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Average Price: $2,200

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$300

$801+

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Description

Crafted for those who crave powerful tones and versatile performance, the Orange Dual Dark 50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head is your ticket to unleashing sonic brilliance. This all-tube amplifier head boasts two channels that cater to both the purist and the sonic adventurist, offering a broad spectrum of tonal possibilities. Channel one delivers the classic, rich British voice that Orange is renowned for, while channel two takes you into the realm of high-gain modernity with its intense Dark Terror tones.

Switch effortlessly between 50-watt and 25-watt settings, making it equally adept for both stage and studio use. Its variable attenuator ensures you can maintain your signature sound without sacrificing tonal integrity, even at lower volumes. The clean channel offers treble, bass, and volume controls, allowing for everything from warm, nuanced cleans to bright, snappy tones. In contrast, the dirty channel’s shape control lets you journey from classic rock EQs to modern metal sounds with a simple twist of a knob.

Loaded with five ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes and four EL34 power tubes, as well as a tube-powered effects loop, the Dual Dark 50 promises lush, organic tones that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles. The ability to swap power tubes gives you the freedom to experiment and craft your unique sound, while footswitchable channel selection allows for seamless transitions between tones during live performances.

Key Features:

  • All-tube 50-watt guitar amplifier head
  • Switchable between 50 and 25 watts
  • Two channels: classic British tone and high-gain modern sound
  • Clean channel with treble, bass, and volume controls
  • Dirty channel with volume, shape, and gain controls
  • Tube-driven effects loop
  • Footswitchable channel selection
  • Variable attenuator for volume control without tone loss

Product specs

Brand Orange
Model Dual Dark 50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Year 2014 - 2023
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Output Power (Watts) 50
Reverb None

FAQs

What genres is the Orange Dual Dark 50 amp head best suited for?

The Orange Dual Dark 50 amp head is versatile and excels in heavy genres like rock and metal due to its high-gain capabilities, but it also offers rich clean tones suitable for blues and classic rock.

Does the Orange Dual Dark 50 amp head have built-in reverb?

No, the Orange Dual Dark 50 amp head does not include built-in reverb.

Is the Orange Dual Dark 50 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the 50-watt output of the Orange Dual Dark 50 is powerful enough for live performances, offering sufficient volume for medium to large venues.

How many channels does the Orange Dual Dark 50 amp head have?

The Orange Dual Dark 50 amp head features two channels, allowing for a range of tonal options from clean to high gain.

Where is the Orange Dual Dark 50 amp head manufactured?

The Orange Dual Dark 50 amp head is manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Guitar World

Guitar World

Orange Amplification Dual Dark 50 Guitar Amp

Video thumbnail for Orange Amplification Dual Dark 50 Guitar Amp by Guitar World

Orange Amplification Dual Dark 50 Guitar Amp

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Orange Dual Dark 50 | Pete Cottrell by Pete Cottrell

Orange Dual Dark 50 | Pete Cottrell

Pete Cottrell

Pete Cottrell

Video thumbnail for Orange Dual Dark 50 - Review by Musiker TV

Orange Dual Dark 50 - Review

Musiker TV

Musiker TV

Video thumbnail for Orange Dual Dark 50 | Playthrough Demo by ChoptonesOfficial

Orange Dual Dark 50 | Playthrough Demo

ChoptonesOfficial

ChoptonesOfficial

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2014: Orange Amps Dual Dark 50 by Sean Pierce Johnson

NAMM 2014: Orange Amps Dual Dark 50

Sean Pierce Johnson

Sean Pierce Johnson

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional voicing sets it apart from other Orange amps

  • Highly versatile with a wide range of rock tones

  • Excels at both pedal integration and standalone performance

  • Collectible and likely to increase in value

  • Built like a tank with superior durability

  • Deep, thick tones with great articulation

  • Easy to dial in heavy music tones, especially on Channel B

  • Offers both dirty clean and excellent gain sounds

  • Delivers classic heavy metal and doom metal tones effortlessly

  • Channel A offers more fine adjustments for varied tones

CONS

  • Channel A is less brutal than Channel B

  • Minor cosmetic issues reported with some units

  • No longer in production, making it harder to find

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Orange Dual Dark 50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head.

Features and functionality

  • The new Dual Dark 50 uses Chinese transformers from TH100 models, differing from the original's components.

    Source
  • The original Rockerverb 50 mk1, compared to the Dual Dark 50, uses 6v6 tubes, providing a distinct tonal characteristic preferred by some users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Dual Dark 50's Channel A has been adjusted to align more with the OR100, aimed at preventing a 'flat' clean sound.

    Source
  • The Dual Dark 50 is compared favorably with the Thunderverb 50 and the original Rockerverb 50 mk1, known for their exceptional pedal compatibility and boosted dirt tones.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Dual Dark 50 is praised for its tight, modern metal sound, but it might not suit those seeking a more classic Orange tone.

    Source
  • The Dual Dark 50 is recommended for heavy styles, as its dirt tones excel when boosted, making it suitable for metal and hard rock genres.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that Channel B retains the 'mojo' across both original and new models, preferred for dirt and heavy tones.

    Source
  • One owner highlights the Dual Dark 50's ability to maintain its value, suggesting it can be resold easily if it doesn't meet expectations.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners believe the amp's demand is driven by rarity rather than performance, with prices reaching $4,000 on the second-hand market.

    Source
  • Despite its high second-hand price, it is suggested that the Dual Dark 50 holds its value well, offering a possible return on investment.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Orange Amplification Dual Dark 50 Guitar Amp | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Orange's Dual Dark 50 amp head delivers a sonic punch with its high-gain prowess and versatile tonal palette. With two channels, including a new preamp section, it offers both blistering distortion and harmonic cleans. The amp's power attenuation and robust construction make it a solid choice for players seeking dynamic and powerful soundscapes, from modern high-gain to vintage British tones. However, at a price point of $2,299 for the 50-watt version, it's a premium investment. Overall, it stands out as a formidable option for serious tone enthusiasts looking to explore a wide range of sounds.

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