Evolution Guitar Amp from Vanous


Evolution Guitar Amp from Vanous
by Barry Rudolph
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From Canada comes the hand-built, 300-watt and three channel guitar amp head made by Vanous Technologies. This hybrid design uses two 12AX7 tubes in the pre-amp and an all solid-state power amplifier. Besides never having to replace expensive power tubes, the entire amp along with the included multi-function footswitch fits in its own small briefcase.

I compared the Evolution with three different amps heads: an Egnater, a Naylor and a Soldano. First of all, I found the Evolution better able to handle low frequencies a little better and cleaner than these other boutique amps probably due to the massively powerful transistor power stage. Playing guitars tuned down (in my case the normally tune low E was tuned to an open C), I found the other amps tended to "run out of gas" as I cranked into three Marshall cabinets. The three channels are divided into Clean and Drive with Drive having Plexi and Lead modes. The footswitch lets you switch between all of these and also toggle in a effects loop as well as a master output five-band graphic equalizer. The graphic is on top of any tone settings you have with the separate treble, middle, bass and presence controls. I preferred the Clean tone over the Soldano and the more distorted tones were very good if a little on the clinical side.

Some other features are: a dedicated Bright switch for the Plexi mode; a three-position gain structure switch for the Lead mode; three effect loops...two series loops and a parallel loop; recording and headphone jacks; and rear mounted separate power amp presence switches for each channel.

A very powerful stage amp in a very compact package, the Vanous Evolution sells for $1,400 complete with an all steel-made footswitch, briefcase and warranty. I can't wait for a companion luggage/speaker unit. When you fly to a gig, you could check it along with your personal luggage and take your "amp in the briefcase" and your guitar as carryon. Vanous Technologies at 8930 Watson Court, Delta, BC V4C 8A1. Call them at 604-589-2675 or e-mail to: info@vanoustech.com or Web to: www.vanoustech.com

Barry Rudolph is an L.A.-based recording engineer/producer.
Visit his Web site at: www.barryrudolph.com

Edited by: Barry Rudolph

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