Convince me...

[david.swift]

I joined this forum to post a classified to sell my RM100S head and modules, but there is a rule that you can't create a post in that forum until you've posted 10 times.

So, I'm planning on ditching the RM100S head for a Vox AC30 because the only module I ever end up using in my RM100 is the Top Boost. I also have the Tweed, XTC, and Brown modules. I have played with a real AC30 quite a bit now and I love it. Plus, I could get rid of an amp case to lug around (Head and Cabinet down to just the head). I play in power-pop/hard rock band. I'm trying to simply my life! I love the randall, but the AC30 would save me a lot of time every show. Any reason I shouldn't sell my amp?

 

[Juggernaut]

Because the Randall/Egnater Modular amps are MUCH more versitile. Think about a year from now, you may want something different in your tone, Still got the RM? swap out a module... Got the Vox? gonna have to buy something else or sell the vox. That and the new AC30s are made in china....may be an awesome amp still, but not worth the price tag for a Chinese made amp.

 

[JKD]

The Vox AC30 is a killer amp for sure...great tone but a bit of a limitation compared with an amp that can do Fender/Vox/Marshall/Mesa(ish) and other Modern High Gain tones...

Consider downsizing...going for a RM50 Head or Combo?

 

[Smokey]

I joined this forum to post a classified to sell my RM100S head and modules, but there is a rule that you can't create a post in that forum until you've posted 10 times.

So, I'm planning on ditching the RM100S head for a Vox AC30 because the only module I ever end up using in my RM100 is the Top Boost. I also have the Tweed, XTC, and Brown modules. I have played with a real AC30 quite a bit now and I love it. Plus, I could get rid of an amp case to lug around (Head and Cabinet down to just the head). I play in power-pop/hard rock band. I'm trying to simply my life! I love the randall, but the AC30 would save me a lot of time every show. Any reason I shouldn't sell my amp?

To get the Randall Top Boost tones from the AC30 (in terms of gain) you'll need to have your AC30 absolutely cranked out. I don't know if you'll be able to get to that sort of volume at the average club gig. For versatility, I'd stick with the RM100, but you may want to consider the RM50 combo or head.
Cheers
Damian

 

[david.swift]

I don't have a problem getting enough gain out the AC30 while demoing it. The RM100 is also a bit noisier than I would like as well. I admit to not knowing a darn about tubes... would replacing the tubes have any affect on the extra noise?

Also, I know I need to bias the power tubes if I replace them, but replacing the preamp tube on the modules is just a matter of plug and go, correct?

 

[david.swift]

I will admit I've gotten great response from Randall in terms of customer service. I owned a Vox modelling amp before which crapped out on me after a year and a half of shows. Ok, you guys are doing your jobs... I'm not convinced yet, but I'm definitely thinking about hanging onto it more than I anticipated.

 

[reilly]

I would consider getting the Randall combo and adding a Boss NS-2 or ISP decimater, the Randall's are a bit noisy but they are worth there weight in gold, I cant tell you how many times I have bought and sold equipment because the bands style has changed or I started a new band etc. Even within the last 4 years with the same band I have went from a Plexi and Recto to a XTC to a 1086 and Ultra.

Bands change, styles change as well as personal preference. The versatility on the Randall is where it is at.

I would get the RM50 combo or head. IMO

 

[3 Mile Stone]

Buy an RM50 head instead. Load it with Yellow Jackets to drop EL84 power amp tubes in it. By a Deluxe & keep your Vox module. Run it into a semi-open back 2X12 cab with some Celestion Blues or Eminance Red Fangs (alnicos are about %50 of what makes that sound). Then get a boost pedal like an Xotic BB Booster (by all acounts they smoke into and AC30). Instant Bad Cat/Vox/Matchless Style rig. And you can always change your mind again later.

 

[tung]

Then get a boost pedal like an Xotic BB Booster (by all acounts they smoke into and AC30). Instant Bad Cat/Vox/Matchless Style rig. And you can always change your mind again later.

Tommy, the BB is the only Xotic pedal I haven't use. What's it like? My AC Booster is the first overdrive pedal I go to, over both my Tube Screamers, which include an original TS-9. the Xotic line is great

 

[3 Mile Stone]

Tung, I think the Xotic line is the best. The BB when compared to the AC (also my favorite go to OD) sounds a little more Marshall. It is the perfect way to turn any Marshall based Randall or Egnater single channel into an instant dual. They just are able to "fade" in the gain so you can layer it into the sound. It's a little brighter and tighter like a Marshall when put up against the AC. The AC is smoother and has the mid hump of a TS type although more subtle and without the grainy stuff that I don't like where as teh BB is just a straight OD/Distortion. Super pedals. I need to get an RC too, but my Fulltone Fat Boost cover the clean boost so well I can't really justify it.

 

[david.swift]

OK, I'm going to change the tubes tonight and give it another shot. I plugged directly into the amp this afternoon and found that some of my pedals are sucking a large chunk of tone. My favorite module, the AC30 is still noisey as hell though. I really don't want to use a noise gate, they always are noticeable to me as a guitarist. They just have an 80s cheese about them. I'm not looking for dead quiet, I just don't want to be able to hear my amp hum during a song break (input volume doesn't affect the noise). Would changing the preamp tubes help that?

If things get even better with the tube change, I'm going to get a G-System and sell my old pedal board.

Either way, I want to clean this thing. The inside looks like it's salty (I live and tour primarily in the midwest. We salt the roads, ALOT.) The faceplates of the modules are filthy. Any suggestions on a solution that I could use to safely clean the amp? My GF has some stainless steel whipes, would they damage anything?

 

[JKD]

I'm thinking that a constant hum is either a sign of defective tubes, cables or dirty power/ground line in your house....does it go away if you plug in somewhere else?

Heck, even poor shielding in a guitar can pick up hum.

 

[david.swift]

I've played probably 200 shows with this head and the hum is always there. Three different guitars and many different cables. Its gotta be the tubes.

 

[david.swift]

Just put new power tubes in. Holy crap, it's almost a different amp! I'm smiling