PRS Archon

The PRS Archon is a powerful guitar amplifier known for its versatility and high-gain capabilities, making it a favorite among modern rock and metal musicians.

History of the PRS Archon

• Introduction (2013): The PRS Archon was introduced in 2013 as part of Paul Reed Smith's expansion into the amplifier market. It was designed to offer a high-quality, versatile amp that could deliver both pristine clean tones and aggressive high-gain sounds. The Archon was developed under the guidance of amp designer Doug Sewell, who aimed to create an amp that combined classic American tones with modern features.
• Design Features: The Archon is available in both 50-watt and 100-watt configurations, featuring two channels—Clean and Lead. Each channel has its own set of controls for Gain, Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, and Presence, as well as a Bright switch for added tonal flexibility. The Lead channel is particularly noted for its five gain stages before the master volume, allowing for lush distortion. The amp uses six 12AX7 preamp tubes and can be powered by either 6L6 or EL34 power tubes, giving players options for different tonal characteristics.
• Tonal Characteristics: The Archon is celebrated for its rich harmonic content and dynamic responsiveness. It excels at producing everything from sparkling cleans to thick, saturated overdrive. The Clean channel offers ample headroom, making it an excellent platform for effects pedals, while the Lead channel provides aggressive distortion suitable for modern rock and metal genres.
• Legacy: Since its release, the Archon has gained a reputation as a go-to amplifier for professional musicians due to its reliability and exceptional sound quality. It has been praised for its ability to handle a variety of musical styles while maintaining clarity and definition.
• Continued Popularity: The Archon remains in production today and has undergone updates to enhance its features without compromising its core sound. It continues to attract guitarists looking for a versatile amplifier that can meet the demands of various playing styles.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Set the Clean channel with Gain around 4-5 for warm, clear sounds.
  • Adjust Treble to about 6-7 and Bass at 4-5 for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz or classic rock styles.
• Crunch Tones:
  • Use the Lead channel with Gain set to 6-7 for a classic rock crunch.
  • Set Treble around 6-8 to enhance brightness while keeping Mid at 5.
  • Great for blues-rock or classic rock tones.
• High-Gain Tones:
  • Increase Gain on the Lead channel to around 8-9 for rich saturation.
  • Engage the Bright switch if needed to add clarity.
  • Perfect for modern rock or metal styles requiring aggressive sound.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to guitar volume adjustments; rolling back on the guitar can yield cleaner tones while pushing it forward brings out overdrive.
  • Players often find that subtle changes in picking dynamics result in significant tonal shifts.

Notable Players

• Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge): Tremonti is one of the most prominent users of the Archon, utilizing it extensively in both studio recordings and live performances to achieve his signature sound.
• Wes Hauch (Alluvial): Hauch has praised the Archon for its versatility and tonal quality, using it in his progressive metal work.
• Devin Townsend: Townsend has incorporated the Archon into his rig, appreciating its ability to produce a wide range of tones suitable for his eclectic style.
• Jason Richardson (All That Remains): Richardson has utilized the Archon in his performances, valuing its high gain and clarity.
• Other Artists: Many musicians across genres have embraced the Archon for its ability to produce high-quality sound across styles, solidifying its status as a coveted amplifier among professionals.

Summary

The PRS Archon remains an iconic amplifier celebrated for its unique design and exceptional tonal capabilities. Its legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking rich sounds from a reliable platform that blends classic influences with modern performance standards.