Dr. Z Octal Six 1x12 LT Combo
Additional Photos:
Product Videos :
The Octal Six is result of the 4th collaboration between Dr. Z and Joe Walsh, birthed from the need to go somewhere different, untread upon and new, then road-mapped through Dr. Z's 36 years of experience designing and building guitar amps. Joe is no stranger to electronics, being a hobbyist HAM radio operator and having played countless amps through his storied career, so he always brings a unique, informed perspective to the drawing board while sending Z down uncharted territory; the Octal 6 is no different in this regard. Yet under the hood, it is uncanny in almost every other regard in the history of Dr. Z Amplifiers.
Starting with a pair of octal preamps, the 6SL7 and 6SN7, the guitar signal is amplified by these large bottle tubes that are more commonly used as power tubes than preamp, marked by a their distinctive 8-pin octal base as opposed to the 9-pin 12ax7 types seen in 95% of all other amplifiers. These are supplied with their own independent DC heater supply, resulting in extremely low noise operation in ratio to gain and a distortion signature and compression character that is simultaneously smooth, yet harmonically dense with a churning overdrive texture reminiscent of the 50s Tweed amplifiers, without the mush or lack or articulation common in those more archaic designs.
The Octal Six has recognizably vintage sound with expressive, blooming compression but with a string articulation and dynamic bandwidth only these octal tubes can supply. Play-feel and volume knob clean up, even at the high-overdrive settings rival the lauded Dr. Z Z Wreck, with a delicate balance between gain and fidelity.
After Joe first suggested the 6V6 as power tube, Dr. Z found these octal tubes to be exceptionally lively in the audio spectrum and needed a power tube to match their vigorous output. Striving for efficiency in both the top and bottom of the signal, he settled on the less common 7591 power tube, the last major power tube designed before the end of the vacuum tube era and the transition into solid state transistors. These are noted for their high sensitivity input resulting in unparalleled playing dynamics, with a clean and robust output with no loss in detail, seen by hi-fi and tube aficionados as the "perfected" form of the classic 6L6 tube.
A paper-wound, vintage spec'ed output transformer manufactured by Heyboer Transformers drives the speaker, while the Mk. II style Post-Phase Inverter Master Volume offers smooth volume operation at any level. Two guitars inputs are included to optimize for the amount of clean headroom desired. Joe requested a transparent FX loop for his bevy of guitar pedals, so the ever-reliable Metro "Zero-Loss" FX loop was included in the Octal Six.
Finally, debuting in the combo version of the Octal 6 is a Warehouse Guitar Speaker G12C/S orange basket speaker, a versatile American-voiced speaker with a very punchy, forward response and a smooth, silky top end. This is a speaker that was carefully selected through numerous candidates, and matched the distinguished quality of the Octal Six while also making in its exclusive debut in this design.
Specifications
Power Output- 28 Watts
Output Tubes
- 2 7591
Preamp Tubes
- 1 6SN7 (octal base tube)
- 1 6SL7 (octal base tube)
Rectifier
- Solid State
Controls
- Volume
- Treble
- Middle
- Bass
- Master
Configurations
- 1x12 Combo
Dimensions & Weight
- 22 1/2" x 20 1/8" x 10"
- 36 lbs.
Other
- Hi/Lo Sensitivity Inputs
- Metro "Zero Loss" FX Loop
- WGS G12 C/S speaker
Media
Q & A
Reviews
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.