More IN-DEPTH review of the Randall Diavo RD45

[napalmdeath]

This amp is ALOT of fun! The Marshall is collecting dust..

It has so much THUMP, and is actually quite versatile. The FX loop is pristine - transparent, and lush sounding with my chorus/reverb/delay, and is really crisp. The cleans are sweet, and the OD with the boost engaged, and a boost pedal in front can go from 80's cock-rock/thrash, to devastating, pretty easily. It truly can do it all, and for what I paid for it new, it's an incredible bargain. I HIGHLY recommend this amp - believe the hype, it's the REAL DEAL!! I love it! It's so small, yet attitude galore. Smaller & lighter than the EVH mini, yet I dig the tones more. Harmonically richer, tighter, and more crushing. It has PLENTY of balls too. I'd gig it any day. Fender just met it's match - this amp smokes it, if you ask me!

I ran the MXR 10-Band in the loop, (not that it needed it). HOLY SHIT! DEVISTATING! That's all I can say. AMAZING! I have some JJ 6L6's to try, (for all you that wonder, I CONFIRMED with Randall, it will ONLY take 6L6's). I'm waiting for my dual bias probe to arrive, as I found the adjustment trims, located behind the power tubes, countersunk into the chassis. Will get plate voltage, and post.

As far as tone, all I can say is Engl meets Framus, with Randall attitude! I played Gary Moore, Priest, King Diamond, Iced Eearth, and straight-up death metal, ala Obituary, Death, Carcass. It does it ALL, and VERY WELL. Sleeper amp of 2013, if you ask me.

 

[philb]

Nice review!
I look forward to trying one out.

 

[bubbastain]

Looking more and more like a RD45 is in my future. Kind of surprised you heard 6L6 only directly from Randall. I don't have a problem with that though. My amp that Fortin modded for me is capable of taking 6L6s or EL34s but it sounds so awesome with the 6L6s that I have not even bothered to try anything else in the 2+ years I've had it.

 

[Deleted member 8761]

You needed a boost pedal for thrash tones?

 

[napalmdeath]

You needed a boost pedal for thrash tones?

It has the gain, the boost just tightens. Gain 0, level 10.

 

[killertone]

You needed a boost pedal for thrash tones?

No outside boost needed for thrash tones. Trust me. I did a video showcasing a thrash tone with the RD45 and did not use a boost other than the one that comes on the amp.

This amp CAN take EL34s just confirmed it with Mike Fortin. As long as they don't draw a ton of current all you need to do is rebias. It is easy to get lower drawing 34s, I'm sure Laura the Valve Queen could hook you up there.

 

[yngzaklynch]

I've heard the chugga chugga vids. How about something different

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

I've heard the chugga chugga vids. How about something different

Yeah, I still need to know if it can do RATT ....

Active pickups unfortunately and done direct but there are a good range of tones here.

 

[killertone]

I have some video and audio of it doing a ton of non chugga tones...maybe someday I'll post it. Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Badlands...it's all there.

Plus a whole bunch of totally clean tones.

 

[Deleted member 8761]

You needed a boost pedal for thrash tones?

No outside boost needed for thrash tones. Trust me. I did a video showcasing a thrash tone with the RD45 and did not use a boost other than the one that comes on the amp.

This amp CAN take EL34s just confirmed it with Mike Fortin. As long as they don't draw a ton of current all you need to do is rebias. It is easy to get lower drawing 34s, I'm sure Laura the Valve Queen could hook you up there.

Thanks, man. Your video's are killer. Do you think that this amp would need a boost pedal (such as a SD-1) to tighten it up or is tight enough by itself?

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

I have some video and audio of it doing a ton of non chugga tones...maybe someday I'll post it. Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Badlands...it's all there.

Plus a whole bunch of totally clean tones.

That's called indian givin'.... give up the goods! I'm down for thin lizzy and badlands..

 

[yngzaklynch]

Let's see that video

 

[FortinAmps]

You needed a boost pedal for thrash tones?

No outside boost needed for thrash tones. Trust me. I did a video showcasing a thrash tone with the RD45 and did not use a boost other than the one that comes on the amp.

This amp CAN take EL34s just confirmed it with Mike Fortin. As long as they don't draw a ton of current all you need to do is rebias. It is easy to get lower drawing 34s, I'm sure Laura the Valve Queen could hook you up there.

Yes, your tech can also simply adjust R117 in the bias supply to increase the bias range if needed.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[killertone]

You needed a boost pedal for thrash tones?

No outside boost needed for thrash tones. Trust me. I did a video showcasing a thrash tone with the RD45 and did not use a boost other than the one that comes on the amp.

This amp CAN take EL34s just confirmed it with Mike Fortin. As long as they don't draw a ton of current all you need to do is rebias. It is easy to get lower drawing 34s, I'm sure Laura the Valve Queen could hook you up there.

Thanks, man. Your video's are killer. Do you think that this amp would need a boost pedal (such as a SD-1) to tighten it up or is tight enough by itself?

Thanks!

I am a freak when it comes to having a super tight controlled bottom end...probably more than just about anyone I know. I was totally satisfied with just using the boost mode on the amp to achieve high gain tones with tight bottom. So I don't think it needs a boost pedal personally. The boost mode is foot switchable, too.

 

[napalmdeath]

You needed a boost pedal for thrash tones?

No outside boost needed for thrash tones. Trust me. I did a video showcasing a thrash tone with the RD45 and did not use a boost other than the one that comes on the amp.

This amp CAN take EL34s just confirmed it with Mike Fortin. As long as they don't draw a ton of current all you need to do is rebias. It is easy to get lower drawing 34s, I'm sure Laura the Valve Queen could hook you up there.

Can you find out Plate Voltage? I can't get an answer. Randall has always been so wishy-washy with info. Customer Service told me 6L6 only, as did amp support. I have no problem with that, however.

As for the boost, I boost everything. Force of habit, and preference, I guess. But, again, I use zero gain on the pedal.

 

[Bloodrock]

You needed a boost pedal for thrash tones?

No outside boost needed for thrash tones. Trust me. I did a video showcasing a thrash tone with the RD45 and did not use a boost other than the one that comes on the amp.

This amp CAN take EL34s just confirmed it with Mike Fortin. As long as they don't draw a ton of current all you need to do is rebias. It is easy to get lower drawing 34s, I'm sure Laura the Valve Queen could hook you up there.

Thanks, man. Your video's are killer. Do you think that this amp would need a boost pedal (such as a SD-1) to tighten it up or is tight enough by itself?

Thanks!

I am a freak when it comes to having a super tight controlled bottom end...probably more than just about anyone I know. I was totally satisfied with just using the boost mode on the amp to achieve high gain tones with tight bottom. So I don't think it needs a boost pedal personally. The boost mode is foot switchable, too.

Killertone. Can you comment on the difference of OD1 and OD2 on the 100watt Diavlo? Is the OD on the 45 model same as OD2 on the 100w? Do you think it's gonna be worth the extra cash to have the 3 channel model vs 2 channel?

 

[nico22]

Yes, your tech can also simply adjust R117 in the bias supply to increase the bias range if needed.
Cheers,
Mike

Would give a try for el34 in RD45 : should increase or decrease R117? (decrease would be easier with just another R in // )