Splawn Nitro Review – One of Its Kind!

Hi there there, and welcome again to yet one more wonderful guitar amp overview article! This time, we’ll have a look at probably one of the crucial unique-sounding guitar amps on the market: Splawn Nitro!

On this Splawn Nitro overview, I’ll introduce this pretty amp producer, Splawn Amps and likewise give you some unique photographs of the Splawn Nitro head in addition to a quick sound demo video in addition to my trustworthy overview!

About Splawn Amplification

Splawn Amplification, primarily based in Dallas, North Carolina, is extensively revered for crafting high-performance guitar amplifiers with excellent tone and energy. Based by Scott Splawn within the late Nineteen Nineties, the corporate has constructed a robust popularity amongst skilled guitarists and fans for its dedication to high quality, innovation, and American craftsmanship.

Earlier than launching his personal line of amplifiers, Scott was a working musician who, like many tone chasers, discovered himself continually modifying and tweaking his amps—primarily Marshall heads—to get the tone he needed. Over time, phrase received round about his amp mods, and native gamers began bringing him gear for {custom} work.

What really units Splawn aside is its unwavering give attention to tube-based amplification. Embracing conventional analogue expertise, Splawn amps ship the nice and cozy, wealthy, and dynamic tones that guitarists search. Every amplifier is meticulously hand-built within the USA utilizing top-tier parts, guaranteeing each distinctive sound and long-term reliability.

Splawn Signature Sound

The primary main amp to realize traction was the Fast Rod, which debuted within the early 2000s. It was a hot-rodded, EL34-driven beast impressed by basic Marshall tones however voiced with a contemporary edge—tight low finish, punchy mids, and aggressive high-gain potential. It turned particularly common with arduous rock and steel gamers who needed articulate distortion with out sacrificing dynamics.

The Fast Rod carved out a novel place available in the market—it wasn’t only a clone or tweak; it had its personal voice, and it responded extraordinarily properly to quick selecting and palm-muted riffs. That signature “Splawn sound” continues to be a defining attribute at present.

The Splawn lineup options a wide range of fashions designed to go well with a variety of genres and enjoying kinds. From the British-inspired Fast Rod to the aggressive and trendy Nitro, every amp gives versatility with a number of channels for clear, crunch, and high-gain tones. This makes them a favourite throughout genres—from blues and rock to arduous rock and steel.

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Past efficiency, Splawn is understood for its excellent construct high quality and sturdiness—superb for the pains of touring and reside efficiency. Equally spectacular is their customer support, with a staff that provides knowledgeable steering and assist to assist gamers get essentially the most out of their gear.

In abstract, Splawn Amplification blends classic tone with trendy versatility, all wrapped in hand-crafted excellence. Their dedication to superior sound, construct high quality, and buyer care makes them a standout on the planet of boutique amplification—trusted by professionals and liked by tone chasers in all places.

Different Notable Splawn Fashions

Over time, Splawn expanded its lineup with fashions resembling simply talked about above Nitro – Extra modern-voiced with an even bigger low finish and much more achieve, Avenue Rod – A lower-wattage model of the Fast Rod, the Professional Mod – an Early mannequin identified for uncooked, aggressive tone, the Competitors – A compact, single-channel model

Every mannequin retains that core Splawn DNA: responsive, articulate, and unapologetically highly effective!

Nitro by Splawn

Effectively, the place to start out? How did I find yourself that includes this extraordinarily unique-sounding, well-built and uncommon amp on my weblog? As a few of you understand, I’m primarily based in pretty Bratislava, Slovakia! Whereas feeding my gear habit continually, I usually must let a few of the gear I personal go to attempt to expertise new stuff.

Throughout a few of the trades I did, I met many cool folks in Bratislava and purchased/bought many objects. I made a decision to let my Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid PT-7 in Ultra Violet end as I couldn’t relate to a 7-string, regardless of making an attempt so arduous :).

To be trustworthy, I had no concept about Splawn amps, however I bear in mind often bumping into feedback, opinions and movies from varied boards and platforms on the web claiming that Splawn amps are one of many best on the market in the marketplace.

Since Splawn relies within the USA and it’s a small, boutique amp maker, I might by no means think about getting my fingers on one! Whereas itemizing my Schecter on varied locations in addition to some native web sites in Slovakia, I met a extremely cool man who is perhaps involved in my Schecter, and he was making an attempt to promote this Splawn Nitro.

We finally met, tried each items of substances and had a deal! Whereas making an attempt the Splawn Nitro for the primary time, I used to be already blown away by the way it sounded with out even a booster or overdrive pedal in entrance!

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I completely didn’t want one other amp, however hey! This is the reason I’m doing this, proper? Experiencing gear first-hand is all the time going to beat the so-called expertise that you could be get from any on-line feedback on a chunk of substances!

Splawn Nitro Options

As Splawn Amps is principally a {custom} amp firm, it’s possible you’ll not be capable of discover similar amps to at least one one other, regardless that the mannequin names are similar. The one I received is clearly labelled because the Splawn Nitro or Nitro by Splawn.

After I checked out the Splawn Amps web site, I seen that there was virtually an similar mannequin listed there to buy. Nonetheless, there was no data on the tubes. I imagine tubes and a few of the performance and design of the amps, together with the cosmetics might range from mannequin to mannequin. Right here I’m sharing the tech specs of Splawn Nitro taken from the official web site.

Splawn Nitro Tech Specs

So far as I can see, mine has 4 6550 energy tubes together with 4 12ax7 preamp tubes.  The one listed on the Splawn web site doesn’t point out any tubes, additionally it contains a 4-button footswitch as a substitute of a 3-button one which I’ve. Additionally, mine doesn’t have a Drop B+ Variac Change.

Energy Amp tubes function these holders which have springs to maintain these tubes secure on the chassis. Preamp tubes additionally function these steel covers to forestall harm and scale back the radio frequency interference.

Splawn Nitro contains a fairly customary template that you could be come throughout in different guitar tube head amps. You could have your primary Energy and Standby swap on the left-hand facet of the entrance panel.

After this part, you have got the overdrive channel first with devoted Resonance and Presence controls. The EQ part is fairly primary, that includes customary Bass, Center and Treble controls.

There may be additionally a devoted Solo management in addition to the channel Quantity management. With the Solo management, you’ll be able to set the extent of enhance you need after which activate this through the footswitch.

Subsequent to the Overdrive channel, you have got your Clear channel that includes solely Bass and Treble management in addition to a devoted Quantity and Achieve management. It’s possible you’ll query why this clear channel doesn’t function a Center management. I used to be additionally a bit stunned to start with. Nonetheless, the amp is voiced in a reasonably candy and musical approach that you just don’t even really feel the necessity to management the mids.

As I discussed, since these amps are often custom-made for every buyer, the options might range. Probably the most shocking and possibly a disadvantage on this explicit mannequin is you could solely swap channels and profit from the enhance perform for those who join the footswitch.

There aren’t any switches on the amp, neither on the entrance nor the again panel, to modify from the Clear channel to the Overdrive channel. Right here, you’ll be able to see the footswitch included with the amp.

As you’ll be able to see, it’s a 3-button one. The primary footswitch is used for switching between the Clear and Overdrive channels. The second is to modify from Overdrive 1 to Overdrive 2. You can too already set the second swap to the specified state and swap from Clear to Overdrive 1 or Overdrive 2.

And the final footswitch is used for activating the enhance. The amp, when the footswitch is just not linked, defaults to Overdrive 1.

As I discussed, that is the one annoying function of this amp. You see, there’s a built-in cable linked to the footswitch. That is really a Y-cable, as a result of on the opposite finish you have got a pair of TRS jacks which go to particular inputs on the again of the amp.

On the again of the amp, you have got a wide range of I/O sections. On the right-hand facet, there’s a pair of Mains and HT Fuse which you’ll entry from the again (that’s cool!). Subsequent to that, you have got the Mains Enter in addition to the Voltage selector.

Sure, you heard it proper! You need to use this amp wherever on the planet simply by deciding on the right voltage and likewise use appropriate energy plug.

Subsequent to this part, you have got your Output Selector, which you should use to modify between totally different Ohm values primarily based on the speaker you need to use. I feel that is additionally an excellent function! As an alternative of getting a number of output jacks, you’ll be able to principally set this up utilizing a easy selector.

Speaker outputs are additionally positioned subsequent to that, in addition to the Energy Change, which you should use to cut back the output by half. All very inflexible and well-thought-out options!

Final however now least, we’ve got the FX Loop part. There are the usual FX Ship and Return jacks in addition to the Stage and Bypass buttons. Sadly, you’ll be able to solely activate or deactivate the loop utilizing this mini button. It’s not footswitchable.

The Stage button is used for setting the extent of the FX Loop as labelled. When you set it up for the specified degree primarily based on what you join in there, you too can use the FX Loop degree management to regulate the extent of the sign going via the loop.

The final bit is the pair of footswitch inputs, which I already talked about above. As you’ll be able to see, mine has the Serial #NT108595. I couldn’t discover any data on the web concerning what Splawn Amps serial numbers imply. I despatched an e mail to Mr Splawn however couldn’t get any response. I imagine this amp was made in 2010, however that is simply my assumption! 🙂

Right here’s one other picture to indicate your entire again panel. Seems to be like a imply machine already?

Earlier than I offer you my opinion on this amp, let’s first have a pay attention! I made a easy sound demo video to indicate you the Splawn Nitro in motion!

For this video, I used a number of guitars, that are my Fender American Standard Stratocaster, Ibanez AR300, Ibanez RG565, FGN Boundary Odyssey and Epiphone SG Custom for this video.

I additionally used my Two Notes Captor X SE, RME Babyface PRO FS, Genelec 8020 displays and Valhalla Room Reverb as properly.

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On the clear channel, I often used my Crazy Tube Circuits Unobtanium Raw, and on the Overdrive channel, I used my Boss SD-1 for reinforcing solely. Nonetheless, I missed marking the precise moments for every part. As I sort of misplaced the sense of time whereas enjoying this glorious sounding amp, I couldn’t give attention to these particulars! 🙂

Additionally, on the Overdrive channel, I engaged the MXR M68 Uni-Vibe Chorus/Vibrato for a quick half, and final however not least, I engaged the Dunlop MC-404 CAE Wah on a bit whereas soloing, which you’ll discover.

Hope you benefit from the sounds of Splawn Nitro!

Splawn Nitro Sound Demo (no speaking)

Splawn Nitro Evaluation

As I discussed, I had by no means considered testing this amp at some point, and it simply occurred! I used to be instantly blown away whereas making an attempt the amp and actually trying ahead to testing this extra usually.

At the moment, I additionally had my Marshall JVM410HJS Satriani mannequin tube guitar amp, and I realised I used to be enjoying the Splawn Nitro increasingly usually than the rest.

Initially, it’s best to know that this isn’t a clone of any amp. Based mostly on my expertise, I’d say the Overdrive channels sound like probably the sweetest spot of any Marshall + Mesa Boogie mixture. The voicing is so candy, and it simply desires to make you play with none interruption.

Regardless that, primarily based in your achieve settings, it’s possible you’ll want a lift to squeeze the tones out of it, more often than not you’ll not want a lift on this monster amp. The underside finish is tight sufficient for any chugging and rhythm enjoying with even larger achieve settings.

Generally I felt like I wanted to spice up a specific setting to make it even tighter, however usually, I made a decision to not. I feel Splawn Nitro options the most effective, essentially the most distinctive and sweet-sounding achieve textures and voicings I’ve ever come throughout.

Most individuals would give attention to the high-gain/overdrive channel on this amp. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t ignore the candy and musical clear channel as properly. I heard some folks touch upon the amp, stating that it’s very tough to regulate tone. Actually, I don’t know what they’re speaking about!

It’s one of many best to regulate preamp part and it’s virtually inconceivable to make this amp sound dangerous and never musical. The clear channel is massive, daring, fats and juicy. You’ll be able to just about get any sort of clear texture out of this channel in addition to a pleasant crunchy/overdriven sounds by pushing both the clear channel quantity or the devoted achieve management.

As you’ll be able to hear from the demo video, I engaged the Crazy Tube Circuits Unobtanium Raw, which is among the finest overdrives on the market for Klon/Dumble-style guitar tones. I feel it really works completely good with pedals

I additionally actually dig how the clear channel goes into the overdrive and crunch sounds. You’ll be able to principally get a totally clear guitar tone and an overdrive, or get a full-blown crunch channel or mildly overdriven sound on prime of your selection of overdrive or lead settings on the second channel. So, the amp gives lots of flexibility.

The transition from clear to overdrive and crunch territory, and the way these textures are transitioning into the overdrive circuit on the second channel, is so musical.

I additionally had the prospect to interact my favorite Dunlop MC-404 CAE Wah pedal on the overdrive channel and was just about blown away by the way it reacted. All the pieces sounded so musical!

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I’d additionally prefer to share one other video wherein I used my Splawn Nitro on a guitar cowl that I performed, that includes one of many Turkish bands I really like so much, Egoist. Right here, I used my FGN Boundary Odyssey and solely the Boss SD-1 (as a booster). I hope you want this too!

Egoist – Egoist Cowl (Artık Yeter)

Verdict

Total, I can advocate Splawn Nitro amp with full confidence to any of my readers right here! This amp options one of the crucial musical, unique-sounding clear, crunch, and overdrive sounds in a really easy-to-use template.

The one disadvantage of this design is the obligatory footswitch connection if you wish to swap channels and modes, in addition to the shortage of an FX Loop swap that one might have to manage.

As I discussed, I received this amp out of a commerce, and I couldn’t think about I ever had the prospect to attempt one out within the EU. Since Splawn Amps is a small, boutique amp producer, it’s all the time going to be a problem to get your fingers on one right here.

If you wish to buy it within the EU, I’d recommend you try the Splawn – Amplifiers & Guitars and attempt to get this facilitated through their official EU vendor. Sadly, final time I checked the EU vendor, I didn’t see any Splawn Amps listed there.

I may also advocate that you just try Reverb.com often, in addition to your native advert itemizing web sites.

Try Splawn Nitro on Reverb right here

Regardless that it’s not simple to seek out Splawn merchandise right here, I’m nonetheless hopeful that possibly at some point we might have extra choices within the EU. On prime of that, I’d actually like to see a rack preamp that includes all of the Splawn unique preamp circuits included! I’d in all probability purchase it instantly :).

I do know most guitar gamers aren’t even conscious of this model. However I nonetheless needed to function it on my weblog. Perhaps extra folks will develop into conscious of Splawn’s fantastic amps at some point, and Mr Splawn can manufacture extra merchandise! I hope you get pleasure from this Splawn Nitro overview article, the product photographs and my movies that includes this glorious amp!

Thanks for visiting my weblog and supporting me to this point! I’ll hopefully see you within the subsequent overview right here!

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