Orange Micro Dark

Yes, of course you can play and record with a modeling pedal or just in the computer. But let's be honest, isn't the response of a real amp simply more organic? Sure, it's "audio voodoo", i.e. difficult to prove from a scientific and sound engineering point of view, but at least for me it's more fun to play an amp. The moment when signals distort, for example, is different with a tube preamp. Of course, this can be emulated but, well...

The 20 watts are perfectly adequate here. Connect a big cab (4x12" for those who want to know ;)) and you can keep up in the rehearsal room and it's also perfectly adequate for a pub gig. 20 watts are loud!

However, the CabSim function in the headphone output is not so cool. Forget it. Forget about it. By the way, what the Micro Dark has over the Micro Terror is an FX loop! Not only important for pedals (with larger Four Cable cabling, so that all FX go where they should in the signal chain!), no, the send can also be used to tap directly from the tube preamp to the audio interface.

Let's get to the sound. Compared to the Micro Terror, the Dark has more gain, more punch, more depth. Just Dark. The small one (it really is the size of a bread tin!) actually creates the typical Orange sound. In other words, anyone who plays doom metal (but also other types of metal), psychedelic rock, 70s rock, punk rock and other classic types of rock music will get their money's worth. Even hardcore and modern metal works, with the latter a little editing helps when it comes to recordings.

The Orange sound has its fans. For over 50 years. And here is a nice insight into what makes it so special. Even though it's a hybrid, first tube then transistor. Wonderful.

And it is, especially with the matching Orange PPC108, just extremely cute!

I was looking for a mini top for practicing and teaching in the living room. I and my students are really excited about the sound variety (clean / drive) which is very convenient when you play different styles. The top is connected to the Orange PPC 108.

After unpacking it, I was surprised at its size. But the little beast works really well. I haven't dared to turn it up all the way yet. But a lot comes out of it. I like the tone control with just one knob and it's more than enough. I'm very satisfied!