Get to the latest update here: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1531&start=523
First, thanks to all the forum members who stopped by to visit us the Amp Show. It was great to meet you in person, get a chance to play some guitar and hang a bit.
Both Cliff and I are very excited to officially announce Atomic’s new product, the Reactor FR.
There have already been some reports from the show but I’d like to clarify some details so that speculation is not necessary:
Is is FRFR?: The Reactor FR is both linear and full range (aka FRFR). It is as flat (or more so) than any of the commonly discussed FRFRs that are mentioned on this board. Tweaking for the PA should not be an issue (certainly no more than any PA would be needed to be adjusted to a room, etc. – and likely less). As such it will additionally work very well for monitoring acoustic guitar, vocals, keyboards, looped music, etc. In addition to the standard 1/4" input, the system comes equipped with a balanced input and output so you can go directly FOH out of the cab.
There is a tweeter level control (L pad) so if you want to take out some top end to make the frequency response more like a traditional guitar cab, you can do so. At the show we demo’d it on the flat setting for those who are curious. As accounts have mentioned, it sounds very “in the room” as opposed to a mic’d up cab.
Is is tube powered?: Yes. The Reactor FR is the first and currently only tube-powered FRFR personal monitor in the world! The power section is based on a modified version of Atomic’s Harry Kolbe designed, 50w, 6L6, all-tube amp.
Why do you choose to go with tubes?: After doing extensive R&D and considering solid state, digital and hybrid options, we found that tubes performed the best in overall sound quality and seriously helped to achieve the presence (“in the room feel”) we were looking for. We have our ideas on how to potentially get those other technologies to work in this type of application but considering development time, target pricing and overcoming the general negative market perception of them, tubes were clearly the best fit for this product.
Is there a DSP EQ helping to achieve the frequency response?: No. This is great news because it will enable us to also offer a passive version of the cabinet for those who would like to use add a second cab or their own power. The cabinet’s frequency response is achieved by an entirely passive system comprised of a 12” driver, bass port, horn style tweeter and crossover network.
FYI – Most, if not all of the other FRFR systems discussed on this forum use a DSP powered EQ to achieve a “flat” response. This is not ideal.
Why not a wedge?: We wanted to maintain a traditional guitar cab look. We were able to do so and maintain excellent sound dispersion. If you prefer to tilt it back a bit, feel free to do so. We have not ruled out doing a wedge version but it is not a priority at the moment.
First, thanks to all the forum members who stopped by to visit us the Amp Show. It was great to meet you in person, get a chance to play some guitar and hang a bit.
Both Cliff and I are very excited to officially announce Atomic’s new product, the Reactor FR.
There have already been some reports from the show but I’d like to clarify some details so that speculation is not necessary:
Is is FRFR?: The Reactor FR is both linear and full range (aka FRFR). It is as flat (or more so) than any of the commonly discussed FRFRs that are mentioned on this board. Tweaking for the PA should not be an issue (certainly no more than any PA would be needed to be adjusted to a room, etc. – and likely less). As such it will additionally work very well for monitoring acoustic guitar, vocals, keyboards, looped music, etc. In addition to the standard 1/4" input, the system comes equipped with a balanced input and output so you can go directly FOH out of the cab.
There is a tweeter level control (L pad) so if you want to take out some top end to make the frequency response more like a traditional guitar cab, you can do so. At the show we demo’d it on the flat setting for those who are curious. As accounts have mentioned, it sounds very “in the room” as opposed to a mic’d up cab.
Is is tube powered?: Yes. The Reactor FR is the first and currently only tube-powered FRFR personal monitor in the world! The power section is based on a modified version of Atomic’s Harry Kolbe designed, 50w, 6L6, all-tube amp.
Why do you choose to go with tubes?: After doing extensive R&D and considering solid state, digital and hybrid options, we found that tubes performed the best in overall sound quality and seriously helped to achieve the presence (“in the room feel”) we were looking for. We have our ideas on how to potentially get those other technologies to work in this type of application but considering development time, target pricing and overcoming the general negative market perception of them, tubes were clearly the best fit for this product.
Is there a DSP EQ helping to achieve the frequency response?: No. This is great news because it will enable us to also offer a passive version of the cabinet for those who would like to use add a second cab or their own power. The cabinet’s frequency response is achieved by an entirely passive system comprised of a 12” driver, bass port, horn style tweeter and crossover network.
FYI – Most, if not all of the other FRFR systems discussed on this forum use a DSP powered EQ to achieve a “flat” response. This is not ideal.
Why not a wedge?: We wanted to maintain a traditional guitar cab look. We were able to do so and maintain excellent sound dispersion. If you prefer to tilt it back a bit, feel free to do so. We have not ruled out doing a wedge version but it is not a priority at the moment.
). Other choices in the circuit and power supply also define the amps sonic signature or in this case, transparency.
