TEST: Peavey Vypyr X3

 Let's not kid ourselves, of course every guitarist has a lot of fun when they bring home one of the fat, all-tube head-cabinet combinations and can get on the nerves of their partner, their neighbors, and pretty much everyone who is exposed to high volume at massive volume levels. The amps usually have one or two outstanding sounds that you can really enjoy, but they can't show off their true sonic qualities anywhere except when used in large halls or large open-air festivals without additional means such as the high-end load resistance solution from Fryette, the Fryette Power Station (https://www.amazona.de/test-fryette-power-station-power-attenuator-und-roehrenendstufe/). The other side of the coin is covered by amplifiers or amplifier-speaker combinations that aim to offer the widest possible range of sound transmission options, some of which even go beyond pure electric guitar amplification. We have one such combo amplifier for testing, the Peavey Vypyr X3, which has a few very interesting detailed solutions.

The structure of the Peavey Vypyr X3

The Peavey Vypyr X3 is the most powerful variant of the Peavey Vypyr series and, according to the manufacturer, has an output of 100 watts, which is emitted via a 12-inch speaker made by Peavey. To be honest, however, the information on the back of the combo housing gives me something to think about. According to this information, the amplifier has a power consumption of just 42 watts. I am by no means a trained physicist, but personally it seems a bit difficult to be able to deliver a volume of 100 watts with a power consumption of just 42 watts. Not only is the maximum volume supposed to be more than double the power consumption, data such as heat loss and the like are not even included here. Perhaps Peavey is also referring to a peak specification in this regard.

Be that as it may, the combo made in China has a half-open design at the back, sits on four strong rubber feet, has 8 plastic corners as corner protection, has a sturdy carrying handle and is hefty at 15.6 kilograms, but by no means difficult to transport. A total of 11 rotary controls, some of which are designed as push menu controls, control the entire system. The controls have been installed slightly deeper to minimize the risk of them breaking off during transport. Unfortunately, the controls are made in different sizes, with three controls being significantly higher than the other eight. These three controls protrude slightly beyond the line of the upper end, so that if there is surface pressure, the controls receive the pressure before the wooden surface.

A special feature of the modeling amplifier is its flexibility. As expected, you can not only call up several electric guitar amplifier simulations via the digital menu navigation, but you can also amplify an electric bass or an acoustic guitar via the amplifier. And that's not all, there are even a few emulations in the menu navigation that can convert a normal electric guitar into an electric bass, an acoustic guitar, a baritone guitar or a 7-string guitar if required. In total, the amp has 12 amp models, each with 3 different sounds (clean / crunch / lead), 12 stompbox models, 26 effect models, 10 instrument models and a looper (in conjunction with the optional Sanpera floorboard). Peavey attaches great importance to the fact that the sound is generated analogue and not digitally, especially in the stompbox area with regard to overdrive and distortion. This should lead to a generally better and more assertive distortion within the distortion sounds.

In addition, your own sound creations can be saved in 16 user memory locations. There are a total of three options for managing the amplifier's menu navigation. The first is, as expected, operation via the normal rotary controls on the top of the amplifier, which is supported by a small, easy-to-read display. The second option is the Sanpera Floorboard mentioned above. And the third option is an iOS app, which can be played on an iPad. The iPad's interface is very nicely designed, very intuitive to use and, as expected, is sent to the amplifier via Bluetooth, which has a corresponding interface. The Peavey Vypyr X3 also has a mini jack Aux In for playing MP3s or similar, a mini jack headphone jack and a USB port.

What is also very nice is the collaboration between the amplifier's interface and the iOS app. Every movement of the knobs that was made on the amplifier is reproduced one-to-one on the iPad's interface. The whole thing also works in the other direction, of course, every movement on the iPad is passed on visually and acoustically to the amplifier. This is particularly convenient if, for example, you have the amplifier in a back corner in the rehearsal room or at a performance and you can make any adjustments via the iPad, which is within reach on the left, for example, or is attached to the microphone stand using a holder.

The control options of the Peavey Vypyr X3

The control options of the Peavey Vypyr X3 are comparatively simple. Next to the jack input on the far left is an endless control with which you can set the different amplifier types. This is followed by three smaller controls that manage the instrument simulations plus the stomp boxes, the amplifier section and the effects in the post section. This is followed by a typical three-band tone control using a pre-gain and a post-gain to define the general sound of the amplifier. This is followed by a master volume control to determine the overall volume range of the amplifier.

A special feature can be found on the far right called Power Sponge, which allows a percentage from 0 to 100. This is a digital power amplifier management that intervenes in the area of ​​power reduction, as is known from the pentode or triode operation of an all-tube amplifier, for example. As the percentage decreases, the volume of the amplifier also decreases, but the feel of the compression and attack behavior changes. Here, everyone has to find their own personal taste and, in combination with the master volume control, the final volume of the amplifier.

The Peavey Vypyr X3 in practice

The great advantage of the Peavey Vypyr X3 is its multifunctionality. The amplifier seems to me more like a multifunctional amplifier system that is able to amplify any type of string instrument. Whether it is an acoustic guitar, an electric bass or any type of electric guitar, all instruments can be amplified appropriately and tonally adjusted to suit their respective sound. However, if a single amplifier product is to amplify several completely different types of instruments, compromises in the sound design are inevitably made in the tonal implementation.

This is also the case with the Peavey Vypyr X3, which in itself produces a decent basic sound, but lags behind the specialists in the amplifier sector in terms of resolution, freshness and character of the respective sounds. Especially in the range of slightly distorted to high gain sounds, the amplifier's basic sound seems dull and lacks some assertiveness. The analog distortion sound is of little help if the general implementation cannot implement the finer details of the resolution. But in the interests of fairness, you should always keep in mind what functions and amplification options you get for the comparatively low retail price of around 429 euros.

The Peavey Vypyr X3 is one of those amplifiers that you take to a rehearsal or a small show and depending on which string instrument needs an amplifier, the musician grabs the combo, he is guaranteed to find a sound in the extensive database that he can work with. In addition, the sound management of the amp via iOS allows for quite convenient control of the amp and makes the Peavey Vypyr X3 a good tool for many possibilities of amplifying string instruments.

Conclusion

With the Peavey Vypyr X3, Peavey has a multifunctional combo amplifier in its portfolio that has a wide range of possible uses. The amplifier not only offers a generous selection of amplifier and pedal emulations in the area of ​​electric guitar, but also manages to amplify other types of string instruments such as electric bass, acoustic or baritone guitars through its modeling approach, which it can also emulate if the same instruments are not available.

If you need a flexible tool for string amplification, you should take a look at the Peavey Vypyr X3.

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Additional Informations:

Hartley Peavey, an aspiring musician with a passion for electronics, laid the foundation for Peavey Electronics in 1965 in Meridian, Mississippi. Driven by a desire to create high-quality, affordable audio equipment, Peavey embarked on a journey that would transform the music industry.

**The Early Years: A Spark of Innovation**

Peavey's first creation was a guitar amplifier, a product that reflected his own musical aspirations. However, his true breakthrough came in 1966 with the introduction of the MS-1 PA system. This revolutionary product, designed to address the limitations of existing PA systems, marked Peavey's entry into the professional audio market.

**The 1970s: A Decade of Expansion and Recognition**

The 1970s witnessed Peavey's rapid expansion and growing recognition within the music industry. The introduction of the Peavey "Dynacor" series of guitar amplifiers in 1972 solidified their reputation for innovative and durable products. Peavey's commitment to quality and affordability resonated with musicians worldwide, and their products became ubiquitous in concert halls, recording studios, and rehearsal spaces.

**The 1980s: Diversification and Global Reach**

Throughout the 1980s, Peavey continued to diversify its product line, expanding into new areas such as bass guitar amplifiers, keyboards, and speakers. Their introduction of the SP series of professional loudspeakers in 1981 further cemented their position as a leading manufacturer of high-performance audio equipment. Peavey's products gained global recognition, and their distribution network spanned over 120 countries.

**The 1990s and Beyond: Innovation and Enduring Legacy**

The 1990s and beyond saw Peavey maintain its commitment to innovation and quality. They introduced notable products like the Wolfgang guitar, designed in collaboration with renowned guitarist Eddie Van Halen, and the SP2 Series of loudspeakers, incorporating cutting-edge technology. Peavey's legacy continued to grow, and their products remained a staple in the music industry.

**Peavey's Enduring Impact**

Today, Peavey Electronics stands as a beacon of innovation and quality in the music industry. Their products continue to be revered by musicians worldwide for their exceptional performance, reliability, and affordability. Hartley Peavey's vision of creating high-quality audio equipment accessible to all has been realized, and Peavey Amps remain an integral part of the musical landscape.

**Key Factors in Peavey's Success**

Several factors have contributed to Peavey's enduring success:

* **Innovation:** Peavey has a long history of developing innovative products that address the needs of musicians. Their commitment to research and development has resulted in groundbreaking technologies and features that have shaped the industry.

* **Quality:** Peavey is renowned for the high quality of its products. Their meticulous attention to detail and rigorous testing procedures ensure that their amplifiers, speakers, and other equipment are built to withstand the rigors of professional use.

* **Affordability:** Peavey has always strived to make its products accessible to a wide range of musicians. Their commitment to affordability has allowed countless musicians to experience the quality and performance of Peavey equipment without breaking the bank.

* **Customer Focus:** Peavey has a strong reputation for providing exceptional customer service. They prioritize the needs of their customers and are committed to providing support and assistance throughout the entire product lifecycle.

**Peavey's Legacy**

Peavey Electronics has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their innovative products, unwavering commitment to quality, and dedication to affordability have earned them the respect and admiration of musicians worldwide. Hartley Peavey's vision of making great music accessible to all continues to inspire Peavey's mission, and their products remain a cornerstone of the musical landscape.