What power tubes are used in this EVH 5150 Iconic model?

This specific model uses two EL34 power tubes. These tubes are known for providing a distinct mid-range growl and harmonic richness compared to 6L6 alternatives.

Does the amplifier feature a built-in noise gate?

Yes, it includes an integrated noise gate. This feature is specifically designed to manage the high levels of gain the amp produces, keeping the signal quiet during stops.

Can I record directly from the amplifier without a microphone?

Yes, the amp features a speaker-emulated DI XLR output. This allows you to send a signal directly to a mixing desk or audio interface that sounds like a mic'd cabinet.

How many channels does the Iconic 40W Combo have?

It features two channels. Each channel has its own voicing options, allowing for a variety of clean, crunch, and high-gain tones.

What speaker is included in the cabinet?

The combo is equipped with a single 12-inch custom EVH Celestion speaker. It has been specially voiced to complement the EL34 power section and high-gain preamp.

Is the preamp fully valve-driven?

The amplifier uses a multi-stage hybrid preamp. It incorporates ECC83 tubes to achieve its specific distortion characteristics and response.

Does the amp come with a foot-switchable boost?

Yes, the amplifier includes a boost function that can be toggled via a footswitch. This is ideal for increasing volume and presence during lead performances.

What is the wattage of this amplifier?

This model is rated at 40 watts. This provides enough headroom for rehearsals and most club-sized gigging environments.

Is this amp suitable for quiet home practice?

While it is a 40W valve-powered amp, its features like the noise gate and master volume allow for controlled use. However, it is primarily designed for gigging and recording.

What is the typical price for the EVH 5150 Iconic 40W EL34?

The typical retail price in the UK is approximately £749. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does this compare to the 6L6 version of the Iconic series?

The EL34 version generally offers a different harmonic character with more mid-range emphasis. The 6L6 versions typically provide a deeper low-end and a glassier top-end.

Can the DI output be used for live PA systems?

Yes, the XLR DI output is designed for exactly that purpose. It eliminates the need for a microphone on stage, providing a consistent signal to the front-of-house engineer.

Gear article

EVH 5150 Iconic Series 40W EL34 1x12 Combo

The EVH 5150 Iconic Series 40W EL34 1x12 Combo is a valve-driven guitar amplifier designed to deliver the high-gain saturation and tonal characteristics associated with Eddie Van Halen. Utilising a hybrid preamp design and EL34 power tubes, this 40-watt combo is engineered for both live performance and studio recording applications.

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Background and Design

The Iconic Series represents a more accessible entry point into the EVH brand's amplifier range while maintaining the high-gain legacy of the 5150 name. This specific model features an EL34 power section, departing from the 6L6 tubes found in many other 5150 variants to provide a different harmonic character. The amplifier is constructed as a 1x12 combo, making it a portable solution for gigging guitarists who require the 'Brown Sound' in a single-enclosure format.

Technical Specifications

The amplifier is powered by two EL34 power tubes and a multi-stage hybrid preamp section utilising ECC83 tubes. This architecture is designed to produce high levels of gain while maintaining note articulation. It features two distinct channels, each equipped with additional voicing options to increase tonal flexibility. A custom-designed 12-inch EVH Celestion speaker is housed within the black cabinet, specifically voiced to handle the amplifier's aggressive output.

Key Features and Connectivity

Practicality for the modern guitarist is a central theme of the Iconic Series. The 40W combo includes several utility features:

Built-in Noise Gate: An integrated circuit designed to eliminate hiss and hum during high-gain play.
Foot-switchable Boost: Allows for a volume increase during solos or lead passages.
Speaker-Emulated DI: An XLR output that enables the user to send a cabinet-simulated signal directly to a PA system or recording interface.
Versatile Voicing: Independent controls and voicing switches for each channel allow for a wide range of gain structures.

Tonal Character

The use of EL34 tubes gives this amplifier a classic British-inflected growl and a searing high-end response. The sound is described as tight and clear, avoiding the muddiness often associated with high-gain circuits. The hybrid preamp ensures that the gain remains articulate even at extreme settings, allowing complex chords to be heard clearly through the distortion.

Market Comparison

At a price point of approximately £749, the EVH 5150 Iconic Series competes with other valve and hybrid combos. Compared to the Fender Blues Junior IV, the EVH offers significantly more gain and modern features like a noise gate. While the Synergy SYN-20IR provides modular flexibility, the EVH 5150 Iconic offers a more traditional, high-power all-in-one solution for rock and metal players. It is more powerful than the 15-20W alternatives, making it better suited for medium-sized venues without PA support.

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Frequently asked questions

What power tubes are used in this EVH 5150 Iconic model?: This specific model uses two EL34 power tubes. These tubes are known for providing a distinct mid-range growl and harmonic richness compared to 6L6 alternatives.
Does the amplifier feature a built-in noise gate?: Yes, it includes an integrated noise gate. This feature is specifically designed to manage the high levels of gain the amp produces, keeping the signal quiet during stops.
Can I record directly from the amplifier without a microphone?: Yes, the amp features a speaker-emulated DI XLR output. This allows you to send a signal directly to a mixing desk or audio interface that sounds like a mic'd cabinet.
How many channels does the Iconic 40W Combo have?: It features two channels. Each channel has its own voicing options, allowing for a variety of clean, crunch, and high-gain tones.
What speaker is included in the cabinet?: The combo is equipped with a single 12-inch custom EVH Celestion speaker. It has been specially voiced to complement the EL34 power section and high-gain preamp.
Is the preamp fully valve-driven?: The amplifier uses a multi-stage hybrid preamp. It incorporates ECC83 tubes to achieve its specific distortion characteristics and response.
Does the amp come with a foot-switchable boost?: Yes, the amplifier includes a boost function that can be toggled via a footswitch. This is ideal for increasing volume and presence during lead performances.
What is the wattage of this amplifier?: This model is rated at 40 watts. This provides enough headroom for rehearsals and most club-sized gigging environments.
Is this amp suitable for quiet home practice?: While it is a 40W valve-powered amp, its features like the noise gate and master volume allow for controlled use. However, it is primarily designed for gigging and recording.
What is the typical price for the EVH 5150 Iconic 40W EL34?: The typical retail price in the UK is approximately £749. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does this compare to the 6L6 version of the Iconic series?: The EL34 version generally offers a different harmonic character with more mid-range emphasis. The 6L6 versions typically provide a deeper low-end and a glassier top-end.
Can the DI output be used for live PA systems?: Yes, the XLR DI output is designed for exactly that purpose. It eliminates the need for a microphone on stage, providing a consistent signal to the front-of-house engineer.