AW99
Overview:
The AW99 is designed to recreate the warm tone of an “all tube amp”. Specifically, this amp was modeled after the sound of a full-blown Variac, high-gain Marshall into a load box.
By controlling all electrical parameters of the circuit we have been able to achieve this sought after tone in a light weight package. You will NOT hear the thin preamp tube tone buzz that we have all been subject to from other amplifiers. Most concert level systems comprise of the player’s favorite amp run into some sort of load device then into an external power section to drive the speakers. The Model AW99 operates the same way. BUT, because it has three separate output stages you can hook up multiple sets of speakers.
Product Specifications
- 1 Ecc82 tube -HAND WIRED
- 1 Ecc83 tube -HAND WIRED
- No power tubes to ever replace or bias or break or mess with.
- High level input and low level input , can be used with ANY instrument.
- Rated at 33 watts X 3 -Clean -dependable solid state Quasi- power amp , 4-16 ohms.
- No DIGITAL , NO CLASS ”D”, NO IC”S , No tone suckers!
- 3 effect loops for line level effects
- Size: 26” x 10” x 9” built of sturdy Baltic birch with all aluminum electronics enclosure and beautiful acrylic mirror control panel.
- Super lightweight at only 22lbs
The Model AW99 operates the same way, BUT because it has three separate output stages you can hook up any sets of speakers.
**Custom Manufactured**
Dear customer,
Due to the custom designed parts to manufacture of this product we build each and every AW99 one at a time. We do not stock fully finished units. All orders for the AW99 are treated as "custom builds" with all the same high quality of all Mahaffay Amps products. All sales for the AW99 are final, if in the rare chance you need to cancel your order the cancellation will be subject to a 30% restocking charge. No exceptions.
Sincerely ,
Mahaffay Amplifiers
My life's Little History Lesson
Back in the late 70'and well into the 80's my rig consisted of two 50 watt Marshall full stacks. I set them up this way: Stereo stacks, left and right and the top cabs just dry- no effects, this was not for volume but just for a wide HUGE sound. I had Tony Alamia, (Alamia Audio, Buena Park.Ca.) install master volumes in them to get better distortion and overdrive at a manageable stage volume. He had a very simple but clever way of doing this.
As a side note - Tony was very connected in the music industry, he use to sell replacement transformers to Van Halen. Eddie seemed to eat up everybody's transformer repair stock. Anyone who remembers this might remember how difficult it was to get spare Marshall parts in So. Cal in the 70's thanks to Eddie's obsession for blowing the damn things up all the time. Tony didn't like that much, he's an old school guy and refused to do “Eddies mod” of shorting the plates, on my precious Marshalls . At that time Eddie was also driving a Blond Fender Bandmaster right into the face of the Marshall , at least that's what he told me.
Kudos to Ed (Audio Western, Huntington Beach , Ca.) did a nice little gain boost mod too.
Ok. Back to the subject…
I also ran my Marshall 's with the top cabinets at a lesser volume level so I could hear myself sing. Just about everywhere we played guitar players in the audience would be coming up to me after the show and ask how I had got THE sound - I was also very lucky to have ”techs”…. that is.. local high school dudes trade setting up my stuff for pizza and girls, that way it was easy on me to carry the stuff from gig to gig. This finally ended at running 3 full stacks. Ok. Fade to many years later, after I started Songworks(AKA Mahaffay Amplifiers) I have been very lucky to be invited to a few back stage events. I learned something….the pros all run multi amp setups! I learned most players had been doing this for years. No wonder! This was the great tone pros had. So, the question is? How does the common player like you and I run this type of amp setup practically without carting around loads of amps and cabinets? I think I have invented the answer.
Well here is a world first! …a NEW spin on guitar amp design.
TRIPLE OUTPUTS?? ……………..SAY WHAT???????
Yup! it has THREE separate independent power amp output stages (with volume control for each w/ line level effects loops) Rated at 33 watts each output…..think of it, you can run 3 of your favorite cabs or varying sets like 2x12's , 2x10's cabs or ANY combination set of speakers powered up all off the SAME amp x3.
How about THREE 4x12 cabs? LEFT and RIGHT cabs, Stereo!!! and Center DRY!!
Any speaker configuration you can think of. You will never have to worry about impedance matching or what cab or speakers to use. Use them all!
Why?…..what's the point?........
Through my experience this is I what I have conceived as being the best tone I have ever achieved:
“Amp, Load box, EQ , Effects, 3 Power amps”
It's very tough to get this sort of setup around town without a workout. The NEW AW99 works the very same way and is designed to simulate the same arrangement, but with a lot less hassle and weight (22 lbs) ………..IT WORKS!
Here is what you get!
You have a line level effects loop on each output stage so you can have a special effect on each cab. Get rid of your multi amp colossus of junk. One amp is all you need. We have built in the legendary Mahaffay Amplifiers hand wired ¼ watt tube pre/power amp circuit. This is the only amp ever designed to actually give true power tube type distortion at any volume. Get the most articulate warm overdrive or a blistering hi-gain tube monster at a whisper bedroom volume or use it in the studio or take it out on the road.
All with the classic styling of the “old British“ it will look great on top of your own cab's or buy one from us.
Faq's for the “Model AW99”
Why would I buy this amp?
If you like running multi amp setups it's simply the easiest way to achieved it.
The AW99 is deigned to copy the sound of a full blown Variac, Hi-Gain Marshall into a load box.
I should know I have one!
How does the Model AW99 work?
This new amp was designed to recreate the warm tone of an “all tube amp”.
By controlling all electrical parameters of the circuit we have been able to achieve this sought after tone in a light weight package. You will NOT hear the thin preamp tube tone buzz that we have all been subject to from other amplifiers. Most concert level systems comprise of the player's favorite amp run into some sort of load device then into an external power section to drive the speakers. The Model AW99 operates the same way. BUT, because it has three separate output stages you can hook up multiple sets of speakers.
Are there power tubes?
Yes and No, the amps final ECC83s tube is actually operating as a power amp
(A mere 1/4 watt). It is then sent to a load resistor (or soak) then to the three power stages. You can go 3-5 years with out worrying about any tube replacement. Even slight wall voltage imperfections will not affect the tonality.
What does it sound like?
My inspiration was my Marshall 50 watt and a Fender Bassman-mix. This amp can do what most other amps can't. If you roll back the volume control on your guitar it still retains a very Fender(y) clean tone. I know of no other amp that can do that well – try it and you will see. When you roll back on it will go right back into killer compressed and articulate sustain, EVEN without distortion if you choose. Push the gain knob a little higher into distortion and the note will stay on as long as you hold it.
Can you get low level tube distortion / overdrive tone too?
Yes, absolutely. Because all the tube tone is in the tubes you can adjust the level from a soft whisper all the way to a loud gig-able volume level. Case in point: I have an 8 year old son and a 5 year old son, I can get the VH 1 or Hendrix vibe at a level and they can be asleep in the next room.
Can I drive extra cabinets?
Yes, you can drive any cabinet(s) 4-16 ohms
Can I drive a 4x12?
Yes, as a mater of fact, you can drive up to 3 4x12‘s!
Do you make cabinets for the amp?
Yes, we have all sorts; please consult us directly to give you a list of available cabs.
I must say….. Part of the fun of this is project is sourcing your own cabs, there are already cabinets made by Marshall, Fender and Vox that fit the bill perfectly. Some are stereo too, right out of the box. I make the only amp that can support these factory stereo cabs.
UPDATE: We have finished our new super light mini 2x10 cab. And I have cloned the old 10” CTS/Vox Blue low watt speakers, they sound amazing. We can load this cab with other brands as well if you want. Remember you can run three of these from one Mahaffay AW99!!
Is 33 watts enough power?
Yes, most players never use the full output potential of their amps. I have found that 33 watts is the perfect power needed to play most anywhere. With the Model AW99 you get three 33 watt stages for 99 total watts of power. In most cases you really don't need all that power.
Why did you make the amp with three outputs?
If you have ever heard three amps running at the same time, it is incredible experience. My amp makes it easier and lot simpler.
Why did you use the 12ua7 and Ecc83s tubes, can I use my own tubes?
Yes, however I have found the perfect combination of these three tubes to be the best at low noise and high gain usage. You are welcome to try your own tubes.
How the effect does loops work with only one jack?
The effects loop uses the TRS type of cable, this means TIP, RING, SLEEVE, you can purchase the Hosa part number STP-201, most music stores in the pro audio department. The style of cable I also called a channel insert cable.
Can I use my pedal effects/stomp boxes in the effects loop?
No, the loop I only for +4 db pro audio effects processors.
Where is the amp made?
The amp is made right here in San Juan Capistrano Ca.
Tube circuitry is wired point to point. There are no IC's or hybrid chips used.
FAQ's (customer e-mail)
Tris, can I get the AW99 in a mono version?
Answer: Yes we have been shipping mono (one output), Stereo and triple outputs. Lower cost too.
