Often considered the “holy grail” of EL84 tube amp tone, the original C-30 amplifier improved the chimey and gritty Vox AC-30 into a studio and stage beast. A true “class A” style tube amp gives roaring leads, harmonically rich cleans, and a prominent midrange. This amp was profiled at 30 watts without the master volume to maximize power tube drive.

Amp Specs: 2019 Matchless HC-30r Amplifier with 3 x 12ax7’s, 1 x EF86, 1 x 5AR4, 4x EL84. Profiled using a Universal Audio OX with a boutique 2x12 cabinet.

29 studio profiles and 8 direct profiles of varying gain and pedal inclusion. Profiles are dry, but include my preferred effects presets.

Key

CH1: The first channel of the HC-30, notable for two 12AX7’s in a parallel-triode circuit with interactive bass and treble.

CH2: The second channel, or “power channel” of the HC-30, notable for its EF86 preamp tube and high-gain pentode coupled to a six-position tone switch.

Klon: Clean/Treble Boosted with a Klon KTR

KOT: Overdrive from an Analogman King of Tone

Legal:

Amp brands trademarked by their respective owners and are in no way affiliated with Daniel McLaughlin. The customer is purchasing a license to use these profiles for their own personal and/or professional use. Profiles are not intended for resale or any other unlicensed distribution, free or compensated. Any use of brand names is strictly for comparison and descriptive purposes.