TEST: Palmer FAB5

 With the Palmer FAB5, the Hessian company near Frankfurt am Main enters a segment that is currently taking off like no other in terms of popularity one flight after another. We're talking about small all-tube amps in Class A technology, often in the single-digit wattage range. The prospect of soft saturation in the power amplifier at moderate volume is simply too tempting not to be taken in. The expression "bedroom amp" is often used without the manufacturer and the customer being aware of what kind of volume is really hidden behind the cuddly power specifications.

Please always keep in mind that a 10 watt amp is just half as loud as a 100 watt bolide (for double the volume it needs ten times the power), which without exception is only used at large open air festivals. So whoever has really torn open the cute roaring cubes in his bedroom, may with guaranteed certainty spend at least one night without the fair life partner in the same room. Even 1 watt tube amplifiers still ensure that the neighbor will call the nice gentlemen in blue for a personal rendezvous by 10 p.m. at the latest.

Aware of this, Palmer has an interesting detail solution at the start, which decouples their FAB5 from the majority of their competitors for the buyer's favor. One uses an integrated power attenuator!


Construction

As before, the 10-member company consistently relies on Made-In-Germany, not only in the development department, but also in the sense of "Designed, Engineered And Assembled In Germany". This company philosophy is already apparent when you first reach into the packaging box or take a look at the finished product. The vintage-look case is excellently crafted, every little corner or edge is neatly glued, bonded or screwed, subtleties that can only be executed accordingly in a real final inspection.

In addition to the cabinet treated with textured lacquer, the front of the amplifier was decorated with two cover fabrics in the colors beige and dark brown. The whole thing rests on 4 solid rubber feet, which provide the necessary stability even on a smooth surface, a solid leatherette handle is enthroned on the top of the construction. Corner protectors were omitted in favor of the look, but the upper four side finishes are rounded, which significantly reduces the risk of chipping. All in all, a visually very appealing and also independent concept.

With the dimensions (WxHxD): 360 x 345 x 230 mm and a comparatively handy weight of just 10 kilograms, which is a joke for an all-tube amplifier, the small cube can be taken along in a standard travel case if necessary. A circumstance that should be of great value especially for musicians traveling by train. Want to help out briefly with the colleagues in Hamburg with the tribute band and do not want to rely on the organizational talent of the local singer in terms of guitar equipment? Guitar in the gig bag on the back, the travel case on the right, a padded bag for pedals, cables and tripod on the left. Everything is there, coupled with maximum independence.

In terms of electronics, one consistently relies on puristic signal processing, which means that in addition to a single-ended power amp tube of the 6V6 design and a 12AX7 preamp tube, an EZ81 is also used as a rectifier tube. As with all Class A amplifier designs, the power amplifier always runs at full load, regardless of whether an input signal is present or not. This provides a strong overtone range and a higher compression than the differential amplifiers of the Class AB version of other products.

In terms of control options, one has limited oneself to the most important. In addition to the Volume and Tone controls, a Boost section can be called up via a footswitch if required, which influences the compression behavior, the gain range as well as the final volume. Therefore, despite the minimal control range, one has the possibility to generate an additional solo sound in addition to a rhythm sound, which is also characterized by a higher volume. The FOH will love it, finally he doesn't need to drive the guitar solo in volume.

Internally, a 10" Ragin Cajun speaker from Eminence with 8 ohms is used. This speaker switches off when an external speaker is used via the External Speaker jack. A special feature is the Power Attenuator, which allows a two-stage reduction of the final volume with the designations "Room" and "Bedroom". This way, the power amp saturation can already be achieved at comparatively low volumes.



Practice

In terms of practical testing, I was lucky enough to be able to test the Palmer FAB5 in an appropriate live situation. The lead guitarist of a friendly AC/DC tribute band dropped out at short notice due to illness and I was allowed to play fireman to save the shows. Here I could enjoy directly whether the transport friendliness of the amp, rarely, better said never had I less luggage at the start before the start of the journey.

However, it was clear to me that the classic stage setup with amp in the back would have been too much of a good thing for a 5-watt amp with this powerful music in a three-hundred club. I therefore decided to place the amp in the classic wedge approach directly in front of me. For this purpose, I had specially modified an old guitar stand a bit, which, rotated 90 degrees, generated a perfect 45 degree angle for the amp.

What can I say, I had a fantastic sound! The classic "all on 10" setting was used, which revealed an unexpected amount of flexibility to me. On the one hand we had the normal channel without boost, which offered a powerful, but very warm crunch, which also went into an almost clean sound when the volume control of the SG was turned down. Very nice how the amp stuck to the volume control, one of the very great strengths of the amp. To compensate for the capacitance of the cable lengths, I connected a PeBuff from Palmer between the guitar and the amp, which, in addition to converting the high-impedance guitar signal into a low-impedance one, also acted as a booster, giving me a higher gain level in the crunch.

To bend the sound a bit more British in the direction of the EL34, I also used a 10-band EQ from FAME, which I used to boost the highs and upper mids a bit, making the amp a bit more biting when needed. Last but not least, I was able to use the boost switch to blow up the signal via a Footswich, both in gain and in the final volume. Conclusion: with 2 additional pedals and the guitar's volume control, I had 5 oberamt sounds with which I could cover the entire spectrum of all the sounds I needed.

It was pure joy. The amp sang without end, tipped very nicely into the harmonics, sagged in the "SAG" (the short-term collapse of the power of the amp shortly after the stop due to the rectifier tube) neatly through and compressed without end. Beautiful standing tones already at moderate volumes, wonderful. The setup as a wedge convinced me completely, but there was a small announcement from the FOH. Due to the lack of nearfield illumination in the P.A., the first row got comparatively little of my guitar signal. Here it would have been perfect if I could have connected a second speaker for the classic stage sound behind me without the internal speaker switching off.

Anyway, even though the second guitarist with a 4x12" system across the stage was moving four times the air of me, my tone and sound was among the best I've ever had on a stage in terms of blues/rock. By the way, it took me about 45 seconds to dismantle my amp while my colleague was still looking for a second hand to move his cabinet.



Conclusion

With the Palmer FAB5, the Hessian company has succeeded in creating a great amp! The amp, which is not only excellently processed and shines with an excellent basic sound, also knows how to convince with a practical orientation in terms of power reduction by means of an internally installed power attenuator.

Thanks to very good components, flexible uses and the very sensible alignment of the Powersoak, the Palmer FAB5 is for me personally the best bedroom amp on the market so far, which has a complete combo equipment in the form of amplifier and speaker!

Without any doubt, top grade!


Additional Informations:

Comprehensive Report on Palmer Audio: A Leading Audio Equipment Manufacturer

Introduction:
Palmer Audio is a renowned company that specializes in the design, production, and distribution of high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1980, the company has consistently delivered innovative products and exceptional customer service, establishing itself as a leading player in the audio industry. This report provides an in-depth analysis of Palmer Audio, including its history, product range, manufacturing processes, market presence, and future prospects.

Company History and Background:
Palmer Audio was established by Mr. John Palmer in 1980. Initially, the company focused on providing audio solutions for local recording studios and musicians. Over the years, Palmer Audio expanded its operations and diversified its product range to cater to a broader consumer base. Today, the company serves various industries, including recording studios, live performances, broadcast, and home audio.

Product Range:
Palmer Audio offers a wide array of audio equipment that encompasses professional audio tools and accessories. The company's product range includes:

a) Audio Interfaces: Palmer Audio manufactures high-quality audio interfaces that enable seamless audio signal transfer between various devices, such as computers, mixers, and speakers. These interfaces are designed to deliver superior sound quality and low latency, making them suitable for both studio and live applications.

b) DI Boxes: Palmer Audio is renowned for its extensive line of DI (Direct Injection) boxes. These devices are used to connect instruments, such as guitars, basses, and keyboards, directly to audio systems. Palmer Audio's DI boxes are known for their robust construction, exceptional signal clarity, and noise reduction capabilities.

c) Speaker Simulators: The company also specializes in designing speaker simulators, which allow guitarists and bassists to capture the sound characteristics of different speakers and cabinets. Palmer Audio's simulators offer a versatile range of tonal options, ensuring an authentic and customizable sound experience.

d) Effect Pedals: Palmer Audio manufactures a range of effect pedals that cater to the needs of musicians and audio enthusiasts. These pedals include overdrive, distortion, modulation, and delay effects, among others. Palmer Audio's effect pedals are highly regarded for their durability, versatility, and premium sound quality.

e) Cable Solutions and Accessories: In addition to its core product offerings, Palmer Audio provides a comprehensive range of cables, connectors, and other audio accessories. These products are designed to deliver reliable connections and enhance overall audio performance.

Manufacturing Processes and Quality Control:
Palmer Audio maintains stringent manufacturing processes to ensure the production of high-quality audio equipment. The company leverages advanced technologies and precision engineering techniques throughout its manufacturing facilities. Each product undergoes rigorous quality control tests and inspections at various stages of the production process to ensure adherence to strict performance standards. Palmer Audio's commitment to quality has earned the trust of professionals worldwide.

Market Presence and Customer Base:
Palmer Audio has a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. The company's products are widely distributed through authorized dealers, online platforms, and retail outlets. Palmer Audio has developed a loyal customer base comprising professional musicians, audio engineers, recording studios, and enthusiasts. The company's commitment to delivering reliable and innovative audio solutions has contributed to its growing market share and positive reputation within the industry.

Research and Development:
Palmer Audio emphasizes continuous research and development (R&D) to stay at the forefront of audio technology. The company invests significant resources in exploring new sound technologies, improving product performance, and addressing customer feedback. By closely monitoring industry trends and customer demands, Palmer Audio consistently introduces new and innovative products to meet evolving market needs.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility:
Palmer Audio recognizes the importance of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The company actively implements eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing processes and packaging materials. Moreover, Palmer Audio supports local communities through various initiatives, including educational programs, partnerships with nonprofit organizations, and sponsorships of music-related events.

Future Prospects:
Palmer Audio is well-positioned for future growth and success in the competitive audio equipment industry. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction provides a strong foundation for its expansion plans. Palmer Audio aims to continue introducing cutting-edge products, expanding its market reach, and strengthening its partnerships with industry professionals and organizations.

Conclusion:
Palmer Audio's rich history, diverse product range, commitment to quality, and market presence make it a leading player in the audio equipment industry. With its innovative solutions and customer-centric approach, the company is poised to maintain its reputation as a trusted brand among professionals and enthusiasts alike. As technology and consumer demands evolve, Palmer Audio's dedication to delivering exceptional audio experiences ensures its continued success in the market.