The Archon 50 delivers full, lush gain, a remarkable clean channel and a versatile control layout that players of all genres will appreciate
The recently relaunched PRS Archon is a powerful 2-channel amp offering versatile, thick distorted tones and sparkling cleans with plenty of headroom. Designed with five gain stages before the master volume, the Archon’s lead channel is voiced to cover everything from classic rock to metal with full, lush distortion.
Recently, we recruited guitar YouTube ace Ryan "Fluff" Bruce to take the impressive new amp through its paces.
Fluff begins by demoing a hypnotic clean tone, quickly followed by a chunky distortion as a test, and sees if the tone holds up in a mix (it does). He then lays out the specs and showcases a glassy, delayed-clean tone that demonstrates the versatility of the Archon.
"Now overall, comparing this Mark II amp to the original Archon, I have to say I prefer this version, it's more useable, more refined and more updated," he says. "It feels good and sounds incredible.
"I also really love that these amps have 6CA7 power tubes – there's a very robust low end, also you still have the good characteristics of the EL34 power tube; and typically it's a little less expensive than the actual EL34."
(Image credit: PRS Guitars)
The 1x12 combo amp also offers a single Celestion V-type speaker, for full, extended lows and a warm, sweet midrange. The compact portability of the combo design is also great for players who wish to bring their amp along to rehearsals and gigs.
The Archon’s control layout allows for detailed and intuitive tone shaping. Each channel features volume, treble, middle, bass and master volume controls as well as a bright switch.
The 3-band EQ, meanwhile, offers even more tone-shaping abilities, while the volume and master controls work together to command the amp’s distortion and loudness. The bright switch is similar to a treble boost, putting a shine on the amp’s high-end without any harshness.
The Archon 50 is available as a 50-watt head or 1x12 combo here.
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