TEST: Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII

 It's always nice when something optically polarizes the music industry. What one person defines as the bang in space causes the other to have massive gag reflexes. However, what definitely represents the maximum yield from an extreme optic from a marketing point of view is when the product actually no longer needs a name, since the optic already reflects it with perfection. Even with the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII that is being tested, a simple glance at the characteristic tolex cover is enough to identify the manufacturer in fractions of a second.

The construction of the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII

I must have just hit double digits when I first saw an Orange amp. Even with the best will in the world, it was impossible to overlook this colour. Even a Marshall, around whom a campfire would have been lit on stage, would not have been as much in the viewer's focus as this Tolex. As already mentioned, the optics polarized even then and will do so forever, so everyone has to decide for themselves whether they give their heart to this latent vintage charm.

Technically, on the other hand, a lot has changed since the company was founded in 1968. Almost 10 years ago, the original version of the Rockerverb saw the light of day and brought high gain into the innards of guitar amps for the first time. To what extent this represents an improvement or expansion of the sound spectrum, this test should now show.

The Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII is still a 2-channel all-tube head, which, as you can see from the name, has a reverb spiral with its characteristic sound as a special feature. The term tube is also very important for the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII as a counter-movement to the modeling / sampling movement. Not only are the preamp (4x ECC83) and power amp (2x EL34) designed as glass pistons, the spring reverb and the serial FX path are also driven and buffered with an ECC81. As expected, the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII has 50 watts of full tube available, which, as the test will show, can generate an unbelievable amount of noise.

The overall appearance of the Head is well described with the adjective "massive". With the dimensions (W X H X D) 55 cm x 27 cm x 28 cm, the amp appears very massive, but with its 21 kg it is still comparatively handy. The workmanship is impeccable, no flaws could be found.



The front

A report on Orange would only be half a report without proper recognition of the second unique selling point of the Orange amplifiers, the choice of pictograms instead of the usual labeling of the controls. Whether this action was born out of necessity at the time, in order to provide people who did not speak English with a simple explanation, or whether there was hard calculation behind the production, the fact is that the symbols used are always the same a real highlight and always make me smile again after more than 40 years in business. With one or two symbols, I had to think for a moment what the manufacturer could have meant, but at the latest when fiddling with the controller, the mode of operation quickly became obvious.

With the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII, Orange has put a lot of thought into the volume issue. With the standby toggle switch, which is located next to the mains switch, you can choose between pentode operation (50 watts) or triode operation (25 watts). Mind you, it's primarily a sonic difference, as halving the output power lowers the volume by just over 10%. To halve the volume, the amp would have to be throttled to 5 watts.

In order to anticipate the volume discussion, the makers have installed a stepless attenuator circuit, which shuts the amp down to zero if necessary. In fact, the sound changes only minimally, i. H. Once the sound has been selected, it can be called up at all volume levels from the amplifier. Remember, a speaker that moves less also sounds different, so a change in sound is inevitable! Incidentally, all of the controls on the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII are notched, which makes it much easier to reproduce a sound that has been set once.

A massive toggle switch is used on the front to switch between the clean and the lead channel, although this can also be done using a foot switch, which is connected to the back of the housing (more on this later). To the right follow the lead channel with a three-band tone control and the clean channel, which only has a two-band tone control. The two "carrying handles" on the right and left of the panel should probably only be used for maintenance work to pull the amplifier part out of the wooden housing. They are unsuitable for transporting the case, you could pinch your fingers at most. A massive carrying handle on the top of the housing assumes the lifting function.

The backside

Since there are only extremely few cabinets with 4 ohm impedance in the guitar area, Orange has completely dispensed with these connections and only equipped the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII with 2x 8 ohms and one 16 ohm, which allows almost any box combination in normal everyday use. Three foot switch connections enable remote control
of channel selection, reverb and attenuator. The last socket in particular enables the function of a solo boost if the FOH forgot to pull you up in the solo again, or if you are playing in a small pub without any PA at all. Finally, FX loop, mains fuse, IEC connector, done!

The Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII in action

Many of you will have probably already asked yourself, why do almost 90% of all all-tube amps only have 2 channels? In terms of circuitry, it is in principle no problem for real channel monsters such as e.g. B. to launch the 6-channel H&K Trident MKIII, in which the end tubes can also be equipped and switched differently. Well, the answer is comparatively simple, because it is sufficient in 90% of all cases and you can turn a 2-channel into a 5-channel with a simple trick! Now at the latest I have your attention ;-)

What is needed is a clean channel that remains comparatively dynamically stable and a lead channel that also goes into the high gain range on its own. Why? Well, first of all it should be noted that the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII fulfills these two basic values very well. In the typical British EL34 basic sound, the clean channel remains slightly fixed in the middle and always offers a touch of compression with a harder attack. No fabric softener, no whitewash, but always present. What is noticeable, however, is the extreme volume increase from 9 o'clock in the volume control of the clean channel, here I would have wished for a somewhat more even curve.

The lead channel, on the other hand, offers on the one hand very characteristic crunch sounds, which are ideal for all kinds of classic rock, on the other hand you can push the amp up into real high gain areas. The high gain sound is good, but I think you can tell that Orange has only been dealing with this topic for a relatively short time. While the crunch sounds get a high score, the high gain sound is still a little too undifferentiated for me. However, this is a purely subjective rating and of course also depends extremely on the loudspeaker used. So try it yourself!

How about the 5-channel? Well, to drive this extension, you need an additional, high-quality high-gain distortion pedal, which you hang in front of the clean channel. A high-quality all-tube amp is characterized u. a. characterized by the fact that it hangs very well on the volume control of the guitars, which many guitarists keep forgetting. If your distortion can also do this, you have the following composition:

1.) Clean channel without anything
2.) Clean channel with external distortion pedal at full gain = high gain 1
3.) Clean channel with external distortion pedal at full gain, but with reduced volume control on the guitar = crunch 1
4.) Lead channel at full gain = high gain 2
5.) Lead channel at full gain, but with reduced volume control on the guitar = crunch 2

In general, the distortion from the pedal and the preamp of the all-tube amp will sound different enough for two completely different distortion sounds.

In fact, the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII does an excellent job of this. The clean channel in particular impresses with high impulse fidelity and an excellently tight basic sound. In the best British tradition, the entire construction harmonises with distortion pedals of all kinds and thus enables a multitude of sounds, depending on the concept of the pedals.
Conclusion

With the Orange Rockerverb 50H MKIII, the traditional British manufacturer offers everything you would expect from the top league of "Made In UK" and a little more. A sophisticated volume management, very good workmanship and last but not least a very good and a good basic sound, which also harmonize perfectly with boost, overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedals of all kinds.

Additional Informations:

Comprehensive Report on Orange Amplifiers
Introduction: Orange Amplifiers is a renowned company operating in the musical instrument industry, specifically known for its exceptional guitar amplifiers and related accessories. Established in [insert year], the company has gained worldwide recognition and a dedicated following among musicians for its distinctive sound, iconic design, and commitment to quality. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Orange Amplifiers, covering its history, product range, industry reputation, and future prospects.

Company History: Orange Amplifiers was founded with a vision to revolutionize the guitar amplifier market by introducing innovative designs and delivering unparalleled sound quality. The company's founder began building amplifiers in a small shop in London, England. The distinctive orange color and the unique tone produced by the amplifiers quickly gained attention, establishing Orange Amplifiers as a prominent player in the industry. Over the years, the company has continued to evolve and expand its product line while maintaining its commitment to craftsmanship and sonic excellence.

Product Range: 3.1 Guitar Amplifiers: Orange Amplifiers is widely acclaimed for its guitar amplifiers, which have become iconic in the music industry. Their amplifier range includes both tube (valve) and solid-state models, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of guitarists. From the legendary Orange AD30 to the versatile Rockerverb and the portable Crush series, Orange Amplifiers offers a wide range of options, delivering rich, warm, and dynamic tones sought after by musicians across various genres.

3.2 Bass Amplifiers: In addition to guitar amplifiers, Orange Amplifiers has made a mark in the bass amplifier segment. Their bass amplifier lineup, including the popular AD200B and OB1 series, provides bassists with powerful, versatile, and tonally rich amplification options. These amplifiers are designed to handle the low frequencies of bass guitars with precision, ensuring a powerful and punchy sound that cuts through the mix.

3.3 Speaker Cabinets and Accessories: Orange Amplifiers also offers a range of speaker cabinets, designed to complement their amplifiers. The company's cabinets are known for their solid construction, exceptional sound projection, and distinctive aesthetics. Orange Amplifiers' speaker cabinets are available in various configurations and sizes to suit different performance and recording needs. Additionally, the company offers a selection of accessories, including footswitches, cables, and covers, designed to enhance the overall user experience.

Industry Reputation: Orange Amplifiers has established a strong reputation within the music industry. The company is highly regarded for its dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding tone. Orange Amplifiers' distinctive sound, characterized by its warm and vintage-inspired tones, has attracted a loyal fan base among both professional musicians and enthusiasts. The company's amplifiers have been used by renowned artists across different genres, further solidifying its industry reputation.

Research and Development: Orange Amplifiers places a significant emphasis on research and development (R&D) to continuously innovate and refine its products. The company invests in exploring new amplifier technologies, improving circuit designs, and experimenting with speaker configurations. By collaborating with experienced musicians and staying attuned to industry trends, Orange Amplifiers ensures that its amplifiers stay relevant, meeting the evolving needs and preferences of guitarists and bassists.

Market Presence and Future Prospects: Orange Amplifiers has a global presence, with a strong distribution network that spans across multiple countries. The company's products are available through authorized dealers, online retailers, and their official website. As the demand for high-quality amplifiers and distinctive tones persists, Orange Amplifiers is well-positioned to further expand its market presence and cater to a diverse range of musicians worldwide.

Looking ahead, Orange Amplifiers aims to continue pushing the boundaries of guitar and bass amplification. The company plans to introduce new amplifier models that embrace emerging technologies, such as digital modeling and wireless connectivity, while preserving the signature Orange tone. Additionally, Orange Amplifiers seeks to engage with its user community by providing educational resources, artist collaborations, and interactive platforms to foster a vibrant and supportive community of musicians.

Conclusion: Orange Amplifiers has established itself as a leading manufacturer of guitar and bass amplifiers, renowned for their distinctive sound, iconic design, and commitment to craftsmanship. With a rich history, diverse product portfolio, and a strong industry reputation, the company is poised for continued success. Through its dedication to innovation, research, and delivering exceptional tone, Orange Amplifiers remains a top choice for musicians seeking amplifiers that offer unique sonic characteristics and inspire creativity. As the musical landscape evolves, Orange Amplifiers is well-equipped to adapt to new technologies and market demands, maintaining its position as a trusted and respected brand in the music industry.