MATAMP GT1 vs GT120

Demo by Mike from Wild Fuzz Trip : https://linktr.ee/wildfuzztrip
Gear used:
Gibson Les Paul (Fuzzlord Effects Alchemist pickups Bridge Position) • ProCo RAT USA LM308N vintage 90s chip • Matamp GT120• Matamp GT1• Matamp 2x12 Hot 100s • Shure sm57

0:00 - 1:00 GTO Non Master Volume
1:00 - 2:00 GTL Master Volume
2:33 - 5:12 Matamp GT12O

Comparison between the Matamp GT120 and the Matamp GT1:

Technical Specifications

Matamp GT120:
• Power: 120 watts.
• Tube Type:
• Preamp: ECC83/12AX7 tubes.
• Power Amp: 4 x EL34 tubes.
• Controls: bandEQ (bass, treble), gain, and volume.
• Optimization: Designed for high headroom and powerful clean tones.

Matamp GT1:
• Power: 100w or 50w head in one, also have the triode/pentode half power switch to reduce to around 25w or 50w depending on input socket used.
• Tube Type:
• Preamp: ECC83/12AX7 tubes.
• Power Amp: Can be equipped with EL34, KT66, or 6L6 tubes.
• Controls: Offers modes with and without master volume (GTO and GTL).
• Optimization: Focused on tonal versatility and adaptability to various styles.

Tone Description

Matamp GT120:
• Tone: Renowned for its clean and powerful tone with plenty of headroom. Increasing the gain produces smooth, classic saturation.
• Main Feature: Maintains clarity and definition even at high volumes, ideal for styles requiring power without excessive distortion.
• Recommended Uses: Classic rock, blues, stoner rock, Doom, Sludge…and genres that value robust clean tones.

Matamp GT1:
• Tone: Extremely versatile thanks to its GTO and GTL modes.
• GTO Mode (non-master volume): Emulates vintage amplifiers without a master volume, offering dynamic response and natural saturation as volume increases.
• GTL Mode (master volume): Adds a master volume control, allowing for distortion at lower volumes without losing tonal quality.
• Main Feature: Flexibility to range from clean tones to high gain.
• Recommended Uses: Ideal for guitarists needing a wide tonal range for different musical genres.

GT1 Modes: GTO and GTL

GTO Mode (Non-Master Volume):
• Description: This mode omits the master volume, allowing saturation to occur naturally by increasing the overall volume.
• Advantages: Provides an organic and dynamic tone, highly responsive to the guitarist’s touch.
• Application: Perfect for those seeking a vintage and authentic sound, ideal for recordings and performances where high volume is feasible.

GTL Mode (Master Volume):
• Description: Incorporates a master volume, facilitating control over output level without sacrificing preamp saturation.
• Advantages: Enables overdrive and distorted tones at moderate volumes, practical for rehearsals and smaller venues.
• Application: Suitable for settings where volume control is essential while maintaining high tonal quality.

Optimization of Each Amplifier

Matamp GT120:
• Focus: Power and clarity.
• Ideal for: Musicians needing clean tones even at high volumes and a solid platform for effect pedals.
• Environment: Large stages and scenarios where volume is not a limitation, Music Studio…

Matamp GT1:
• Focus: Versatility and adaptability.
• Ideal for: Guitarists requiring a broad tonal spectrum and the ability to adjust their sound according to context.
• Environment: From recording studios to live performances of various sizes.

Conclusion

The Matamp GT120 is the perfect choice for those seeking raw power and clean tones with substantial headroom, maintaining clarity at high volumes. Conversely, the Matamp GT1 offers exceptional flexibility thanks to its GTO and GTL modes, allowing guitarists to navigate between vintage and modern tones, with or without a master volume, adapting to multiple scenarios and musical needs