Gear article
Paul Reed Smith PRS Mark Tremonti MT15 Valve Head + 1x12 Cab Bundle
The PRS Mark Tremonti MT15 Valve Head and 1x12 Cab Bundle is a high-gain guitar amplification system designed in collaboration with the Alter Bridge guitarist. It features a lunchbox-style valve head powered by 5881 tubes and a matching bespoke speaker cabinet, offering a versatile two-channel configuration for both stage and home use.
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The PRS Mark Tremonti MT15 bundle combines a compact, high-performance valve amplifier head with a matching 1x12 cabinet. Primarily known for its high-gain capabilities, the MT15 is designed to provide the aggressive, articulate tones associated with Mark Tremonti's playing style while remaining portable. The head is housed in a lunchbox-style chassis, making it suitable for touring musicians and studio players who require high-quality valve tone in a manageable form factor.
Technical Specifications and Features
The MT15 amplifier operates at 15 Watts via two 5881 power tubes, which are known for their reliability and robust sonic character. A key feature of the amplifier is the switchable power output, which allows the user to drop the wattage to 7 Watts. This facilitates valve saturation and harmonic richness at lower volumes, making it highly effective for practice environments.
The interface includes: * Lead Channel: Independent gain and level controls for high-gain articulation. * Clean Channel: Designed for high headroom, featuring an additional 'pushed' mode for slight grit. * Portability: Lightweight chassis design for easy transport.
Sonic Character
Despite its low wattage rating, the MT15 is engineered to deliver a sound that rivals much larger amplifiers. The lead channel is voiced to be aggressive and heavy, maintaining clarity even at high gain levels to ensure solos and riffs remain articulate. Conversely, the clean channel provides significant headroom, allowing for crystal-clear tones. The 'pushed' mode on the clean channel bridges the gap between the two, offering a classic overdriven sound that suits blues and rock styles.
Market Comparison
Within the compact valve amplifier market, the MT15 bundle competes with other lunchbox-style heads and 1x12 cabinets. While alternatives like the Vox BC112 or Blackstar TV-10 B offer different tonal palettes, the MT15 distinguishes itself through its 5881 power section and its specific voicing for modern high-gain music. For users requiring larger projection, it may be compared against 2x12 configurations such as the Orange PPC212 or SubZero GC212, though the MT15 bundle prioritises the specific synergy between the Tremonti head and its bespoke 1x12 enclosure.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the wattage of the PRS MT15?
- The amplifier has a maximum output of 15 Watts, but it can be switched down to 7 Watts for lower-volume use.
- What power tubes does the MT15 use?
- The MT15 is equipped with two 5881 power tubes, which contribute to its aggressive yet articulate valve tone.
- How many channels does the amplifier have?
- It features two distinct channels: a Lead channel for high gain and a Clean channel for high-headroom sounds.
- Is the MT15 suitable for home practice?
- Yes, the switchable 7-Watt low-power mode allows users to achieve valve saturation at volume levels appropriate for home or practice settings.
- What makes the clean channel versatile?
- In addition to providing high-headroom clean tones, the clean channel includes a 'pushed' mode that adds a subtle overdrive for mid-gain textures.
- What type of speaker cabinet is included in the bundle?
- The bundle includes a bespoke PRS 1x12 speaker cabinet specifically designed to complement the MT15 head.
- What is the 'lunchbox' chassis design?
- The 'lunchbox' design refers to the compact and portable metal enclosure that makes the amplifier easy to transport compared to traditional full-sized heads.
- Does the Lead channel have separate controls?
- Yes, the MT15 Lead channel features independent gain and level controls, allowing for precise shaping of distorted tones.
- Can the MT15 produce aggressive metal tones?
- The amplifier is specifically designed for aggressive and articulate leads, making it highly suitable for modern metal and hard rock genres.
- How does the MT15 handle high gain without losing clarity?
- The circuit is voiced to maintain articulation, ensuring that even at high gain settings, the individual notes of a chord or riff remain distinct.
- What is the typical price range for this bundle?
- The typical price for the PRS Mark Tremonti MT15 Valve Head + 1x12 Cab Bundle is approximately GBP 799.
- Who is the signature artist for this amplifier?
- The MT15 is the signature amplifier for Mark Tremonti, the guitarist known for his work in Alter Bridge and Creed.
