Peavey ValveKing II Tube Amps

Peavey Electronics update their affordable ValveKing line of tube amps with four new models that feature modern performance and recording capabilities.

Peavey ValveKing

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The four new amp models have started shipping this month, namely the ValveKing Micro Head, ValveKing Head, ValveKing Combo 20 and ValveKing Combo 50.

Launched in 2005, the original ValveKing line quickly rose to fame, thanks to its boutique-like features and affordable price tag. Now Peavey is taking this design even further by expanding the amp’s tonal spectrum, improving reliability and injecting modern features that simplifies recording and live performance.

To expand your tonal palette, the new ValveKing amps feature their proprietary “Vari-Class” knob that lets you tweak the amp class characteristics from Class A to Class A/B and everything in between. It works with the amp’s variable power control to let you tailor your sound regardless of volume level. These modern features work on top of the amp’s two independent footswitchable channels and dedicated EQs, which means that you have a wide variety of ways to shape your tone.

The next generation ValveKing amps now come with USB direct recording output, sending mic’ed amp tones directly to your computer. This is made possible by the amp’s Peavey MSDI (Microphone Simulated Direct Interface) XLR direct interface, situated on the rear panel. This output provides simulated mic’ed amp sounds that you can conveniently use for recording. A speaker defeat switch is provided so you can turn the amp into a quiet direct recording interface.

To improve the amp’s reliability, Peavey equipped the four new ValveKing amps with TSI (Tube Status Indicator) circuits. TSI will let you monitor the health of your tubes in real-time, simplifying tube maintenance. Other common features found on all amps include three 12AX7 tubes, reverb with level control and buffered effects loop.

Here are the features of the four new ValveKing II amps:

ValveKing Micro Head

  • Retail Price: $429.99
  • Two EL84 and three 12AX7 tube
  • 2x Footswitch inputs. One controls Channel & Boost. One controls Reverb & Effects loop.
  • Gain boost on lead channel
  • Reverb with level control
  • Buffered effects loop
  • Vari-Class variable Class A simulation control
  • Patented Microphone Simulated Direct Interface (MSDI) with ground lift and speaker defeat
  • Speaker output with impedance switch
  • TSI tube monitoring with LED pass/fail indicator lights
  • Footswitch input
  • Microphone Simulated USB Recording output
  • 3-band EQ
  • 20w, 5w and 1w power switch

ValveKing Head

  • Retail Price: $599.99
  • Four 6L6GC and three 12AX7 tubes
  • Two independent footswitchable channels
  • Separate EQ for each channel
  • Footswitchable gain/volume boost on lead channel
  • Reverb with level control
  • Buffered effects loop
  • Resonance & Presence controls
  • Vari-Class variable Class A simulation control
  • Patented Microphone Simulated Direct Interface (MSDI) output with ground lift and speaker defeat switch
  • Two powered outputs with impedance switch for using an external cabinet
  • 100w, 25w & 5w power switch
  • TSI tube monitoring with LED pass/fail indicator lights
  • Two footswitch inputs. One controls Channel & Boost. One controls Reverb & Effects loop
  • USB direct recording output
  • Bright switch on Clean channel

ValveKing Combo 20

  • Retail Price: $549.99
  • Two EL84 and three 12AX7 tubes
  • Two independent footswitchable channels
  • Separate EQ for each channel
  • Footswitchable gain/volume boost on lead channel
  • Reverb with level control
  • Buffered effects loop
  • Damping control – controls Presence and Resonance at the same time
  • Vari-Class variable Class A simulation control
  • Patented Microphone Simulated Direct Interface (MSDI) output with ground lift and speaker mute switch
  • Two powered outputs with impedance switch for using an external cabinet
  • 20w, 5w and 1w power switch
  • TSI tube monitoring with LED pass/fail indicator lights
  • Two footswitch inputs. One controls Channel & Boost. One controls Reverb & Effects loop
  • USB direct recording output

ValveKing Combo 50

  • Retail Price: $599.99
  • Two 6L6GC and three 12AX7 tubes
  • Two independent footswitchable channels
  • Separate EQ for each channel
  • Footswitchable gain/volume boost on lead channel
  • Reverb with level control
  • Buffered effects loop
  • Damping control – controls Presence and Resonance at the same time
  • Vari-Class variable Class A simulation control
  • Patented Microphone Simulated Direct Interface (MSDI) output with ground lift and speaker mute switch
  • Two powered outputs with impedance switch for using an external cabinet
  • 50w, 12w and 2w power switch
  • TSI tube monitoring with LED pass/fail indicator lights
  • Two footswitch inputs. One controls Channel & Boost. One controls Reverb & Effects loop
  • USB direct recording output

CEO Hartley Peavey notes, “When we designed the first ValveKing amps we knew we wanted that elite feel and high-end build quality of a boutique amp in an amp that most working guitarists could afford. We also wanted it to be that rugged, go-to amp that guitarists can’t wait to plug into. Now the new generation of ValveKing adds features and versatility that raise that bar even more. The new ValveKings deliver it all!”

Head over to Peavey for more information.

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