TEST: Koch Pedaltone

 Preface:

An all-tube amp, small like a pedalboard but with the dynamics and tonal volume of an official head and, if possible, suitable as an all-in-one solution for almost all live and studio situations. Which guitarist hasn't felt the need to own such a construction?

Anyone who regularly moves their top speakers around for shows or recording purposes or, at the latest, as happened to me on my last Asian tour with my band DOMAIN, has a flight to the venues, would really appreciate a transportable solution without sacrificing sound appreciate.

Knowing the purpose of such a solution, the Dutch company KOCH AMPS has brought the Pedaltone onto the market, an all-tube preamp in a floorboard design that is intended to solve precisely these problems.



Construction:

The Pedaltone is a 4-channel tube preamp equipped with four 12AX7 preamp tubes. The special feature of the pedal tone is the fact that the amp is equipped with a 0.5 watt tube amplifier. The output of the power amplifier is not enough to sufficiently drive a 4x12" cabinet, but its area of application is only used for the important sound shaping in the power amplifier segment.

The Pedaltone comes in an extremely solid sheet steel construction with dimensions of 31 x 23.5 x 8.5 cm and a weight of 3 kg. Four solid rubber feet secure the device against unintentional movement in hectic everyday life on the stage. In the lower area there are 4 switching relays which carry out the following switching processes:

- Switch 1: Channel change 1 / 2
- Switch 2: Channel 2 Boost / Channel 1 Enhanced
- Switch 3: Poweramp on/off
- Switch 4: Volume Solo / Rhythm

Using the configuration mentioned above, a total of 8 different sounds can be accessed using a foot switch, plus two different volumes. In the area above the switches there is a control area divided into three sections and recessed for protection purposes:

- Channel 1 – volume control plus 2-band tone control
- Channel 2 – gain/volume control plus 3-band tone control
- Solo / rhythm volume adjustment plus volume and distortion level control power stage

There are 4 tubes in the head area, which are protected and ventilated by a cut steel sheet. In addition to the connection for the included power supply, the back of the device offers a variety of connection options, such as an output to a power amp, an output for the return of an FX path, a headphone output, a frequency-corrected output for P.A., a guitar input, a cleaner output for a guitar amp and a serial input buffered FX loop. In addition, the enhanced mode, a sound preset that makes the clean channel sound a little more “airy”, can be switched off with a small switch.


This offers a wide variety of areas of application for the pedal tone. Here some examples:

Example 1.) – the pedal tone as an upstream pedal:

You have a transistor amp whose outstanding characteristics are sufficient volume, but an insignificant clean sound and a “chainsaw massacre overdrive” sound. In this case, switch the pedal tone between the guitar and the clean channel of the amp and you have a complete 4-channel tube amp at your disposal!


Example 2.) – the pedal tone as a precursor:

Do you have a power amplifier on hand, or if in doubt, a 19" car that was left over from the last P.A. cleanout? Use the Pedaltone as a pre-amplifier, connect the cabinets behind the 19" power amplifier and the guitar system is ready!


Example 3.) – the pedal tone as an amp extension:

Do you have an amp with a good-sounding power amplifier and an FX loop, but are rather disappointed with the preamp that comes with it? Put the pedal tone in the return of the loop and you have combined the pedal tone as a preamp and your power amp!
I use this function very often at large festivals, for example. On such occasions, a standard backline is usually provided by the organizer, usually consisting of the usual TSL or DSL models along with cabinets from Marshall. In this case, I only use the power amplifier of the same amplifier and still have the entire range of sounds of the Koch available without having to transport large top parts.


Example 4.) – the pedal tone directly into the P.A.:

Do you play in a band that needs to sound good even at low volume? Maybe in a cover band where the “Guitar quieter” signs are held up in the back rows after the sixth bar of the first number? The pedal tone directly into the mixer and listen to your sound via the monitor system, it can't be quieter!



Sound:
Well, a power amplifier in a preamp, what's the point of that, some might ask. “My preamp from Asia-Heinz from Hinter-Thailand is really distorted even without a power amplifier, you know...”. Just ask your local music retailer about this kind of customer, they will sing you a polyphonic song about it for 2 hours ;-)

Let's first take a look at the clipping behavior of a preamp and a power amp. If we leave aside all the technical terminology of the “big” amplifiers, e.g. about the return current interaction of the amplifier with the loudspeaker etc., the distortion behavior of the two components can be roughly (!) divided as follows:

A preamp tube reacts very quickly to incoming currents after it has been driven into saturation, which means that it distorts very quickly and can be driven evenly to a more or less high level of distortion, depending on the components used. It processes the incoming signal in a relatively “equalizing” manner, i.e. signals that differ in volume are reproduced with a relatively small difference in sound. For example, if the musician plays a part with high dynamics and large differences in volume, these parts are relatively “equalized”.

A power amplifier tube, on the other hand, works with dynamic distortion, i.e. the artist's personal dynamic playing style is supported by this circuit in terms of sound technology. Loud peaks are reproduced with greater distortion and higher compression, while quieter passages remain in the clean range.
To be more precise, it is exclusively this specific sound behavior that has ensured the tube power amplifier's stable survival in a world dominated by transistors and semiconductors. Even if the emulations of a tube power amplifier are getting better and better and the logarithms of digital amplifiers are constantly being refined by various manufacturers, at the moment no circuit design, no matter how sophisticated, can accurately reproduce the archaic design of the tube dinosaurs.

Let's start with the clean sound. What many people probably don't know is the fact that Koch have a very good reputation for their clean sound. Some endorsers actually only use the clean channel of the amps and generate all other sounds via floor pedals. Even in the pedal tone, the clean sound (channel 1) is beyond any doubt. Warm, soft, a touch of the legendary Fender ambience wafts from the speakers. Do you have a bulky transistor horn that only delivers an angular or clinical clean sound? Put the pedal tone in front of the amp and you will be amazed at how warm your amp can sound. The additional Enhanced switch gives the sound a high “sparkle” content if necessary, very nice for cleanly plucked things or funky riffs. When the volume is fully turned up, channel one also saturates and the first harmonic distortions are introduced.

If we go to the second channel, the response of the board changes fundamentally. It is much more compressed than in the clean area, and the sound development is also much more flexible thanks to the three-band tone control. Slightly distorted to strongly distorted calibers can be configured here. An even control path ensures a seamless transition within the distortion level. If you now press the boost switch, the distortion fraction kicks in. Depending on the feeding instrument, the result is an even tube board that still guarantees transparency.

But now let's come to the novelty of the pedal, the power amplifier. Even though all the sounds so far have been completely convincing, there is still no question that it is just a great-sounding preamp, which, like all preamps, has to make do with limited dynamics. Anyone who has ever tried to get an AC/DC sound a la JTM45 from a preamp or a moderately turned up tube amp will quickly notice that such attempts usually result in undynamic preamp distortion. Have fun and listen to channel 1 in a clean setting with the power amplifier turned up to full volume. All I'm saying is: damn close! Of course, a cute 12AX7 can't reproduce the stroke of one of the big bottles like the EL34 or 6L6, but the fact that such a sound is even possible with a floorboard deserves a very honorable mention! The second channel plus additional power amplifier is also a great cinema, the sound behaves exactly like a full-sized top including saturation and dynamics. Everything from light crunch to heavy hard rock is included here.

You have to be careful with the “All-The-Way-Through” setting, i.e. channel 2 plus boost plus power amplifier saturation, as it can slip into mud, especially with humbucker-supported guitars, as there is simply too much of a good thing in terms of distortion.


Conclusion:
Who would have thought that there would be an amp designer in “Oranje Land” who could stand up to the overwhelming power from overseas or even the German model manufacturers with his products. Despite excellent products and constantly growing popularity, Koch-Amps has still not overcome the status of an insider tip, especially in Germany. However, products like the Pedaltone ensure that the brand's reputation will continue to rise steeply. Rarely have I come across such a useful and outstanding sounding product with great practical value.

Depending on the equipment and area of application, the Pedaltone closes the gap between portable entry-level equipment and professional cutlery that requires a lot of transport effort by upgrading what is already there or supplementing what is coming.

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Additional Informations:

In the realm of guitar amplification, few names command as much respect and admiration as Koch Amplification. Renowned for their exceptional build quality, innovative design, and superior tone, Koch amps have earned a devoted following among professional musicians and enthusiasts alike. The story of Koch Amplification is one of passion, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of sonic excellence.

**The Early Years: The Vision Takes Shape**

Koch Amplification traces its roots back to the Netherlands in the late 1970s when Dolf Koch, a talented guitarist and electronics enthusiast, set out to create amplifiers that would satisfy the discerning needs of fellow musicians. Armed with a deep understanding of tube technology and a keen ear for tone, Koch began experimenting with amplifier circuits in his workshop, striving to capture the elusive magic that defines great guitar amplification.

Koch's early creations garnered attention for their exceptional clarity, responsiveness, and dynamic range, earning him a reputation as a gifted amplifier designer. However, it wasn't until the early 1980s that Koch would officially launch his own amplifier company, Koch Engineering, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of guitar amplification.

**The Rise to Prominence: Innovation and Excellence**

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Koch Engineering established itself as a leader in the world of boutique guitar amplification, producing a range of amplifiers and speaker cabinets that quickly gained acclaim for their superior sound quality and reliability. Koch's relentless pursuit of innovation led to the development of groundbreaking technologies such as the Dynamic Responsive Amplification (DRA) circuitry, which dynamically adjusts the amplifier's response to the player's touch and technique, resulting in unparalleled tonal versatility and expressiveness.

One of Koch's most iconic amplifier series, the Twintone, debuted in the early 2000s and became an instant classic among guitarists seeking vintage-inspired tones with modern flexibility. Featuring a dual-channel design with independent EQ and gain controls, as well as built-in reverb and effects loop, the Twintone epitomized Koch's commitment to craftsmanship and sonic excellence.

**Expanding Horizons: Global Recognition and Acclaim**

As Koch Amplification's reputation continued to grow, so too did its global presence. The company's amplifiers found their way into the rigs of top-tier musicians and recording artists, who prized them for their exceptional tone, reliability, and versatility. From intimate club gigs to stadium-sized concerts, Koch amps proved themselves capable of delivering world-class sound in any musical setting.

Koch's commitment to quality and innovation did not go unnoticed within the industry, earning the company numerous awards and accolades for its contributions to guitar amplification. Koch amplifiers became sought-after tools for studio recording, live performance, and home practice, cementing their status as indispensable gear for discerning guitarists around the world.

**The Legacy Continues: Innovation and Excellence**

Today, Koch Amplification remains at the forefront of guitar amplification, continuing to push the boundaries of tone and performance with each new product release. The company's lineup includes a diverse range of amplifiers and speaker cabinets designed to suit the needs of players across a wide range of musical genres and playing styles.

Recent innovations from Koch include the introduction of advanced features such as onboard digital effects, MIDI compatibility, and power scaling technology, allowing guitarists to unlock new creative possibilities and tailor their sound with precision and ease. Additionally, Koch has expanded its product offerings to include a range of boutique effects pedals, speaker simulators, and accessories, further solidifying its position as a one-stop destination for premium guitar gear.

**Conclusion: The Koch Amplification Legacy**

In conclusion, the story of Koch Amplification is one of passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to sonic excellence. From humble beginnings in a small workshop in the Netherlands to global recognition as a leading manufacturer of boutique guitar amplifiers, Koch's journey has been marked by a commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and the pursuit of the perfect tone.

As guitarists continue to seek out new sounds and experiences, Koch Amplification remains steadfast in its mission to provide them with the tools they need to unleash their creativity and expressiveness. With a legacy built on decades of innovation and excellence, Koch Amplification stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets craftsmanship in the world of guitar amplification.