting here. Because my two favorite amps are my peavey envoy 110 red stripe.. Peavey bandit 112 teal stripe. Original scorpion speaker in the teal stripe. I know people that know a little about music and sound. Amazing how much they are blown away when they hear it but can't see it. Their next door outside or on the phone. They think it sounds so good. Soon as they see it. To them i guess the tone goes away. I guess they listen with their eyes. Damnest thing ive ever seen😮

[@KrachWerke]

Peoples biases hold them back, It's a shame we are programmed that way.

[@Mr.T711]

I just got a mint 1996 Express 112 Transtube and 1983 Bandit 65. Both run and look new. The T. Dynamics makes a nice sounding solid state. I see these getting more expensive. They are starting to become rediscovered again.

[@MrFacproductions]

Bandit 112 owner. Got vox a Marshall but am always flaoting back to the Peavey

[@darwinsaye]

I remember reading a detailed explanation by Peavey of all the elements involved in the transtube technology. The original analog “modelling” amp. They may say that it’s not modelling, but it is. Digital modelling just uses software to mimic the behaviour of different elements of analog circuitry, whereas Peavey uses analog circuitry to mimic the behaviour of different elements of tube circuitry. There are a few pedal designers who make pedals similarly, using JFETS to mimic tubes, or transformers to mimic the behaviour of amplifier transformers . Howard Gee, previously of Catalinbread, used this JFET method to make several pedals that emulate certain specific amps, and Greer and Supro make pedals with transformers.

[@jollyradtv9941]

I got the Red Stripe (Made in USA). The best amp I have ever used for band jam, gig, home practice. It does everything. Also, replaced stock Sheffield 1230 speaker with a Mesa Boogie Black Shadow Celestion (UK made). ITs heaven! Every guitar player should have a Bandit.

[@KrachWerke]

See, that is my plan to try another speaker. I just don't know enough about speakers to even start.

[@jollyradtv9941]

@@KrachWerke I hear ya. Just match the "ohm" first and then the brand of the speaker of your choice. do watch some review before you get a speaker. also bigger the magnet, more "low" end you will get.

[@beyondmiddleagedman7240]

I used an Eminence Red Coat Wizard in mine.

[@jollyradtv9941]

@@beyondmiddleagedman7240 that's also a great speaker for Bandit.

[@IkBenSuperLief]

It is big and heavy.

[@geoffh8077]

The trans tube effect increases the lower you have the knob set, it’s counterintuitively backwards. Dudes are saying you can use trans tube and crank the clean channel for plexi style distortion, i haven’t tested that because to do so is incredibly loud

[@jeremyshirah8293]

I have been experimenting with the little 15 watt peavey vypr. It also has the trans tube circuit. I assumed it would be in the power stage so I turned the master volume up and backed off on the post and pre on my settings. It definitely sounded better. Solid state amps tend to sound worse after you push them past the sweet spot. Tube amps sound better as you push them. So that's the idea or purpose of the trans tube circuit. The vypr amps are fantastic. The volume goes to 13 ? Kinda crazy. Maybe they did that so people wouldn't be scared to turn up to like maybe seven or eight, because that's when the amps really shine. I'm only speculating and I have to do more nerdy testing, but I'm going to run the master volume at 50 percent or more to let it breathe. In my experience most solid state amps are already starting to sound weird before you even get to half volume. It seems to me like the trans tube circuit is good. Obviously the same concept is applied with the latest technology with people not even wanting to bother with carrying amps and cabs. Good tones without the weight or tubes . I hope I don't blow my speaker pushing it lol. Just got to be careful with the amount of bass at crack head volumes.

[@SirDerp909]

​@@jeremyshirah8293Yes, indeed, better watch out for those crackheads. 😂

[@charlesb7831]

I have an old Red stripe Bandit and I have an old Peavey stereo chorus 2x12 that I would say I like much better , but it's a beast to lug around lol. I have 2 tube amps, a Marshall JCM800 4010 and a Carvin X-50B with 4x12. Each amp does different things. I actually run through a spliter My JCM800 4010, Carvin and Peavey 2x12 for a huge blended sound. The only downside of the Bandit is the speaker is not the best.

[@KrachWerke]

I had the stereo chorus, I loved it.

[@charlesb7831]

@@KrachWerke funny it took me over 30 years to get one lol. My first guitar teacher had one and I wanted it so bad, little did I know that they were really hard to find here. This one sat in storage for years and not in the best environment, did a complete restoration on it after taking it to my amp tech, super amp though!

[@anawelham7498]

I have a '96 rage 158 and I absolutely love the fizzy sound out of the lead channel, it's all I'll ever want

[@anawelham7498]

It's also far far louder than any 8" 15 watt practice amp has any right to be

[@stuartmenziesfarrant]

Vyper produces is a credible tube mimic.

[@donwade3801]

I tried to watch this video. I really did. No criticisms...I just couldn't go at that pace...

[@snotmale]

The Gastric reflux turned me off...

[@spamfried-rice3179]

@@snotmale I thought he was sucking on a cough drop

[@neilsnow7973]

bandits are sweet. i miss mine...it was the same model. heavy like all amps were back then, and a tank. New amps these days crack when you look at them wrong...all plastic.

[@jazznotes3802]

@@CajunReaper95 The Orange Micro Dark is foooking awesome! I stood in amazement after hitting the first power chord on it, through my Orange 2x12. It’s loud and the drive tone is one of the best I’ve heard and for around £100 it’s simply mined blowing. (Sounded much better than my Orange CR120H Pro)

[@michelbrault1690]

I have to Peavey bandit the red stripe' and the silver stripe one A Peavey envoy red strip , and Peavey rage blazer red stripe' Also have Peavey classic 20 combo tube 20w, and the Peavey classic 20 mini head and i have bought back a Peavey rage 258 that i pawn years a go because i use the aux input direct out wrong and Starr to Snell électronic Snell Burn ,but i don't Play loud un m'y flat un going to fix IT ,and that think still work incridible the Peavey is unbreakable is Solid And the latest version made un China ,if IT made well ,and have qualité control is good ,good stuff,last ,for me i the transtube No more tube IT cost too Much and is unreliable ,good video !

[@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp]

Sounds like they are doing everything everyone is doing these days - hard, soft asymmetrical clipping either in the feedback loop, or the feedback of the transistor (or op amp) or in the output. If they are doing blind tests, that's a great idea. They are probably picking the right amount of bass, treble and midrange that sounds the best in all these gain stages. The problem is if you have too much bass it can sound fizzy because you are squashing all these harmonics, and too much treble makes it sound harsh. That's why there's millions and pedals and amps because there's no perfect solution.

[@fredhgl]

Does the new versions sold today, that has a dsp inside probably for controlling the digital reverb, are good in the same way? I wanna buy a non-digital solid state amp. Do you know if the new versions are still non-digital solid state amps?

[@KrachWerke]

The new versions of the bandits and transtube technology use no digital effects to reproduce the original sound and drive. It is all part of the analogue transtube tech. I don't know if the reverb is digital, I just had a wee look and can't find the info. The Vyper range by Peavey is digital as far as I know. peavey.com/bandit-112-guitar-combo-amp/p/00583640

[@fredhgl]

@@KrachWerke the newer versions use DSP for reverb.

[@AlexH8280]

@@KrachWerke Actually, as far as I know the Vypyrs use analogue Transtube for the models and digital effects. As I understand, Peavey took their Transformer amps from the Red Stripe days, and expanded the idea into what would become the Vypyrs.

[@KrachWerke]

@@AlexH8280 just read up on it and you are right. I played through vypers a few times and never liked them. I just assumed they were line6 style digital amps. Thanks for the info.

[@AdamManley7]

@@KrachWerke adding the tubescreamer effect in front with the vypers completely changes the amp sound

[@linkpoison5511]

Thanks!!

[@ce152capt100]

Vyper 30 passes the test.

[@97warlock]

I canty tell which Peavey amp youre playing thru. theres red,teal,silver ,or grey .......... Which one is in this video??? ? I want a Metal amp. people say go red, but the Grey silver strip sounds quite metal to my ears, does the red have more gain?

[@KrachWerke]

This is the silver stripe

[@97warlock]

@@KrachWerke Bought it yesterday. Cant believe after a week of scouring the internet for a silver Bandit 112 & coming up empy handed...... I found one on a fluke......waaaaay down the list on Craigslist , LOCAL even. AND....he still had it, AND i could go buy it right then. No waiti g or arranging times etc. ..... This guy had Hundreds of Amps fronm the 60s 70s & up. Garage filled to the cieling with amps, More amps than Sam Ashe lol literally hundreds & hundreds of Amp heads of all differenmt brands, guess hes a collector.

[@97warlock]

oh , the Bandit Silver ........ I love it. Needs TLC but I love it.

[@KrachWerke]

@@97warlock The clean channel is such a brilliant pedal platform

[@KurtFuller]

Hi (11:08) What overdrive pedal are you using?

[@KrachWerke]

Blackstar HT Dual. In that section the HT drive channel not distortion channel. In fact here is the whole chain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LHpYaaYridoqs

[@SilentJayBird]

This guy is clever. And (*ding*) maybe drinking scotch. A bit after the 2 minute mark, he burps whilst talking, á la Rick Sanchez. It's great. This video is great. I'm also drinking. It's great. Asymmetrical drinking.

[@bozeeke]

Just saw this old video now. Peavey transtube technology IMO does not sound very good on the distortion channels. There are better sounding cheap amps on the lower end of the market including the Boss Katana among others. Peavey amps, however, are built like a tank, are very durable and sound very good clean. Also, the clean channel when used as pedal platform sounds very good with distortion pedals or overdrive pedals. Pedals are the secret to good gainy tones with a Peavey.

[@robkunkel8833]

🎉NICE SHIRT on the narrator.Laphroaig Single Malt scotch. I own 2 square inches of that distillery. I am told it makes me a lLord. What a great peet taste. The best single malt scotch. 😊 ….. 🎶🥁I just got my silver stripe transtube for $100 .. Backstory … A member of Lynyrd Skynyrd band came down to my US Virgin Islands and played a gig in the early 2000s … then he left it. 25 years later, the bar closes and I buy the amp. Who was that member? Just looked it up … Artimus Pyle … he survived the plane crash and actually went for help bringing residents there. He is a percussionist who, according to the site, did the “releases from Nuthin' Fancy (1975)[59] to Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991 (1991),[55] except Skynyrd's First and... Last (1978) “ …. There you go. A hundred bucks. Wish life was always so easy. Now, I had to get my guitar fully capable to enjoy this fine device. Today’s my second day.

[@KrachWerke]

Amazing story. Come over and we go to Islay for whisky

[@robertbriquet]

I never sold my peavey bandit

[@nickmegadeth6633]

Same here. Got my silver stripe from teenager years.

[@anthonyegan59]

I wish I had, what this guy must be smoking. Either he is stoned, or I am.

[@chucklee347]

I think you two are good. I'm the one that must be blistered I haven't noticed a thing.🥴

[@joeMW284]

I have a 15W Rage 158. Smokes every other practice amp in existence tone wise. Dirty channel sounds like a legit amp. The clean channel has zero character, but it might be useful for people who just want a pedal platform.

[@SirDerp909]

The Orange Crush series has it beat, IMO.

[@joeMW284]

@@SirDerp909 eh, I disagree. I really don't like the subdued mids and fizzy highs of those things.

[@tg5834]

I carn't take the pace, 4 minutes was enough for me.

[@KrachWerke]

For more instant entertainment please see tiktoc

[@tg5834]

@@KrachWerke Iv'e had a silver stripe for years and am always interested in related videos, most of which unfortunately turn into Bandit with unknown pedal videos. Nevertheless, I persevered to the end and must complement you on the great sound your getting out of your Bandit. The gain channel is a bit fizzy on mine but has excellent clean channel.

[@nickmegadeth6633]

Does the bandit have pre amp tubes?

[@KrachWerke]

Nope. It is not like the Valvestates where the pre-amp has a valve.

[@nickmegadeth6633]

​@@KrachWerke thanks