Gear article
Bugera V22 Infinium Combo
The Bugera V22 Infinium is a boutique-style, hand-wired valve guitar amplifier designed for vintage-inspired tone. Rated at 22 watts, it features a 12-inch Turbosound speaker, a dual-channel preamp, and proprietary Infinium Tube Life Multiplier technology for enhanced reliability.
See live pricesOverview and Technical Specifications
The Bugera V22 Infinium is a two-channel guitar combo amplifier that prioritises vintage aesthetics and sonic characteristics. It is constructed with a hand-wired circuit design, utilising three 12AX7 valves in the preamp stage and two EL84 valves in the power stage. The amplifier drives a single 12-inch Turbosound speaker, which is known for its high-quality reproduction and clarity.
The interface is straightforward, offering dual inputs (Normal and Bright) to accommodate different pickup outputs or tonal preferences. The control layout includes a shared 3-band EQ, Gain, and Master Volume, alongside an integrated Reverb effect. A heavy-duty footswitch is included as standard, allowing users to toggle between the Clean and Lead channels and engage or disengage the reverb remotely.
Infinium Tube Life Multiplier Technology
A defining feature of the V22 is Bugera's proprietary Infinium Tube Life Multiplier technology. This system serves three primary functions:
- Longevity: It extends the lifespan of the power valves by up to 20 times by balancing the load across them.
- Monitoring: It provides a continuous performance check of each power valve, indicating via LEDs when a specific valve is nearing the end of its life.
- Ease of Maintenance: It eliminates the need for manual biasing when replacing valves, allowing users to swap power tubes without technical calibration, even mixing and matching different brands.
Sound Character and Performance
The V22 Infinium is designed to deliver a 'boutique' sound profile, characterised by warm, responsive cleans and a smooth, harmonically rich overdrive. The EL84 power section contributes to a chime-like top end and a mid-range focus often associated with classic British amplifiers.
With 22 watts of power, the amplifier provides sufficient headroom for small club gigs and rehearsals, while the Master Volume allows for saturated tones at volumes suitable for home recording and practice. The inclusion of a Bright input offers additional treble definition for darker-sounding guitars.
Target Audience and Applications
The Bugera V22 Infinium is positioned as a versatile solution for players who require valve-driven tone without the high cost typically associated with hand-wired boutique units. Its size and power rating make it particularly well-suited for:
- Home Studio Recording: The integrated reverb and valve-driven gain stages provide a professional recorded sound.
- Rehearsals and Small Gigs: It is portable enough for frequent transport while remaining loud enough to compete with a drummer in smaller venues.
- Vintage Enthusiasts: Players who prefer traditional controls and aesthetic styling over modern digital modelling.
Market Comparison
When compared to alternatives like the Fender Blues Junior IV, the V22 Infinium offers a similar 1x12 valve format but adds a dedicated second channel and the Infinium monitoring system. While competitors like the Fender Mustang LTX50 focus on digital modelling and effects, the V22 remains strictly analogue in its signal path. For those seeking higher output or modern high-gain textures, products like the Synergy SYN-20IR or Darkglass DG210A provide different sonic architectures, whereas the V22 stays rooted in classic mid-gain and clean territories.
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Frequently asked questions
- What speaker is used in the Bugera V22 Infinium?
- The amplifier is equipped with a single 12-inch Turbosound speaker, designed to handle the 22-watt output with clarity and vintage character.
- How many channels does the V22 Infinium have?
- It features two channels: a Clean channel for high-headroom tones and a Lead channel for overdrive and distortion.
- What is the purpose of the Infinium technology?
- Infinium technology monitors the health of the power valves, extends their lifespan, and automates the biasing process during valve replacement.
- What valves are found in the preamp section?
- The preamp section uses three 12AX7 valves to shape the gain and tone of the amplifier.
- What valves are found in the power section?
- The power section utilises two EL84 valves, which are responsible for the 22-watt output and classic valve compression.
- Is a footswitch included with the Bugera V22?
- Yes, a heavy-duty footswitch is included, allowing for remote switching between channels and toggling the reverb.
- Does the V22 Infinium have a headphone jack?
- The V22 is a traditional valve amp and focuses on speaker output; it does not typically feature a dedicated headphone output like digital modelling amps.
- What are the two input options on the front panel?
- The amp features 'Normal' and 'Bright' inputs. The Bright input adds extra high-end sparkle, which is useful for darker pickups or humbuckers.
- Can the V22 Infinium be used for home practice?
- Yes, it is suitable for home practice due to its Master Volume control, which allows for valve saturation at lower decibel levels.
- How does the V22 indicate a failing valve?
- The Infinium system includes LEDs on the rear panel that light up to identify which specific power valve needs replacement.
- Is the Bugera V22 Infinium hand-wired?
- Yes, the manufacturer describes the V22 Infinium as a boutique-style hand-wired amplifier.
- What effects are built into the amplifier?
- The V22 Infinium includes a built-in high-definition reverb that can be adjusted via a dedicated knob and controlled by the footswitch.
