Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

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Chris Rex
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Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by Chris Rex » Mon Apr 22, 2019 3:19 pm

Hello all,

Relatively new to Orange Amps. Managed to pick up an AD30HTC a few months ago, and while it took some getting used to (I had unfortunately been weened on 'gain for the sake of gain' solid state entry-level Marshalls thinking that all Marshalls were the same), I finally learned to appreciate it... and to accept the fact that it would no longer hide my 50 mistakes a session :)

For the most part I just play in the basement with a drummer and singer. The AD30 (as many already stated) kinda takes a bit of volume to hit that 'punch'. When playing with others (and turning it up) it does a great job of hitting those saturated/compressed 'Won't get fooled again' chords and the like. The lead playing is still taking some getting used to. I love the fact that the sound is more.. full? And that you can make out every note in the middle the gain on the amp, but as stated, this is quite different than the overly touch sensitive (ie 'easier' to play) yet musically empty sound of the entry level solid state Marshalls.

So, getting to the issue: The Amp is very usable at higher volumes, yet maybe a little too... 'unsensitive' at lower volumes, and thus a bit too clean to have fun with. Even with the drummer, I don't think I use this amp at a 1/4 of the volume it can achieve. And when i try to practice at night, it's really not very cooperative. I DO use a 4 x 12 (this is just a home situation and it will never really move), and can switch to a 2 x 12, but I don't think it will make THAT much of a difference (and I would prefer not to).

Given these circumstances, do you think I would be happy switching to a Rocker 15 Terror? I love the fact that you can cut the power all those different levels, and it SEEMS to be sonically similar (or at least in the same ballpark).

For additional decision-making info: I mainly used humbuckers or variations thereof (Little 59 tele lead, Fender Wide Range (vintage), Whole Lotta Humbucker), and do not often use single coil (Maybe an occasional P90). I will usually play songs by the Who, the Kinks, The Monkees (Don't Laugh), Zeppelin, Steve Miller, James Gang, etc. So I want a vintage voicing, but have nothing against a nice amount of gain! Nothing even vaguely on the metal side. Clean is nice, but won't make or break my decision. additional or subtraction of the effects loop is not of vital importance to me. Just really want something to be a bit more playable at half volume, but one that has a similar depth of tone... though maybe a little MORE touch sensitive that the ad30 without going into 'gain for the sake of gain' territory.

Sorry for the book. Thanks in advance for any suggestions :-)

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Re: Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by Ronnie Robinson » Mon Apr 22, 2019 8:02 pm

Hi welcome to the forum.

I own and have gigged with both.

Both are in the similar ballpark tone wise and while I like the portability of the r15 terror it's great for practice session but for me the ad30htc has much better tone... Nothing wrong with the tone of the R15 terror but thats my view. Both will do very well at the music you play.

The issue is that the ad30tc does like to be wound up to sound at its best and sounds a bit anemic at low volume so I'd try a couple of things first...

When playing at lower volumes use a boost pedal in front, like the xotic ep booster this does make the amps more alive at lower volumes. See how you go with that but you could also try less effective speakers.. This really can make a difference, I went from using 2 V30 to 2 greenbacks in my 2x12 vertical cab and the difference in volume was surprisingly, also don't dismiss a 212 cab.

You could always try an attenuator but these can be expensive.

Lastly the best tones on the R15 really are on the fullpower settings the bedroom setting you do get a noise but it's no way as good as the amps on full power and 15 watts isn't actually that much quieter than 30 watts.

But as always try before you buy.
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Chris Rex
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Re: Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by Chris Rex » Mon Apr 22, 2019 8:17 pm

Thank you so much for the quick response, and the food for thought!

Les Paul Lover
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Re: Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by Les Paul Lover » Mon Apr 22, 2019 9:43 pm

It's difficult, as part of the beauty of the sound is in volume.

I've never tried the R15 terror, but I had the AD30 and AD15 at the same time. Probably similarly to the R15, the AD30 sounded much fuller than the AD15 at similar volume. Bigger transformers in the AD30 probably play a part with that.

In the end, i kept the AD15 because it was more convenient to me - a smaller, light combo, easy to transport and with more manageable volume. I already had a Rockerverb 50, which influenced my decision, as one big beast was enough at the time.

Since then, I acquired a jet city jettuanator attenuator. Affordable, can deal with 4, 8 or 16ohms load cabs, and it makes playing my bigger amps at home much easier. Nice when gigging too, as you can set your amp as you like, and use the attenuator to set the overall volume. High attenuation sucks some of the tone, but moderate attenuation sounds great and makes a big difference.

As Ronnie said, speaker sensitivity can make a difference too, but 4 speakers can be expensive....

A PPC212 will reduce the volume a little bit (Not all that much) too, however changing to 2 lower sensitivity speakers is cheaper than 4.......

1st, i would try a booster as recommended by Ronnie for lower volume play, then, an attenuator.

It's worth noting that the AD30tc is a pretty stellar amp, and a lot of amps, whilst very good, will be a downgrade.
Ant

Orange Gear: RV50 MKI, R30, AD15, PPC212
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Arthon
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Re: Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by Arthon » Tue Apr 23, 2019 8:19 pm

I have both and the AD30HTC is louder then the Rocker 15 and sounding pretty close (not the same, but close). I prefer rehearsing with the Rocker 15 for now because of this. I am new to the AD30HTC, so I am still learnig to use the amp.

But,

In your situation, I would buy a smaller cab with less efficient speaker instead of a new amp. It would make a greater difference and probably will sound better since a 15 watts amp in a 4x12 cab doesnt make the speakers move alot.
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Re: Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by Dark Helmet » Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:13 pm

I've owned 2 AD30s (combo and head, still have the combo) and I would say that if you like the way you sound, buy an attenuator. the AD30 is one of the most versatile amps I've played and it straight-up sounds GREAT regardless of what I do. I love how responsive it is and how it is so sensitive to pick-attack, etc...

if you're a home player, an attenuator can be a life saver!
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adkguy07
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Re: Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by adkguy07 » Wed Apr 24, 2019 5:10 pm

Dark Helmet wrote:
Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:13 pm
I've owned 2 AD30s (combo and head, still have the combo) and I would say that if you like the way you sound, buy an attenuator. the AD30 is one of the most versatile amps I've played and it straight-up sounds GREAT regardless of what I do. I love how responsive it is and how it is so sensitive to pick-attack, etc...

if you're a home player, an attenuator can be a life saver!
What are some alternatives (names) of attenuators on the market? I might have use for one; seeing that I play mostly at home these dYs.


adkguy07

Les Paul Lover
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Re: Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by Les Paul Lover » Wed Apr 24, 2019 7:05 pm

adkguy07 wrote:
Wed Apr 24, 2019 5:10 pm
Dark Helmet wrote:
Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:13 pm
I've owned 2 AD30s (combo and head, still have the combo) and I would say that if you like the way you sound, buy an attenuator. the AD30 is one of the most versatile amps I've played and it straight-up sounds GREAT regardless of what I do. I love how responsive it is and how it is so sensitive to pick-attack, etc...

if you're a home player, an attenuator can be a life saver!
What are some alternatives (names) of attenuators on the market? I might have use for one; seeing that I play mostly at home these dYs.


adkguy07
I love my jet city jettuanator. Great piece of kit, and doesn't cost the earth. Really well built, and really makes my amps more manageable at home.
Ant

Orange Gear: RV50 MKI, R30, AD15, PPC212
And.... Genz Benz Black Pearl 30
Past Orange: AD30TC Combo, TT, AD5


Guitars: Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded, Vigier Expert Retro 54, Gibson SG 70s Tribute, Aria Pro II RS X80, G&L ASAT Special Tribute

Chris Rex
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Re: Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by Chris Rex » Fri Apr 26, 2019 3:50 am

Thanks so much, guys!
I'll trust your experience, and take a bit more time to bond with the AD30 :-)
Will definitely follow some of your suggestions.

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Re: Keep AD30HTC or get a Rocker 15 Terror?

Post by stargazer747 » Sat Apr 27, 2019 11:14 am

I can only vote for the Rocker 15 Terror since i have it along with 4 other Terrors. Its a great vintage voiced head yet versatile enough to use with any genre. A perfect little monster to match up with many speaker choices.
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