Thetgguideto...ampmodelling
Having redefined the amp sound in the 1960s, the future is still looking orange
it’s in the power stage that the classic Orange tone is produced
1 The control panel
The Orange OR120S unique preamp used a Frequency Analysing Control (a six-position rotary switch that varies mid content), together with a Baxandall tone control circuit with knobs for bass and treble. Combined with the HF drive control, this unusual preamp design is actually very versatile with a lot more flexibility than the traditional interactive bass, mid and treble tone stack found on contemporary Fender and Marshall designs.
2 Valves
Much of the classic Orange sound is a result of the power stage being driven hard by the phase inverter circuit. Four EL34S linked to huge power and output transformers gave the OR120 a true 120-watt power output with massive headroom. Many original OR120S used the Blackburn-manufactured Mullard ‘XF2’ EL34, which is renowned as one of the best power valves ever produced.
3
Speakercabinet
Most speaker grill cloths are made to be sonically transparent, however, the thick basket weave fabric used on Orange speaker cabinets works to subtly roll off high frequencies, making it possible to drive the amps harder without harshness. The cabinets used wooden skids instead of rubber feet, which acoustically coupled to stages for even more volume. The punch and impact of an OR120 through its matching PPC4X12 cabinet is unmistakable.