Orange Micro Terror – If at this time you need an amp with a small size but capable of producing a sound that is bigger than its size, the Micro Terror Orange guitar amplifier head is the answer. This head can be considered very small but can still be calculated.
The Micro Terror is a tube/solid-state amplifier, also known as a hybrid Amplifier. That means the Micro Terror takes a different approach and makes use of tubes and solid states. This small amp uses 12AX7 tubes—known as ECC83 in Europe—for the preamp and 20-watt solid-state power amp sections. With this feature, we can get the distinctive character of the British sound from every setting from clean to overdrive.
A headphone output and MP3 player input make this head amp the perfect choice for practice or even small gigs. Far from the expectations of a practice guitar amp, the specifications of this Orange Micro Terror Amp will show and indulge its users so that you can comfortably endure practice, studio, or stage.
As a newcomer to the previous Orange Terror family such as Dual Terror, Tiny Terror, and Dark Terror, the Orange Micro Terror is considered to work wonders, both sonically and aesthetically. This amp has proven to be very successful on stage and in recording due to its great sound and very lightweight. Unveiled at NAMM 2012 this past January, the tiny, ultra-cheap Micro Terror has proven to be a market success.
Orange Micro Terror Amp Head Features:
- 20-watt hybrid guitar amplifier head with a serious attitude
- Classic British sounds from clean to full-on overdrive
- Rugged all-metal construction for years of use
- 1/4″ headphone out, 1/8″ line (iPod/MP3 player) input
Orange Micro Terror Amp Technical Specs:
- Number of Channels: 1
- Type: Hybrid
- Preamp Tubes: 1 x 12AX7
- EQ: 1-band
- Total Power: 20W
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″
- Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ (speaker)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4″
- Power Source: 15V DC power supply (included)
- Footswitch Included: No
- Height: 5.3″
- Width: 6.49″
- Depth: 3.6″
- Manufacturer Part Number: MT20
- Weight: 1.87 lbs.
The Orange Micro Terror is a small head with a big sound. It’s no surprise that this unit has become a global phenomenon. Inspired by its big brother, the Tiny Terror, this reincarnation pairs a tube and solid-state (hybrid) preamp, which delivers incredible sound unimaginable for its size. Weighing less than 1 kilogram, the Orange Micro Terror is one of the most portable amplifiers on the market. It features an Aux Micro Terror input and a headphone output making it the perfect workout companion, small, and ideal for the go.
Don’t be fooled by looks, the Orange Micro Terror is built to the same Orange standards as the rest of the Terror family and houses one ECC83 tube. Sonically this amp isn’t loud, yes like a head at only 20 watts, but it’s certainly loud enough to keep up with bands in small clubs and good enough for small gigs. It’s not recommended to power it without a speaker cabinet unless you have a set of headphones plugged into the headphone jack, but since this is a solid-state amp with tubes in the preamp, if you want, it can be run without a cabinet.
With its distinctive orange, black and white colors, this amp doesn’t give up the image of its predecessors. On the front, there is an on/off button, a headphone jack, and a 3.5mm aux input. You can also jam with your favorite MP3 player, volume, tone, gain controls, and of course the 1/4-inch input socket. On the back of the head, there is a power cord connector and socket for connecting to external 4/8/16 ohm cabinets.
The Micro Terror is also not an amp that is known for having multiple potentiometers. This is a compact head that can be used right away. On the front panel, from left to right, there are On/Off buttons with their respective yellow LEDs above the levers. Then you can see the output jack for connecting headphones.
In general, one can see that the construction is good and not cheap. Presented with a neatly painted metal chassis. It looks like a toy, but feel the sensation when you use it, you will be surprised. It’s also safe to say that all of the chassis decorations are silkscreened except for the Orange protection, which is sticker-based. The knobs on the potentiometers, switches, and jacks are well-finished and look good. This metal chassis also ensures that the valves and internal circuits are well protected.
If you’re one of those curious about the inside of this head, simply remove the screws from the top of the amp body, and you’ll be seen to find exposed valve domes and a few vents. Inside, there is a standard tube preamp with the JJ ECC83S.
I don’t think this head is very suitable for exclusive use with headphones, or at least I don’t recommend it for that purpose. The sound is also quite sensitive. Bass, mid and treble settings can be done with this knob, just like the tone knob on a guitar. So, both cosmetically and sonically, the Orange Micro Terror is the best in its class.
Overall, this amplifier sounds great and if we factor in its current price tag of less than two million, the sound is well worth it. At its heart, the Orange Micro Terror amp head is an incredibly versatile amp that can be used as the perfect practice or gig tool; to practice your favorite song.