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THE AMP OF CHOICE FOR ROCK AND METAL GUITARISTS

DUAL DARK 50

A HIGH GAIN 50W HEAD THAT MAKES NO CONCESSIONS

Our highest gain amplifiers to date and our very first amps to offer four stages of gain on two channels, the Dual Dark heads are both aggressive and flexible at the same time.

The Dual Dark 50’s proprietary output transformer design ensures superb string-to-string clarity and a bass response that remains tight and focussed, right the way up to stage volumes. Don’t be fooled by the 50 Watt output rating. This head never sounds compromised, even when pushed to the limit. The full 50W can even be dialled back to 25W for earlier output valve distortion at lower volumes.

These amps exhibit a lightning fast attach that’s perfect for percussive down-tuned riffing. With gain and master volume controls on both A and B, either channel can serve up clean, overdrive or insane levels of distortion, making these amps incredibly pliable despite their obvious Metal leanings.  Channel A is a completely new design with a voicing that reveals a fat and powerful EQ with strong open mids and a tight response. Channel B takes its roots from our much loved Dark Terror, with a lightning fast attack perfect for percussive down-tuned riffing. The intuitive Shape control, first appearing on our acclaimed Thunderverb series, affects the midrange response whilst interacting with the bass and treble. Dial in a range of tones using just one control, from a full-on scoop, to a rich lead sound with strident mids and rounded highs.

Meanwhile, our footswitchable attenuator circuit allows for control over when and how the amp distorts after the preamp stage. Use the amp’s master volume controls to push the output stage into submission, then reduce the volume level with the attenuator, right the way down to ‘conversation’ levels. This feature can also be defeated remotely for a volume boost in a live setting. Unlike a loadbox, our design ensures the all-important relationship between the output transformer and the speaker remains intact, so even at very low volumes the amp remains springy and responsive. Finally, the amp is equipped with a highly transparent, low impedance valve buffered effects loop to take full advantage of the masses of gain available when using time-based effects.

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KEY FEATURES:

Two Master Volume Channels with Four Stages of High Gain

From sparkling cleans to overdrive to aggressive distortion. Both channels deliver the versatility demanded by the best guitarists

Footswitchable Global Attenuator

Output stage saturation at ‘conversation volumes’. The Attenuator circuit is located after the master volume controls and determines when and how the amp distorts after the preamp stage. This means the overall volume level can be reduced, whilst keeping control over the amp’s output clipping characteristics. Unlike a loadbox, our design ensures the all-important relationship between the output transformer and the speaker remains intact, so even at very low volumes the amp remains springy and responsive. Turning the Attenuator control clockwise reduces the overall output level (i.e. increases the attenuation), which can be remotely defeated via a footswitch for a volume boost on either channel for lead lines.

Switchable Output Power

Switching the amp’s output power allows for more control over the headroom and breakup from the output valves. Reduce the output for greater output valve clipping and saturation at lower volume levels. The Dual Dark 50 can be switched between 50 and 25 Watts

Engineered to be played

At Orange, we expect our amps to work for a living. For the best possible tone and durability, the Dual Dark 50 uses 8 section output transformers. The chassis-mounted switchgear is secured to a welded steel enclosure and housed in a sturdy 18mm plywood cabinet.

Valve Buffered FX Loop

For the purist who loves their pedals, our highly transparent effects loop is buffered by a single 12AT7/Ecc81, ensuring an all-valve signal path from input to output.  You won’t find any op-amps in the Dual Dark 50.

“I wanted to design a series of amps that could go as clean or as dirty as you want on both channels. Don’t be fooled by the dark appearance, these are versatile bits of kit.”

Features50W class A/B two channel valve head, two master volume channels each with four stages of gain, footswitchable attenuator, 25W half power mode & valve buffered effects loop
Front Panel Controls (Right to Left)(Channel B) Gain, Shape, Volume | (Channel A) Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble | Attenuator, Full/Half Power switch
Output Power50W / 25W
Valves5 x 12AX7 | 1 x 12AT7 | 2 x EL34
Speaker Output Options1×16Ω, 1×8Ω or 2×16Ω
Dimensions (W x H x D)55×27x24cm ((21.65×10.63×9.45in)
Unboxed Weight21.0kg (46.3lb)

Made in the UK, it’s heavy and solidly put together with superbly applied tolex and piping, metal corner covers and chromed facia protectors. All the cooling vents are metal, and everything is screwed down so tightly it can only inspire confidence.

Taking it’s place among the elite super-high-gain heads, Orange’s all tube Dual Dark 50 is equally proficient at producing modern, ear melting gain and yesteryear’s British Chime.

I don’t believe that the ‘perfect’ amp exists but the Dual Dark comes frighteningly close. Amazing Stuff!

….the Dual Dark 50 is a pro-level amp for players who are serious about getting heavy, and nobody does heavy quite like Orange

“It cleans up really nicely, you can get some really nice jangly tones…it’s a pretty friggin great amp!”

The Orange Dual Dark series is freaking awesome!

Matt Pike from Sleep & High on Fire

Eagles of Death Metal

Damon Fox of BigElf and The Cult

Lo-Pan

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