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

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Randall RG80 Guitar Amplifier

Pros:

  • Excellent build quality
  • Useful features and sounds
  • In-built effects loop
  • Easy to tweak

Cons:

  • The sound package is not that versatile
  • Clean tones can get muddy with certain settings

When talking about the quality amplifiers, there is one important factor to consider: the price. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, you will have different options. The cheaper devices do not have as many features as their higher-end rivals. The amps that do not fall in either of these categories (they are basically in the middle) have the most to offer. They are relatively affordable and are equipped with everything you would need for daily utilization. Randall RG80 has just about all the qualities we have talked about and is one of the best amplifiers under 300. If you are looking for something that will be at your disposal no matter what, then read this article carefully as I provide you with all the useful information.

Features

Randall RG80 is a solid-state amplifier that is not over-complicated with unusable features. Rather, it has the properties that are enough to satisfy any needs and nail any sound your heart desires. It comes with a single 12” RS12-80-8 speaker (with 8 Ω of impedance) that can output 80 watts of power. This bad boy has two channels: Clean, which can create the pristine tones and Overdrive with higher gain. Both of them have separate encoders that contribute to controlling your sound to the level unimaginable. The tone shaping is characterized with precision, which makes it easy to master the equalization like a real pro. When it comes to the on-board effects, we have Spring Reverb, which is something every badass amp needs. If you want more audio effects, you could easily incorporate pedals in your rig by using the FX loop. This amp is compatible with foot controller, which makes the stage performance even more convenient. Randall RG80 has a single ¼” input for your guitar, a single ¼” headphone output for silent practicing (once employed, the speaker is muted), 1/8” input for the external media sources (this allows you to play along with your favorite songs or practice new tracks), a single output for external speaker with the minimum impedance of 8Ω (mutes the internal speaker), speaker emulated XLR balanced output for recording, effects loop Send and Return jacks for your pedals, as well as a single ¼” input for the footswitch.

Controls

Randall RG80 is in the list of the best amps under 300 for various reasons, one of them being the control panel. What is so great about it? – you might wonder. Well, all the knobs are easily configurable. It takes only several tweaks to get the sounds you want. After spending a little time with this amplifier, you will be able to control it as if you had spent your whole life with it. Let me make it all easier for you and break down the functionalities of each control.

The front panel starts with two dedicated sections for the Clean and Overdrive channels. They both have Gain and Master knobs, which do basically the same but have different outcomes depending on which channel you employ. Gain adds strength and girth to your signal (more of a crunch in terms of clean channel and distortion when it comes to the overdrive channel), while the Master controls the output level of the selected channel. The Bright mode on the clean channel defines higher frequencies even more and makes them more shimmery. Channel selector allows you to shift between these two channels with a simple click. Then we have the Equalization section with Bass, Middle, and Treble knobs. The first one intensifies or tones down the lower frequencies, middle does the same thing with the mid-range, while the treble removes spikes or accentuates the higher end of the sonic spectrum. Bass Boost mode enhances the bottom-end and improves its response, while the Mid Scoop mode cancels out the midrange. Presence defines the higher-end spectrum even more, while the Reverb sets the level of the said effect.

Randall RG80 Sound

If I were to describe the sound of Randall RG80 simply, I would definitely praise its glory by saying that it has spectacular tones. But in the music world, that is not enough. To analyze its sonic capabilities in-depth, let’s discuss each channel separately and basically touch upon every single tone this bad boy can bark up.

The clean channel has something unique about it. It is clear, pristine, and can be textured up a bit with a touch of gain. The overdrive channel offers an extensive range of distortion, everything from a slight crunch to high gain madness. The EQ section is quite accurate and shapes various characteristics of your tone. The bass boost mode allows your lower frequencies to cut through the mix without depriving them of definition, while the mid-scoop mode balances everything out perfectly. The reverb on this one is something you would expect from a standard badass spring reverb. Does Randall RG80 offer the most versatile sound out there? No. Does it compete with its rivals like a true warrior? Hell yeah. And in most cases, that’s all you need.

Conclusion

To sum up everything said above, Randall RG 80 is truly a magnificent amplifier. It is simple to use since it does not take ages to find the perfect tone. It has the features that will assist you during your everyday utilization. And, plus, it just sounds amazing. It can easily be said that this bad boy is as awesome as it can get at this price point. Try it out yourself, experiment with everything it has to offer and make up your mind accordingly. Good luck!

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