AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

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chachi
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AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by chachi » Mon Apr 29, 2019 3:41 pm

First post here. Looking for some general input and advice on sticking with an AD30HTC. This is my second AD30 head in the last few months. I picked up a large knob version used and I didn't think it was really working for me. I ran it through an older Marshall 4x10 (1965a w/Celestion G10 35-L). I wanted to use it straight with no pedals, but it did not have enough gain for me. Instead of experimenting, I sold it (and instantly regretted it). Now, a few weeks later, I've picked up a small knob version with a matching PPC212 loaded with Eminence Red Coat Private Jacks. Still trying to dial it in how I like, and I think I'm getting there, but I'm curious on opinions if I should keep trying or look at something else like a Rocker 30.

Head Specs:
The head is loaded with JJ tubes. I don't know that much about tubes, so I'm not sure what to experiment with here (and I don't really want to). OT is the Demeter I think. It's labeled OT 119 SL DEI (010507) 603643. Head serial is from 2003 (if I'm interpreting # correctly).

Overdrive Pedal:
With the small knob version and PPC212 loaded with Private Jacks it's pretty close to what I'm after. I'm using channel two with gain around 9:00. To push it I'm using a Tube Screamer TS9 (w/good chip), drive on 0 and tone and volume at 12:00. I only need one sound - aggressive growl, banging out power chords. Think proto-punk/punk, rock n roll, whatever you want to call it. I want tone (overdrive growl) with some saturation, but not heavy gain or fuzz. I plan on experimenting and possibly finding a better (different) drive pedal. OCD is next on the list. I've already tried SD-1, Rat and DS-1. They all sound pretty good, but TS9 seems to be best fit.

Speakers:
I'm not sure what I think of the Private Jacks. At first I thought the whole set up was way too bass heavy, but now I'm not so sure. It also could be mental, because I was banking on Vintage 30s being in the cabinet and I'm not sure I'll be content until they are. Cab serial is from 2002 (if I'm interpreting # correctly). Would it have come with UK or China V30s from that date?

Guitar:
My guitar is a constant, and I only have one - so I'm limited in that part of the equation. It's a '70s Gibson Marauder. Bridge pickup is a Bill Lawrence special design and if you've never heard one it's kind of like tele meets P90 (to me anyway), but it's really its own thing. It can be a little muddy compared to some other set ups, but it's what I play.

So - Overdrive pedal suggestions? Speaker suggestions? Would a Rocker 30 be a better fit for what I'm describing? I've lurked here a little bit and it seems to be a wealth of info; feel free to point me to old threads if this has all been discussed before. Thanks.

Dark Helmet
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by Dark Helmet » Mon Apr 29, 2019 4:04 pm

the Orange 2-stroke is a great boost with great tone-shaping functions, i LOVE it with my AD30 and AD50... for what you're talking about I think the AD30 has enough gain, it's just about keeping it tight enough, which I think low-gain drive pedal or boost is best for with that amp...

FYI, I current have/play an AD15, AD30combo, and AD50... and I used to have an AD30HTC too... so I've got a lot of hours with those amps!
Dark Lord of the Schwartz
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chachi
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by chachi » Mon Apr 29, 2019 4:17 pm

Cool. I'll check that out. I like that it doesn't have a cab sim on it like some of the other Orange pedals (I have no need for one and right or wrong it makes me think less of a pedal). And also, whatever pedal it may be - it will be foundation/always on. I'm not looking for a boost here or there. I think that's the main thing I'm debating - find the right compliment to push the AD30 to where I need it or get a Rocker 30 and not worry with a pedal. I haven't played a Rocker 30, but I think it has more gain on tap than AD30, right?

Jondog
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by Jondog » Mon Apr 29, 2019 5:58 pm

Rocker 30 definitely has more gain than the AD30, but from what you describe for gain, I think the AD30 should get you there. Anywhere past 2:00 on the Rockers gain is getting into heavy gain territory which you said you don’t want. But if the AD’s character isn’t working for you, probably best to try something else. The Rocker is a little more raw and in your face. Not really sure what proto-punk is, but I’m thinking like Green Day or something? Rocker would be perfect for that because it sort of has a hot-rodded Marshall type feel.
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by Ronnie Robinson » Mon Apr 29, 2019 6:05 pm

The Rocker 30 could well be a better fit, it's got a slightly more aggressive punky tone, the dirty channel sounds amazing but then so does the ad30htc ...Im curious how loud are you driving the ad30 amp? As you have the gain near Max.... The private jacks should be a decent match although never used them myself it's not unusual having a lot of bass with an orange amp -when I play loud with my ad30 I usually have the bass around 9-10 o'clock . The JJs are definitely good tubes provided they be been changed with the last few years.
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Les Paul Lover
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by Les Paul Lover » Mon Apr 29, 2019 7:30 pm

If you say you play your AD30 on channel 2 mainly, which is the tighter, higher gain channel, I'd say the R30 dirty channel might be a better for for you, however it's clean channel might be near useless for you.

Also, the AD30tc gain sweep is very progressive- the R30 dirty channel stays clean quite a bit and then gets dirt really fast.

But it's a great raw growl gain that begs for big power chords. It's filthy and rude - in a great way.

As for the valves for you AD30tc, JJ are good valves...... but any brand of valves, once tired and past their best, will sound a bit dull.
Ant

Orange Gear: RV50 MKI, R30, AD15, PPC212
And.... Genz Benz Black Pearl 30
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chachi
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by chachi » Mon Apr 29, 2019 7:50 pm

Hate listing music type, but necessary in something like this... proto-punk meaning pre-punk... I guess that could be anything from the Who to the Stooges to the New York Dolls. Actually, doesn't Sylvain play an AD30? It's hard to describe a sound in my head - it might not even be like the sound of any of those bands! Not looking for high gain/metal. No problem with Green Day sound (I've liked them for almost 30 years).

For volume... in band setting I'm only getting master up to 2-3 (8:00-9:00). I had a Tiny Terror (Korean) several years back. I loved it, but it didn't quite have enough power for me. I was really close to getting a Dual Terror recently, but went with the AD30 instead. I opted to stay away from made in PRC and shop strictly Made in England. Whether it sounds the same or not, I wouldn't 'think' it would. I think that's kind of my problem with the Private Jacks - I already knew I wanted UK Celestion Vintage 30s.

Obviously it would be ideal to try out a Rocker 30. I think I'm somewhere in between finding the right pedal to push my AD30 vs. the sweet spot of gain on a Rocker 30. If the tone of the Rocker 30 isn't exactly what I'm after, then a pedal paired with AD30 would probably be my better choice.

Is there anything worth considering with the OT of the older small knob AD30 versions? Or other differences compared to large knob versions? I'm assuming I would notice a bigger difference with pedal change or speaker change vs. OT.

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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by Jondog » Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:52 pm

I’ve never heard a comparison between the models with different output transformers, but the OT’s can make quite a difference in any amp just about as much as speakers. They’ll sound similar but frequencies and response can change. Not sure that is something you should worry about though, thats going a bit deep and the general character of the amp will be the same. I think I know the sound you’re looking for now that you mention those bands, and it’s all there in the Rocker because thats basically how I run mine, mids all the way up, bass and treble up full and dialed back depending on the guitar and gain around 1:00. I use a pedal to push it over the top, TS9 at the moment. Actually if you look close in my sig pic, I think you can see the mids knob is all the way up! It’s where the attitude lives.
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chachi
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by chachi » Mon Apr 29, 2019 11:46 pm

Right now my mids are 100% up on the AD30 as well.

I don't know this band, but at the 2:00 mark he hits his Rocker 30 and then adds a Fulltone OCD - it's basically what I'm after:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=573vxhskBCk&t=137s

I'm also listening to a few other bands currently using AD30s, albeit on the slightly less gritty end - Ex Hex, The Cribs. I think I'll start with trying the OCD, then possibly speakers if I still think the Privates Jacks aren't it. And lastly Rocker 30 vs. AD30 if I can. I think I'm addicted to Oranges.

gazman83
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by gazman83 » Tue Apr 30, 2019 10:04 am

Hi Chachi,

If you can, try a Crowther Hotcake, it goes great with my AD15. Nice boost, bit of extra presence but also fullness to the sound. It was made to be a perfect match with Vox's, of which the AD range is a slightly darker version of that circuit. Hotcakes have a bit of a sweet spot to the them (Vol: 2 o'clock / Gain: 10 o'clock / Presence: 12 o'clock), the distortion gets pretty gnarly and fat after that, but it may work for you.

As for speakers, I personally still think the V30 is the best speakers for the AD range, and most of the Orange range, worth giving it a crack. A G12h30 may be a consideration in conjunction with a V30, a well known speaker combination for Oranges and lots of british rock/indie sounds.

Good luck!

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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by bclaire » Tue Apr 30, 2019 10:24 am

chachi wrote:
Mon Apr 29, 2019 7:50 pm
I guess that could be anything from the Who to the Stooges to the New York Dolls. Actually, doesn't Sylvain play an AD30?
Syl has used AD30TC's a lot in the past.

If you haven't heard, Syl is battling cancer and is scheduled for some surgery soon. There is a Gofundme page to help him out if you want.

https://www.gofundme.com/sylvain-sylvai ... pport-fund

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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by Arthon » Tue Apr 30, 2019 12:40 pm

chachi wrote:
Mon Apr 29, 2019 11:46 pm
Right now my mids are 100% up on the AD30 as well.
:o
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by bclaire » Tue Apr 30, 2019 3:36 pm

My settings:

Image

chachi
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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by chachi » Tue Apr 30, 2019 4:05 pm

I did read that about Sylvain. I'm definitely going to try to contribute.

I went another round with the AD30 last night and I don't get it... I just can't get it to sound right. I don't think anything is wrong with it - and it's my second one! I could be suffering from a lethal bad pairing of guitar, speakers and OD pedal.

The Marauder bridge pick up (I only use bridge) isn't exceptionally bright or chimey and it isn't as hot as a humbucker - so it's in a somewhat muddy middle ground and it doesn't push the amp enough. A friend has some other guitars I'm trying out, loaded with PAF, P90s, etc. I'll see how that goes. He also has some spare G12T-75s I may swap out with the Private Jacks to see what that does.

I feel like this should be really easy, but I'm having to battle it.

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Re: AD30HTC - Trying to sort it out

Post by adkguy07 » Tue Apr 30, 2019 4:30 pm

bclaire wrote:
Tue Apr 30, 2019 3:36 pm
My settings:

Image
Your top row: you rely on that for your “clean” type tone? Your lead from the bottom row?
Both are foot switchable? I'm not familiar with the AD30TC......

adkguy07

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