When I test drove the Micro Terror at my local guitar shop, I had it running through a Marshall 4x12 cab. It looked stupid in all the right ways. Also sounded amazing through that cab, by the way.
I've owned both of these (I still have my M Dark; sold the M Terror to a bandmate when his VHT Super6 Ultra blew up).....I've used them both on stage, and here's what I can tell you: >Either of these on top of a 1x12" w/Vintage 30 cab ~will~ stay over the drums in small to medium-sized venues w/o mic-ing to FOH. I was playing blues, classic rock, country with the white one before I sold it, and classic rock/blues, GD with the black one these days. This was with either one at the top of their 'clean headroom'; the drive sound from either sounds great, but to be able to clean up/dirty up during songs I have to get my drive and boost tones from pedals, and leave the amp at it's top clean level. I dime the output level and then bring up the gain until it ~just~ starts to get hair (that;s about 12:00 on the Terror; about 10:30 on the Dark). The Terror does get a little louder clean; and the Dark does start to 'turn Orange' a little sooner. I often use the buffer/boost at the end of my board to add clean headroom to the Dark. >If you do use these for their drive sounds, you'll find that the Dark has more compression; a more 'modern' sound, while the Terror renders a more 70s-80s 'Marshall rhythm-tone'. >Unless you have the gain really wound up, reverb in front sounds fine (I use a TC HOF mini or a BOSS RV-3). >Perhaps the ~best~ use for the Dark's loop (especially if you're using the preamp-gain sound) is to run EFX send to a BIG amp's EFX return (I use a Carvin XB100 2x12 combo), and blow 100w of MicroDark stun-tone out of the big amp's power section! Sounds like a RockerVerb, but for under $600..... >You can do that the opposite way, as well: My 2w Fender Greta 'radio amp' has the sweetest chimey clean tone, but after about 2 on the volume is turns to 'Pignose-dirt'. I run the Greta's EFX send to the Dark's EFX return, leave the Greta on about 1 1/2, and get 20w of that sound using the Dark's solid state power section, with it's volume control the 'master volume'. >If you don't mind lugging two cabinets to a gig, you can A/B a Terror and a Dark for your clean and drive tones, and leave your pedal-board home (bring reverbs, though lol). >One BIG difference between these two amps is the Dark's 'shape' knob: it does NOT function the same way as a 'tone' control like on the Terror (they're only at the 'same' voicing at 12:00). The Dark's 'Shape' control is very sensitive through it's range, and seems to integrate a high-pass/lo-pass filter. You're actually changing the ratio of highs ~and~ lows to the midrange when you turn it, and thus '0' is not the muddy, dull sound of a 'tone' knob at '0'. and there's a surprising number of great voices as you go through the 'shape' knob's range.....I'd rather see the Terror get the Dark's 'shape' circuit than its EFX loop, to tell the truth. >I use the Dark with a 1x12" cab now as my 'bedroom amp', too, to get the sweet *and* the nasty without waking up my sweetie (it retired a Mooer 5w 'Purple Wind' I was using). >If you run either of these loud and dirty for your 'main amp-tone', you'll get a far better solo-tone on top of that with a "boost" (such as TC Spark mini, EP Booster, or Fulltone 2B) than you will with your TubeScreamer-type 'overdrive' pedals, which tend to just make a mess, since the preamp is already so overdriven/compressed. Try both; you'll hear the huge difference.......
this was worth scrolling down for- I am not too sure how important the effects loop is and already have the terror. The thing is I love the gain I am getting from the terror and feel like what is the point of having a tube pre for that warm gain sound if I am not going to use it? not having amp with an effects loop- around where on the gain would you say the sound on the terror starts to get really muddy and suffer?
Just gotta say this is a brilliant comment. I just bought a Micro Terror yesterday, so I've been scouring the web for tips from other players, and you've honestly been the most helpful. Thank you!
Wow.....that's one Hell of a Deal!!!! Wonder where he stole it?? Must have to have it so briefly and sell it SO cheap!!! Otherwise, he would have been able to just return them and get a Full refund!!
Bad Account Lol I'm pretty easily impressed generally, but I actually don't care for the sound when paired with the 1x8 tbh (referring to the Dark). But when I plugged into a 2x12 cab my jaw dropped! TOTALLY different beast when used with a larger cab. I tried out the little matching 8" cab shown in most videos at guitar center with the intention of buying it with the head for my bedroom, but after much deliberation I passed on it. I almost pulled the trigger on it because they had a used one available, but I just didn't like the sound. As with most 8" speakers it just sounded murky & a bit muffled to me. I wasn't necessarily looking for more volume, just a fatter/fuller sound. Brought the micro dark head home, plugged into my buddy's 2x12 and HOLY HELL was it awesome!! Due to monitary issues I settled on picking up a 1x12 locally via Craigslist and I'm SO glad that I did. So my advice... spend a few more bucks on a larger cab if possible, even if you don't really need something bigger (like in a bedroom, etc). You will be glad you did imo! 🤘 I knew there'd be a noticeable difference between the 1x8 and a 1x12 of course, but I wasn't expecting THAT much difference. A reverb pedal is an absolute must with these heads imo, but that's about it to get started with a kick ass metal sound! Hope my experience helped ✌️🎸🔊
Bad Account Lol yeah I agree. I have the MT and matching 1x8; it’s fine at home, that’s where it stays. I run a Marshall head thru a 4x12 so if that messes up I’ve got my MT for backup. It sounds excellent thru the 4x12, but I do long for an fx loop
I just want to thank you for helping me grasp like, five different aspects of guitar playing/amplification/recording that I've never fully understood in an extremely clear, simple, almost unintentional manner. lol
I have both of these heads and they are amazing. I prefer the Dark only because of the effects loop and extra gain, but you can't argue how good these things sound. Don't waste your money on the 1x8 cab you could get with these and settle for a good 1x12 or 2x12 with V30s. Awesome video!
Best comparison available on UA-cam. I've had the Micro Terror, I've sold it. I regret that, honestly I never understood why I did it. It has the "wild" '70s tone that makes your sound hot as hell! I love its mid-rangy tone. Now I see also the Micro Dark and...oh s**t, I want to try one, it has the typical Orange Tone but with a lot of crispy hi-end. I'm seriously thinkin' to get them both (so I'll purchase the Micro Terror again) in the future. Thanks for the video.
Good comparison, you really brought out the personalities of both amps. As for which sounds better, it just depends on what style of music you're gonna play with it, I'd prefer the dark, but the other would be great for most rock styles.
Having tried both, let me tell you what I found out (my point of view, at least). If u are using single coils, go for the micro terror. If u are using humbuckers or P90s, go for micro dark.
Makes sense as my main guitars are a P90 PRS and a humbucker Ibanez and I was immediately overwhelmed by how much I liked the dark, the micro just didn't sound as good to me. Haven't tried it with my fender
The best way to compare things is to play the same riffs like you did. So many people shred on the one they like and fart on the other. That was a great comparison. I bought the Micro but could see the upsides to the Dark. Great job.
When the micro dark came out I sold my regular micro to buy it. In a room with the amp, the regular micro just always lacked the bottom end "uumf," it would cut through a mix and easily keep up with a drummer, but just something lacked. The dark terror adds those frequencies the regular just doesn't have. Turning the tone knob to about 10 o'clock, which boosts mids/cuts highs really hits the sweet spot on the micro dark and the middle ground between a classic and modern sound. I really have it as just a backup at gigs, which the other guitarist in my band has had to use each amp at different times and between the two the dark terror wins by just a smidgen.
Excellent review. I like the fact you were using the straight amps, no effects. You covered pretty much all bases without any effects, giving a true presentation of the sounds. Well Done !!!
Thanks man. I really was trying to grasp the tone difference between the two. I definitely like the vintage sound from the Micro terror, and was leaning towards that.
Ironically, the Micro Dark sounds better in a more trebly cab and sounds like played under a blanket in an Orange cab. I usually hate a Celestion Seventy 80 loaded cab, I think they sound hairy, harsh and are plain annoyingly ear piercing .. with a Micro Dark, magic :) Especially with the gain at 12o'clock and the tone at 10-11 o'clock
I keep coming back to this video and my mind hasn't changed, the micro is better than the dark for distorted tones. The dark just sounds like a fizzy bedroom line 6 youtube hero tone, the micro cuts through with a ton of mids how a guitar should sound.
Have to agree, the dark sounds dull and muffled in every comparison video I've seen. the dark may sound better with a better quality valve but then so does the Micro.
Thanks. Awesome review. Very informative. Definitely getting the dark. I was really debating which one to get for my sound,metal/doom metal with Les Paul standard. Thanks again. Best review/demo I have seen.
I bought the Micro Dark a little while back. I can say that it rocks, but I highly recommend swapping out the tube. I put in a Mullard 12AX7, and it really helped add some head-room and clarity beyond what it had with the original tube. It can still get the high gain, but just sounds more full and less thin as it did with the stock tube. I mostly use pedals for dirt and run delays and verbs through the loop, which sounds nice. I primarily bought it as a back-up amp for my Egnater Rebel 30. It is very convenient to take in my gig bag in case my main amp craps out. I run it through the Rebel 1x12 cab. I want to get an Orange 1x12 also, so I could run the amps separate at home, or just to try a different cab sound. You can't really go wrong for the price. On the video, the Micro Terror sounds a notch better, but again that might be resolved with the tube swap.
I'll definitely have to try swapping the tube! That's the one problem I have with the Micro Dark was the head room. And yeah honestly I've told any begginer that I meet to buy one of these as their first amp. It is simple, cheap and does the job well. Thanks for the feedback!!
I got that idea from another UA-cam video a guy did after swapping the tube. I wasn't sure it would have enough head-room for my needs prior to seeing that, but that gave me confidence that it could be improved. The exact tube I got was on Amazon at the following link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013O4OZ4
You are correct at it being a great amp for a beginner. Along that line, if you know anyone starting a rig with one, I can highly recommend a particular overdrive pedal that is cheap but pairs well with it. The ToneCity pedal Kaffir Lime goes very well with it, and is only like $65 new. On low gain setting, it gets a great blues/rock tone, and with the amp at high gain, it creates a perfect cutting metal tone. It's one of the pedals I have that I'd never want to do without, and oddly it's about the cheapest one I own. Great little mini pedal!
I popped a NOS GE 12AX7A in my Micro Dark. It made a world of difference over the JJ that was in there. The cleans are far more robust, and the dirt isn't fizzy. Love the little amp. It's a no brainer purchase to me.
Nice balanced review...thorough with cleans and so on...nice playing too man.. ..Been thinking about one of these (I'm a bass player first but I have the Bass terror and it's really incredible) Gotta say, the dark terror wins it all hands down for me. Cheers.
In my ears the MD sound has more substance, sounds more voluminous and has a more massive distortion, which seems to classify it for harder rock music. The MT sounds more crispy and more defined at clean sounds, which classifies it for more traditional rock! Thats my impression! Both sound real amazing (especially, when you chain-in effects like reverb and/or delay. I for myseof play my MD also with a chained-in T-Rex "Mudhoney 2" distortion, a MXR Dyna-Comp and a Boss EQ-7 which turns my MD into a versatile "3-channel-rock-machine"!! Try this, it sounds fantastic!!), when you think of the small size! - I tested both and they both only show their real energy when being played thru a 12" cabinet!! - I use my Orange MD in all situations ( home, studio recording, band rehearsing and small gigs!) and can honestly say: it does a great job!! There are many bigger amps of well known brands, that sound worse then my Orange MD!! - Please keep in mind: If you want to use such an "amp-dwarf" in rehearsing sessions, then use a 2x12" or 4x12" cabinet!! - I got best results with Celestion "Vintage 30" speakers ( Please NEVER underrate the effect of a good speaker-cabinet with high quality speakers! Its a point, that is often forgotten by guitar-players!) - A good trick to improve the sound further, is to replace the preamp tube of your MD or MT with another high quality tube of your personal choice!) - All in all: Well done, Orange! And a good review!!
I preferred the micro dark to the micro terror, it just has more of an edge to it. It's funny, because I prefer the Tiny Terror to the Dark Terror due to the throaty mids. Somehow that doesn't translate to the micro versions,
FX loop, plus the better headphone set up. I'm going on the dark side. If you don't like that much gain just dail in your own tone, I guess. I get mine tomorrow with the little cab, basically to teach lesson when I have to travel to them. I will give a honest opinion after a couple of days fooling around with it. ROCK AND ROLL
terror cleaner richer tones. dark seemed to have heavier distortion. I'd pick the terror. great demo. want to buy one for my son for his dorm room, this demo helped me pick a clear winner.
I have 2 Orange Micro Terrors. I like the increased gain, fx loop and speaker sim for the Orange Micro Dark Terror better. But, for the way I am using them they are fine. I have mine mounted in a rack case converted into a Faux amp head. I run the amps clean only. I use the overdrives from my pedal board. I use an ADA Micro cab II before these amps. I have to use a stereo noise gate in front of these amps, especially when I have to play with a drummer, I turn them up much louder, but there is increased noise. The stereo noise gate solves this issue. I run them through a stereo 4x12 cabinet. These amps are loud enough to gig. I use the speaker sim to the pa currently. I also have Sennheiser e609 mics as well.
Thanks for the video! I thought the Micro Dark sounded better, especially when the tone knob was cranked all the way clockwise. Also like the fact that the headphone jack is cab simulated.
The Micro Terror seemed to have more of a classic/hard rock tone, and I think it did that quite well. The Dark went into a much more saturated tone that could be used for metal playing. In terms of features, I'll take the effects loop over the line in, every day of the week.
I have the Micro Terror amp with the 1x8 cab. You are correct that money would be better spent buying the larger 1×12 cabinet because the little 8" speaker doesn't do the amp justice other than looking good paired up and ease of transport. Definitely DEFINITELY get the amp carrying case, I didn't and while not super terrible...it's still a pain when you have to lug a cabinet and then the amp, power supply, and cables.
Yeah, I kinda feel like the Terror is more directed towards the Classic Rock audience with that kinda-Brittish crisp, while the Dark is more for Heavy Metal.
Erik Saldana think if you really really need the effects loop. Reverb can sound good in front too. Might get a bit gross if you use higher gain sounds though
Terror easily the best sound for me, much more of a deep bluesy drive as opposed to the Micro Dark's fuzz, so I bought a Terror and play it through a 1x12 cab with a Telecaster 72 Custom and it sounds amazing in my room, at band rehearsal and at gigs. I have a big 60w Orange combo to but it has been sitting in the corner for a few months now!
the DT just didn't quite get as clean as I wanted it too and only did metal really well so I got an MT and some pedals which works great awesome amps, great vid my dude
The Micro Terror seems to have a more classic sound and the Dark a more modern sound. I guess that's the point of the two different models. I like the clean tone of the Dark and the crunch/lead tone of the Micro Terror.
Killer demo man. I like both of them for different purposes, though I lean toward the MT just because I feel like I can just put an overdrive/fuzz or distortion in front of it and get what I want out of it. Though that cab emulation on the MD for headphone use sounds rad too, and i guess the fx loop doesn't hurt either. They're both great really.
Great video. A local music shop let me borrow one of the Micro Dark so I could do a comparison at home with my Micro Terror. I use a 1960A Marshall 4x12 and my findings matched yours exactly. I found the Micro Terror to have a better tone overall to my ears. I do wish it had the extra options that the Micro Dark has though...
This video helped me pick which of the two amps to buy. I'm very happy with my microterror, even though it doesn't have the FX loop... the voicing of the amp is much more present, where the Dark has a lot of bass end always... the Micro Terror is much more versatile... where it's maybe suited more for blues and rock, it can also get a modern metal tone with a clean boost in front of the amp. The Dark is pretty much made for metal, and that's pretty much what it does. I wish Orange made an amp in this price range that had the features of both amps combined... or at least a 3 band EQ, but I can get a good tone, and it's less than $200 so I really can't complain.
I disagree, I think the Dark has even better cleans than the terror which I find too mid heavy. The Dark has a frender-ish quality with its scooped mids The FX loop makes it the more versatile choice.
Great review! Think I prefer the micro dark but for some sounds the tiny terror sounded better. The fx loop on the dark terror is a strong argument in favor of the dark terror. Great playing btw.
The notes of the Terror seem to have more body but lack the clarity of the Dark. Also the Shape Control of the Dark seems to have a Larger range to be fair, so I wouldn't say it's over distorted as it first appeared. I personally would get the dark and try to spruce up the body(Presence*?) a bit. Great Review!!!, I gotta listen a couple more times through headphones and then Speakers. Thanks Man!👍🎸
+DanielSchim how's the clean on most Orange amps? I know that Orange has good crunch and gain but not too sure of cleans and I want to get a new combo amp
+Alexis Santos I would check out the Rockerverb or the AD30 (the AD30 doesn't have a effects loop) to my ears they are really nice clean tones. I'm a fender cleans kind of guy but the Orange cleans I can live with because if the beautiful overdrive they produce. My rockerverb is one of the few amps where I can gig with only and amp and a guitar
When I test drove the Micro Terror at my local guitar shop, I had it running through a Marshall 4x12 cab. It looked stupid in all the right ways. Also sounded amazing through that cab, by the way.
Good job, a no nonsense comparison. Im going to the dark side.
I've owned both of these (I still have my M Dark; sold the M Terror to a bandmate when his VHT Super6 Ultra blew up).....I've used them both on stage, and here's what I can tell you:
>Either of these on top of a 1x12" w/Vintage 30 cab ~will~ stay over the drums in small to medium-sized venues w/o mic-ing to FOH. I was playing blues, classic rock, country with the white one before I sold it, and classic rock/blues, GD with the black one these days. This was with either one at the top of their 'clean headroom'; the drive sound from either sounds great, but to be able to clean up/dirty up during songs I have to get my drive and boost tones from pedals, and leave the amp at it's top clean level. I dime the output level and then bring up the gain until it ~just~ starts to get hair (that;s about 12:00 on the Terror; about 10:30 on the Dark). The Terror does get a little louder clean; and the Dark does start to 'turn Orange' a little sooner. I often use the buffer/boost at the end of my board to add clean headroom to the Dark.
>If you do use these for their drive sounds, you'll find that the Dark has more compression; a more 'modern' sound, while the Terror renders a more 70s-80s 'Marshall rhythm-tone'.
>Unless you have the gain really wound up, reverb in front sounds fine (I use a TC HOF mini or a BOSS RV-3).
>Perhaps the ~best~ use for the Dark's loop (especially if you're using the preamp-gain sound) is to run EFX send to a BIG amp's EFX return (I use a Carvin XB100 2x12 combo), and blow 100w of MicroDark stun-tone out of the big amp's power section! Sounds like a RockerVerb, but for under $600.....
>You can do that the opposite way, as well: My 2w Fender Greta 'radio amp' has the sweetest chimey clean tone, but after about 2 on the volume is turns to 'Pignose-dirt'. I run the Greta's EFX send to the Dark's EFX return, leave the Greta on about 1 1/2, and get 20w of that sound using the Dark's solid state power section, with it's volume control the 'master volume'.
>If you don't mind lugging two cabinets to a gig, you can A/B a Terror and a Dark for your clean and drive tones, and leave your pedal-board home (bring reverbs, though lol).
>One BIG difference between these two amps is the Dark's 'shape' knob: it does NOT function the same way as a 'tone' control like on the Terror (they're only at the 'same' voicing at 12:00). The Dark's 'Shape' control is very sensitive through it's range, and seems to integrate a high-pass/lo-pass filter. You're actually changing the ratio of highs ~and~ lows to the midrange when you turn it, and thus '0' is not the muddy, dull sound of a 'tone' knob at '0'. and there's a surprising number of great voices as you go through the 'shape' knob's range.....I'd rather see the Terror get the Dark's 'shape' circuit than its EFX loop, to tell the truth.
>I use the Dark with a 1x12" cab now as my 'bedroom amp', too, to get the sweet *and* the nasty without waking up my sweetie (it retired a Mooer 5w 'Purple Wind' I was using).
>If you run either of these loud and dirty for your 'main amp-tone', you'll get a far better solo-tone on top of that with a "boost" (such as TC Spark mini, EP Booster, or Fulltone 2B) than you will with your TubeScreamer-type 'overdrive' pedals, which tend to just make a mess, since the preamp is already so overdriven/compressed. Try both; you'll hear the huge difference.......
this was worth scrolling down for- I am not too sure how important the effects loop is and already have the terror. The thing is I love the gain I am getting from the terror and feel like what is the point of having a tube pre for that warm gain sound if I am not going to use it? not having amp with an effects loop- around where on the gain would you say the sound on the terror starts to get really muddy and suffer?
hippiekarl7 p
Just gotta say this is a brilliant comment. I just bought a Micro Terror yesterday, so I've been scouring the web for tips from other players, and you've honestly been the most helpful. Thank you!
Brilliant.
Also isn't the Purple wind from Hotone??
Micro dark here, Just picked up one yesterday with the 1x8 cab that was less than 2 weeks old from a dude for $100.00 for both!!!
Wow. That's a steal and a half. :D
Wow.....that's one Hell of a Deal!!!! Wonder where he stole it?? Must have to have it so briefly and sell it SO cheap!!! Otherwise, he would have been able to just return them and get a Full refund!!
I know this is an old comment, but is the 1x8 alright to use?
Bad Account Lol I'm pretty easily impressed generally, but I actually don't care for the sound when paired with the 1x8 tbh (referring to the Dark). But when I plugged into a 2x12 cab my jaw dropped! TOTALLY different beast when used with a larger cab. I tried out the little matching 8" cab shown in most videos at guitar center with the intention of buying it with the head for my bedroom, but after much deliberation I passed on it. I almost pulled the trigger on it because they had a used one available, but I just didn't like the sound. As with most 8" speakers it just sounded murky & a bit muffled to me. I wasn't necessarily looking for more volume, just a fatter/fuller sound. Brought the micro dark head home, plugged into my buddy's 2x12 and HOLY HELL was it awesome!! Due to monitary issues I settled on picking up a 1x12 locally via Craigslist and I'm SO glad that I did. So my advice... spend a few more bucks on a larger cab if possible, even if you don't really need something bigger (like in a bedroom, etc). You will be glad you did imo! 🤘 I knew there'd be a noticeable difference between the 1x8 and a 1x12 of course, but I wasn't expecting THAT much difference. A reverb pedal is an absolute must with these heads imo, but that's about it to get started with a kick ass metal sound! Hope my experience helped ✌️🎸🔊
Bad Account Lol yeah I agree. I have the MT and matching 1x8; it’s fine at home, that’s where it stays. I run a Marshall head thru a 4x12 so if that messes up I’ve got my MT for backup. It sounds excellent thru the 4x12, but I do long for an fx loop
Your playing is bloody fantastic! Great work!
Tommy Allen thanks man! I really appreciate it!
I got the Dark and glad I did. It's got more low end, tons of fuzz and it's shreddalicious! Great video.
I just want to thank you for helping me grasp like, five different aspects of guitar playing/amplification/recording that I've never fully understood in an extremely clear, simple, almost unintentional manner. lol
Totally! I'm really glad I could help!
Thanks for the side by side comparison, definitely helped me decide. Dark terror it is.
Dear Orange amp Co. ... everyone wants an fx loop on the MT. Make it happen. thx.
Micro Dark has got send return
he said Micro Terror.
Andrea Toscano he said Micro Terror
How about a dual Micro Terror with both these amps in one box... and an FX loop!
Yeah, I like the tone of the terror better, the dark terrors
To scooped.
I have both of these heads and they are amazing. I prefer the Dark only because of the effects loop and extra gain, but you can't argue how good these things sound. Don't waste your money on the 1x8 cab you could get with these and settle for a good 1x12 or 2x12 with V30s. Awesome video!
Thanks, there seems to be a real sweet-spot in the tone shaping control on the Micro Dark. Really liking the sound! I appreciate the review...
Hey yo BH!
Best comparison available on UA-cam.
I've had the Micro Terror, I've sold it.
I regret that, honestly I never understood why I did it.
It has the "wild" '70s tone that makes your sound hot as hell!
I love its mid-rangy tone.
Now I see also the Micro Dark and...oh s**t, I want to try one, it has the typical Orange Tone but with a lot of crispy hi-end. I'm seriously thinkin' to get them both (so I'll purchase the Micro Terror again) in the future.
Thanks for the video.
The micro terror is definitely my pick. I dig the creamier, rounder tone.
Good comparison, you really brought out the personalities of both amps. As for which sounds better, it just depends on what style of music you're gonna play with it, I'd prefer the dark, but the other would be great for most rock styles.
Having tried both, let me tell you what I found out (my point of view, at least).
If u are using single coils, go for the micro terror.
If u are using humbuckers or P90s, go for micro dark.
why though?
Thank you!#🎸🤘🏻ficker22
Makes sense as my main guitars are a P90 PRS and a humbucker Ibanez and I was immediately overwhelmed by how much I liked the dark, the micro just didn't sound as good to me. Haven't tried it with my fender
The best way to compare things is to play the same riffs like you did. So many people shred on the one they like and fart on the other. That was a great comparison. I bought the Micro but could see the upsides to the Dark. Great job.
I have both and an ABY box. Pretty awesome rig without breaking the bank! Nice Video.
Thank you! And that sounds like an awesome rig!
+DanielSchim Works well. I run one clean - well, reasonably clean - and the other well overdriven.
Exactly what I was thinking. For the price, just get both and a stereo 4x12.
ABY box them into each side of the cab, and blend to taste.
I love all of you for this. I'm not the only one! hahaha
When the micro dark came out I sold my regular micro to buy it. In a room with the amp, the regular micro just always lacked the bottom end "uumf," it would cut through a mix and easily keep up with a drummer, but just something lacked. The dark terror adds those frequencies the regular just doesn't have. Turning the tone knob to about 10 o'clock, which boosts mids/cuts highs really hits the sweet spot on the micro dark and the middle ground between a classic and modern sound. I really have it as just a backup at gigs, which the other guitarist in my band has had to use each amp at different times and between the two the dark terror wins by just a smidgen.
That tone at 8:45 is awesome!!! I will buy one soon because of this video thanks…
Subbed because of your playing. I'm sick of reviewers only shredding or playing generic blues licks. You have a great style, man.
Great comp, great playing, amazing the amps...and a huge credit to your stellar cool Les Paul!
I choose the Micro Terror...Bravo!!!Thanks for the video!Greetings from 🇮🇹Italy!
Excellent review. I like the fact you were using the straight amps, no effects. You covered pretty much all bases without any effects, giving a true presentation of the sounds. Well Done !!!
First off...sweet guitar! Love the green! And, thanks for posting. I really like the Micro Dark.
Thanks man. I really was trying to grasp the tone difference between the two. I definitely like the vintage sound from the Micro terror, and was leaning towards that.
You did a great job on the vid Daniel. I would not change anything.
I preferred the regular Micro Terror. To my ear it had a fuller sound.
Thank you so much for your feedback! Glad you enjoyed it!!!
Ironically, the Micro Dark sounds better in a more trebly cab and sounds like played under a blanket in an Orange cab. I usually hate a Celestion Seventy 80 loaded cab, I think they sound hairy, harsh and are plain annoyingly ear piercing .. with a Micro Dark, magic :) Especially with the gain at 12o'clock and the tone at 10-11 o'clock
I was hung up on both amps but this definitely helped me decide which one to pull the trigger on, thanks!
Awesome comparison video. Very informative and helpful. Frankly surprised you don't have wayy more subscribers, which you clearly deserve.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!
i liked the versatility and sound of the micro dark. thanks for showing the comparison.
Jay Memegos thanks for watching!
cool video.. i enjoyed. thanks for making it.
Great video man . Really informative ✌🏼👌🏼
I just bought the Micro Dark last weekend. Absolutely love it!
Great demo and awesome playing. Love the Les Paul!!
Melonos thank you!!!
5:09 don't waste your time, here it is.
Awesome side by side review. Thank you for posting this.
Steve Kosloske thanks for watching!!!
I keep coming back to this video and my mind hasn't changed, the micro is better than the dark for distorted tones. The dark just sounds like a fizzy bedroom line 6 youtube hero tone, the micro cuts through with a ton of mids how a guitar should sound.
Have to agree, the dark sounds dull and muffled in every comparison video I've seen. the dark may sound better with a better quality valve but then so does the Micro.
Call me crazy, but I traded my JazzChorus for a MT. Better tone at practice volumes and bluesy overdrive for days...
Thanks. Awesome review. Very informative. Definitely getting the dark. I was really debating which one to get for my sound,metal/doom metal with Les Paul standard. Thanks again. Best review/demo I have seen.
Great review, Answered a lot of questions for me, Thanks.
Your playing is above the usual.Mighty fine comparison were the Micro Terror comes out on top by far.
Great playing and an awesome demo. The dark definitely has a darker tone, but I liked them both!
Thanks for the feedback!
I bought the Micro Dark a little while back. I can say that it rocks, but I highly recommend swapping out the tube. I put in a Mullard 12AX7, and it really helped add some head-room and clarity beyond what it had with the original tube. It can still get the high gain, but just sounds more full and less thin as it did with the stock tube. I mostly use pedals for dirt and run delays and verbs through the loop, which sounds nice. I primarily bought it as a back-up amp for my Egnater Rebel 30. It is very convenient to take in my gig bag in case my main amp craps out. I run it through the Rebel 1x12 cab. I want to get an Orange 1x12 also, so I could run the amps separate at home, or just to try a different cab sound. You can't really go wrong for the price. On the video, the Micro Terror sounds a notch better, but again that might be resolved with the tube swap.
I'll definitely have to try swapping the tube! That's the one problem I have with the Micro Dark was the head room. And yeah honestly I've told any begginer that I meet to buy one of these as their first amp. It is simple, cheap and does the job well. Thanks for the feedback!!
I got that idea from another UA-cam video a guy did after swapping the tube. I wasn't sure it would have enough head-room for my needs prior to seeing that, but that gave me confidence that it could be improved. The exact tube I got was on Amazon at the following link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013O4OZ4
You are correct at it being a great amp for a beginner. Along that line, if you know anyone starting a rig with one, I can highly recommend a particular overdrive pedal that is cheap but pairs well with it. The ToneCity pedal Kaffir Lime goes very well with it, and is only like $65 new. On low gain setting, it gets a great blues/rock tone, and with the amp at high gain, it creates a perfect cutting metal tone. It's one of the pedals I have that I'd never want to do without, and oddly it's about the cheapest one I own. Great little mini pedal!
Thats awesome! my favorite Distortion is also one the the cheapest I own. Mooer Black Secret! Thanks for all the suggestions!
I popped a NOS GE 12AX7A in my Micro Dark. It made a world of difference over the JJ that was in there. The cleans are far more robust, and the dirt isn't fizzy. Love the little amp. It's a no brainer purchase to me.
Best video I've watched...thanks!
Micro terror wins for me. But could have a loop FX included in the next versions.
Hi here's my Micro Terror fx loop mod 🙂
ua-cam.com/video/gRw8VjhUvrk/v-deo.html
Very informative! I initially liked the mt more, from other videos ive seen, but now im leaning towards the micro dark.
Great Video, thank you! That Green LP is awesome, beautiful guitar sir, and great playing. I prefer the Micro Dark.
I like the sound of the Micro better, I believe. Warmer. Nice comparison--thanks!
Nice balanced review...thorough with cleans and so on...nice playing too man.. ..Been thinking about one of these (I'm a bass player first but I have the Bass terror and it's really incredible) Gotta say, the dark terror wins it all hands down for me. Cheers.
Micro terror for me I don’t use pedals I just like a raw dirty sound
I have the dark terror and love it. I have it plugged into my Marshall 4x12 cab and it sounds amazing.
Damn! That's probably the best review of anything, ever.
Btw, already had the micro but Jesus they're both noooice.
In my ears the MD sound has more substance, sounds more voluminous and has a more massive distortion, which seems to classify it for harder rock music. The MT sounds more crispy and more defined at clean sounds, which classifies it for more traditional rock! Thats my impression! Both sound real amazing (especially, when you chain-in effects like reverb and/or delay. I for myseof play my MD also with a chained-in T-Rex "Mudhoney 2" distortion, a MXR Dyna-Comp and a Boss EQ-7 which turns my MD into a versatile "3-channel-rock-machine"!! Try this, it sounds fantastic!!), when you think of the small size! - I tested both and they both only show their real energy when being played thru a 12" cabinet!! - I use my Orange MD in all situations ( home, studio recording, band rehearsing and small gigs!) and can honestly say: it does a great job!! There are many bigger amps of well known brands, that sound worse then my Orange MD!! -
Please keep in mind: If you want to use such an "amp-dwarf" in rehearsing sessions, then use a 2x12" or 4x12" cabinet!! - I got best results with Celestion "Vintage 30" speakers ( Please NEVER underrate the effect of a good speaker-cabinet with high quality speakers! Its a point, that is often forgotten by guitar-players!) - A good trick to improve the sound further, is to replace the preamp tube of your MD or MT with another high quality tube of your personal choice!) - All in all: Well done, Orange!
And a good review!!
I preferred the micro dark to the micro terror, it just has more of an edge to it.
It's funny, because I prefer the Tiny Terror to the Dark Terror due to the throaty mids. Somehow that doesn't translate to the micro versions,
Best demo of this amps on the web.
Thank you! I really appreciate that!
I wish they made a dual channel version of the Orange Micro Dark!
Thank you. You answered question for in that mini terror doesn’t have speaker simulation while dark does.
FX loop, plus the better headphone set up. I'm going on the dark side. If you don't like that much gain just dail in your own tone, I guess. I get mine tomorrow with the little cab, basically to teach lesson when I have to travel to them. I will give a honest opinion after a couple of days fooling around with it.
ROCK AND ROLL
terror cleaner richer tones. dark seemed to have heavier distortion. I'd pick the terror. great demo. want to buy one for my son for his dorm room, this demo helped me pick a clear winner.
I have 2 Orange Micro Terrors. I like the increased gain, fx loop and speaker sim for the Orange Micro Dark Terror better. But, for the way I am using them they are fine. I have mine mounted in a rack case converted into a Faux amp head. I run the amps clean only. I use the overdrives from my pedal board. I use an ADA Micro cab II before these amps. I have to use a stereo noise gate in front of these amps, especially when I have to play with a drummer, I turn them up much louder, but there is increased noise. The stereo noise gate solves this issue. I run them through a stereo 4x12 cabinet. These amps are loud enough to gig. I use the speaker sim to the pa currently. I also have Sennheiser e609 mics as well.
Both sound really good,but to me the MT sounds alot brighter.
Thanks for the video! I thought the Micro Dark sounded better, especially when the tone knob was cranked all the way clockwise. Also like the fact that the headphone jack is cab simulated.
great Demo.... I'll take the dark. having more gain is just too much fun. I find most atoms have a pretty clean sound but I like to warm it up a bit
its all about the micro dark! metal forever
Man this video was super helpful, thanks so much. I like the micro dark a little better, especially for the cleans.
The Micro Terror seemed to have more of a classic/hard rock tone, and I think it did that quite well. The Dark went into a much more saturated tone that could be used for metal playing. In terms of features, I'll take the effects loop over the line in, every day of the week.
Dark for high gain rhythm guitar and the mids in the terror sound amazing for leads
I have the Micro Terror amp with the 1x8 cab. You are correct that money would be better spent buying the larger 1×12 cabinet because the little 8" speaker doesn't do the amp justice other than looking good paired up and ease of transport. Definitely DEFINITELY get the amp carrying case, I didn't and while not super terrible...it's still a pain when you have to lug a cabinet and then the amp, power supply, and cables.
Going to get the Micro Dark thanks for the video. Good work.
Your guitar and playing sound's very good. Thanks for the reviue !
The micro terror is sick but the micro dark seems more versatile then the standard...... caveat I own both!
I'm gonna get that micro dark for upcoming gigs. I don't feel like taking a $700 tube amp into public where it's vulnerable.
Love orange so much
Got the Dark 2 weeks ago, it kicks some ass with an overdrive in front of it. Love that lil beast
Probably best review on the internet, everything is clear and very detailed without being boring!
Dani West thank you! I really appreciate that!
50/50 but id probably say dark just cause it looks sexy af
Well, having more gain is also a good option.....But having an effects loop alone is what makes it the Obvious choice!!!
I liked the clarity of the dark terror in the cleans.
I preferred the clean tones of the Terror and the OD on the Dark. The Terror sounds a bit more crisp to me and the OD not as smooth as on the Dark.
Yeah, I kinda feel like the Terror is more directed towards the Classic Rock audience with that kinda-Brittish crisp, while the Dark is more for Heavy Metal.
Thank you, your video was very helpful. I am gonna go with the white one, I think it is better suited for the kind of music I like
Really they are both badass. I got a MT and still want a dark
I like the sound of the micro terror better than the dark, but I want the effect loop on the dark so can add reverb...
dude I'm in the same situation
Erik Saldana think if you really really need the effects loop. Reverb can sound good in front too. Might get a bit gross if you use higher gain sounds though
Me too, terror FTW
Same. And finally if I had to choose one, I'll go for Micro Dark.
Just plug a reverb pedal into the front of the amp don't need an fx loop. That's how I set my amp up because it's got no fx loop.
With the Micro Terror plus a Riot you have it all... That's why the Terror. Greetings.
I just ordered the Micro Terror but after watching this I wish that I had ordered the Dark. But I think my banjo will sound good through either.
nice review you covered everything well in my opinion.. I must say I like the micro dark myself
Terror easily the best sound for me, much more of a deep bluesy drive as opposed to the Micro Dark's fuzz, so I bought a Terror and play it through a 1x12 cab with a Telecaster 72 Custom and it sounds amazing in my room, at band rehearsal and at gigs. I have a big 60w Orange combo to but it has been sitting in the corner for a few months now!
the DT just didn't quite get as clean as I wanted it too and only did metal really well so I got an MT and some pedals which works great
awesome amps, great vid my dude
definitely gonna get the dark. great video
like the Dark....gonna get one...WAY more saturation ...good video
The Micro Terror seems to have a more classic sound and the Dark a more modern sound. I guess that's the point of the two different models. I like the clean tone of the Dark and the crunch/lead tone of the Micro Terror.
Killer demo man. I like both of them for different purposes, though I lean toward the MT just because I feel like I can just put an overdrive/fuzz or distortion in front of it and get what I want out of it. Though that cab emulation on the MD for headphone use sounds rad too, and i guess the fx loop doesn't hurt either. They're both great really.
Great video. A local music shop let me borrow one of the Micro Dark so I could do a comparison at home with my Micro Terror. I use a 1960A Marshall 4x12 and my findings matched yours exactly. I found the Micro Terror to have a better tone overall to my ears. I do wish it had the extra options that the Micro Dark has though...
A very good Review ! Thanks a lot
This video helped me pick which of the two amps to buy. I'm very happy with my microterror, even though it doesn't have the FX loop... the voicing of the amp is much more present, where the Dark has a lot of bass end always... the Micro Terror is much more versatile... where it's maybe suited more for blues and rock, it can also get a modern metal tone with a clean boost in front of the amp.
The Dark is pretty much made for metal, and that's pretty much what it does.
I wish Orange made an amp in this price range that had the features of both amps combined... or at least a 3 band EQ, but I can get a good tone, and it's less than $200 so I really can't complain.
I disagree, I think the Dark has even better cleans than the terror which I find too mid heavy. The Dark has a frender-ish quality with its scooped mids The FX loop makes it the more versatile choice.
@@frankb5728 Yeah, I hate the way fender amps sound. Like any stoner who plays stoner doom, I love my "heady mids."
Great job! I ended up buying the Micro Terror.
Great review! Think I prefer the micro dark but for some sounds the tiny terror sounded better. The fx loop on the dark terror is a strong argument in favor of the dark terror. Great playing btw.
Thank you!! And thanks for the feedback!
Very good comparison. In the end, though, I bought the Roland JC-22.
liked them both depending on what you were playing.
overall I prefer the tiny terror tones.
I recently played the micro dark into a Marshal 12 cab, I was impressed at the volume and tonal range of this little amp.
Solid review. The Terror seemed to have more range but the compression on YT is rough. Can't go with Orange !🔥🎸🍊😎
thanks man for review, helped me a lot
Great side by side comparison! I liked the Dark model, it seemed to have a better tone and a lot better gain.
The notes of the Terror seem to have more body but lack the clarity of the Dark. Also the Shape Control of the Dark seems to have a Larger range to be fair, so I wouldn't say it's over distorted as it first appeared. I personally would get the dark and try to spruce up the body(Presence*?) a bit. Great Review!!!, I gotta listen a couple more times through headphones and then Speakers. Thanks Man!👍🎸
Thanks for watching!!!
I preferred the Micro Terror. The Micro Dark sounded way too thin for my liking. Hopefully others will agree or maybe I'm crazy
I completely agree that the micro dark has way more chime! Thanks for the comment!
+DanielSchim no probs man. Is Orange your go to for amps?
It's one of my favorite brands, I'm a Fender and Orange kind of guy! Supro is also up there somewhere
+DanielSchim how's the clean on most Orange amps? I know that Orange has good crunch and gain but not too sure of cleans and I want to get a new combo amp
+Alexis Santos I would check out the Rockerverb or the AD30 (the AD30 doesn't have a effects loop) to my ears they are really nice clean tones. I'm a fender cleans kind of guy but the Orange cleans I can live with because if the beautiful overdrive they produce. My rockerverb is one of the few amps where I can gig with only and amp and a guitar
Nice comparison. I'm definitely getting the dark.