Atomic Amps Reactor 112 Combo

This one has a born-on-date of 1/2005...this is one of those "why didn't I think of this" product. Incredibly transparent, yet it does have the unmistakable tube tone due to the actual tubes present. The only modifications I would suggest would be to add 1.5" rubber wheel casters to lift the amp up off the floor and allow tone dispersal in all directions. I use the V-Amp2 and had to purchase a "right angle" stereo plug adaptor to allow for connection of the V-Amp footswitch since there wasn't enough clearance between the wall of the docking station and the footswitch input. Other than that, it's a solidly built amp.

I use this amp in a praise and worship group and I need it to be extremely flexible and I must say, using a standard Strat with nothing but a volume pedal between it and the V-Amp, this amp really delivers. I'm able to get everything from '80s metal to recent Santana (Dumble amp), to 50's vintage reverb Gretsch tone. Acurately duplicates the tones I could only get using my Bose headphones. 'Nuff said!!

The secret to getting long life from a tube amp is to avoid jarring the amp when moving it. I learned this tip from 2 longtime professional artists. Can't say enough about adding the soft rubber wheel casters (avoid hard rubber or metal). The musical golden rule: Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you!

Haven't needed any customer support, did email some suggestions to them.

I've been playing over 25 years and very fortunate to spend a very special afternoon with Waylon Jennings and his group in 1982...got to hear the "Dukes of Hazard" song before it was released on record album, it was "unplugged" before unplugged was cool. Also, got to spend a few days with former Air Supply guitarist David Moyse this past year and learned that professionalism and being incredibly humble can go together. As for the amp...I've got it insured...it gets stolen and I will pray that the offending party is afflicted with hemorroids!! Really is worth the money...might even add either a second 112 or get the 212 in the future.

The Atomic Reactor 112 is just a power amp. I bought this amp in April 2005 and I use it with my POD 2.0 (Version 2.3). I use it at home but it'll be the right thing for stage. I read about it in a german guitar magazin. They tested it with a POD XT and they were amazed about the sound quality. I like to use my POD 2.0 but I didn't like to use the POD with my Marshall amp.

Though I read about the sounnd quality of the Reactor in combination with a POD XT I was surprised about the sound that I got out of it with my POD 2.0. I needed some time to find the right settings but now I am completly satisfied. I get everthing from clean Fender sounds to Mesa Boogie lead sounds. Take some time to find the best settings and you will be completly satisfied. The Reactor is great with the POD but how must it work with the POD XT or the Vox Tonelab?

Don't know at the moment.

Didn't need any until now.

This is the amp I was waiting for. It brings togehter two worlds - the digital preamp and the tube power amp.

The new Atomic Reactor valve amp 1 x 12" amp for digital modellers, manuafactured 2004.

This is a great idea, a simple valve amp with no controls apart from 'on/off' that can accommodate a range of popular digital desktop modellers uisng a nifty slot in adaptor (supplied for POD ... you can order ones for Tonelab, V-Amp etc.)

Great sounds ... I use a Vox Tonelab, basic Fender-type settings, I play Blues, Jazz and Soul. Although I was impressed with the Tonelab in the studio, I never had faith in it live plugged into a PA or regular guitar amp .. it never sounded dynamic enough like a real tube amp. The Atomic Reactor really does the trick .. you've got to play it to drum levels to get the benefit, it's not a bedroom level amp. But it really does react like a valve amp because it is one! 2 x EL84's and one 12AX7 phase inverter. The Tonelab becomes the control panel of a regular valve amp with effects thrown in .. very convenient and potent sounding.

Too new to assertain, but built well (pine cabinet), the fan that cools the tubes is quiet, but it looks like the regular PC type, which can be a weak link in the chain after a few years in use, but easy to replace I guess. It's quite light at 40Kg, and as with all amps a decent padded cover or flight case is essential to keep it in good condition (not supplied)

No need for it as yet.

I've given the Atomic Reactor a high rating because as a working musician i believe in experiencing new technology and innovation and like many others I investigate the digital modelling arena, and until now my opinion has been that for recording or 'simulating' a range of amps it has been a great step forward, for convenience, ease of use and more importantly accessibility for those of us who don't earn big bucks to afford a studio of quality amps. However as for actually sounding as authentic as a real vintage valve amp IMHO digital modellers lack presence, bite and dynamics, which for some musical styles is more important than others. But the Atomic Reactor opens up the rich dynamics of the real-tube amp world to digital modelling folk .. for live work it's really effective, highly recommended.

Single input, el84 class A slave amp. Effects send/return. Appropriate for this type of unit. It'd be nice if it had a master volume or a point where I could readily hook up a power soak.

I'm using a '73 Telecaster Custom and a fancy Les Paul with Duncan Antiquities.

I initially used this rig with an original Line 6 POD - which sounded artificial, compressed and wierd, with a very pronounced 1k peak I couldn't get rid of. The XT I used in the store sounded much better.

But when I hooked my little Vox Pathfinder into it (using the Vox's line out to the Atomic's effects return) it sounded fantastic - like the boutique amp of my dreams. The Atomic smoothed out the Vox's harshness at medium distortion levels, gave it huge bass response and kept the wonderful chiminess of that amp. I'm toying with the idea of modifying a Pathfinder 15r chassis to fit the Atomic's generic rack. That combination alone is worth the money spent on the Atomic.

I got a Vox Tonelab a few days ago and it sounds beautiful also - much, much better than either POD, but I haven't yet gotten a sound out of it I like quite as much as the Pathfinder. The Tonelab is so complex I'm sure I'll find that and more, as I learn how to use it.

Just to see, I ran the Tele through a the Atomic and a Behringer Ultragain tube mic preamp I had lying around. Very very nice jazzy clean tone.

The cooling fan is too loud. It's fine for live shows, but in a studio that thing is going to sound like an idling 747. Looks like a 60mm fan to me. It needs to be at least an 80mm fan running half as fast. The amp itself seems plenty quiet.

Voted 8 because of the fan. Don't let it scare you off. You can get some wonderful tones out of this amp.

No problems so far. It's built better than my Kendrick, which lists for over three times as much. But if I made my living playing music I don't think I'd take either one on the road. The electrical junction where the rack meets the amp appears made from off-the-shelf computer parts. I don't know how well that will hold up if one were moving the amp around or swapping racks a lot.

For what it is it's fine, but it lack the idiot-proof roadworthy toughness of a high-end Fender or Marshall.

No experiences with customer support.

I've been playing guitar over thirty years and have owned about a dozen amps, mostly Marshalls, Voxes and old Bassmans. I chose this because the amps I love are now stupidly insanely expensive thanks to rich dilettante baby-boomer collectors, and the digital-tube hybrid concept intrigues me.

That retro Marshall grille-cloth probably looked great on the prototype but it doesn't line up very well on mine or the others I've seen.

If it were stolen I'd want another one. Good concept, good execution. I'm looking forward to seeing what other cool things the Atomic people come up with.

The Atomic Reactor 1x12 speaker 18 watt tube slave amp is a very innovative creation by Harry Kolbe and company President Tom King.

It presently accomodates Line 6 Pod Series, Vox Tonelab Desktop Unit

and the Behringer V-map 2.0

I have a podxt and a Vox Tonelab which sound spectacular in this amp.

It takes the modeled digital amp signals and converts them to analog

getting the true feel of the modeled amps. Its amazing and only by

playing through one will you truly understand what a transformation

of sound is made.

The Atomic Reactor is a tube slave amp, it has no tone of its own

only by adding modeling processors does the magic begin

outborad effects (stomboxes) can be used using the L&R sends on the

rear of the amp.

The conversion of digitally modeled amps revoiced through a analog tube

amp brings sounds that are truly reflective of the actual modeled amp

I loved my Line 6 PODXT but really love it now!

I also have a Vox Tonelab and that also sounds spectacular through

the Atomic Reactor

Very well Built, Very Srong Warranty (5 years on amp) 2 years on

Speakers and 90 days on tubes. I have had mine since Early Feb/2005

If you have more than one amp modeler I think it is prudent to

purchase a additional DS-1 doscking station. I bought a extra and keep

my Podxt in one and Vox Tonelab in the other. When the DS-1 is

removed from the Amp it remains functional. Just disconnect the

wiring of the DS-1 docking station and use the provided power

source.

I e-mailed questions off the website (atomicamps.com) and on

two occasions Mr. Tom King President of Atomic Amps called me

to go over questions that I had. No other company President

of any Music Gear Company has EVER called me personally.

I find that OUTSTANDING Customer Service!!!

I have been playing on/off since teenage years, resumed steadily 1999

guitar and bass, then sticking with the guitar. If lost or Stolen

I would buy one(or two) Immediately. I do plan to add this amp to

my insurance rider.(State Farm calls it a Marine Policy)

I truly love that warm analog sound of amps that would total

in the tens of thousands to actually own.

There is nothing I dislike at all.

(I would like our local Music Shop Lentine's Music to carry

Atomic Amps!)

I chose this model as my last purchase was a digital modeling

amp that is 150 watts and controls that were difficult to use

(Line 6 Flextone IIIXL) I bought just to powerful of a amp for home

use. Its a nice amp but its going up for sale

The 18 watts of the Atomic Reactor is just right and it actually

sounds much more powerful than 18 watts.

A new model is in the works a 2x12 55 watt amp.

I think Atomic Amps has come up with a great design and a very novel

concept www.atomicamps.com

This amp is well worth $499.99 699.99 would not be far fetched!

Pretty minimal features.I feel a master volume control would be a great addition to this amp.

Using this with PodXT and PRS CE-22.I play rock-ish type stuff in general,and don't really venture into metal territory.

The amp is pretty quiet.It has a small fan,which is quieter than your average desktop computer.Very little hum or hiss or anything like that,except what might come from higain models on the Pod.

This amp really livens up the sound of the Pod.It sounds great at all volumes.It gets LOUD-dont be fooled by the 18 watt rating.

I think the reviewer below didn't bother to take any time to dial in any good tones.I've found myself using less fx in general,just to hear the nice sound of my guitar and this amp.It's hard to believe that anyone could not like this amp,unless they just cant get a good sound from their Pod (or whichever).

Seems well built and solid.The docking system is a little sketchy.Most folks aren't probably going to be pulling their modeller out over and over,but if you were someone who often switched back and forth between 2 different modellers or something,I'd be a little concerned about how this would hold up.

I'd give them an 11 if I could.They totally stand by their product.If you call them,you will get the president of the company,and they treat customers really well.

Fantastically pleased with my purchase!
They just started selling the 2x12 for ~870.00-I think it is 55 watts.Though personally I'd rather get another 1x12 for more stereo spread if I needed more power.

New
18 watt tube (2 x EL84 + 1- 12AX7) power amp/speaker combo.
Since this is intended to be a power amp/speaker combo for use with a modeler, (Pod, etc.) versatility/channel switching/features are really N/A. Includes FX loop, however.

Gibson Historic '59 Les Paul Std. I play classic/blues rock. Difficult to see how this unit would fit ANY style.
Quite quiet.

Can't answer since I returned the amp already, didn't have it long enough to find out.

N/A

I've been playing guitar for nearly 30 years.
If I had kept it and it were stolen, I'd celebrate, provided it were insured, of course!
Since it's (as far as I know) the only unit of it's type in existence thus far, I can't compare it to other units. Since there are no competing amps, there is no choice if one wants an amp to use with his or her modeler in this fashion.
I was unable to find a local music store that carried them so I could try one out before buying, so I was forced to take a chance and order online "sound unheard" based in part on the positive reviews on Harmony Central.
I subsequently returned the Atomic, unfortunately for the store (who were great, BTW) and for me, since I had to eat the shipping costs...
This amp seems like a great idea. Since I love some of the sounds in my Pod XT direct or through headphones, (not ALL the sounds in the Pod are great, but that's a whole 'nother topic) I thought the concept behind the Atomic 112 was brilliant, an 18 watt tube power amp in a classy looking 112" combo cabinet with '70s style Marshall check front grille designed for use with most of the popular amp modelers, (i.e. Pod, Behringer, Vox) it's stated purpose being to "de-digitize" the solid state modelers with it's tube power amp, producing a warm, yet objective (they call it an "amp without an opinion") sound.
The reality is that nothing could be further from the truth. With my trusty Pod XT mounted in the Atomic, (I tried setting the Pod to bith direct and emulated output settings, I didn't find a big difference, despite what others have written here) I proceeded to scroll through some of my favorite presets...what a disappointment! The Atomic sounds completly flat, sterile, and lifeless. The Pod by itself sounds more like an amp, in actual fact this thing makes the modeler (well, I can only attest to the Pod XT) sound far more "digital" than it does direct!
It is notably UN-dynamic, doesn't respond to picking nuances or clean up well when you back down the volume control on your guitar. (the Pod by itself DOES) It seriously lacks high end, even with the Pod's treble and Presence controls maxed out. Also, (again contrary to what others have written) it's not very loud, I doubt you could gig with this unless you had a VERY light hitting drummer.
So, to sum up, this is an example of a good idea poorly executed.
Perhaps with some serious design changes it could be made a lot better. I have a sneaking suspicion that the "specially designed" speaker could be a big part of the problem, but since I planned to return it, i wasn't about to start taking it apart and swapping out the speaker to find out.
Maybe Atomic can sort out its problems, from what others have written, they seem like a caring company...until then, my advice is stay away!

I just got mine in December 04. No features to list. A speaker 3 tubes input jack on off switch. Hence, I give it a 5. Not to take anything away from the Atomic, but without a modeler you know what I mean.

I am using it with the pod 2.0. I have never owned a modeler before I had messed around with them as they came out and had a line 6 flextone for a while but was never happy with the live sound at stage levels. They all sounded great when recording or at bedroom levels but seemed to lose "the Tone" live. I heard and played this set up at my local music store, and was quite impressed. We then ran the same pod in front of a marshall jtm 45 re-issue and although the marshall was impressive the pod was not. To me its all about the cabinet design I think that makes the most difference. The sounds you get are only limited to your modeler. I use quite a few different amps, all tube. some boutique some standard fender and marshalls. Fenders with humbuckers, gibson firebird (p-100's) a couple of early eighties bc riches, they all sound good through the Atomic(a Little eq'ing is required for each guitar)The pod can get noisey with the gain cranked.

just got it, so can't really say I did use it New Years Eve and It held its own next to my Rivera.

I heard these guys will actually talk to you. but haven't dealt with them. Hopefully as the company grows which I think it will they will continue a close as they can relationship with customers.

I've been playing off and on for around 20 years and own and have owned many different guitars and amps. this is my first modeling type amp that i'll keep around. (got rid of the Flextone) It can sound supprisingly warm and tube like, much different then placing a pod in front of an amp. I wish it had a stand by switch. I think the cabinet design with the port really helps this fantastic idea out alot. Hopefully we'll see some expanded lines from these guys in the future.

There are no features on the amp itself, that is up to your modeler. there is an power switch and left and right outs. the design is fantastic and the DS1 is very stable and holds my PODXT very securely

WOW - FREAKIN WOW. the sounds that come from the XT have been brought to life. Dr. Frankenstein has created the perfect creature with this

I have already lugged it around with my car and it is holding up very well. only had it for a week but it seems to be made very sturdy

What can you say about a company who president answers all your questions directly. I'm sure as they grow that wont be as easy for him to do, but he definately stands behind what he is doing and loves the product himself. very responsive and nice to deal with

What can I say. This is a great idea that was well executed. Cudos to Atomic. Great sound from my modeler. Wonderfull power and response from this amp

I bought the amp new, I've owned it for one month. The amp is very simple, on/off switch, and connectors for various inputs/outputs of your modeling device, no volume/tone/standby or gain contorls - that's all done from you modeler. 2 EL84's power the unit for about 20 watts of class A/B power (push/pull), a single 12AX7 in the input stage. There's a single 12" speaker in a completely enclosed cabinet with a single port in the front. If you using floor type modeler (I use a Vox TonelabSE) there are inputs on the back panel to hook into the amp. I need a system with quite a bit of versatility, I need to be able to play everything from spanky clean to classic rock crunch (no metal for me so I can't comment on how the amp performs in that style). At 20 watts the amp has almost enough power - it's hard to get a good clear clean sound at club levels, I play in a band with a drummer who uses an electronic kit, I'm fortunate enough to be able to set the mix up allowing me to get a decent clean sound - anyone playing in a band with a hard hitting drummer won't be as lucky. The features are simple but exactly what the amp was designed to be so I'm going to give it a high rating eventhough the amp is simple. Note, the amp comes with some kind of universal insert, since I'm using a floor modeler I need to get a blank insert to fill in the hole on the top of the amp - naturally the people carrying the amp don't have any of the blank panels in stock, I have to order one - in looking at the amp I think a blank panels should be supplied with the modeler and any of the desktop modeler holders should be purchased seperate.

I use a late 80's Clapton Strat and a Heritage H535 (335 style) guitar, the Strat has an active pickup/tone circuit, the Heritage has two seymour duncan 59 humbuckers. The amp seems to sound best with the Heritage, with the Strat I find myself dialing out virtually all of the treble on just about everysetting on my Vox - can I blame the amp, I know and I'll give more details later. The overall sound on the amp is very balanced, it's very loud for 20 watts, the lows are tight and amp is balanced well across it's entire range. Remember, this amp is just producing the sounds your amp modeler is producing, if it's sounding really crappy don't blame the amp, blame the modeler. My only complaints on the amp is - the sound if VERY directional, most likely due to the closed back design. If you don't use an amp stand you'll need one, if you stand close the amp and play you won't hear it - and if you crank it loud enough to hear it well the poor people sitting 10 to 15 feet away will have to move. So far I've been able to dial in some very good sounds with using this amp, far far far better than I could using a solid state power amp and running into my Avatar 2x12 cabinet. The amp reacts like a tube amp, it's very quiet when idiling (guitar volume down). Mine came with JJ EL84's and a no name 12AX7, I replaced the no name tube with a JJ select - not really any difference in the tone but I feel the JJ's are very reliable and in the event the pre amp tube goes microphonic (not likely as the tune isn't being used to produce any overdrive) it's not an easy replacement. I like the sound of the amp but like I said it's very directional almost to the point where it's a problem when gigging.

Who knows! The amp is new, but the circuit is pretty simple so I can't imagine the amp having a ton of problems, since I'm using an amp modeler and I own the PA I always have the backup amp with me! Not having a standby switch might mean the power tubes won't last as long as an amp with a standby switch - something only time will tell - but the EL84's are pretty reliable so I'm hoping there won't be tube issues in the future. Perhaps in a year I'll come back and update this category, right now I have no opinion on this.

I went to a local music store which had a couple of Reactors in stock, the salesman told me had thuroughly tested these amps out and knew every about them. He asked me what I was using and I said a TonelabSE, he immediately told me I couldn't use the amp with that type of modeler - I sent an email to Atomic and got a reply within minutes from the owner and designer with all the correct information. Nice guy, very responsive, hopefully I'll never have to deal with them concerning a problem.

Overall, the Reactor give us guys using modelers a great tube amp option, it's a little underpowered for high volume clean sounds (as it is but see below for my resolution) but overall it's a great product. If it were stolen I would buy another. The only other products I've compared it with are solid state amps driving my 2x12 cabinet and I didn't like the sounds I was getting at all, no amount of tweaking improved the tone. I've heard the peavey 50/50 amps sound good with modelers but haven't been able to try one as they are no longer sold, Carvin makes a 100 watt rack mount tube amp which sounds excellent with my modeler but it's very heavy and is way more power than I need for what I do. I have made some modifications to the amp - I realize I've probably voided my warranty but I'll deal with it. In an effort to work around the directional sound problem I added closed circuit 1/4 input jack on the back panel - what this does is allow me to use my 2x12 open back cabinet (8 ohm) and remove the speaker in the cabinet from the circuit to maintain the same 8 ohm impedence. I was stunned how much better this amp sounds run through my cabinet - the sound is open, full and much louder than the single 12 in the amp - my clean sound is now right where it needs to be even with humbucking pickups. I wish they offered the amp as a stand alone head, I'm thinking of designing a head to mount the amp in and use it with my 2x12 cabinet. Overall the amp is a great tool, could use some improvements but well worth the selling price.