2019 Orange Rockverb 50 Mk III

Overview

Likely the best known modern Orange, the Rockerverb got its start way back in 2003 with the introduction of the first Rockerverb series (retroactively called Mk I). These were available as 50 watt amps with a quad of 6V6 output tubes, or as a 100 watter with a quad of EL34’s. These amps had tons of gain on tap, nice clean channels, and an incredibly wet reverb mix. The 6V6 variant in particular is special as far as high gainers go, as there aren’t a lot of 6V6 high gain amps around. By 2010, a Mk II version was introduced, now available in either 50 or 100 watt variants, all using EL34’s in the power section. These versions had more tame reverb mixes, and the addition of a middle control on the clean channel, and were well regarded.

This particular model is the latest, current production Mk III. This amp shares the same EL34 power section as the II, but loses the middle control on the clean channel, similar to the Mk I. However it gains some great quality of life improvements, such as a half power mode and a global master volume (called “attenuator” in Orange documentation). To be clear, this is not a true post-power amp attenuator, just a standard master volume, but wired in reverse (turning it to the right makes the amp quieter). Call it marketing or placebo effect, but it is nice to be able to set the two channels with matching volume, then just control the whole amp with one knob. This amp also has pots with small detents, which gives a great tactile feel to using the amp and tweaking settings.

The tone has prominent, but smooth mids, and can do metal styles right out the box without a boost. I feel it doesn’t have the clearest low end, but rolling off the bass and/or adding a boost with the gain lower sharpens it up quite nicely. The EQ has good range to adjust the tone and it still sounds thick and full with the gain rolled down into the mid-gain territories, although I’d probably pick a different amp for those sounds if I had the choice. The clean channel on the other hand is extremely clean and full sounding with a bit of a built-in scoop, which helps keep it sparkling without stripping the bass.