Orange: Which juice is worth the squeeze?

[iekobrid]

Has anyone ever gotten all of the various Orange based modules together in one place and recorded a comparison? The individual demos are all recorded by different people or with different signal chains or playing different styles of music, and I don't know "classic Orange tone" from an ass in my elbow, so descriptions that praise their authentic replication of this model or that one or the other leaves me feeling like I've been reading about the famous Stone of Galveston.

 

[The Rossness]

I've got an Orange Micro Terror and I can do a demo of it compared to my Salvation Stoneverb hooked up to the same cab. Would that be helpful?

 

[Jaymzrock]

Aaaand to that I'd say why the bloody hell not?!

 

[iekobrid]

I've got an Orange Micro Terror and I can do a demo of it compared to my Salvation Stoneverb hooked up to the same cab. Would that be helpful?

Absolutely, thanks! Every piece of the puzzle gives a better look at the big picture.

 

[Jaymzrock]

iekobrid: Love your location, man! And the question as I have zero experience with Orange Amps myself.

Rosness: The comparison would be awesome!

 

[Oregon]

I've really wanted to hear at least something from the Mandarine Orange (the OR120 styled preamp from Salvation) as well.

(and yes... slick location to be sure iekobrid

 

[Whoopysnorp]

I've got a demo of the Mandarine Graphic here: http://genitalhercules.com/~mcrowe/misc_mp3/Mandarine%20Graphic%20demo.mp3

I talked too much in it, as I recall, but buried within my prattle there are some actual recordings. As far as authenticity goes, I can't say for sure because I've never played a real OR120, but I do hear bits on At The Drive In's Relationship of Command album that sound exactly like tones I get from the Mandarine Graphic, and I am pretty sure Cedric used an OR120 or similar on that album.

I also have a Stonerverb and I can tell you that it's very different from the Graphic. It still has the thick midrange sonic signature that the Graphic has, but the EQ behaves very differently (as it should because the EQ in the Graphic is a very different design). The Graphic is darker overall, and the Stonerverb is closer to sounding like what we think of today as a British/Marshallesque sound. Not to say it sounds like a Marshall, but the mids are voiced in a similar place (they are thicker and smoother in the typical Orange sound).

 

[Oregon]

Man how cool is that! Ask and ye shall receive a demo (nice url btw... lol)

Cool playing man, and nice clean recording quality too!

I would think this module would sound super in a mix with just a hint of ambience. thank you for sharing - it really makes me think of the old Orange sound, and for some odd reason of early to mid 70's Kung Fu movies!

 

[crankyrayhanky]

I have a Stonerverb Starz I thought it was 1/2 as the Pumpkins guy has the 1st, but now I see Oregon is on board. It's remarkable...it can get as aggressive as anything but still retain clarity. The switches are breathtaking, each vaulting the mod into a totally different soundscape. It is my #1 by a longshot

 

[Oregon]

Yup! Can't wait to get it.

 

[Oregon]

I think I read about Jeff and your Stonerverbs from something you posted? That's what made me go for the added features once I decided to grab one!

 

[The Rossness]

iekobrid: Love your location, man! And the question as I have zero experience with Orange Amps myself.

Rosness: The comparison would be awesome!

I'm working on it. The Micro Terror is 20 wats RMS, has 3 knobs and is rather limiting compared with the monster that the Salvo is at 100 watts with 5 knobs and 4 switches. I think the Micro terror is more like a little AD30 and the Salvation is more Rockerverb.

 

[djd100]

The Mandarin Graphic/OR120 has a very different EQ than all the modern Oranges (which are similar to Marshall's but voiced differently (cut only TMB tonestack).

The Mandarin Graphic/OR120 has a Bauxendall EQ which is a two band EQ which allows boost or cut for bass and treble bands. It also has a unique feature called a FAC (Frequency Analyzing Control), which is actually various coupling caps post distortion on a knob, very unique and cool.

So, turn the tones down and you have a mid boost, turn the tones up and you have a mid-scoop, and adjust the low-end tightness with the FAC, very cool design!

Gain-wise a tad more than a Plexi stock, but that can be adjusted etc.

OR120's also had a unique negative feedback loop (presence control with an inductor in the circuit) in their power amps that won't be duplicated via MTS and non-OR120 power amps, so that's a difference that won't be there in the MTS world.

They shipped back in the day with Fane speakers in Europe, and Eminence in the USA, though they sound great with Celestions too.
A lot of Martin Barre's vintage Jethro Tull tones were a vintage Burst into a OR120 through Fanes.

We made one for ourselves, sounds great either pushed or clean, and good for bass too.

I've got a demo of the Mandarine Graphic here: http://genitalhercules.com/~mcrowe/misc_mp3/Mandarine%20Graphic%20demo.mp3

I talked too much in it, as I recall, but buried within my prattle there are some actual recordings. As far as authenticity goes, I can't say for sure because I've never played a real OR120, but I do hear bits on At The Drive In's Relationship of Command album that sound exactly like tones I get from the Mandarine Graphic, and I am pretty sure Cedric used an OR120 or similar on that album.

I also have a Stonerverb and I can tell you that it's very different from the Graphic. It still has the thick midrange sonic signature that the Graphic has, but the EQ behaves very differently (as it should because the EQ in the Graphic is a very different design). The Graphic is darker overall, and the Stonerverb is closer to sounding like what we think of today as a British/Marshallesque sound. Not to say it sounds like a Marshall, but the mids are voiced in a similar place (they are thicker and smoother in the typical Orange sound).

 

[Oregon]

Very descriptive, thanks for that info!

 

[crankyrayhanky]

I think I read about Jeff and your Stonerverbs from something you posted? That's what made me go for the added features once I decided to grab one!

It's going to blow your mind <BOOM>

 

[wakeguitar]

I think I read about Jeff and your Stonerverbs from something you posted? That's what made me go for the added features once I decided to grab one!

It's going to blow your mind <BOOM>

More like getting slushed?

like a orange shot through a pipe-launcher at a steel grating. Instant sweet sticky wetness that anyone can lick.

 

[Oregon]

And well really... who doesn't want that? Lol

Next module I buy better be juicy!

 

[Whoopysnorp]

Listening back to my demo now, and I was totally wrong about the FAC control being a midrange selector. It's a low cut. Totally obvious in retrospect. Oops.

 

[Mike P]

I haven't owned all of the various Orange modules but I have owned a Tiny Terror and spent considerable time with a Rockerverb. I've owned the Salvation Stonerverb since 2010 and found it to be identical to the Rockerverb (albeit, with more features) and much less nasally and weird sounding than the Tiny Terror (which I think is due to the EL 84's).

Here are a few of clips with the Stonerverb. I don't use it very often but when I do, it nails the sound I need.

Classic: www.mikeplas.com/mlib/rr/amberdaze.mp3

Indie: www.mikeplas.com/mlib/rr/rockemsockem.mp3

Alternative: www.mikeplas.com/mlib/mr/tangerinequeen.mp3

 

[Oregon]

Ahhh It's your fault that the first demo on the Salvation Stonerverb page is so damn catchy... Really well done man.