Build Quality:4.9 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.8 out of 5 stars
Electronics:4.8 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.8 out of 5 stars
Value:4.9 out of 5 stars
Average:4.8 out of 5 stars

Check on Amazon

Pros:

  • Very lightweight and portable
  • Amazing sound quality,
  • Louder than one would expect
  • Distinctive design

Cons:

  • Lacks tone controls (even though the single knob works perfectly fine)
  • Does not have the effects loop

What we are about to discuss is hardly distinguishable from a lunchbox. At first glance, you will have hard time deciding whether you should open this thing up and grab some snacks or plug in your guitar and start jamming. But let me assure you, Dual Terror from Orange is nothing like a simple lunchbox. Even though it is relatively small and weighs only 24 pounds, this thing will blow your mind. It can bark up some amazing tones and at the volume unimaginable for someone who has never played through an Orange amp. This baby has all the properties the brand is famous for and is one of the best tube amps in its price range. If you are looking for something extremely portable, convenient and badass, just keep on reading and get familiar with all of its features.

Features

Those, who have encountered Tiny Terror, will probably notice that Dual Terror is the improved version of that legendary amp. It has adjustable power output that can go from 30 to 15 to 7 watts. This way you can easily modify your sound the way you want and take full control over it. Dual Terror runs on four ECC83/12AX7 tubes in its preamp section and four EL84 valves in the power amp stage. You also have the option to choose how many tubes (2 or 4) will be used during your performance. The power output and the number of operating valves are highly interactive and can be changed in accordance with each other. Dual Terror features two channels: Tiny Terror which is the exact replica of the amp with the same name and Fat, which has a warmer overall sound. These twin channels can be switched on and off using a footswitch. This amplifier has a signature Orange design with white high tensile steel chassis with orange and black accents, as well as a handle for increased portability. Dual Terror has a single input for your instrument, three speaker outputs with 8 and 16 ohms of impedance, as well as a footswitch socket for any latch foot controller.

Controls

Apart from distinctive and eye-catching looks, Orange amplifiers also stand out with their control panel. I, personally, have not encountered the model that would be difficult to tweak. The same goes for Dual Terror. It has just couple of knobs that take care of everything and that’s it. No fuss, no additional headache.

The front panel showcases 6 knobs and two toggles. Each channel has its own controls, namely Volume, Tone, Gain. They have the exact same functionalities: the first triple manages the Fat Channel, the second one tweaks the Tiny Terror Channel. Volume sets the level of the signal and can overdrive the valves at higher settings; Tone shapes the bass and treble frequencies in your sound and balances everything out; Gain modifies the amount of pre-amp gain in your signal. Let’s move on to the toggles. The first one turns the unit on and off; the second one has three modes: Full increases the power output, standby is quite self-explanatory, while the Half reduces the power output and operates at the lower voltage; the last toggle, located at the end of the front panel, allows you to choose between the channels. And when it comes to the rare panel, the only control we have here is the tube switch, which selects 2 or 4 tube operation. Just keep in mind that the power output and the amount of tubes must be tweaked in accordance with each other.

As you can see, the knobs here are pretty easily configurable. Plus, we are talking about the Orange amplifier, so you could even turn them randomly and still receive a decent sound. One way or another, it will not take you long to nail the sound of your dreams out of this baby.  

Orange Dual Terror Sound

There are certain expectations towards the Orange amplifiers. When you see the name of the brand, you automatically assume that the amp sounds amazing. However, we cannot rely on mere speculations. Luckily, Dual Terror will bark up spectacular tones whether you have such a predisposition or not. It can create all the sonic wonders of Tiny Terror, i.e. ethereal cleans and crunchy overdrive. All frequencies are perfectly discernable and can be further accentuated if desired. The Fat channel has a warmer tone and reduced treble response, which will emphasize your bass in the most balanced way. It goes without saying that the overdrive of Dual Terror is out of this world. It is gnarly, crunchy and with a lot of texture. You can easily go to extremes without losing the definition of individual notes. After all, we are talking about high-quality tube overdrive.

Conclusion

To sum up everything said above, Dual Terror from Orange amplifiers is something everybody should experiment with at least once in a lifetime. It is small enough to be carried around easily. Plus, it has enough power and strength to satisfy your everyday needs. The sound quality we are talking about is among the best in the price range. If overdrive is your go-to thing, you cannot say no to this one. And even if it is not, Dual Terror allows you to experience the whole beauty of tubes. Try out this bad boy and trust me, you will not regret it. Good Luck!

Check Availability

Click here to view more from 10 Best Tube Guitar Amps.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.