Have you heard these clips?

[Chad]

Don't know if these have been posted yet, but I hadn't heard them until now:

http://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/tests/index,idproduit,72459,page,3.html

That review is linked from the Randall website. It is in a foreign language (French?), but the module names are clearly listed. BTW, if anybody could translate that review, that'd be cool!

 

[JKD]

I tried to translate as close as possible without adding/re-arranging too many words...there's a certain efficiency in some of the language and of course some long windedness too

Section 1:

It's all good
Test of the Randall RM20B

In the world of guitar amplification, one associates Randall very much with the Heavy / Thrash and transistor technology. It's therefore a double surprise the Randall MTS series holds for us; a tube amplifier and a sound palette a lot wider than just modern distortion and high gain.

The MTS (Modular Tube System) Concept
The MTS concept is the Randall tube R&D response to the avalanche of modelling amplifiers; indeed the amplifier we are testing this week has only one power section. The pre-amp section is taken care of by interchangeable modules. The latter, carefully designed by Randall, to be emulations of the biggest amplifiers since the invention of electricity: Marshall JTM plexi, Fender Bassman, Mesa Boogie Rectifier and many others (15 at the present time).

This concept relies on one principle; there is, actually, very little difference in pre-amp designs and they are largely inspired by each other, including between different names? revisions?

In addition to these pre-amp sections, there are the power sections (6L6 at Fender and EL34 at Marshall for example) and the speaker differences which makes it possible to tell them apart.

Randall undertook in-depth engineering work so that all these differences are reproduced directly by the pre-amp sections and thus the signature sounds of the legendary/famous amplifiers are believable/acceptable.

It is noted that the MTS concept was developed under the supervision of Bruce Egnater (R&D Director at Randall), US tube amplifier guru (Ah, the TOL100! ) already having designed, to his credit, the infamous Rocktron Prophecy. In addition, Bruce Egnater manufactures, under his name, a whol range of MTS compatible modules, with the care he's known for/one associates with him.

The MTS series consists of several products: Combos, Heads, Rack Pre-amps and it's the baby of the bunch that we will test today, the RM20B. We received the amp accompanied with a pleasing 12 modules which will enable us to check if the concept holds true to it's promise: caan one switch from a vintage clean to a modern high sound at the turn of 2 screws?

 

[JKD]

Section 2:

Test of the Randall RM20B
Features

Little ? of the MTS series, the RM20B is an amplifier which seems designed for recording in the studio although it's well thought out enough to use without problems for a jam in a smokey bar/club.

With 15 Watt power output (which is easily sufficient to be heard by your neighbours - indeed the whole building), it can accomodate only one MTS module so you must change modules eaach time you wish to change sounds radically.

This changing/switching couldn't be simpler: Amplifier on standby, unfasten two screws, change the module, refasten the screws, 30 seconds at the most.

In order to mitigate these mechanical 'acrobatics' where one might see onseself changing modules just for a lead passge, Randall equiped the RM20B with a tube based boost. This has it's own level adjustments for gain, volume and cab be engaged via the footswitch. Depending on the adjustment, it can act like a clean boost or a powerful overdrive. Very useful for module that was built specifically for clean sound.

Inside the power section, the power tubes are Ruby EL84 driving a 12 inch Celestion Greenback. The configuration of the 2/3 closed back contributes to it's versatility, in perfect coherence with the MTS concept - where the amplifier must interact correctly with all the modules, from the more vintage to the most modern.

3 12ax7 tubes contribute/supplement inside the chassis of the RM20B, the first is dedicated to the phase inverter, the second an effects loop buffer and the third for boost.

The front of the amplifier is rather basic: Boost control, module slot and 2 controls 'Presence' & 'Density' which are equalisation on amplification level for high and lowfrequencies respectively.

 

[Chad]

Thanks, bro! If you get time to translate the rest, that would be awesome. Thanks again.