That was ridiculously awesome, both that amp and your jamming!! Major props, thinking about moving Marshall JVM 410H and after doing a tone of research I was leaning towards making the move, you just tipped me over. Gonna put the Marshall up for sale tonight. Rock on man!
I know I’m late to the party on this video. There isn’t a lot out there on this amp just a few videos. I recently picked up an orange dual dark 100 it was modified by Dave Friedman, he did something called tight mod which cleared up some low end flub. My question to you is did you find that channel A is slightly muffled compared to channel B? I’ll play at different volumes on channel A and it sounds like something is somewhat covering up like a blanketed effect. Channel B no matter what Volume is clear. Awesome video man, definitely one of the best ones that covered this amplifier.
Thanks so much! I bet the Friedman mod is beastly! This amp was on loan from Orange when I shit the video so I don’t own it personally. It makes sense one channel is a bit darker though as I imagine the intent is for one channel to be rhythm and the other more cutting for solos. I do love how both channels are voiced for sure.
i got one of the first rockerverb and they are both different world. Channel A can looks like the rockerverb but the cleans is better on rockerverb since there's a very good builtin spring reverb
Mike, I must say that I love you for this demo :D Thanks for showcasing the dual dark without playing metal! I am finally able to make up my mind whether to go for dual dark or rockerverb. I don't need a dedicated clean channel, I need one crunchy channel and then the full-loaded lead sound (not metal) and I think that the dual dark will be a better option for this. Thanks again for showing us that this head is not only for metalheads :))
Glad it helped! I actually like both of those amps too and know how tough it would be to choose between them. Even when I play metal gigs other players comment on how much less gain I use. I think it sounds more aggressive to be just a bit cleaner. I can hear more attack and more of the wood and strings of the guitar. Makes me dig in harder but that could be my punk influences showing lol
Funny a lot of people say Orange doesn't do clean. Its surprising how well it does clean when you actually play it clean and your not pumping loads of gain into it. I hate when I want to hear an amp or a guitar and people can only play metal through it. Based on so many reviews I thought this amp could only do metal. It sounds like it has a really nice clean channel it seems to compare to the Marshall JCM800 and Diezel Vh4s clean. Very dark tight and singy; does it have good headroom? Love the two channel idea could be anything you want it to be and its got a dark punchy sound vs Marshalls brighter sound. Like how you can even run different tubes in it and the power settings, seems way more versatile then I thought you get a nice overdriven grit out of it too and its not fizzy fuzzy or thin. My current amp is a Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue. I like it for some songs but it would be nice to have a second amp with a fatter darker tone.
Sounds awesome. Came pretty close to buying one too but went for another make out of several choices. Ach, decisions are ever so cruel. Great review as always. At 30watts setting, how did you find it for home use at lower volumes? With it being voiced differently to other Orange amps such as the Rockerverb, can you get a good heavy sound out of it at say, TV/Radio/Sociable type of low volumes? Cheers! :)
Jackal Fox I was running it in the lowest power setting so you can hear how much headroom it still has at lower volumes, although I was turning it up at that power setting! I think it sounded fantastic.
Phill PT Thank you! Yes, the attenuator is perfect for getting the volume of this beast down while retaining it's savage tone! All Orange amps take overdrive pedals very well in my experience as well. This amp is definitely one of my favorites in the line!
I do really like the OR100 as well, but I think I prefer the Dual Dark if I had to choose between them. Hope that helps and let me know which one you pick up!
Hey Mike love your demos man! Top notch all the way! Hey I just wanted to ask if you have ever checked out the Fender Machete. They were discontinued because everyone just overlooked them but I just got one and it actually sounds very similar from what I can tell in this video. Very solid amps and now you can pick them up for a really good price. Any how keep the killer vids coming. Keep Rockin'!
It really depends on how much gain you dial in. This amp has a TON of gain so I wouldn't need to turn it up much past 2 o'clock for anything at stage volume. In fact, I find the louder I turn up my amps, the more I turn the gain down to keep it from howling and squealing at me. I don't like to use noise gates, personally, but I know for some modern styles it is unavoidable.
I think this is my favorite of the Orange line that I've had a chance to really play. Definitely aggressive saturation. Much more gain than a JCM800 by itself, which either needs some kind of "Hot Mod" or some sort of 808OD in front of it. The Dual Dark is probably a bit more versatile too.
I totally think so! A lot of metal players use some form of overdrive pedal to tighten up an amp, not necessarily for more gain. And this amp does not need more gain! This is one of my favorite modern amps in the Orange line!
+Mike Martin awesome! thanks for the feedback, man. I'm trying to decide if should get this or the Kemper power rack. I need good high gain tones and bedroom volumes, not necessarily whisper volumes but lower enough to keep from killing every one else in the house lol
My experience with other models is that the voicing is consistent between different wattage's of heads. That being said, I have not had an opportunity to play the 100 and the 50 watt Dual Darks side by side to compare. I have played both though and they sound fantastic!
More headroom at 100 watts, but also has all of the features to cut the power down to 2 power tubes making it a 50 watt as well as half power switches from there. The 50 watt still has the half power features as well so it's really a price point and if you would ever use the 100 watt setting either live or in the studio.
Thanks, Jason! The Rockerverb III has a "clean" channel that has a lot more chime where the Dual Dark is more of tow gain channels that can clean up. I would say that while the Rockerverb III still has a ton of gain on tap, this amp can be dialed in much more aggressively.
Why would you buy the king of all Gain amps then ask if you can run a dam overdrive pedal with it?? Wtf!!! Its the Dual Dark Orange. NO PEDALS NEEDED!!!
An overdrive pedal tightens things up. Orange amps really aren't all that tight. Tighter than a Recto but not crazy tight like a Fryette UL or Randal Thrasher.
Complimenti per quasta demo..... Finalmente hai dato giustizia a questo gioiellino!!!
Man, you sure know how to mic an amp! Great sound, great playing, and great demo!
Thanks so much!
That was ridiculously awesome, both that amp and your jamming!! Major props, thinking about moving Marshall JVM 410H and after doing a tone of research I was leaning towards making the move, you just tipped me over. Gonna put the Marshall up for sale tonight. Rock on man!
This one of my favorite amps I have demo'd so far. I need one in my stable too!
Wow fantastic demo on this amp.
Finally a cool demo that makes justice to this amp!! I'm going to get one very soon!! Awesome!!
Great demo man, thanks, exactly what I was looking for!
Thanks!
Mike - great review and awesome sound!
***** Thanks Bro!
Killer demo man. This is my be all amp. I need it.
Thanks man! I love this amp and still need to get one of my own!
Excellent review. Really enjoyed it!!
+Tim Neatrour Thanks so much!
The first non-metal review of this amp I could find. Awesome work dude, loved it!!
I really want one now hahaha
Thanks man! I love this amp and need one for my collection. Very versatile!!
Jake McLaughlin I play classic rock to 80s metal stuff. To modern metal
I know I’m late to the party on this video. There isn’t a lot out there on this amp just a few videos. I recently picked up an orange dual dark 100 it was modified by Dave Friedman, he did something called tight mod which cleared up some low end flub. My question to you is did you find that channel A is slightly muffled compared to channel B? I’ll play at different volumes on channel A and it sounds like something is somewhat covering up like a blanketed effect. Channel B no matter what Volume is clear. Awesome video man, definitely one of the best ones that covered this amplifier.
Thanks so much! I bet the Friedman mod is beastly! This amp was on loan from Orange when I shit the video so I don’t own it personally. It makes sense one channel is a bit darker though as I imagine the intent is for one channel to be rhythm and the other more cutting for solos. I do love how both channels are voiced for sure.
You make those Orange amps sound pretty freakin good. I've narrowed my choices down for my next amp to an Orange or a Vox.
Thanks so much! Glad my videos have helped you in your search!
I personally love the Dual Dark and want one for my arsenal. For versatility, I think it's a toss up between the new Rockerverb and the DD.
i got one of the first rockerverb and they are both different world. Channel A can looks like the rockerverb but the cleans is better on rockerverb since there's a very good builtin spring reverb
Mike, I must say that I love you for this demo :D Thanks for showcasing the dual dark without playing metal! I am finally able to make up my mind whether to go for dual dark or rockerverb. I don't need a dedicated clean channel, I need one crunchy channel and then the full-loaded lead sound (not metal) and I think that the dual dark will be a better option for this. Thanks again for showing us that this head is not only for metalheads :))
Glad it helped! I actually like both of those amps too and know how tough it would be to choose between them. Even when I play metal gigs other players comment on how much less gain I use. I think it sounds more aggressive to be just a bit cleaner. I can hear more attack and more of the wood and strings of the guitar. Makes me dig in harder but that could be my punk influences showing lol
Funny a lot of people say Orange doesn't do clean. Its surprising how well it does clean when you actually play it clean and your not pumping loads of gain into it. I hate when I want to hear an amp or a guitar and people can only play metal through it. Based on so many reviews I thought this amp could only do metal. It sounds like it has a really nice clean channel it seems to compare to the Marshall JCM800 and Diezel Vh4s clean. Very dark tight and singy; does it have good headroom? Love the two channel idea could be anything you want it to be and its got a dark punchy sound vs Marshalls brighter sound. Like how you can even run different tubes in it and the power settings, seems way more versatile then I thought you get a nice overdriven grit out of it too and its not fizzy fuzzy or thin. My current amp is a Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue. I like it for some songs but it would be nice to have a second amp with a fatter darker tone.
Sounds awesome. Came pretty close to buying one too but went for another make out of several choices. Ach, decisions are ever so cruel. Great review as always.
At 30watts setting, how did you find it for home use at lower volumes? With it being voiced differently to other Orange amps such as the Rockerverb, can you get a good heavy sound out of it at say, TV/Radio/Sociable type of low volumes?
Cheers! :)
Jackal Fox I was running it in the lowest power setting so you can hear how much headroom it still has at lower volumes, although I was turning it up at that power setting! I think it sounded fantastic.
Mike Martin That's interesting to know, thank you Mike. :)
sounds sick!
It's a beast for sure!
Hello my friend. Loved your review, but I have some doubts. The amp accepts well overdrive pedals? Can I play at home using the attenuator? Thank you!
Phill PT Thank you! Yes, the attenuator is perfect for getting the volume of this beast down while retaining it's savage tone! All Orange amps take overdrive pedals very well in my experience as well. This amp is definitely one of my favorites in the line!
Mike Martin I'm torn between this and the Orange or100. Can you help me? I play blues and rock 70's / 80's and 90´s..
I do really like the OR100 as well, but I think I prefer the Dual Dark if I had to choose between them. Hope that helps and let me know which one you pick up!
Mike Martin I will buy the dual dark 50w. Thanks again
Excellent!!
Hi Mike ! Do you recomend this amp to play funk ? Thanks
Hey Mike love your demos man! Top notch all the way! Hey I just wanted to ask if you have ever checked out the Fender Machete. They were discontinued because everyone just overlooked them but I just got one and it actually sounds very similar from what I can tell in this video. Very solid amps and now you can pick them up for a really good price. Any how keep the killer vids coming. Keep Rockin'!
millershane71 Thanks man! I have not played one but I have heard good things!
Good choice
What are the odds of eventually releasing a solid state variant of the Dual Dark? Like the CR120?
One question, I played the amp a couple months ago, is it very quiet between stop and go playing? My JVM makes a tone of noise without a noise filter.
It really depends on how much gain you dial in. This amp has a TON of gain so I wouldn't need to turn it up much past 2 o'clock for anything at stage volume. In fact, I find the louder I turn up my amps, the more I turn the gain down to keep it from howling and squealing at me. I don't like to use noise gates, personally, but I know for some modern styles it is unavoidable.
And the other pedal footswicth , number 2, serves to activate ?
So which is the lead channel on this amp? I'm confused
ckara0071 They both can be either! I'd have to experiment to see which I would prefer.
I'm considering adding a british amp to my stable. This sounds great!
Lots of saturation have to compare it to the JCM800 at my local guitar store.
I think this is my favorite of the Orange line that I've had a chance to really play. Definitely aggressive saturation. Much more gain than a JCM800 by itself, which either needs some kind of "Hot Mod" or some sort of 808OD in front of it. The Dual Dark is probably a bit more versatile too.
Would you say it has cleans as good as other Orange amps?
I think the best cleans for me are on the newest Rockerverb. But I do really like the cleans tones you can get from this amp.
could this amp get a good modern metal tone? I looking for tones that go from Killswitch Engage to Cannibal Corpse brutality
I totally think so! A lot of metal players use some form of overdrive pedal to tighten up an amp, not necessarily for more gain. And this amp does not need more gain! This is one of my favorite modern amps in the Orange line!
+Mike Martin awesome! thanks for the feedback, man. I'm trying to decide if should get this or the Kemper power rack. I need good high gain tones and bedroom volumes, not necessarily whisper volumes but lower enough to keep from killing every one else in the house lol
Could you compare the 100w between the 50w version in term of voicing.
Thx
My experience with other models is that the voicing is consistent between different wattage's of heads. That being said, I have not had an opportunity to play the 100 and the 50 watt Dual Darks side by side to compare. I have played both though and they sound fantastic!
So for you what is the advantage to buy the 100w?
I only play in clubs
Thx
More headroom at 100 watts, but also has all of the features to cut the power down to 2 power tubes making it a 50 watt as well as half power switches from there. The 50 watt still has the half power features as well so it's really a price point and if you would ever use the 100 watt setting either live or in the studio.
Great Demo! How would you compare this Amp to the Rockerverb
MKIII? Especially the Rockerverb’s Gain Channel. Thanks!
Thanks, Jason! The Rockerverb III has a "clean" channel that has a lot more chime where the Dual Dark is more of tow gain channels that can clean up. I would say that while the Rockerverb III still has a ton of gain on tap, this amp can be dialed in much more aggressively.
Thanks for the clarification! They both sound like great amps.
You're welcome!
Why would you buy the king of all Gain amps then ask if you can run a dam overdrive pedal with it?? Wtf!!! Its the Dual Dark Orange. NO PEDALS NEEDED!!!
+Tim Stanley It is good to have gain staging options too, but I agree. The gain on this amp is righteous!
An overdrive pedal tightens things up. Orange amps really aren't all that tight. Tighter than a Recto but not crazy tight like a Fryette UL or Randal Thrasher.
made in China?