Gear article

Orange Pedal Baby 100 Power Amp

The Orange Pedal Baby 100 is a 100-watt Class A/B power amplifier designed specifically for guitarists who use pedalboards or preamps as their primary tone source. Its neutral, responsive EQ and 3-kilogram lightweight design make it a portable solution for touring musicians requiring a consistent platform for their effects.

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Background and Concept

The Orange Pedal Baby 100 was developed to address the growing trend of guitarists using extensive pedalboards or floor-based modellers as their entire signal chain. Traditional guitar amplifiers often add distinct tonal colouration which can interfere with the intended sound of a preamp pedal. Orange Amps engineered the Pedal Baby to provide a neutral platform that allows external gear to perform at its peak without the mid-range hump or specific voicing found in standard valve heads.

Core Features and Design

The unit is built around a Class A/B power section, which offers a more traditional and dynamic feel compared to the Class D modules often found in compact amplifiers. Key features include:

  • Flat EQ Response: The Bass and Treble controls are designed to be more responsive and neutral than a standard guitar tone stack.
  • 100 Watts of Power: Provides sufficient volume for settings ranging from small clubs to festival stages.
  • Lightweight Profile: Weighing only 3 kilograms, it is highly portable and suitable for fly-dates or domestic touring.
  • Preamp Optimisation: Specifically voiced to handle the line-level signals produced by modern guitar preamps and digital modellers.

Sound Character

While many solid-state power amps can sound clinical, the Pedal Baby 100 utilises its Class A/B circuitry to maintain a natural, rich, and full-bodied sound. It aims to deliver a 'connected' feel between the player's fingers and the speaker cabinet. By providing a flat frequency response when the EQ is centred, it ensures that the character of the user's pedals—such as delays, overdrives, or modulation—is preserved faithfully.

Target Audience

The Pedal Baby 100 is primarily aimed at the 'pedalboard-as-an-amp' user. It suits players who rely on high-quality drive pedals or digital processors for their core tone but require a reliable, high-wattage power source to drive physical speaker cabinets. Its size and weight also make it an ideal backup amplifier for touring professionals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Orange Pedal Baby 100?
It is a power amplifier designed to drive a guitar cabinet while using a pedalboard or preamp as the primary tone source.
Does the Pedal Baby 100 use Class D or Class A/B technology?
The Pedal Baby 100 uses a Class A/B power section to provide a more traditional and natural sound character compared to Class D alternatives.
How much does the unit weigh?
The amplifier is designed for portability and weighs approximately 3 kilograms (6.6 lbs).
Is the EQ on the Pedal Baby different from a standard Orange amp?
Yes, it features a flatter and more neutral EQ profile specifically designed so it won't colour the sound of your pedals and preamps.
What is the power output of this amplifier?
It delivers 100 watts of power, making it loud enough for most live performances from small venues to festivals.
Can I use the Pedal Baby 100 with a digital modeller?
Yes, it is specifically designed to work well with digital modellers and floor-based preamps because of its transparent sound.
What controls are available on the front panel?
The front panel includes controls for Volume, Bass, and Treble, allowing for quick adjustments to suit different speaker cabinets.
Is the Pedal Baby 100 a valve or solid-state amp?
It is a solid-state amplifier utilizing a Class A/B power section to replicate the feel of a traditional amp in a reliable, compact format.
What is the typical price range for this unit?
The Pedal Baby 100 typically retails for approximately GBP 295, depending on the retailer.
How many channels does the Pedal Baby 100 have?
It is a single-channel power amplifier, as its role is to amplify external signals rather than provide its own switchable tones.
Can it be used for small club gigs?
Yes, its 100-watt output is more than sufficient for small club settings and can be scaled up for larger stages.
Does it have a built-in cabinet simulator for recording?
The Pedal Baby 100 is primarily designed as a power amp to drive a physical speaker cabinet, rather than a direct recording interface.