Sunn Setting
The Model T is simple to navigate. Channel 1 offers volume, treble, bass,
and mid controls, and channel 2 sports volume, gain, treble, bass, and mids.
Both channels share a single
presence
knob. The rear panel includes an "Arena/Club" switch (more on this later), a
1/4" main amp output (for routing the preamp signal to another amplifier), a
1/4" external amp input (which allows the Model T's output stage to be
driven by an external preamp), an XLR line out, an extension speaker jack,
and an impedance selector (4, 8, 16).
The all-tube effects loop features separate send and return jacks for each
channel, as well as independent send and return level controls for each
loop. The loop can be bypassed using the on/off switch or the supplied
2-button footswitch. The rear panel also sports bias and balance trim pots,
and three test-points to insert a digital voltmeter (not included) for bias
readings.
Rear-panel warning LEDs monitor current flow to each pair of power tubes. If
the LEDs are green, everything's cool. A red LED indicates improper current
draw, at which point the failed tube is automatically switched out of the
circuit and the power is cut to 50 watts (or 12.5 watts if you're operating
in Club mode). A cool, gig-saving feature!
Sunn Burn
The Model T is definitely a "plug in and go" amplifier. Channel 1 delivers
ringing clean tones from either single coils or humbuckers. Turning the
volume full up produces sparkling, detailed textures that are rife with
low-end fullness. The Sunn's clean sounds are way chunkier than traditional
Fender flavors, but not quite as brutish as, say, a 100-watt plexi Marshall.
The Sunn definitely inhabits its own sonic niche. Although channel 2 is the
amp's overdrive channel, its responsiveness to the McCarty's volume control
was amazing-clean, crunch, and full-on shred tones were right at my
fingertips.
The Model T is also loud-very loud-and its bass response is fat, punchy, and
instantaneous. By the time channel 1 began breaking up, my pant legs were
flapping in the breeze. The humbucker-equipped McCarty seriously bullied the
amp's front end, making open-position chords bark like a rabid dog. Malcolm
Young-approved toughness, for sure.
The Model T's EQ is well-voiced and effective. Radical settings produced no
ugly sounds, and the controls allowed for tasteful tweaking, no matter which
guitar I used. Channel 2's mid control provides frothy richness or
scooped-mid death tone, and the treble knob lets you dial in maximum cutting
power without shrillness-its voicing helped complex chord clusters stay
audible, allowing harmonic nuances to shine through, even with high doses of
gain. The shared presence knob is effective for adding sheen to either
channel.
Too Much Sunn?
The Model T's Arena/Club switch drops the power output from 100 to 25 watts,
but unlike some power-reduction schemes, the Sunn's reduces volume without
neutering your tone. Instead of switching power tubes out of the circuit
entirely for those "browner" tones (which can affect tube matching), the
Model T's Club setting lowers the voltage to the four Groove Tubes GT 5881s
via a transformer tap. I love how it softens the Sunn's aggressive attack
while keeping the bass frequencies fat and intact. If you're into the
tactile "squishiness" of lower-powered amplifiers, you'll dig this feature
immensely. It works so well that many players may find themselves living
exclusively in the quarter-power domain.
Under the Sunn
The Model T's construction is tough and tidy. Inside the heavy-duty
folded-steel chassis is a large PC board that grips most of the circuit
components, including the five 12AX7 sockets and the front-panel controls.
Two satellite boards hold the biasing and effects-loop circuitry. The four
output-tube sockets are chassis mounted, as are the two 12AX7s that power
the effects loop. The hefty transformers are a welcome sight-especially the
huge power transformer. Cabinet construction is first rate, and the Tolex
covering is cleanly applied. The side-mounted handles made for rather clumsy
handling, however. The matching 4x12 speaker enclosure is constructed from
11-ply birch plywood and handles 300 watts at 16. Casters are provided.
Sunn Worship
With its powerful tones, excellent power attenuation, and effects-loop
versatility, the Sunn Model T emerges as a hot contender for your hard-rock
bucks. This high-powered, high-gain, all-tube amplifier delivers ungodly
British-flavored blast at a very down-home price. Sunn amps may have never
had the visual allure of Marshalls, but for rock players who aren't hung-up
on a black-and-gold backline, the new Sunn is a very smart choice.
