The Orange TH30H is a high-performance, dual-channel guitar amplifier head that blends classic British tube tone with modern versatility. Known for its rugged build, intuitive design, and powerful sound, the TH30H is perfect for players who want iconic Orange tones with a wide range of tonal options. Whether you’re playing at home, in the studio, or on stage, this amp head delivers everything from sparkling cleans to face-melting distortion.
Design and Build Quality
The TH30H features the signature Orange aesthetic, which is as eye-catching as it is durable.
- Construction: The amp head is housed in a sturdy wooden cabinet wrapped in Orange’s signature tolex with the iconic “picture-frame” edging. The build quality is robust, making it a reliable companion for gigging musicians.
- Front Panel: The minimalist control layout features clean, easy-to-read graphics, staying true to Orange’s iconic design philosophy.
- Portability: Weighing just over 15 kg (33 lbs), the TH30H is relatively compact and portable for a 30-watt tube amp, making it a practical choice for musicians on the go.
Features
The Orange TH30H packs an impressive array of features into its straightforward design:
- Dual Channels:
- Clean Channel: Offers a pristine, chiming tone with Volume, Bass, and Treble controls.
- Dirty Channel: is equipped with Gain, Volume, and a unique Shape knob that adjusts the midrange response.
- Switchable Power Output:
- The amp offers a switchable power output of 30W, 15W, or 7W, making it suitable for everything from bedroom practice to live performances.
- The output can be toggled using a switch on the rear panel, giving you control over the amp’s headroom and volume levels.
- All-Tube Design:
- The TH30H is powered by four ECC83 (12AX7) preamp tubes, one ECC81 (12AT7) phase inverter, and four EL84 power tubes. This combination delivers the classic warmth and richness of tube amplification.
- FX Loop:
- The onboard, fully buffered effects loop ensures seamless integration of your pedals without sacrificing tone.
- Compact Size:
- Despite its powerful sound, the TH30H is compact enough to fit into smaller setups, making it ideal for players with limited space.
Sound Quality
The Orange TH30H is known for its remarkable tonal range, catering to diverse musical styles:
- Clean Channel:
- The clean channel is warm, articulate, and dynamic, making it perfect for genres like jazz, blues, and pop.
- The 2-band EQ is effective, though some users might miss having a midrange control.
- Dirty Channel:
- This channel is where the TH30H truly shines, offering rich, saturated distortion that retains clarity and punch.
- The Gain knob allows for a wide range of tones, from classic rock crunch to modern metal aggression.
- The Shape control is particularly noteworthy, allowing users to seamlessly transition from mid-focused tones to scooped-mid sounds, effectively replacing a traditional 3-band EQ.
- Volume and Headroom:
- At 30W, the TH30H is loud enough for most gigging scenarios, with the added versatility of lower wattage settings for quieter environments.
- Even at lower wattages, the amp retains its tonal integrity, making it great for home practice or recording.
Playability
The TH30H is incredibly user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive interface that allows you to focus on your playing rather than fiddling with controls.
- Responsive Dynamics: The amp responds beautifully to your playing dynamics, making it an expressive tool for guitarists.
- Pedal-Friendly: The FX loop and rich clean channel make this amp highly compatible with pedalboards, giving you even more tonal options.
Durability and Reliability
Orange amplifiers are built to last, and the TH30H is no exception:
- Rugged Design: The solid construction ensures that the amp can handle the rigors of frequent gigging and transportation.
- Reliable Components: High-quality tubes and hardware mean fewer maintenance issues and consistent performance over time.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dual-channel design for versatile clean and dirty tones.
- Switchable power output (30W, 15W, 7W) for flexible use.
- All-tube design for warm, rich sound.
- Compact and portable for an amp in its class.
- FX loop for seamless pedal integration.
Cons:
- Lack of a midrange control on the Clean channel’s EQ.
- No onboard reverb or digital effects, which might require additional gear.
- The price may be steep for beginners, though it’s a solid investment for serious players.
Who Is It For?
The Orange TH30H is ideal for:
- Rock and Metal Players: The dirty channel’s high-gain capabilities make it perfect for heavier genres.
- Versatile Musicians: Those who need an amp that can handle both clean and overdriven tones with ease.
- Gigging Musicians: Its portable design and switchable power output make it a practical choice for live performances.
- Tone Purists: Players who appreciate the warmth and responsiveness of an all-tube amp.
Conclusion
The Orange TH30H is a stellar amplifier head that combines vintage-inspired tube tone with modern features. Its dual-channel design, switchable power output, and exceptional sound quality make it one of the most versatile and reliable amps in its class. While it lacks built-in effects, the TH30H more than compensates with its rich, dynamic tone and solid construction.
For guitarists seeking an amp head that delivers the iconic Orange sound with modern flexibility, the TH30H is a top contender. Whether you’re crafting lush cleans, gritty crunch, or soaring high-gain tones, this amp is a worthy addition to any rig.
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