Why Guitarists Must Use Tube Amps Over Solid-State Amps For Live Shows?

Guitarists often face the dilemma of choosing between tube amps and solid-state amps for live performances. In Malaysia, it's common for guitarists to use amps provided by the backline rather than bringing their own. Many also rely on amp modelers in pedals and plugins, which emulate iconic amp sounds but don't capture the dynamics, tonal range, and feel of a real tube amp. This has led to a prevalent use of modelers over actual amps.

Despite this, the allure of tube amps remains strong, particularly for those seeking the organic, dynamic tone that only they can provide. Orange Amps, in particular, stand out as a favorite among guitarists worldwide, known for their versatility and superior sound quality.

History and Working of Tube Amps

Tube amps, also known as valve amps, use vacuum tubes to amplify audio signals. The technology dates back to the early 20th century and became a staple in guitar amplification in the 1950s and 1960s. The invention of tube amps itself owes itself by the invention of lightbulbs by Thomas Edison in 1879.

Using the same concept and operation method as the lightbulbs, the vacuum tubes operate on the principle of thermionic emission, where a cathode is heated to release electrons, which are then attracted to an anode across a vacuum.

The cathode is connected to the ground and heated with a filament, like a light bulb. This allows the thermionic or Edison Effect to take place, where the electrons in a heated wire boil off. The plate, or anode, is connected to a high-voltage supply so it is positively charged. This charge draws a large current or many electrons from the cathode. A grid, or metal mesh is placed between the plate and cathode.

In electric guitar amplifiers, the signal coming from the guitar is relatively low in voltage. This low signal is applied to the control grid of the vacuum tube. When the guitar signal is applied to the control grid, it modulates the flow of electrons from the cathode to the anode. The control grid acts as a gate, controlling the amount of current that flows between the cathode and the anode. Because the voltage at the anode (plate) is much higher than the input signal at the grid, a small change in the grid voltage results in a large change in the anode current.

This large change in anode current translates into a much larger voltage swing at the anode compared to the original input signal. This process is known as amplification, and the increase in signal strength is called gain. The amplified signal is then sent to the next stage of the amplifier or directly to the speaker, depending on the amplifier design.

In summary:

• The guitar signal (low voltage) is applied to the control grid of the vacuum tube.

• The control grid modulates the flow of electrons between the cathode and anode.

• A small change in grid voltage causes a large change in anode current.

• This results in a much larger output signal at the anode, providing amplification.

This principle is what gives tube amplifiers their distinctive warm, rich tone that is highly responsive to a guitarist's playing dynamics, making them highly valued by many guitarists.

The Different Types of Vacuum Tubes and How They Shape Your Guitar Sound

Typically in a tube amplifier, there are two main stages for amplifying the guitar sound: the preamp stage and the power amp stage.

Preamp Stage

The first stage, called the preamp section, consists of specific vacuum tubes known as preamp tubes. The tubes in the preamp section are usually a series of 12AX7s or ECC83 tubes. These tubes are crucial for giving your guitar amplifier its core “sound.” Essentially, the preamp section shapes your amp’s overall voice and character from clean to overdrive or distortion tones. It includes the EQ controls that you’d typically find on your amp’s front panel, such as ‘treble,’ ‘middle,’ and ‘bass.’ These controls allow you to adjust the tonal balance and tailor the sound to your liking.

Power Amp Stage

Power amp tubes are much larger than preamp tubes. These tubes take the preamp signal, which has already been shaped and boosted, and amplify it to levels suitable for driving the speakers. This amplification level is adjustable using your amp’s master volume control. While power amp tubes don’t shape your tone as directly as preamp tubes, they still play a significant role in the overall sound. Different types of power amp tubes, such as EL34s, 6L6s, or KT88s, can influence the sound of your amp. Each type has its unique characteristics, providing varying levels of touch responsiveness, headroom, and tonal coloration.

For example:

• EL34s are known for their mid-range punch and classic British rock sound.

• 6L6s are popular for their clean headroom and smooth, rounded tone, often associated with American amplifiers.

• KT88s provide high headroom and a tight, articulate bass response, making them suitable for genres requiring clarity and power.

The Solid-State Amps

In 1962, Fender introduced the Princeton Reverb II, followed by the Marshall JMP1 in 1970, marking the introduction of a new type of guitar amplifier called the solid-state amplifier. These amplifiers were much lighter and smaller than their tube amp counterparts but still produced loud sounds. The solid-state amplifier seemed to be the solution for guitarists needing a gig-able amp for touring, as well as an amp for practicing at home or in the studio.

The primary difference between tube amps and solid-state amps lies in their construction and sound characteristics. While tube amps use vacuum tubes, solid-state amps rely on transistors for amplification. This results in a cleaner, more precise sound in solid-state amps but often lacks the warmth and musical distortion that tube amps provide. Tube amps also exhibit natural compression and "sag," adding to their distinctive sound quality, making them a preferred choice for many professional musicians.

Advantages Over Solid-State Amps

Tube amps are renowned for their dynamic response and tonal richness. The natural compression and harmonic distortion produced by tube amps add character and depth to the sound, creating a more engaging and expressive playing experience. Solid-state amps, on the other hand, use transistors to amplify the signal, resulting in a cleaner, more precise sound but lacking the warmth and responsiveness of tube amps.

Comparison with Amp Modelers

While amp modelers can simulate the sound of tube amps, they fall short in replicating the feel and dynamic response. Modelers use digital algorithms to mimic the tonal characteristics of tube amps, but the subtle nuances of tube distortion and compression are often lost. For guitarists who value authenticity and expressive playability, tube amps remain the gold standard.

Orange Amps embody everything you love about the British guitar tone. They have been a cornerstone of the three major UK-based amp companies since they were established in 1968. From the beginning, Orange Amps have been known for their high-quality tube amplification. Recognized for their distinct orange tolex and signature British sound, Orange amps have been a top choice for rock and metal guitarists for decades. The company has consistently innovated while remaining faithful to the classic tube amp design, cementing their amps as a fixture on stages around the world.

The first-ever tube amp made by Orange resulted from a collaboration with Mat Mathias, the owner of a company called Radiocraft, to develop Orange's first amplifier called the OR100 Orange Matamp. This amplifier was used by famous players like Jimmy Page, Paul Kossoff, and Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac.

In the early 1970s, Orange continued to innovate by introducing the "Graphic Valve Amplifier," also known as the "Pics Only" model, which utilized pictorial symbols instead of text to label its controls. This design choice made the amps more user-friendly and visually appealing. Powered by EL34 power tubes, the Pics Only amps featured technical changes that further refined the Orange sound, offering more overdrive and a unique tonal character that set them apart from competitors.

After facing commercial failures under the Gibson brand management in the early '90s, Orange rose to prominence again by hiring valve amp expert Adrian Emsley and incorporating input from professional musicians like Noel Gallagher of Oasis. Orange launched new models such as the OTR (Oscillatory Transition Return) amp and the AD series. With the launch of the AD30 in 1998 – an amplifier famously played by Jimmy Page, Adrian Utley, and PJ Harvey – Orange gained momentum, and the AD15 received the Editor’s Pick Award in Guitar Player the following year.

Since its resurgence in the late '90s, Orange has continued to innovate and expand its product lineup. In 2003, Orange launched their new flagship high-powered amplifier and the most famous-to-date amp series ever called the Rockerverb. The original Rockerverb was Orange’s first high-gain amp design, making it a firm favorite in the metal world. Its versatile design also proved a winning formula for guitarists who desired an ultimately flexible amp to cover all bases. Indeed, Orange Rockerverbs are popular among session players for use on stage and in the studio. The current incarnations of the Rockerverb – the MKIII amps – are available in orange and black livery and feature selectable output power options.

YouTube personality, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer, Rick Beato describes “the Orange sound involves comparing it to other well-known amplifiers. Orange amps typically have more mid-range emphasis than Marshalls and more gain than Vox amps.” This mid-forward character, combined with a notable low-end presence, creates a sound that is both powerful and distinctive. This unique tone has made Orange a favorite among early metal musicians and rock players looking for a robust, dynamic sound.

One of the most iconic Orange amplifiers is the AD30, which originated during the Gibson era of Orange in the late 1990s used by the likes of Jimmy Page and Jeremy Spencer. However, the true hallmark of the Orange tone lies in earlier models like the OR120 and the Orange Matamp. These amps, with their powerful, mid-forward sound, became synonymous with the heavy rock tones of the early 70s.

The OR120, for instance, is known for its aggressive sound and robust build. The amp features controls like the FAC (Frequency Analyzing Control), which adjusts the bass response, and a high-frequency drive. This particular model, as well as the Orange Overdrive from 1973, exemplifies the rich, powerful tone that defines the Orange sound.

When it comes to the speaker cabinets, there are a couple of interesting details to mention. The distinctive basketweave design on the front of the amps was Mick Dines idea, a salesman at the Orange shop. He aimed to make the cabinets more resilient, indicating that Orange had performing musicians in mind. Additionally, he sought to make it easier to load and unload the cabinets, which led to the decision to use wooden runners or skids on the bottom instead of casters. Interestingly, this also ended up affecting the sound, as securing the amps to the floor using wood had a significant impact on their tone.

Orange has been the preferred choice of many globally recognized guitarists since the early days of the company. Legends such as Jimmy Page, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac, and Oasis collaborated with founder Cliff Cooper to influence and define the iconic tones that have become synonymous with Orange amplifiers. Their contributions have played a significant role in shaping the distinctive sound that musicians around the world cherish and seek to emulate. Here are some of the artists that use Orange tube amps as their main rig to play live!:

Professional musicians often describe tube amps as having more "soul" and "character" compared to solid-state amps. The organic tone and dynamic response of tube amps allow guitarists to express themselves more fully, adding a unique touch to their performance. The natural compression and harmonic richness make every note stand out, creating a more immersive and captivating sound. Here are some of the other reasons why most guitarists choose to play Orange tube amps when they are playing live on stage:

Enhanced Stage Presence

Using a tube amp, especially a well-known brand like Orange, adds to the visual appeal of a live performance. The iconic look of Orange amps, combined with their superior sound, makes guitarists look and sound cooler on stage. Concertgoers often associate tube amps with professionalism and high-quality performance, enhancing the overall concert experience.

Versatility and Reliability

Despite a common misconception, Orange amps offer a wide range of tones suitable for various genres. From clean jazz tones to high-gain metal distortion, Orange tube amps cover every spectrum of sound imaginable. This versatility makes them a reliable choice for touring musicians who need an amp that can handle different styles and settings. This versatility is a significant advantage for live shows, where musicians may need to switch between different tones seamlessly.