Legendary British guitar amp maker Orange Amps has made a proclamation to the world that they have no interest in relying on their tradition with the introduction of the Orange OPC Computer Amplifier Speaker.
If you’re a guitarist looking for an all-in-one recording solution, you may want to check out the OPC, which will start shipping in August 2010. The elevator pitch for the OPC is this: You have a fully functional guitar amp with legendary Orange tone. You have a full-on personal computer running Windows 7 and bundled with $860 in recording software. These are both in the same box!
If you’re a guitar amp spec geek, here’s a rundown of the amp section of the Orange OPC:
- 24 Bit Audio Interface with both guitar and microphone inputs
- 15 watt RMS per channel stereo amplifier (into 4 ohms) with 2 band EQ, – 2 x JBL 6.5” 55 Watt RMS Dual Concentric Speakers both mounted into an optimized cabinet for enhanced cooling and acoustics.
- Portable strong lightweight vinyl covered wooden case with an all aluminum powder-coated chassis featuring the same iconic design as a small Orange Amplifier optimized for personal computer use.
- Direct stereo line to the internal amplifier allows the OPC to be used as an amplifier and speaker for any playback device- from iPods to Microphones
Now, what comes installed on the PC side of the Orange OPC?:
- Installed with Windows 7 Home Premium (x 64 bit)
- Presonus Studio Orange Custom Edition (Professional level recording software offering powerful user friendly music creation and production application for artists of all levels)
- Acoustica Mixcraft – Full Version (Easy to use multi-track studio software to record audio, arrange loops, remix tracks, compose with virtual instruments, score and edit video, and add effects to create stunningly professional compositions.)
- IK Multimedia Amplitube 3 (Full Version of this leading guitar and bass tone gear modelling software. Over 160 ultra-accurately modeled sounds including brand new Custom Orange Amp models. Plug in your guitar; choose your sound and you’re on your way!)
- Toontracks – EZ Drummer Lite (market leading multi-sampled acoustic drum-kit library to create great drums track in just a few clicks )
- Licklibrary – Guitar Tuition Software (Exclusive to OPC, selection of free guitar lessons from one of the world’s largest guitar education brands delivered through a Licklibrary media player )
If you’re interested in more specs, specifically technical info about the PC, check out the Orange OPC product page.
The Orange OPC will sell for $1,499, and will initially be sold direct from Orange UK, Orange USA or from the Orange website. Orange’s Global Distribution network will expand later this year into general computer stores.
For another sneak peak at this amp, check out this Premier Guitar video from Musikmesse 2010:
I knew that it would happen sooner or later… computers are changing our lifes being used more and more often in every possible branch. And the better digital technologies will be, the more they will influence all kind of products. So, Orange Amps are just doing one step forward, an unavoidable step!
Yea, Fender has been trying to do something like this before btu this is like a solid state amp and then some! Pretty awesome I think, different but something I can see myself using.
Always exciting to try the new technology!! Orange Amps are great!
These amps look pretty cool. Hope to get my hands on one soon to do a full review. your blog looks great btw!
Thanks Chaz! If you do a review, drop me an email and I’ll post a link to it.