Quote:
Originally Posted by LGOberean
Thanks, cmm71. Your posts have answered some questions I've had. So you're saying that the "Red stripe" variety and the "Delta" are the same, and that it is a newer model than the "Blue stripe," which hails from the late 80s to mid 90s. Have I got that right?
And are you saying that the primary difference between the year models is cosmetic, that down through the years they have basically had the same technology and features?
I noticed too that all of your comments were about Bandits. Is that just because you've owned Bandits and not Envoys, or is there in your opinion something about Envoys that I should know about?
My application will be primarily home use, with occasional gigging in coffeehouse settings. So I was thinking that the 35W - 40W (I've seen both numbers) Envoy might suit my needs.
|
I'll jump in here too...
I have a Red Stripe Bandit, a Silver Stripe Bandit, and A Red Stripe Studio Pro 112.
They are are all fantastic, however... I like the Red Stripe models best. My silver stripe bandit sounds great, until you put it next to the red one. Then it still sounds good, but a little "flat" and one dimensional compared to the red stripe. By itself you wouldn't notice, next to the other one, it's rather apparent to me.
The Blue stripe models from the late 80's are some astounding amps. Every model I have played is out of this world. I am not sure these are technically "transtube" amps though. I think they are the predecessors to the TT technology. I also have a Stereo Chorus 212, the blue stripe variety. For weight, footprint, and tonal considerations, the Redstripe Bandit is my favorite. My studio pro is smaller, lighter, and quite giggable in small room situations like you are describing, but it lacks some of the features the Bandit has, and the Bandit's reverb leaves the Pro in the dust. For overall awesome clean tone, the Stereo Chorus 212 has no equal. Not a Twin, not a JC, nothin'. Period. However, it's weight and size make it hard to use. Mostly it's weight. Good god, it weighs more than my Jeep.
The transtube technology is very different than any other tube emulator out there. There is no digital signal path, it is all analog SS technology, and there is no modeling. All of the tube emulation is accomplished by tweaking an analog SS circuit. Somewhere on the Peavey site, you can find and read some of Hartley Peavey's essays, one of them being a run-down of how TT works. It's a very worthwhile read.
Lastly, I think for what you've described, and Envoy would probably be plenty. Especially for home practice. For live use, I like a 12" speaker, but YMMV. If you find a 10" isn't enough, look for a used Studio Pro 112. My Red Stripe is a great little small room rig, and I got it for $100, in mint shape.