TEST: Randall Satan 50

 Hell, hell, hell! When it comes to packing the maximum amount of Antichrist into a product name, the company founded by Donald Randall in 1970 would be way ahead with its Randall Satan 50. It should be clear to everyone that this name is not a Twin Reverb successor in terms of sound. Consequently, the Satan package is tailored from start to finish to the metal sector, so let's be surprised by what Mike Fortin, who developed the amplifier concept, has come up with.

In the devil's kitchen!

The Randall Satan 50 is not the first Beelzebub of its kind. Almost 4 years ago, the Satan 100 was the first Mephisto made in China to appear on the scene, bringing the name Ola Englund to the fore. The Haunted guitarist, who comes from the YouTuber scene, is the namesake of the amplifier. Sales figures will show whether Randall has done himself a favor by using this fairly well-known name as a draw. Signature amplifiers are a tricky thing in general. Even with commercial heavyweights Kirk Hammett and Nuno Bettencourt, Randall is having a relatively hard time establishing its signature products on the market. It remains to be seen whether this will change with the Swede.

The structure of the Randall Satan 50

The Randall Satan 50 is a two-channel all-tube amplifier, the first thing that comes to mind is its weight! Although the housing is quite compact with dimensions (W/D/H): 50 cm x 27 cm x 27 cm, almost 20 kg pull on the support arm, which is a top-ranking product in this size range.

As is often the case in life, this has advantages and disadvantages. Yes, a high weight also has advantages, especially when it comes to the longevity of the product. The higher the potential energy of a body (weight), the more likely it is that an external impulse (e.g. impact or blow) will be compensated. The disadvantage, however, does not need to be described in more detail, it is self-explanatory. The amplifier is supplied without any protective device, so it is strongly recommended to get a heavily padded bag or case for the amp.

Using 3x 12AX7 tubes in the preamp and 2x 6L6 power tubes, the Randall Satan 50 delivers almost 50 watts, which can be very loud, especially since the amp has a strong preference for any kind of bass boost. Like the Satan 100, Randall sees the main use of the amp in downtuning and 7-8 string djent range of ERG guitars, whose main problem is still a clean, accentuated bass reproduction in the high gain range.

The front of the Randall Satan 50

Several unusual details catch the user's eye on the front. Visually, it started with the initial letters "B" and "G" of the first three controls being converted to a "6" to generate a fast "666", and ended with the unusual tone control in channel 1.

I have rarely seen an amplifier that works so uncompromisingly towards high gain as the Satan series. Let's start with the first two controls "6irth" and "6rind", followed by the "6ain" control. While the tone control is normally located behind the preamp, Mike Fortin has placed a bass and treble control in front of the preamp in order to be able to control the level of distortion of the various frequency ranges before they actually distort in volume. This allows for very individual adjustment to the personal instrument.

In conjunction with the three-band tone control with three-way center frequency selection via a mini switch, you can determine and control the sweet spot of your instrument very precisely. Volume control? Not at all! The only volume control available is the master volume control on the far right. Well then.

The second channel is much more spartan, and has a volume control for matching the volume with the first channel, then gain and, in true Fender style, a tone control - that's it. As we all know from vintage amps from the fifties, a rudimentary volume and tone control can generate an excellent sound, but with the Randall Satan 50, channel 2 seems a bit like an extra.

For both channels, there is a martial-sounding "kill" switch in the form of a booster and an additional "depth" and "presence" control in the power amp area. The channel can be selected and the booster function activated using the foot switch provided.

The back of the Randall Satan 50

The back of the Randall Satan 50 comes with a wide range of functions. Firstly, the amplifier offers the option of running with 2 different operating voltages. One voltage from the range 100V / 110V / 120V and one from the range 220V / 230V / 240V is set at the factory and can be selected with a slider. In our case it is 110V and 230V.

Next to the connections for the foot switch there is a calibration point for the output tubes. If you don't like the sound of the 6L6 and prefer the compression and sound behavior of other output tubes, you can calibrate the corresponding pair here using a digital meter. But BE CAREFUL, please find out exactly which mV voltage the respective tubes need beforehand. Output tubes that are set too hot or too cold reduce the sound of the amplifier immensely and shorten the life of the output tubes.

Next comes the amplifier's FX loop, which can be operated in series or in parallel. Using the level control and three sockets, you can choose which operating mode the loop should use. In principle, it's very simple: all the room effects that should be mixed into the guitar signal (delay, reverb) are best mixed in parallel, the rest in series.

Two outputs are available for forwarding the signal. Firstly, an XLR out with a switched-off speaker simulation, which also works in standby mode, optionally with ground lift, and a line out, referred to here as RAW, for the purpose of connecting additional power amplifiers or external effects. Finally, there are 5 different speaker outs with the classic options 2x 16 Ohm, 1x 16 Ohm, 2x 8 Ohm, 1x 8 Ohm, 1x 4 Ohm, which cover pretty much all cabinet configurations.

The Randall Satan 50 in practice

The Americans and their LEDs :-) OK, such a beautiful deep red is practically a must for the product name and it looks great on stage. Unfortunately, you can't dim or turn the light off like you can with the Hughes & Kettner Triamp MKIII, so be prepared for your light mixer to complain again that its beautiful light images will be affected by your amp.

Go straight to the top, channel 1 and off you go. Yes, that is a modern metal sound. The setting options for the 5 tone controls are indeed very extensive, although the basic sound of the Randall is always present. Very American, soft in compression, but still with subtly biting highs. You should try out different speakers here, although I would personally advise against vintage variations. The comparatively small stroke of 30 watt speakers does not go well with the very bass-oriented basic sound of the amplifier; the classic 300 watt cabinet would be a better choice.

The volume control takes a bit of getting used to, which, as already mentioned, is only controlled via the master volume control in channel 1. The channel works relatively well up to 12 o'clock, after which an incredible volume and bass boost suddenly sets in. Although the depth is still at 12 o'clock, the amp pushes immensely at around 200 hertz. An impressive experience, but unfortunately also with the disadvantage of a distorted frequency image. As you can hear from the recordings, the bass range swings so strongly that the regular sound of the instrument is drowned out and strong waves form in the bass range. In a recording, for example, this would mean that you would have to set a high-pass filter and the FOH at a live show will not be so happy about your pumping sound either. A real asset for thin-sounding instruments, but fat EMG attacks should be used with caution.

Channel 2, on the other hand, surprises with a very open, dynamic sound that cannot do one thing above all else: produce clean sounds. No matter how much I turn down the gain control, there is always a hint of crunch in the sound. But in my opinion that's not a bad thing at all, because if you want to raise hell on channel one, you certainly don't expect the Bon Jovi of death metal on channel two.

Conclusion

With the Randall Satan 50, the American manufacturer offers an amplifier whose uncompromising home is the high gain range. With a sophisticated tone control and interesting detailed solutions, the amplifier offers many nuances that could lead the inclined death grind black beat-me-dead metal fan to the Randall camp. To what extent the hefty retail price of just under €1,500 could dampen the euphoria remains to be seen.

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Additional Informations:

Randall Amplifiers is a distinguished name in the world of guitar amplification, known for its pioneering work in high-gain amplifiers. Established in the late 1970s, the company has been a significant player in the development of heavy metal and hard rock tones. Randall’s amplifiers are celebrated for their powerful distortion, robust construction, and versatility, making them a favorite among professional musicians and hobbyists alike. This article delves into the history, product lineup, technological innovations, and impact of Randall Amplifiers on the music industry.

## History and Evolution

### Founding and Early Years

Randall Amplifiers was founded in 1970 by Don Randall, a former executive at Fender. Don Randall was instrumental in the development and marketing of iconic Fender products, and he brought his vast experience and innovative spirit to his own venture. The company was established in Irvine, California, with the aim of producing high-quality, reliable amplifiers that catered to the evolving needs of rock and metal guitarists.

### Early Innovations

In its early years, Randall made a name for itself with solid-state amplifiers that offered high gain and clarity. Unlike the traditional tube amplifiers that dominated the market, Randall’s solid-state technology provided a unique sound that was well-suited for the aggressive tones of rock and metal. The RG series, introduced in the late 1970s, became particularly popular for its distinctive distortion and reliability.

## Product Lineup

Randall Amplifiers’ product range is diverse, encompassing various types of amplifiers, cabinets, and accessories designed to meet the needs of different playing styles and performance settings.

### Amplifiers

1. **RG Series**: The RG series, one of Randall's earliest and most enduring lines, is known for its solid-state construction and high-gain capabilities. These amps offer a tight, punchy sound that has become synonymous with the brand.

2. **Warhead Series**: Developed in collaboration with Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell, the Warhead series amplifiers are iconic in the metal community. These high-wattage heads deliver crushing distortion and immense power, tailored to Darrell’s signature sound.

3. **Diavlo Series**: The Diavlo (Devil) series is designed for modern metal players, offering all-tube construction for rich, organic tones. These amps provide a wide range of gain, from classic rock crunch to extreme metal saturation.

4. **Thrasher Series**: The Thrasher series amplifiers are built for precision and clarity at high gain levels. With multiple gain stages and comprehensive EQ controls, these amps cater to the needs of technical and progressive metal guitarists.

5. **Satan Series**: Collaborating with Ola Englund, Randall introduced the Satan series, which offers brutal high-gain tones with exceptional clarity and articulation. These amps are designed to handle low-tuned guitars and extended-range instruments with ease.

### Cabinets

Randall’s speaker cabinets are engineered to complement their amplifiers, featuring high-quality speakers and robust construction. Popular models include:

1. **XL Series**: Known for their oversized design and deep bass response, the XL cabinets are favored for their ability to deliver a powerful and punchy sound.
   
2. **Diavlo Cabinets**: Paired with Diavlo heads, these cabinets offer a balanced and dynamic sound with Celestion speakers, ensuring that the amplifier's full tonal range is faithfully reproduced.

### Accessories

Randall also produces a range of accessories, including footswitches, amp covers, and rack gear. These accessories are designed to enhance the functionality and durability of their amplifiers, ensuring that players can rely on their gear in any performance situation.

## Technological Innovations

### Solid-State Technology

One of Randall’s key contributions to guitar amplification is its development of solid-state technology. While many guitarists traditionally preferred tube amplifiers for their warm, dynamic tones, Randall demonstrated that solid-state amps could offer high gain, reliability, and unique tonal characteristics. The RG series exemplified this approach, providing the heavy distortion and clarity that metal players sought.

### Modular Preamp System

Randall introduced the concept of modular preamps with their MTS (Modular Tube System) series. This innovative system allows players to swap out preamp modules to achieve different tonal characteristics within a single amplifier. Each module emulates the preamp section of famous amplifiers, offering unprecedented versatility. The MTS series has been praised for its flexibility and ability to cover a wide range of sounds without requiring multiple amplifiers.

### Tube Innovations

While solid-state technology was a hallmark of Randall’s early years, the company also embraced tube technology to cater to the demands of traditionalists and modern metal players alike. The Diavlo, Thrasher, and Satan series exemplify Randall’s commitment to high-quality tube amplification, offering rich, dynamic tones with the responsiveness that only tube amps can provide.

## Impact on the Music Industry

Randall Amplifiers has had a profound impact on the music industry, particularly in the realms of rock and metal. The company’s amplifiers have been used by some of the most influential guitarists in the genre, shaping the sound of countless records and live performances.

### Influential Users and Endorsements

1. **Dimebag Darrell**: The legendary Pantera guitarist is perhaps the most famous user of Randall amplifiers. His collaboration with the company led to the development of the Warhead series, which became integral to his signature sound. Dimebag’s use of Randall amps helped cement their reputation in the metal community.

2. **Kirk Hammett**: The Metallica guitarist has used Randall amplifiers to achieve his iconic high-gain tones. His endorsement further solidified Randall’s status among top-tier metal amplifiers.

3. **Nuno Bettencourt**: Known for his work with Extreme, Bettencourt’s use of Randall amps showcases their versatility, capable of delivering both clean tones and high-gain distortion.

### Contributions to Metal and Hard Rock

Randall Amplifiers have played a crucial role in the development of metal and hard rock music. Their high-gain amps have enabled guitarists to push the boundaries of distortion and sustain, creating new sonic landscapes. The company’s commitment to innovation has influenced the design and development of amplifiers across the industry, driving advancements in both solid-state and tube technology.

### Educational Initiatives

Randall Amplifiers also contributes to the education of aspiring musicians by partnering with music schools and programs. These initiatives help nurture the next generation of guitarists, ensuring that they have access to high-quality gear and resources.

## Environmental and Social Responsibility

Randall Amplifiers is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The company implements eco-friendly manufacturing practices and uses sustainable materials where possible. Additionally, Randall supports various charitable organizations and community programs, reflecting its dedication to making a positive impact beyond the music industry.

## Conclusion

Randall Amplifiers has established itself as a leader in the world of high-gain guitar amplification, with a legacy built on innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of the needs of rock and metal guitarists. From its early solid-state amplifiers to its groundbreaking modular preamp systems and modern tube designs, Randall has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in guitar amplification. Trusted by some of the most influential musicians in the genre, Randall’s amplifiers continue to shape the sound of modern music, inspiring countless guitarists to explore new tonal possibilities. As the company looks to the future, its commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that Randall Amplifiers will remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come.