Rackmount Power Amp Overview

Finally, the next in our wildly successful PA line of power amps is here!  The PA-50R is a 50W tube power amp, and the perfect complement to your rack-based preamps, modelers, Ceres, Vesta, or any other preamp!  Our goal for this product was to take the excellent power section first found in our amp heads, then in the PA50, and put it in a rack format that’s still as compact and lightweight as possible.  Weighing in at only 15 lbs and 8.75″ deep, it packs a huge punch in a compact 2U rack unit.

With its myriad of tone shaping controls, the PA-50R will be right at home with any preamp, distortion pedal, or modeling unit.  The HiFi / Guitar switch is the secret weapon for running your modeler, or if your preamp is particularly dark.  The variable Negative Feedback (NFB) knob allows near limitless tone sculpting, from the best modern tones to the best vintage ones, and you can expect all the same tones made famous by our PA50.

Features

MIDI

Our first amp to come standard with MIDI since the Gemini!  It recognizes PC (preset) and CC (direct control) messages.  A front panel Store button allows for easy preset creation based on the currently selected functions.

Effects Loop

Bypassable via TRS footswitch, MIDI, or the front panel, it allows for easy patching of external time based effects, or switching of preamp input signals.

Dual Master Volume

Having two Master Volumes allows for easy boosting or cutting of volume, switchable via the TRS footswitch or MIDI.

Internal Load Box

An internal load box enables silent recording of the PA-50R, capturing all the tonal qualities and benefits without all the volume!  The load automatically switches on when no cabinet is connected, protecting the sensitive tube power section.  The load can also be activated via the front panel switch or MIDI.  When the load is activated, a connected cabinet is disconnected automatically.

Mute

A built-in, MIDI recallable Mute function allows for seamless muting of the signal — useful for tuning, or for selecting between multiple power amps for seamless “cabinet switching.”

Internal Color

The color can be set for each permutation of Loop on/off, Master Volume 1/2, Internal Load on/off, and Mute on/off.  The Internal Color can even be controlled directly via MIDI CC message, allowing for light-show style automation.

Bias Monitor

Our next generation bias monitoring circuit allows you to select between a real-time and steady-state display mode.  Some like the flashing real-time monitor, but some find it distracting.

Just as with the PA50, individual bias adjustments for each power tube are right on the front panel.  This allows for the use of slightly mismatched tubes, as well as purposeful mismatching to generate different harmonic content.

Specifications

Controls: Top (presence), Bottom (resonance/depth), NFB (negative feedback), Master Volume 1, Master Volume 2, Line-out Level (on rear)

Switches: HiFi / Guitar source select, Effects Loop Enable, Master Volume Select, Internal Load Enable, Power, Standby

Buttons: Bias Display Mode, Internal Color, MIDI Store

Bias: Individual tube bias monitor and adjustment, all via the front panel

LEDs from top to bottom: Good, High, Low.  Fault LEDs above respective tube fuses

Internal LED lighting color, selectable via front panel button: Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Cyan, White, or Off

Voltage Input: 115/230V, 50/60 Hz

Power Output: 50W RMS

Power Tubes: 2x 6L6GC or EL34

Preamp Tube: 12AX7 phase inverter

Dimensions: 19″ wide, 3.5″ tall, 8.75″ deep (front face to rear rail ends — not including front handles, knobs, or switches)

Weight: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)