What does the name 'Archon' mean?

The name is derived from the Greek word for 'lord' or 'ruler', reflecting the amplifier's intended presence and authority in a guitar mix.

What type of power tubes are used in the PRS Archon 50W Combo?

The amplifier uses a pair of JJ 6CA7 power tubes, which provide a powerful energy suitable for high-gain crunch and high-headroom cleans.

How many preamp tubes does this amplifier have?

It features six JJ ECC83S preamp tubes to manage the gain stages and tone shaping for both the Lead and Clean channels.

What speaker is included in the 1x12 combo?

The unit is equipped with a single 12-inch Celestion V-Type speaker, designed to deliver defined high-gain tones and clear cleans.

Does the Archon 50W have an effects loop?

Yes, it includes a dedicated effects loop that allows users to inject external effects into the signal path while maintaining the amp's core valve tone.

Are the EQ controls shared between the two channels?

No, the Archon features a dual-channel design where each channel has its own dedicated three-band EQ (Treble, Middle, and Bass).

Is there a way to boost the high-end frequencies on this amp?

Yes, both the Clean and Lead channels feature their own dedicated Bright switch to add extra clarity and sparkle to the tone.

What is the wattage of this specific Archon model?

This specific combo model is rated at 50 Watts, providing enough power to cut through a live band mix.

Can the PRS Archon handle high-gain metal styles?

Yes, the Archon is specifically designed to produce super-defined high-gain tones and masterful all-tube crunch, making it ideal for riffs.

How does the Clean channel perform on the Archon 50W?

The Clean channel is designed to be 'crystalline' and clear, offering a high-headroom alternative to the aggressive Lead channel.

What is the typical price range for this amplifier in the UK?

Based on current market data, the typical price range for the PRS Archon 50W 1x12 Combo is approximately GBP 789.

Is this amp a valve or solid-state amplifier?

The PRS Archon 50W is an all-tube (valve) amplifier, utilizing professional-grade JJ tubes in both the preamp and power sections.

Gear article

PRS Archon 50W 1x12 Combo

The PRS Archon 50W 1x12 Combo is a professional-grade valve guitar amplifier designed to deliver high-gain saturation alongside high-headroom clean tones. Utilising a dual-channel architecture and a single 12-inch Celestion V-Type speaker, it is engineered for versatility across heavy rock and pristine melodic genres.

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Overview

The PRS Archon 50W 1x12 Combo represents a significant entry in the Paul Reed Smith amplifier lineup, taking its name from the Greek word for 'ruler' or 'lord'. It is an all-tube combo designed to offer a balance between modern aggressive crunch and 'crystalline' clean sounds. The unit is housed in a portable yet sturdy cabinet, making it suitable for both studio recording and live performance where a single-speaker footprint is preferred.

Technical Specifications and Features

The amplifier is powered by two JJ 6CA7 power tubes, which are often described as a hybrid between EL34 and 6L6 characteristics, providing a robust low-end and clear highs. The preamp section utilizes six JJ ECC83S (12AX7) tubes to drive the high-gain stages.

Key features include: * Dual Channel Design: Dedicated Lead and Clean channels. * Tone Shaping: Each channel features its own three-band EQ (Treble, Middle, Bass) and a dedicated Bright switch. * Speaker: A 12-inch Celestion V-Type speaker, known for its balanced, modern vintage sound. * Effects Loop: A dedicated loop for integrating external modulation, delay, and reverb pedals without degrading the core valve tone.

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Sound Character

The Archon is defined by its ability to maintain definition even under extreme gain settings. The Lead channel is voiced to provide 'masterful crunch' that can cut through a dense mix, while the Clean channel is designed for high headroom and clarity. The inclusion of the Bright switches allows users to tailor the top-end response to suit different guitar pickups, ensuring the amp remains articulate regardless of the input source.

Target Audience and Use Cases

This amplifier is primarily aimed at guitarists who require a 'do-it-all' valve amp. While its name and gain capabilities suggest a leaning towards metal and hard rock, the high-headroom clean channel makes it equally viable for jazz, blues, and fusion players. At 50 watts, it provides sufficient volume for club stages while remaining manageable in a studio environment.

Market Comparison

Within the mid-priced valve combo market, the Archon 50W competes with established models like the Fender Blues Junior IV, though it offers significantly higher gain and more sophisticated channel switching. While digital alternatives like the Fender Mustang LTX50 provide more onboard effects, the Archon focuses on authentic valve response. Compared to compact high-gain units like the Synergy SYN-20IR, the Archon offers a traditional all-in-one 1x12 experience with higher power output.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the name 'Archon' mean?: The name is derived from the Greek word for 'lord' or 'ruler', reflecting the amplifier's intended presence and authority in a guitar mix.
What type of power tubes are used in the PRS Archon 50W Combo?: The amplifier uses a pair of JJ 6CA7 power tubes, which provide a powerful energy suitable for high-gain crunch and high-headroom cleans.
How many preamp tubes does this amplifier have?: It features six JJ ECC83S preamp tubes to manage the gain stages and tone shaping for both the Lead and Clean channels.
What speaker is included in the 1x12 combo?: The unit is equipped with a single 12-inch Celestion V-Type speaker, designed to deliver defined high-gain tones and clear cleans.
Does the Archon 50W have an effects loop?: Yes, it includes a dedicated effects loop that allows users to inject external effects into the signal path while maintaining the amp's core valve tone.
Are the EQ controls shared between the two channels?: No, the Archon features a dual-channel design where each channel has its own dedicated three-band EQ (Treble, Middle, and Bass).
Is there a way to boost the high-end frequencies on this amp?: Yes, both the Clean and Lead channels feature their own dedicated Bright switch to add extra clarity and sparkle to the tone.
What is the wattage of this specific Archon model?: This specific combo model is rated at 50 Watts, providing enough power to cut through a live band mix.
Can the PRS Archon handle high-gain metal styles?: Yes, the Archon is specifically designed to produce super-defined high-gain tones and masterful all-tube crunch, making it ideal for riffs.
How does the Clean channel perform on the Archon 50W?: The Clean channel is designed to be 'crystalline' and clear, offering a high-headroom alternative to the aggressive Lead channel.
What is the typical price range for this amplifier in the UK?: Based on current market data, the typical price range for the PRS Archon 50W 1x12 Combo is approximately GBP 789.
Is this amp a valve or solid-state amplifier?: The PRS Archon 50W is an all-tube (valve) amplifier, utilizing professional-grade JJ tubes in both the preamp and power sections.