Anaheim, CA (January 13, 2010) -- 3rd Power Amplification, the Nashville-based start-up company known for its radical HLH100 touring guitar rig, is proud to announce the introduction of its first rack-based system, the SV3015 Stereo Valve Power amplifier. The SV3015 is a 2RU unit featuring four EL34 and three 12AX7 vacuum tubes, with selectable output of 30 or 15 watts of pure tube power. This new amp is equally at home on stage and in the studio, and is the perfect analog complement to a digitally based system. 3RD Power is debuting the SV3015 at the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, January 14-17, 2010.

The company, which caused a huge stir last year with its innovative triangular cabinet design, has also announced a new cabinet with dual 12-inch speakers, the Switchback 212.

SV3015
The SV3015 offers a choice of 15- or 30-watt operation, with each output section independently selectable. Thus, one channel can be set up at 15 watts for overdrive sounds, giving more output stage compression and harmonics, with the other simultaneously providing a clean 30-watt sound with more headroom. The SV3015 design incorporates two distinct gain stages, starting with a clean tube preamp stage, followed by a traditional tube output. Operation is intuitive, with separate Volume, Presence, and “PUSH” controls for both channels. The PUSH function is a 3RD Power innovation that provides low-frequency enhancement for a richer, fuller tonality.

“Basically, the SV3015 takes all the flexibility and tone found in the power amp section of our flagship HD100 tube amp and puts it in a rack-mount design,” notes 3RD Power founder and designer Jamie Scott. “With so many artists now using computer-based and modeling systems, we saw a need for a pure tube design to bring more warmth and classic tone to digitally-based guitar rigs. The SV3015 helps modern guitarists get the best possible tone out their rack-based rigs.”

While the SV3015 is optimized for use as the output stage of a rack-based system, it does have a traditional ¼-inch mono input jack to allow direct plug-in for those who prefer a pure analog tube experience. In addition, each output features a Phase switch, making it possible to match the very different tones of traditional Fender and Marshall style amplifiers – simultaneously! The amp’s 30 watts of tube-based power is perfect for rack-based guitar rigs and is the perfect complement to the company’s new Switchback 212 speaker cabinet.

Switchback 212
The Switchback 212 is a rectangular cabinet with a pair of premium Celestion Vintage 30 loudspeakers, each housed in its own triangular chamber, eliminating the standing waves and boxy sound inherent in conventional cabinet design. In addition, the Switchback 212 features removable vent lids on the back, allowing the user to achieve either open- or closed-back operation – or a simultaneous combination of the two!

“The speaker cabinet is the final link in the audio chain for guitarists,” notes 3RD Power founder and designer Jamie Scott. “An open back makes it easier to achieve tweed-inspired tonality, while a closed back is great for plexi-type tones. With the Switchback 212’s removable vent lids, you can do both.”

The Switchback 212 is perfect for use with either of 3RD Power’s tube amplifiers – the hand-wired HD100 classic valve amp, or the new rack-mount SV3015 stereo valve amp. The cabinet handles 120 Watts of mono power (or dual 60 Watt stereo). Impedance is 8 ohms mono/16 ohms stereo. The Switchback 212 measures 29x20.5x14 inches and weighs 62 pounds.

“Probably the biggest single request we got after introducing the HLH312 enclosure last year was for a smaller version of the system,” says Jamie Scott. “Once we found a way to maintain our triangular cabinet shape within a rectangular cabinet, we knew we had something special. And adding the option of either vented or closed-back operation takes it to another level. I love playing through this cab!”

For more information:
3rd Power Amps