Jeff Severson, a regular contributor to Pro Audio Review, is a recording engineer, producer and songwriter.
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In 1998, Yamaha introduced the DG Series of guitar amps. In just over two years, the brand has made a strong entry into the "digital modeling" amp market with several models. The DG series is comprised of the DG100-212 (100 watts and two 12-inch speakers), DG80-210 (80 watts and 2 10-inch speakers), DG80-112 (80 watts and two 12-inch speakers in individual enclosures), and DG130-H (130 watts and 4 12" speakers).
Features
I reviewed the DG80-210, which has two Celestion Vintage 30 10-inch speakers. The amp has a nice modern look with a red panel, yet still retains a vintage look overall. The control panel includes trim, output, master level, gain, three tone controls, presence and reverb controls. When the presets are recalled, the ten motorized knobs actually move to the settings. Each preset can be recalled via the Recall button or an optional MIDI controller.
The amp section has 8 switches: Lead 1 and 2, Drive 1 and 2, Crunch 1 and 2, and Clean 1 and 2. These individually call up the various amp types. There are three warm-sounding reverbs (spring, hall and plate), and three effects types (tremolo, chorus and tape echo). The mode function allows you to adjust the parameters for whatever amp you are using in the preset. It also lets you adjust the many effect parameters such as tremolo speed, chorus level, and tape echo time.
The memory recall switch will zap you to any of the 128 presets where you can adjust the functions to your liking and then store your new sound. An optional MIDI controller can also be configured to change the presets, volumes and effects. The rear panel speaker simulator outputs a "voiced" sound to the line outputs for playing direct into a mixing board.
For those who simply must collect all four in the DG series, you can swap sounds via MIDI from one amp to another. There are two inputs (high and low impedance) and an effects send/return with balance control. The DG also has an extension speaker output so you can stack 'em high with optional speaker cabinets.
In Use
When I delved into the DG 80-210, I faced a bit of a learning curve-I spent a lot of time going through all of the 128 very useful presets. However, the effort was worth it. The sounds are amazing!
The overdrive, distortion and lead sounds are exceptional. Yamaha steers clear of the dreaded electric shaver distortion that I have heard from other amps. It is warm when needed, and cuts through with just the right amount of distortion for soloing.
The tremolo presets were terrific. The design committee who developed these combinations of tremolo, reverb and distortions should be applauded for sounds that aren't over the top. Also, when I switched between presets, the volumes were relatively equal, unlike other guitar boxes I've used.
This amp gave me such luscious reverbs that I had no fear printing them to tape. I plugged in my Strat, propped up a Shure SM57, patched in a Urei LA-4 and started recording. When it came to mixing, I didn't regret my decision. The recorded guitar and ambience sounded unified and organic-not like a guitar track with board effects added.
Summary
This amp is as close to a warm and full tube amp sound as I have heard from digital modeling processors. The DG80's versatility and sound quality is easily worth the $1,299 list price. And in this cut and paste world, anything that is going to save me from wrestling with stomp boxes, cords and wall warts is a Godsend. I'm starting to think that the days are numbered for my trusty Twin Reverb and Rat distortion pedal.
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