After picking up the Diezel Einstein last month in a trade, and being thrilled with how great it sounds, I was keeping my eyes peeled for others. I initially was hoping to grab a VH2, but after reading many many comparison reviews, I went for this Herbert.
And just… wow. This has got to be one of the best amps ever designed, the high gain tone is just absolutely unbelievable. The mid-cut control adds something to every channel, and with the level control it can be used for a volume boosted lead tone, or the opposite (mid cut for rhythm, turn off for a mid-heavy lead with more volume). On top of that, it also has switchable master volumes!
Channel 2 has a + and - switch, for more and less gain accordingly. This is not footswitchable on this version (but is on the current Mk III), and I can see why it is such a common request. The minus mode sounds killer for classic rock, or even rolled down to a slightly dirty clean tone. There’s also a lot of great crossover tones between minus mode with the gain near max, and the plus mode with the gain rolled down - similar tone, slightly different flavor. Like Vanilla to French Vanilla ice cream. Of course, no surprise that I find Channel 3 to be the highlight, with tons of gain on tap. Even with the controls mostly at noon, it is great for shreddy leads and does classic metal spot-on. Kick in the mid cut and or play with the EQ and it can do any modern heavy style with amazing proficiency. I’m not really the expert on clean tones, but the mid cut works on Channel 1 too - and I find that channel to be really great sounding, nice and full with snappy highs to cut through a mix. Definitely one of the better clean channels on an amp otherwise focused on gain tones.
Of course, 180w is incredibly loud, but I’m surprised just how well it can be played at my studio volume. Of course, the lows shake the floors so I’m not sure I’d ever call it bedroom/apartment appropriate, but the master is still a very smooth taper that makes it usable at almost any volume level. Another amp I’m glad to have in the arsenal!