Magnatone, a renowned name in the world of amplifiers, has just introduced its latest offering, the Baby M-80. This new compact combo amp and head have been developed with significant input from none other than Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top fame.
Magnatone Baby M-80
Although not branded as a signature amp, Billy Gibbons played a pivotal role in its creation. Magnatone shared that Gibbons’ expertise was instrumental in refining the amp’s compact size and unique gain structure. He insisted on maintaining the amp’s gain to ensure a powerful output, a directive that Magnatone took to heart.
Tube Tone
The Baby M-80, true to Magnatone’s style, flaunts a retro appeal. It features a Marshall-inspired ‘British’ tube amp circuit with a 3x 12AX7 preamp section. The innovation lies in its power section, which includes miniature NOS 6AQ5 tubes. These tubes are significantly smaller than the traditional EL34 power tube, allowing for a reduction in both size and weight. Despite its compact form, the amp impressively delivers 12 watts of power.
Controls
Magnatone’s reputation for producing powerful amps leads us to believe that the Baby M-80, though small, will be a force to be reckoned with. It’s perfectly suited for home use, rehearsals, and small gigs. The amp features Master, Bass, Treble, and Gain controls, along with a mini-switch for Hi or Lo gain modes. Remarkably, it also includes a tube-buffered FX loop, a rare find in such a small amp.
While the tone-sculpting controls might seem limited, Magnatone assures that the Baby M-80 offers a wide variety of tones. The absence of a dedicated mids control is countered by a unique design tweak. The amp’s designer, Obeid Kahn, a respected engineer and tube amp expert at Magnatone, adjusted the 8-10 range on the bass control to influence the mids, allowing for a more aggressive, scooped tone.
Pre-Order
Available from January 2024, the Baby M-80 comes in a 1×10” combo and head, with an optional matching 1×10” speaker cabinet. Priced competitively, the combo is set at $1,999, the head at $1,899, and the cabinet at $1,149, offering great value for its features.
As 2023 closes, Magnatone continues to make significant strides in the industry. Following the recent announcement of Slash’s endorsement and his collaboration on a new signature amp, the introduction of the Baby M-80 adds to the company’s impressive portfolio.
For more details on the Baby M-80 and other Magnatone products, visit their official website.
