MatAmp 1224/II 50w Amplifier Head - Used  From Other

After years of development the Guitarist Gold Award winning Matamp 1224 is back. The latest version incorporates elements of earlier models and improves the performance and facilities of this classic.

The 1224 derives it name from the output valve switching system which allows the player to select between 1 or 2 valves in class A, and 2 or 4 valves in class AB. With the new easy to use 1224 rotary control in place of the push button matrix the player can simply select how many output valves to use and what class they are working in. There is also a triode pentode half power switch which is located on the rear of the chassis. The result of the switching allows the amplifier to operate at different power levels from a mere 2.5w to 50w.

There were always two versions of 1224 available, fixed or cathode bias. The new 1224 now features dual mode output operation meaning the 1224 can be operated in either fixed or cathode bias. By simply plugging into the lower input jack the amp operates cathode bias and into the higher input the amp runs fixed bias. This combined with the 1224 output valve switching allows the player to dial in the perfect volume level, balance of output valve distortion as well as all important feel.

The reverb is much improved over earlier versions and features a 6V6 driven spring reverb tank with choice of either two or three springs. The reverb has moved to a position in the circuit just after the tone stack to give classic spring reverb sounds.

The foot switchable boost has moved position in the circuit to give a greater range of both clean and dirty sounds. The boost switch engages an additional stage of gain before the main preamp, thus boosting the amp. The amount of boost is controlled by the pot and can be configured to give a volume or overdrive boost depending on the setting of the gain and master. The boost is voiced slightly brighter than the normal gain which opens up further tonal possibilities.

The voice control acts as a high pass filter which sets the overall character of the preamp and overdrive tone. This can be controlled via the foot switch and is useful for matching between different guitars featuring single coils or humbuckers.

The preamp has been updated with various EQ tailoring switches. The original 1224mkII had controls to adjust the bass and the mid range, these are now renamed bass shift and mid shift. There is also a new treble shift control which adjusts the frequency of the treble control. Together the EQ with the switches provides the player with powerful tone shaping tools.

Preamp out and power amp in form a passive effects send and return conveniently situated on the front panel. On the rear panel you will find connections for the foot switch and speaker outputs. The 1224 can run into 16, 8 and four ohms with two sockets provided for both 4 and 8 ohm to drive multiple speaker cabs.