Are Orange Amps Only Good for Metal?

By Jason DeLorenzo

I don’t believe that I am the only one that has thought this or hears the question asked repeatedly but it is certainly not limited to Orange. I’d say: no, Orange is not only a metal amp manufacturer, though I may have many years ago before actually plugging into one. Perception is our reality after all. Along with this query, others are often posed about generalizing specific pieces of gear into a genre niche. For example, is the “Orange Rockerverb better for metal?” or “Can I record metal with a 15-watt amp?”. Time after time, the questions come down to knowledge of your gear and how to use. Heaps of gain and tons of wattage aren’t the only way to achieve the tones you may be pursuing–a drip-edge combo and a T-Style will not do metal on their own, they need a little help from a pedal like the Orange Bax Bangeetar.

To assist in answering the main question, there is another query as to your endgame: which of the two big arenas are you going to explore: the stage or studio? Both have very specific–and different–applications, as we all know. For most of us it is unfortunately not possible to bring 10 heads, 5 cabinets and 2 36” pedal boards and 12 guitars on the road (unless you’re Mike from Sleep) but in the studio environment, the more the merrier.

On stage, rigs should be fairly minimal–head, cab (or just a combo), 2 guitars and a pedal board but this not true in all cases. What a professional can do versus a weekend warrior are two totally different scenarios. If you are like me, I seek out the amplifiers that are lined up behind my favorite guitar players. This is admittedly a dangerous path to travel as most pros are surrounded by multiple cabs and heads on stage.

This isn’t ideal for gigging musicians on a variety of levels but it certainly looks more impressive if we can manage it. By this point in researching the mind has already decided that this “X product” is only good for “X application” or “X genre” unless you see the product used across multiple different musical styles. For this reason, the bulk of players immediately think that Orange falls into a specific bucket. I can understand the stance especially with a signature head out for one of the guitarist in Slipknot, Jim Root. However, while the amps can achieve some blistering tones they can also be used in a variety of genres beyond aggressive rock and metal music. Of course hitting the stage, most would be superficial here and select a 100-watt Rockerverb in the backdrop with as many Orange 4×12 cabinets that can fit on stage. I mean it just looks better with a huge amp setup!

Sonically speaking, even just a Terror series amp atop a 4×12 can achieve wonderful results. Ducking away from the lights of the stage and our shallow nature, these little beasts shine, giving them the limelight to sit front and center.

Recording presents a whole different world in which we are no limited by space or time constraints. This is the juncture where I found Orange as I started experimenting with the Terror series for recording. A pliable 15-watts is much easier to manage in the studio vs. a 100-watt amp. I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity and array of tones that could be achieved using the Tiny Terror itself.

Engineers and artists alike have sworn by the use of the mighty Tiny Terror. Not only has this little monster kicked off the lunch box amp craze it has become a staple over the last decade. The amp has found a home in recording guitars, of course, but also for all sorts of fun noises in the studio environment. Dave Catching from the Eagles of Death Metal loves it for use on snare drums.

While this application is much different than 99% of users out there it is still a notable mention for the use of the amplifiers themselves.

The Tiny Terror is a top-class tube amplifier that is extremely simple to use as it was designed to be that way.

In interviews, Orange Amp Designer, Ade Emsley, has specifically called attention to keeping the internals simple for great tone and confined to a small package for easy mobility. Basically setting out to have an amp that fit inside an A4 piece of paper that could handle AC/DC tones. He has even noted that housing the larger amps into the same size head chassis and keeping the bells and whistles to where they are truly needed as part of his everyday thinking. Some amplifiers have so much ‘extra stuff’ it almost becomes off-putting to many of the non-tweakers out there. What you will find across the Orange landscape is basic controls and a very organic sound.

The Tiny Terror might not end up in very mid-scooped-gain-up metal territory all on its own whereas other Terrors easily can–like the Dark Terror or Jim Root Terror. The Jim Root, based on Jim’s Rockerverb, can easily handle cleans, mid-gain rock and metal tones within the small housing. Of course you can always go bigger, and why not? Fifteen-watts might not be enough for the stage without PA support if you have a heavy hitting drummer. The Rockerverb, Thunderverb or Dual Dark can easily achieve those tones even if the excess gain and wattage is required.
Further exploration in Orange’s lineup will reveal some of my personal favorites in the AD and OR series. These amps can get you anywhere you wish to go, particularly with pedals as they provide a very clean platform. For the most part artists will use these amps within their sweet spots, which isn’t just for metal. The gain structures are extremely musical. I quite enjoy the articulation within these amps and pushing those tubes. Sure, you can dime the AD30 across the board and there will be some shaking of the walls and bone crushing tones but on the other side of the spectrum is yesteryears British gain reigning supreme. It’s in this area—on the edge of breakup, a mid-gain paradise— that is perfect for anything.

Similar to other manufactures, Orange is labeled based upon their ambassadors and how visible they are with the public. With such popular artists in tow such as Slipknot, Mastodon and the Deftones standing up front, they are billed as heavyweights. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, each band has amazing guitarist at the helm. On the other side, maybe not so heavy there is Rival Sons, Blackberry Smoke and Lifehouse also pushing forward with an Orange backdrop.
So, is Orange only good for metal? A resounding NO! I personally recommend more Vitamin C as part of your daily dose for whatever style you wish to share with the world. Our divergent paths build our opinions and, regardless if you enjoy playing heavy riffage or spanky cleans, Orange can get you there.

HELP WITH MY GEAR

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