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Sound Drive SG-612R
List: $550
In this tone discriminating world, the mark of respect for any amplifiers would be an inclusion of a tube circuitry. This is largely the reason why manufacturers strive to mimic tube magic in their solid state units. While we acknowledge the appeal of lush, tube-induced overdrive in addition to the warm clean tones, the ultimate factor in desirability is hearing what comes out of the speaker, regardless if it is a product of tube processing. Technology has come this far that amps devoid of tubes can easily match their tube counterparts when it comes to tonal appeal. While many of us attest to Peavey’s prominence in this respect, we now have Sound Drive.
Build/ features
The Sound Drive SG-612R is a Korean amplifier to the dismay of many pedigree snobs out there. It is a simple 1X12 combo offering 2 channels of tonal bliss. This amp does not hypnotize the average player visually; with a bland dark brown upholstery & a grille cloth design more fitting for designer furniture, there is simply no contemporary charm to it. In fact, we would associate this concept with the lesser known retro culture but let not the mundane appearance relegate it into the appeal abyss; the workmanship on show is simply top notch. The leather upholstery has one of the better nip & tuck treatment this side of a mid-priced British amp. The manufacturer would do better to include a simple corner protector design than the current cyborg-like implements.
In the name of cost cutting & the acknowledgement of the price bracket this amp falls into, the 2-channel offering has a universal EQ section. While the CLEAN channel has only a supplementary bright switch, the OVER DRIVE is blessed with a boost & noise reduction (‘noise gate’ to many of us) features. For recording buffs, the SG-612R has a line-out as well as a headphone feature. Over at the rear, the amp accommodates a footswitch use as well as pedal looping (FX loop). The control panel illuminates with a pleasant blue glow upon turning this amp on but the oversight here seems to be that certain labels are devoid of lighting; unless you are very familiar with the knobs & switches, you would forgive this omission. From the specifications, we note the very utilitarian nature of this amp because the manufacturer intends it to be a sound intrigue (no pun intended) rather than a Swiss-army amp, feature-wise.
Rating:
• Build- 88%
• Features- 70%
In use
The clean offering here is one of the better manifestations from a non-tube unit; it would certainly give Marshall’s DSL401 a run for the money in terms of midrange warmth, with all the EQ controls set at the neutral noon position. The reviewer has a wonderful time with a P-90 equipped guitar considering he isn’t a keen, drive-free player but as it is, he’s hooked. The bright switch is more receptive to single coils where the upper frequencies benefit from a tingling treatment without being too ice-pick sharp.
Moving on to the forte of this amp, the default drive, upon activation, would leave many baffled as to why there aren’t any tubes in the mix; the degree of warmth is simply unbelievable. Putting the boost function to use, the amp gives off more drive intensity dutifully but in this light, the chemistry of the channel volume & gain levels contribute markedly towards voicing & intensity influence. One could dial up a very 5150-esque aggression & then get away with an Alan Holdsworth-like ultra smooth drive. The receptiveness of this channel extends to single coils as well as humbucking guitars, both passive & active. The 612R is also accommodating when it comes to detuned applications; the reviewer gave it an 8-string treatment & the amp retained single-note definition remarkably- thanks largely to the 12 “ Celestion G12-65 driver on board & that quasi-open back construction. If you’ve been fed on pedal drive/ distortion all this while, upon plugging into the 612R & hearing the amp in action would give you, in the very least, a new perspective of your tone.
Due to the nature of our pickup electronics & cable make, noise manifestation would be inevitable in driven settings & this is why the 612R includes a noise reduction feature. It is very effective upon activation but the drawback here would be the reduction of drive/ distortion intensity. If you are pedal-free, the noise reduction feature isn’t necessary after using a 3-pin power plug. The default reverb is also impressive to say the least but the upper end setting would turn it into a tasteless echo unit; this reviewer kept it at the ‘4’ mark which adds premium depth to his overall playing tone.
This reviewer would urge the manufacturer to offer separate EQ sections for each channel as a setting for one would affect the volume of another. It is also agonizing to be a servant of a minute channel amp switch; many of us here would agree that the amp channel switch is of primary importance, yes? It also helps if the manufacturer could avoid classifying this amp in the vintage offering over at the homepage; it does vintage type application fine but the drive calibre available would definitely make it a contemporary stronghold. Nevertheless, the 612R is a sound driver indeed.
Tone test equipment:
• Guitars: ESP Eclipse II/ Ibanez RG2228/ Ibanez S1620/ Fender Highway1/ Gibson LP Std/ Edwards E-LP85SD/P
Rating: 90%
Conclusion
The typical tube snob would still deem this to be an exceptional solid state amp but no real replacement for a tube counterpart; this reviewer would dutifully agree but he would urge players to judge the SG-612R in terms of its sheer tonal performance. It is no guarantee that a tube amp would produce an exclusive tone for you; it boils down to personal embrace. This amp proves to the world that tonal integrity isn’t about tube dominance; good tones are possible & lie with the manufacturer’s philosophy. The SG-612R is indeed a nobody in the amp realm but it includes a Celestion component which is a mark of serious tonal intention & hearing is really believing in this case. The reviewer owns a 2-month old full tube Marshall amp head prior to auditioning this combo & has no fathomable reasons to buy another 1X12 amp but something this good deserves to be owned. The SG612R is highly recommended for players who are in the market for an exceptional amp drive & are largely pedal-free. This amp isn’t big in looks & features but the driven tones would make you listen.
Overall rating: 86%
Likes:
• Outstanding drive offering
• Price
• Noise reduction
• Build
Dislikes:
• No external speaker connection
• Some front panel labels devoid of illumination
• Shared EQ section for both channels
• Noise reduction for drive channel only
Worthy competitors:
• Peavey Bandit 112
• Ibanez TBX65R
**Thanks: Mike @ Standard Value for the warm reception & patience during the amp test... 8)
