V2 Review

Developed for the guitarist who likes multiple tone shaping options, the highly complex V2 can basically produce any tone you want utilizing a full tube preamp, as well as a classic Randall solid-state preamp.

Features:	9.5
Sound:	9.5
Reliability:	9
Impression:	10
Overall rating:	9.5
Users rating:	7.6
Comments:	18

overall: 9.5

Featured review by: static86, on november 09, 2006

Price paid: $ 970

Purchased from: Marshall Music

Features: This amp head was made in 2006 and has Randall's Valve Dynamic power section which uses 1-12AX7 tube. It has 3 channels: clean, overdrive and tube overdrive. The clean channel is solid state and is clean. It has a level and gain control and shares the EQ with the overdrive channel. The overdrive channel is classic Randall solid state distortion with gain, level, EQ with sustain boost when you pull out the treble knob, and a presence control. The last channel and my favorite is the Tube overdrive. It uses 3-12AX7 tubes and is just a monster channel. It has an attack switch for loose or tight sound, gain, EQ, level and a bright switch. This amp also has a built in 6 band graphic EQ and a master level, master density, master presence, on switch and standby switch. On the back it has 2 speaker outputs (200w at 8 ohm, 400w an 4 ohm and it says it can go as low at 2 ohm but it's not recommended), MIDI inputs for the included footswitch, a slave output for additional poweramps or rack units, a direct recording output for plugging straight into a mixer, and an effects loop. // 10

Sound: The distortion on this head is amazing. I play a Schecter C-1 Plus with EMG 81/85 and they work really well with this head. I was used to playing out of a Crate combo amp with a Boss Metal Zone and I liked that sound but as soon as I pluggd into this, I was completly blown away by the sound comming from this, It's just in your face, mean distortion. With the BBE in the effects loop and some tweaking to the graphic EQ, I couldn't stop playing it. It makes the walls shake, and it is very loud. The full tube preamp with the valve dynamic power amp makes it just as good as any all-tube head in my opinion. I play mainly metal (Lamb Of God, Killswitch Engage) and this amp is perfect for that. The only thing is that you will definately need a noise gate/suppressor for it. It likes to hiss when you crank up the gain/volume. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This head is tough, I haven't gone gigging with it yet(the drummer in my band is lazy), but I wouldn't worry about bringing a backup. It is very solid in construction, easy to carry with either the top handle or the 2 top corner metal handles. I'm sure this will last me a very long time. // 9

Impression: I had been looking for a new amp head for a while. I was looking at the Marshall Mode 4, Peavey XXX, or B-52 AT-100 but none of those amps had the type of distortion sound I was looking for. I had been searching online and ran across this amp and I had to check it out. When I pluged in and turned it on I knew this was the amp for me. // 10

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: RX120D, on may 13, 2009

Price paid: C$ 950

Purchased from: eBay

Features: The amp was basically Brand New when I bought it. The guy had it for 2 weeks and returned it because it wasn't what he was looking for. This amp is very versatile when it comes to dialing in your tone. Very easy to use. It has 3 Channels. 1 Clean (Gain/level), 1 SolidState 'Overdrive'(Gain/Level/Bass-Mid-Treble/Presence) and the famous 'Ninja O.D' channel. (Attack switch/Gain/Bright switch/Bass-Mid-Treble/level). It has a 6-Band graphic EQ and 3 Master controls.(Master volume/Density/Presence)Comes with a 5-Button footswitch connected with a 7-Pin DIN cable.

Back Panel:
Power Consumption: 840W
Footswitch/Midi: In, Thru
Speaker Outputs x2: 400w at 2ohms, 220 at 4ohms. Minimum 2ohm load.
Slave: Output jack, Level.
Direct Recording/Mix Output: XLR connection.
Effects loop: Return jack + level knob. Send jack + level knob.
Loop Type selector: Series(out), Parallel(in).

This amplifier is classified as 'Hybrid' type. Meaning it is half tube, half solid state. The pre-amp has 4 tubes and the power section is completely solid state. The only thing it is lacking is some kind of reverb. This amp runs dry, meaning that there are no effects built in at all. I usually run it at its 220w setting when playing in my room so I can push the tubes and have it's great tone without killing anyone's ears. But when it comes to full band jams or Live performances, I Switch it to it's 400w, 4ohm setting for that extra couple watts. // 9

Sound: My guitar is nothing special. Just a Jackson JS30RR with an EMG 81 in the bridge. It gets the job done. Sounds great nevertheless. I play many different styles of metal and it always performs the way I want it to. I've never had a problem with finding the right tone. This amplifier is quite noisy at loud volumes, even with a newly wired building, much worse when there are stage lights and bad/old wiring in the venue or house but easily tameable with a noise suppressor. It's quite versatile when it comes to tone, but keep in mind that this is an amplifier built for playing Metal or Hard rock. You won't be getting the best jazzy or blues tones out of this. Clean channel leaves a bit to be desired but EQ and effects fix that problem.

Clean channel breaks up at higher volumes. The distortion is what makes this amp. I have yet to find the same thick punishing tone in anything else. Truly surprised by the wall of sound this thing pushes. Thick bottom end, warm mids and searing treble. Truly a high-gain monster. Keep in mind I am reviewing this with no pedals or fancy-dancy stuff. Guitar to amplifier out to cab. Nothing else. No tube screamer or boosts or anything. She stands up on her own. Trust me.

Rated 10 just because the distortion makes up for what is lacking 10 times over. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Seeing as this amplifier is a hybrid, there is much less work needed to be done to maintain this thing. I would easily gig without a backup if I had to but no matter what, I will always have a backup. Even the best stuff can malfunction. Keep that in mind.

It has never broken down. When I turn it on, it's always ready to go. The only problem I've had so far is the standby Switch. The contact is not working properly which means I have to Switch it a few times to get it into standby. It always comes out of standby on the first Switch though. Easy/cheap fix. Not a problem at all. // 9

Impression: Overall, I have been blown away by this amp. Before I bought it, I heard some sound clips from someone's website and I almost bought a different amp becuase the sound clips were terrible. The tone was horrible. But I went out on a limb and bought it anyways thinking it's gotta be good if it's a signature head.

Well, I underestimated this thing. It's lived up to it's expectations 10 times over. I have been playing for almost 7 years and never have I come across something this awesome. The only thing I wish I would have asked for from the seller was the cable for the footswitch. There are no stores around my area that carry that certain type of cable. I'm stuck without a footswitch 'til I get one.

If it were stolen, I would be truly devastated and begin the long haul of saving up money to get it again. I compared it to many other products. Mesas, Marshalls, Other Randalls, a Rivera, Peaveys and a Diezel. It beat everything except for the Diezel but that thing is so damn expensive I wonder how they sell any. I'm more than happy with what I have though. Doesn't get much better than this. I wish it had reverb. That's all. // 10

Comments

[RG_FANMAN]

Nice revieW! i play the same kind of music you do, and if you say this thing beat out a Peave XXX, then i seriously have to try this thing out!

[leadgtrplayr]

I wouldn't say it destroys the XXX.Let's just say it's very different and definitely has more tonal options.
I own a Randall V2 and after playing nothing but Randall 100 Watt All Tube heads for over 10 years and I love it.Reliability and Maintenance should be better since there are No Power Tubes to replace.Funny,I also owned the B-52 AT100 and I sold that right away after comparing the 2 amplifiers.The Randall V2 is VERY loud,@ Band Practice I'm usually asked to turn down and the volume has never been past 2.It could hurt you and others easily.BTW,Great spot on Review about this Amplifier Static86.Thank You!

[Molotow]

Regards from Bosnia you distortion freaks! I also have Randall V2 head + Randall RS125CX cab... and as you already noticed it blows away XXX and much more other amps witch are well known as amps for extreme music. Ok, but V2 is for Exxxxxtreme music than!!! I love it... tube driven ch. is madness... and when engage eq. control.... you can blow up rest of your band in rehearsal room very easily.
Great stuff from Randall ... definitly what I was looking for... now time will say about quality, Reliability & Durability... It gives hope that it is final assembled in USA not in China or Korea... but time will tell. See U metalhead maniacs (no one else would by this monster amp).
PS. I will customize my into V2 M.D.W by AntiDope www.myspace.com/antidopeband and later I will discover to U what M.D.W means. Cheers guyz (and girlz)
Sasha from Bosnia.

[AngryGoldfish]

Does this amp really sound like a true valve amp? I think you can only answer that unless you've had previous experience with real Tube Power.

[742627000017]

Is it true that V2XM is a copy?

[Molotow]

AngryGoldfish wrote:

Does this amp really sound like a true valve amp? I think you can only answer that unless you've had previous experience with real Tube Power.

Yes, it does. Even better ... it has a way better definition of tone than Marshall DSL .. I play in the same room with marshall DSL, it can not be heard over V2 .. not power but quality of tone.

[racman92]

I'm just played this amp at my local shop.. THING IS A MONSTER! I'm deffinitly going back up with my guitar to try it and check into getting it!

[lord_yggdrasill]

Would this sound good playing metal like MyChildren MyBride?

[Salamandyk]

Has anyone tried the Michael Amott signature the V2 Ninja?

[chuckmehh]

yeah man I have the V2 Ninja. It is honestly the best amp I have ever played. I play metal as well (Black Label Society, Pantera, etc.) and it is absolutely perfect for that. I have never had my pinch harmonics come out as clearly as they do on that amp, and it is 400 watts of pure power. It has amazing bottom and and a nice crisp high end. I would highly recommend trying it out. Oh, and the guy that said he's never had it past 2 at band practice...I have the same problem haha the thing is loud!

[RX120D]

I have the V2 Ninja.
There are pictures on my profile to back my claim.
I love it. SO glad i bought it. Huge advantage with this amp. Performs as well as a tube amp at high volumes and retains its amazing tone at room level. Huge advantage.

[Salamandyk]

Nice i ended up getting one too, the thing is a monster! i absolutely love it!

[$k!llz]

can u use just the head withouta cabinet?

[CptRevell]

On my Ampeg you can run direct into stuff through the line out, not sure on this amp. I'm sure it has something similar on this amp.

[CptRevell]

The head itself doesn't have a speaker, and as such will make no sound without running into something (computer, cab., recorder, etc.)

[shredrick]

I have the V-2 and A b-52 at-100 I put the V-2 in the closet I prefer the B-52 it smokes the v-2

[$k!llz]

CptRevell wrote:

The head itself doesn't have a speaker, and as such will make no sound without running into something (computer, cab., recorder, etc.)

o wow sure expencive for somethink that doesnt make noise. how much does a good canbinet cost?

[SamuraiLP]

$k!llz wrote:

CptRevell wrote:

The head itself doesn't have a speaker, and as such will make no sound without running into something (computer, cab., recorder, etc.)

o wow sure expencive for somethink that doesnt make noise. how much does a good canbinet cost?

Seriously? XD
Go to your local friggin music store and find out
If you think thats expensive, randall also has a bullshit KH head thats like 10,000 dollars.
See, the head it self models your sound and tone, even combo amps (which of course I assume you play) have a head, its just set into the cab.
This is actually a good deal, probably saving cash being a hybrid, its probably a good amp for those that need thick tight distortion but little tonal versatility, since the clean tone isnt all too amazing.