TEST: Palmer Fat 50

 How time flies. Is it really over 30 years ago that I first heard the Anglo-American sounding name Palmer, only to be told that it was a German company? Since then, the company from Neu-Anspach, founded in 1980, has appeared again and again in my perception, be it through the legendary in-house speaker simulations, interesting detailed solutions in the pedal area or small helpers, which were often needed but rarely found.

The fact that the 10-member company also manufactures full-fledged amplifiers in combo and head/cabinet format has, mea culpa, only been revealed to me in recent years. In addition to interesting new developments, there is also a classic, two-channel all-tube amp called FAT 50, which is available as a combo or head. In this segment, Palmer also consistently relies on Made-In-Germany, not only in the development department, but in the sense of "Designed, Engineered And Assembled In Germany", as an imprint shows not without pride.

Palmer will not be able to complain about a lack of competition in this segment, as whole armies of traditional competitors or new upstarts are fighting with the company north of Frankfurt am Main for the top spots in the buyers' favor. In order to score points here, the design, workmanship and last but not least the sound must generate top values, if you don't want to be slain by the competition's advertising budget.



Construction

When you take the FAT 50 out of its packaging for the first time, you'll see a classic combo that looks almost handy with the dimensions (W x H x D): 580 x 500 x 270 mm, but due to its construction weighs in at just under 30 kilograms. Delicate women's arms will probably strike out here. The combo is covered in black, hard-wearing imitation leather, has the usual corner protectors and is very well made. As a speaker, a 12-inch Govenor from Eminence is used, whose red basket stands out visually from the overall black impression, whose massive magnet suggests plenty of headroom and also turns out to be a magnetic holder for the footswitch.

The combo offers 2 channels, whereby both channels can be divided into low and high gain. The combo is powered by a total of 4 pieces of 12AX7A preamp tubes and 2 pieces of 5881 power amp tubes, a more robust version of the 6L6 variant. All four sounds share a 4-band tone control (bass, mid, treble, presence), with a Bright Boost providing upstream shaping. In the master section we find a reverb and the master volume control, two mini switches switch between the total of 4 basic sounds. At the bottom of the combo, a reverb spiral is embedded in a pocket. So far, so clear.

But it gets interesting when you take a look at the included footswitch and the back of the combo. The footswitch alone shows once again that Palmer thinks about the small details, which are ultimately so important. Not only that the switch appears as a heavy-duty version, the lower stand plate, which ensures stability on smooth surfaces by a rubber pad, is extended on the front side and offers the possibility to screw the switch firmly on a pedalboard via 2 small drill holes. Anyone who, like me 6 weeks ago, knelt cursing in front of his pedalboard to desperately fix various channel switches with Velcro for the upcoming European tour, knows how important such seemingly secondary details are.

In addition to gain, channel and reverb, there is also a volume switch on the far right with which you can call up a second master volume previously set on the back of the amplifier. Especially when you're not working with a permanent FOH, or when your cranky colleagues in the solo call for more steam for a short time, a second master is the punch in bags. Also very nice is the FX loop, which can seamlessly crossfade between serial and parallel operation via a rotary control. Right stop equals serial operation (modulation effects etc.), left stop equals parallel operation (room effects etc.).

If you want to use the support of cabinets on big stages, no problem. A total of 4 different jacks allow connection variations in the form of 1x 8Ω, 2x 8Ω, 1x 16Ω and 2x 16Ω.


Practice

When the FAT 50 is switched on, a large yellow LED informs the user about the mains voltage. Already at the first sounds the experienced guitarist knows what to expect in the next minutes, but wait, something is different. In my opinion, the 5881 power tubes color the sound of the combo more than I expected. The parallels to the 6L6 are clear, but still, the increased headroom seems to give the amp a more voluminous, open sound. Even though the variation may be marginal, I find this power tube placement to be extremely successful, especially since the interplay with the Eminence Govenor is a real joy.

The designation FAT 50 carries the amplifier truly rightly. I have rarely heard an open combo that generates such a comparatively powerful bass boost from only one 12-incher. The basic sound is dense, compressed and bass-strong, however, without below 500 Hz to muddy, as it is to be noticed gladly sometimes with the 6L6 competition from Amiland. Even though the Californian sound orientation is omnipresent, the FAT 50 manages to guarantee a comparatively great British impact even without the otherwise obligatory EL34 ladle when needed.

Let's start with the clean channel without gain boost. Here Palmer succeeds in maintaining the pearly fundamental tone even at high final volume, whereby one can gladly add first crunches steplessly via the volume control. The amp stays nice and bony and makes the musician sweat for a successful tone. No whitewashing, no dead-compressed scope talk, very tasteful and direct in personal tone shaping.

When activating the gain stage, the volume pot comes into play. Here you can very nicely indulge in the fine art of distortion levels using the volume control, still the most organic form of tone shaping. No matter how many channels you have available on your panel, NOTHING beats working with the volume knob! Very tasteful how Palmer has balanced this stage. The Drive Channel is where things get tonally different. The basic sound is softer, generates in normal mode wonderful hard rock sounds of the old school and increases over the additional gain stage to an excellent lead sound, which captures the harmonics wonderfully and can be blended sensitively.

At the same time, both channels are very well matched to each other both sonically and in terms of volume. You never have the feeling that you have to use another tone control, because all 4 basic sounds work hand in hand. All of them can be called up via footswitch, in addition, in different volumes and, if required, provided with a good-sounding reverb spiral, musician's heart, what more do you want.



Conclusion

With the FAT 50 Combo, Palmer has a real gem in its repertoire. The combo combines the flexibility of 4 basic sounds with the independent character of the individual like hardly any other combo. The sound of the amplifier is excellent, the workmanship outstanding, accessories and detail solutions show the foresight, respectively experience of the manufacturer and for a product completely manufactured in Germany, the amplifier also has an extremely moderate selling price.

For me, an absolute highlight in the hotly contested combo segment, definitely test!


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.