V FOR VICTORY?

'IT' readers on the hunt for what could well be exceptional value for money (and who isn't, these days?) should take note of a brand new range of V-Amps from U.K. manufacturer Deanvard.

The new V-Amps comprise three distinct series of combos, designed specially for guitar, bass and keyboard applications, and they should be in your local shops by the time you read this issue.

On the guitar front, the VA-30 Lead offers a very full complement of facilities including master vol., bright and normal inputs, switchable sustain, parametric Eq with a 'pull fat' facility, reverb, line out, cans out and a 10" speaker, for the attractive price (RRP inc. VAT) of £172.19.

A 60 watt guitar combo (the VA-60) offers similar facilities with a 12" speaker at an RRP of £198.39 inc. VAT, and there's a full-blown 100 watt model too, the VA-100, destined to sell for an RRP of £239.57.

Bass players also have 30, 60 and 100 watt rated models at prices of, respectively, £142.60, £167.56 and £233.95. Facilities here encompass high and low inputs, parametric Eq, and 10", 12" and 15" speakers as you move up the range. Keyboard players have the benefit of dual concentric speakers in their V-Amp combos plus twin inputs with a useful balance control, parametric Eq, reverb, aux out etc. Two models only (the VA-30 at an RRP of £172.19 and the VA-60 at £196.52) are offered with 10" and 12" speakers accordingly.

Particularly appealing about these new V-Amps is Deanvard's use of high efficiency speakers (typically delivering, they claim, 101-104dB) which should mean exceptional 'loudness' for the wattage rating. Moreover, the amps carry a very creditable two year guarantee - so they do, indeed, look like offering value for money.

We'll be reviewing some of these new V-Amps as soon as we can grab samples from Deanvard; meanwhile you can get further info from them at Deanvard Ltd., (Contact Details).

SUPER NOVA!

Probably better known for their 'Novatron' keyboard, watch out for a new MOS-FET power amp range from Midlands-based electronics specialists Streetly Electronics Ltd.

The first power amp in what will soon become a series from Streetly is the Novatron SE2-250, a rack-mountable unit with a tough-looking 3mm steel front panel, measuring just 5 1/4" high - ideal for use in both P.A. and studio applications.

Delivering 250 watts into 4 ohms, the SE2-250 features forced air cooling and is fully protected against short and open circuits, overheating and D.C. faults at the output stage (P.A. builders and users please note!). A large internal heat sink is complemented by a 120m.m. radial fan — ensuring what should be extreme reliability in all 'on the road' P.A. systems, even under the worst conditions.

RRP of the Novatron SE2-250 is £382.95 inc. VAT. Watch out, too, for future Novatron power amps (all with similar protection devices) offering 2x150 watts into 4 ohms and a high-power beauty, delivering 2x600 watts into 8 ohms. More info on these new Novatron power amps from Streetly Electronics Ltd., (Contact Details).

CARLSBRO PLAY KEYBOARDS (& MORE!)

Keyboard amp buyers (quite rightly) often complain that many new 'keyboard' amps are little more than barely tweaked guitar or bass units - so keep your eyes skinned for the latest from Carlsbro, the Keyboard 150, which should be in local music shops right now.

The Keyboard 150 is one of several Carlsbro updates on their range, but offers some uncommonly useful facilities. Rated at 150 watts, it offers 5 channels in both head and combo versions. Interestingly, the makers claim that (although mainly intended for keyboard use) the new amp is equally suitable for drummers using electronic kits - and a quick "butcher's" at the spec, reveals why. Accutronics (Hammond) reverb on this 5-channel unit is switchable, ditto effects, from channels 1-4, via an illuminated foot pedal, with Ch.1 being specially weighted to High Z input (via FET circuitry) to suit it for electronic pianos. Channel 5, on the other hand, is set for Tape/Aux use - ideal for keyboardists who use pre-recorded backing tracks (rotten cheats!).

Each channel offers controls for gain, bass, treble and 'FX' switches and, further, provides you with a 6 band master graphic. The combo version uses a specially developed 1x15" enclosure coupled to twin 'bullet' tweeters. Guitarists, meanwhile, shouldn't feel neglected as Carlsbro have announced a new version of their best-selling Cobra 90 - the Cobra '90 twin'. Electronic channel switching is the main feature of this model, with Ch.1 providing 'clean' sounds, effects loop, etc. Ch.2 is for overdrive use and can be selected via the new remote FSE-2 footswitch. Built-in reverb, master volume, bags of Eq. control and typical Carlsbro 'roadability' look like making the 'Twin' another winner for this Notts.-based team. The price? - RRP is £274.50 inc. VAT.

Finally, two more newcomers. A new cab in Carlsbro's 'Pro-cab' P.A. range is the 1x15" RH200 fitted with twin angled radial horns and a 15" driver. 4 and 8 ohm versions are offered to match various power amps. Meantime, if echo is your scene look out for the new D9000 echo unit, offering digital storage in a rack mountable form with delay times variable up to 900ms at 8kHz bandwidth.

More info on all Carlsbro products from Carlsbro (Sales) Ltd., (Contact Details).