TEST: Peavey Invective

 Whether Peavey had a fine nose at the time or possibly just luck, when they put an appropriately thick bundle of bills for the cooperation with Edward van Halen on the table, probably no one knows today. That after the separation from EVH, the technically identical 6 tops 6150 or 6505 should remain so strong on the guitarists wish list, Peavey probably surprised himself. Even today they are the models mentioned next to Marshall firmly in the gear park of any serious backline rental service as THE typical US metal sound to find. With the Peavey Invective manufactured in China, the American flagship company goes a step further and wants to raise a notch especially in terms of flexibility. Well then, let's be surprised.

The concept of the Peavey Invective

The Peavey Invective appears as a three-channel amp, whereby one can almost speak of 6 different sounds by means of a boost function, which is individually adjustable for all three channels both in terms of gain, as well as in the timbre via 2 pots each. The amp builds on all-tube technology, whereby as a typical representative of the US market of course no EL34, but the also universally popular 6L6 power tubes are used. As usual, these squeeze 5 watts more per glass bulb out of the amp compared to the EL34 and come to a total output of 120 watts.

The amp is based on the channel standard clean, crunch and lead, but you have to say goodbye to the sound of what is generally understood as "crunch". More about this later in the practical part. In terms of control options, the user really has a lot of potentiometers on the front and back. A total of 23 controls allow individual sound shaping, whereby the channels Crunch and Lead even share the tone control.

The structure of the Peavey Invective

First, let's start with the front panel from left to right. Compared to its predecessors, the Peavey Invective boasts a "real" clean channel for the first time, which, however, can ultimately be transformed back into a distorted channel by means of the boost section. For individual control, a three-band tone control is available in addition to pre- and post-gain, along with tone and gain controls for the boost section. This is followed by the manual channel change, which indicates the respective channel by three colored LEDs (green, orange, red). Channel 2 and 3 each have the option to use a noise gate and again share a boost section. The power amp also allows you to control the resonance and presence frequencies, before the master volume control finishes things off.

The rear panel is also quite intensive in terms of sound management. In addition to the IEC plug, main fuse and voltage selector switch (220/230V and 240V), the power selector switch in combination with the impedance selector switch causes the user to frown for the first time. The power of the Peavey Invective can be halved via a toggle switch. Probably, as usual, a pair of the power tubes held in the push/pull A/B circuit is switched off for this purpose. To compensate for this "mismatch" in the transformer, the selector switch must be set to double the ohms and matched with the cabinets.

So with 4 end tubes you can choose between the usual 4, 8 and 16 ohms. With the end tube bisection, 4 ohms now becomes 8 ohms, 8 ohms = 16 ohms, and 16 ohms = 32 ohms. This may be correct from a circuit point of view, but there are no 32 Ohm cabinets on the market! It would only be possible to connect 2x 16 Ohm cabinets in series, but I have never come across this circuit in my whole life. Of course, it is technically cheaper to place a single slider, but corresponding individual outputs would lead to more safety with regard to incorrect operation, especially since guitarists are not known for the perfect handling of Ohm's law.

The rest of the rear panel, on the other hand, puts a beaming smile on the tester's face. In addition to a balanced XLR Direct Out, the Peavey Invective has a switchable master volume, whose level can be adjusted on the back, there are 2 switchable FX loops and 2x 9V outputs with a total of 500 mA for appropriate floor FX pedals. Peavey probably assumes that many users like to place their pedals on or very close to the amp, so that 2 preset pedal presets can be called up via the loops. The fact that these can also be supplied with voltage is a highlight in terms of practicality. MIDI In/Out completes the rear panel of the Peavey Invective.


The accessories of the Peavey Invective

From the factory, the Peavey Invective comes without any manual or other bonus material such as a protective cover or the like, but a very comprehensive footswitch is included. A total of 10 switches, mounted in a solid steel housing, provide extensive remote control of the amplifier. The footswitch allows for stompbox switching, or it can manage up to 9 different presets. Whether the supplied multi-pin cable is long enough, everyone must decide for themselves, you can not simply extend it due to the proprietary assignment in any case not so simple.


The Peavey Invective in practice

In the various pre-announcements, Peavey has placed particular emphasis on the clean channel, especially since its predecessors quickly split the musician base in this regard into 2 camps. The clean channel of the Peavey Invective, on the other hand, should unite both camps, as it indeed leaves a good impression. It sounds warm, is quite resistant to overdriving and has enough headroom for an assertive sound.

The sound character changes abruptly as soon as the Boost channel is activated. The drive is set very high for a clean boost, so that you immediately find yourself in the crunch range. The sound becomes somewhat dull, but knows how to please as an additional sound option. The actual field of application of the Peavey Invective, however, reveals itself from the Crunch channel upwards. The amp was advertised in advance as the ultimate metal amp and I have rarely gotten my hands on a head that goes so uncompromisingly in this direction.

The basic character of the two channels Crunch and Lead leans on its predecessors of the 6 series, so the latent Scoop-heavy sound is no surprise. However, I do not really understand the uncompromising interpretation of the four sound options Crunch, Cruch Boost, Lead and Lead Boost. Already the Crunch channel is extremely highly compressed and has gain reserves that are not even reached elsewhere in the Lead channel. At the same time, the channel sounds a bit busy despite the strong treble content, which is to the detriment of the assertiveness. You can hear it in the attached sound file that the guitar struggles a bit in the band structure despite sufficient volume.

This basic tonal orientation continues in the other three stages, only the gain portion and the treble range continue to increase. For a heavy riff thunderstorm, especially in the downtuning range, these sounds are very well suited, but for me personally, the ultra-compressed sound pushes the individual playing culture too much in the direction of a lack of dynamic possibilities.

Another problem is the placement of the noise gate in the signal path. As it seems, the noise gate picks up the signal very early at the amplifier, possibly even right after the input jack. This means that any electromagnetic interference, which is picked up by the pickup and amplified by any pedals before the preamp, is well intercepted during pauses in playing. The inherent noise of the amplifier, however, is not eliminated, which is not clear to me. Especially in the lead channel, the amp is very noisy, so much so that during breaks in the performance, for example during an announcement by the singer, the channel has to be changed, or else it sets off nasty looks from the center of the stage. It must be said, unfortunately, such a noise gate makes no sense in my eyes, because it does not serve its purpose.

Conclusion

The Peavey Invective is an amp that has been uncompromisingly pushed in the direction of metal in terms of its orientation. The 6 basic sounds convince with a very good clean sound, a boosted clean sound for crunch sounds and 4 highly compressed metal sounds, which differ sonically primarily in the gain and treble starting point.

The amp leaves a fat scent mark especially in the downtuning area in terms of riff thunderstorms, but in my opinion it could have been raised much more flexible and open in sound due to its switching technical possibilities. Details such as a 9V power supply for floor pedals and the luxurious footswitch please the experienced musician, but the manufacturer should think again about the placement of the noise gate in the signal path.


Additional Informations:

Peavey Electronics Corporation - A Comprehensive Company Overview
Introduction: Peavey Electronics Corporation, commonly known as Peavey, is an iconic American manufacturer of musical instruments, audio equipment, and professional sound systems. Founded by Hartley Peavey in 1965, the company has grown from humble beginnings in a small Mississippi basement to become a globally recognized brand in the music industry. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability, Peavey has consistently delivered products that cater to musicians, sound professionals, and audio enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive report delves into the history, products, contributions, and impact of Peavey in the world of music and sound.

Historical Background: Peavey Electronics Corporation was established in 1965 by Hartley Peavey, a young entrepreneur with a passion for electronics and music. The company's foundation was laid in Meridian, Mississippi, where Hartley started repairing and building audio equipment in his parents' basement. He was determined to create products that were not only exceptional in performance but also accessible to musicians of all levels. This vision became the cornerstone of Peavey's success.

2. Product Line: Peavey offers a diverse range of products that cater to various segments of the music and sound industry. Some of their key product categories include:

2.1 Musical Instruments: Peavey manufactures a wide array of musical instruments, including electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, and drums. Their instruments are known for their robust build quality, great playability, and affordability, making them popular choices for both beginners and seasoned musicians.

2.2 Audio Equipment: Peavey's audio equipment division produces a vast range of amplifiers, mixers, speakers, and signal processors. Their amplifiers, in particular, have garnered a reputation for their reliability and power, making them a staple in live sound applications and recording studios.

2.3 Professional Sound Systems: Peavey is also a significant player in the professional sound system market, offering solutions for large-scale events, installations, and concert venues. Their line array systems and loudspeakers are renowned for their performance and clarity.
2.4 Specialty Products: Apart from musical instruments and audio equipment, Peavey has diversified its product offerings to include other items such as lighting systems, microphones, and specialty audio gear, further solidifying its presence in the professional audio industry.

3. Technological Innovations: Peavey's commitment to innovation has been a driving force behind its enduring success. Throughout its history, the company has introduced numerous groundbreaking technologies to the market. One notable example is the "TransTube" technology, introduced in the 1980s. This innovation allowed solid-state amplifiers to emulate the warm and rich tones of tube amplifiers, revolutionizing the guitar amp industry and earning Peavey immense praise from musicians worldwide.

4. Contributions to the Music Industry: Peavey's impact on the music industry extends beyond their products. The company has played a vital role in promoting music education and supporting aspiring musicians. They have actively sponsored various music programs, contests, and events, fostering the growth of musical talent across different genres.

5. Global Reach and Market Presence: Over the years, Peavey has expanded its reach and established a global presence. Their products are sold in numerous countries through a network of authorized dealers and distributors. Additionally, Peavey maintains a strong online presence, making their products accessible to customers worldwide.

6. Endorsements and Artist Relations: Peavey's reputation for producing reliable and quality gear has attracted endorsements from many prominent musicians and bands. Over the years, numerous artists, including renowned guitarists, bassists, and vocalists, have chosen Peavey products as an integral part of their sound.

7. Sustainability Initiatives: Peavey has taken steps to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in their operations. The company has implemented eco-friendly practices in manufacturing, packaging, and waste management, aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the environment.

Conclusion: Peavey Electronics Corporation has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music and sound industry. From its humble beginnings in a basement to becoming a global leader, Peavey's commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability has resonated with musicians, sound professionals, and audio enthusiasts worldwide. Their diverse product line, technological advancements, and contributions to music education have cemented their position as an iconic and influential player in the world of music and sound. With a legacy of success and a dedication to progress, Peavey continues to shape the industry and inspire musicians for generations to come.