MusicRadar Verdict
If you want to minimise the size of your amp rig without sacrificing the versatility of a full-size multi-channel head, the Orange Dual Baby 100 and Gain Baby 100 provide a wide variety of tones and high-power output for assembling a fly rig with no performance compromises.
Pros
- +
Full-size output and performance in a compact, lightweight format.
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Gain Baby 100’s clean channel features built-in compressor.
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Gain Baby 100’s channel B provides foot-switchable volume boost/cut.
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Both models deliver a full range of tones from clean to super-saturated high-gain distortion.
Cons
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Dual Baby’s clean headroom only reaches moderate volume output levels.
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Footswitches not included.
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What is it?
Orange has played a trailblazing role in the micro and mini-amp phenomenon with its tube-equipped Terror amps, but the firm is equally famous for building big, powerful guitar amps that dominate the biggest stages. Orange’s new Baby amps are a combination of both, packing full-featured, high-power amplification into a compact, lightweight package that you can carry around for use with a traditional cab, FRFR cabinet or direct to a PA system.
The Dual Baby 100 and Gain Baby 100 significantly expand the concept of Orange’s popular Pedal Baby 100 amp, introduced a few years ago. Unlike the relatively bare-bones Pedal Baby, this duo of new amps provides multiple switchable channels and comprehensive controls just like those of a full-size amp head. Both are worth consideration by players seeking maximum performance from a minimal-size rig.
Although the Dual Baby 100 and Gain Baby 100 are both two-channel models, they differ in approach and tonal character.
The Gain Baby 100 comes from more traditional angle by offering distinct Clean and Dirty channels. Its Clean channel is straightforward, providing only Volume, Bass and Treble controls plus a built-in VCA compressor with level knob, while the Dirty channel offers the full array of Gain, Volume, Presence, Bass, Middle and Treble controls plus a second foot-switchable volume control for boosting of cutting levels for solos. The Dirty channel also has a Tight switch that can make bass frequencies more focused at high-gain settings.
The Dual Baby 100 is ideal for players who opt for tones like crunch rhythm/high-gain lead or contrasting high-gain lead textures. Each of its two channels have Gain, Volume, Presence, Bass, Middle and Treble knobs, and Channel A offers a Tubby switch while Channel B provides a Tight switch.
The Dual Baby 100 is ideal for players who opt for tones like crunch rhythm/high-gain lead or contrasting high-gain lead textures
Both amps are powered by a dynamically responsive 100-watt solid-state class A/B power stage and single-ended JFET preamp stage. Both models also feature a buffered effects loop, balanced XLR direct output with ground lift switch, a pair of quarter-inch speaker outputs and a channel-switching footswitch jack, with the Gain Baby also providing an additional volume footswitch socket.
These amps are both impressively versatile, providing a variety of tones and two fully-independent channels. Each head weighs 3.59kg (just under 8lbs) and is about two rack units high (with the rubber bottom feet removed) – in fact, these amps can be rack-mounted if desired.
Usability and sounds
Guitarists who haven’t got over their biases against solid-state amps should do a blind sound and feel test. These amps have tonal personality similar to Orange’s Rocker and Rockerverb tube amps. The Gain Baby 100’s Clean channel is sweet and pristine and, best of all, never cold or sterile.
The built-in compressor is a very useful addition that adds pop to single-note lines and punch to chords, and its simple one-knob operation makes dialling it in quicker than using a compressor pedal.The Gain channel delivers everything from gnarly crunch to beautifully complex saturated distortion tones, and the foot-switchable second volume control is almost like having a third channel.
The Dual Baby 100 is a great option for hard rock, metal and punk players (in fact, it has been thoroughly road-tested on tour by Captain Sensible with The Damned) who prefer crunch over clean.
The crunch tones are harmonically complex and provide an intense bite, while the higher gain settings pump out that gut-walloping punch that Orange amps are famous for. You can certainly dial-in clean tones as well, which are greatly aided by the Tubby switch that adds body and warmth. However, players seeking ample headroom at higher output levels should opt for the Gain Baby.
Both amp models pair particularly well with cabinets equipped with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, which most venues should be able to accommodate for players who don’t want to haul a speaker cabinet to a gig. Obviously, the amps deliver their optimal full-range push and punch with a 4x12, but I was impressed with the depth of the bass I got from smaller 1x12 and 2x12 cabs.
Delivering 70 watts of output at 16 ohms, both amps are more than loud enough for the concert stage. Running a direct signal from the balanced XLR output to a mixer also sounded warm and natural with a speaker emulator in the signal chain. I got good results with a UAFX Ox Stomp pedal as well as a more expensive Suhr Reactive Load IR.
Verdict
MusicRadar verdict: If you want to minimize the size of your amp rig without sacrificing the versatility of a full-size multi-channel head, the Orange Dual Baby 100 and Gain Baby 100 provide a wide variety of tones and high-power output for assembling a fly rig with no performance compromises.
Specs
Launch price: $599/£459/€599 (including gig bag)
Type: Solid-state guitar amp heads w/buffered effects loop
Channels: 2
Output: 100-watts into 8-ohms or 70-watts into 16-ohms
Controls: [Dual Baby 100] Gain, Volume, Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Tubby switch, Tight switch, channel select toggle, power on/off, [Gain Baby 100] Volume, Compression, Bass, Treble, with Gain, Volume, Footswitch Volume, Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble and Tight switch on Dirty channel
Connections: Balanced XLR out with ground lift, effects loop, footswitch input, 2x1/4" speaker outputs
Dimensions: 300 x 80 x 195mm (11.81 x 3.15 x 7.68”)
Weight: 3.59kg (7.91 lbs)
Options: Tour Baby 100
Contact: Orange Amps
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