Orange Micro Darkchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Users praise how well the amp takes overdrives, tube screamers, and EQ pedals both in front and in the effects loop, using them to tighten distortion and shape tone. The FX loop is highlighted as a great way to compensate for the lack of a 3-way EQ.

@natecaulder-y5b

If you only have a few bucks, hell yeah, it's worth it. It's a great pedal platform, just keep the gain low and it's a nice clean , yet powerful and full, sound. The effects loop is great for a equalizer, to compensate for the lack of tonal control.\n I find it's \"distortion\" to be strained and gravelly....any YouTuber that made a video about the Micro Dark's \"excellent metal tone\" should have their metal pass revoked immediately. This is a Blues and Classic Rock at best unless you've got pedals.\nI don't use mine much anymore, but it's natural, somewhat grainy sound is great with fuzz pedals, so it's my Budget Doom/ Stoner metal rig, matched with a Krank 1x12 and TC electronics Honey Pot or Super Fuzz clone....it's excellent for that purpose!launch

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August 18, 2026

@jeffreyp1855

For under 200$, we can afford to tighten up the tone on these micro amps with pedals. I have a Zombie II, with the gain set at high noon, and I run a TS9 through it with the gain set at a quarter. It works really well as I just use the volume on my Ibanez to adjust the gain for crispy thrash, doom, and lead tones. Orange Amps are great for Doom/stoner metal, but thrash riffs do not translate so well through them. Not crispy enough. I would like to hear how it sounds with a TS9 for breakup and more controlled gain. That's just me, though. Nice work! 🤘launch

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July 21, 2024

@mfavinsk

Yes! This is how I use my Micro Dark too! The traditional way to use a single channel tube amp. Set the amp up for a good crunch with the gain about 1 o’clock. Fir cleans roll back the volume on the guitar, and for high gain leads push it with an overdrive. “3 channels” from one! I have my shape (tone) at ahoy 3 o clock. Great video! Wisdom!launch

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September 3, 2023

@dudemcfaceyface

I bought this little bad boy for metal, and with a tube screamer in front, it does metal very well. Being a big fan of the blues, I had to see how it dialed back, and boy was I not disappointed. This thing is a blues machine! Throw a little reverb in there and oooh man, isn't that sweet.launch

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July 14, 2023

Commenters consistently report the amp transforms when run through a 1x12 or 4x12 cabinet, gaining bass, mids, and volume far beyond expectations for its size. Celestion Vintage 30 speakers were repeatedly recommended as ideal pairings.

@morpheussmith4366

I run a telecaster through one of these with the gain just at the point of breakup. I find my results vary depending on the cab, but with the little 1*8 orange cab this thing turns in to a very nice blues box. I love it. I do use the dark terror through a 4*12 with all the gain for metal, but I'm blown away with the blues tone on this thing.launch

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October 8, 2023

@lincolnsixecho51

I' ve tested the Micro Dark with the little box and different 1x12\" and 4x12\" cabs and compared it also to other \"bedroom-amps\" available on the market , bevore i bought it ... - what i can say, is, that \"the sun began to rise\", whenever 12\"-speaker were used. I got the very best results using Celestion \"Vintage 30ties\", no matter if i played on clean, crunchy or overdriven/distorted settings!! \nThe \"shape\" control is very sensible and there are many interesting sounds possible!! All in all i can honestly say, that this little \"dark devil\" is momentary the perhaps best amp in its price-area!! - The effects-loop is a great feature. With a good delay and reverb the sound gets space, and the use of a \"t-rex mudhoney 2\" and a \"boss eq-7\" pedal made this a very versatile multi-channel amp.- \n\nIf you ABSOLUTLY MUST HAVE something to critisize, then i like to mention the \"balanced\"(?) headphone out ... the sound is thin and very fizzy - i think, they should've been able to do this better ... - but this is really the ONLY weak aspect of the whole sound machine i found out - and in my case its not a big thing !! \n\nI' ve now two of these micro-darks running through two 4x12\" orange v30 cabs, giving me full stereo sound in studio and on live events and i use one of the \"dark dwarfs\" thru a 1x12\" for home rehearsal .... - what can I say - it all works PERFECT for me!! ( I' m part of a texas blues rock cover band and a prog-metal group). Easy to transport, easy and quick to built up ( our road helpers can concentrate on p.a., lights and other important issues...) .. and sounds really great!! \n\nOkay, that's what i can say abput the \"orange micro dark\" and speakers.....launch

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June 11, 2022

@lincolnsixecho51

*I like to tell you my experiences and some tips that you may try:* In my ears the MD (\"Micro Dark\") sound has more substance, sounds more voluminous and has a more massive distortion then the also tiny \"Micrro Terror\", which seems to classify the \"Micro Dark\" for harder rock music. The similar MT ( the white \"Micro Terror\") sounds more crispy and more defined at clean sounds, which classifies it for more traditional rock! Thats my impression! \n\nBoth sound real amazing (especially, when you chain-in effects like reverb and/or delay. I for myself play my MD also with a chained-in T-Rex \"Mudhoney 2\" distortion, a MXR Dyna-Comp and a Boss EQ-7 which turns my MD into a versatile \"3-channel-rock-machine\"!! Try this, it sounds fantastic!!), when you think of the small size! - I tested both and they both only show their real energy when being played thru a 12\" cabinet!! - I use my Orange MD in all situations ( home, studio recording, band rehearsing and small gigs!) and can honestly say: it does a great job!! There are many bigger amps of well known brands, that sound worse then my Orange MD!! - \n\nPlease keep in mind: If you want to use such an \"amp-dwarf\" in rehearsing sessions, then PLEASE, PLEASE use a 2x12\" or 4x12\" cabinet!! - I got best results with Celestion \"Vintage 30\" speakers ( Please NEVER underrate the effect of a good speaker-cabinet with high quality speakers! Its a point, that is often forgotten by guitar-players!) - A good trick to improve the sound further, is to replace the preamp tube of your MD or MT with another high quality tube of your personal choice!) - All in all: Well done, Orange!\n\nAnother tip: You can easily buy TWO \"Micro Darks\" and cabinets for the price less then a single \"big amp\" plus stack .... and then - WOW!! - ( with suiting stereo-effect-box-combinations....) your sound can even be \"bright-wide STEREO!!\" - Its possibly an interesting idea - for example - for your recording work!! \n\nAnd, by the way - man - its really a good review!!\n\nRock on!!🤘✌\nLincoln Six Echolaunch

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January 2, 2022

@chrisbrown7175

I love how big this small amp sounds; I also like that I can totally get away with plugging it into a big speaker cab. It does look a little weird on a big cab tho, so I plan to buy an empty big Orange amp head with dummy controls on the front and hide the micro dark inside lol.launch

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January 12, 2021

Users report it handles blues, classic rock, indie, and metal convincingly, especially with pedal assistance, making it a flexible option for different playing styles and bands.

@JamesJones-v7x

I will say this. Better than than tiny Katana, better then that Roland cube. All knob's on 1pm with any blues driver sweet blues tone. Boss SD1 AC/DC all day. Boss Metal Zone enuff said. Real practice amp, gig amp, all around amp. True tube sounds not fake ass katana tones for a fraction of the cost. Oh yeah Katana lovers my Boss GT-1, Boss ME-80, can go back 20 years. All the boss pedals sound more authentic than the Katana amps. Katana mini “why” any budget Amazon Joyo etc sounds better. Big money Katana, Blackstar modelers may sound great to someone who never played a tube amp but trust me, they fall short. This little amp captures more character than all these high dollar modelers. Remember when real music we cranked some Marshall’s and put some pedals in front of the tubes? No you don’t. That is why Katanas and all the overpriced modeling crap sells. I have this little orange, endless possibilities on a budget a fraction of the fake modeler sounds. It has its own character. Not a Marshall plexi cranked but not designed to be. It just does everything well😊Go ahead Katana ninjas, attack😂😂😂Realize Orange and one pre amp tube took all your ninja swords away. Truth. Only argument you have is no one in the audience can tell the difference. 100% truth. But you do… You can give your best or be a fraud. Music comes from your fingers, your tones, not a Casio keyboard… Yet the Casio keyboard pays better…launch

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July 15, 2025

@Neruomir

Orange always as a good warm vintage chunk to the sound. It'd say it good for blues rock, rock and heavy metal tho as stated it does not have that crisp of a marshal stack that you usually associate with American or newer digital studio metal. But with an overdrive that little bugger sure can roar far more than you would expect and swap the tube for an ECC803S then even more so.launch

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March 25, 2024

@morpheussmith4366

I run a telecaster through one of these with the gain just at the point of breakup. I find my results vary depending on the cab, but with the little 1*8 orange cab this thing turns in to a very nice blues box. I love it. I do use the dark terror through a 4*12 with all the gain for metal, but I'm blown away with the blues tone on this thing.launch

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October 8, 2023

@dudemcfaceyface

I bought this little bad boy for metal, and with a tube screamer in front, it does metal very well. Being a big fan of the blues, I had to see how it dialed back, and boy was I not disappointed. This thing is a blues machine! Throw a little reverb in there and oooh man, isn't that sweet.launch

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July 14, 2023

Many reviewers call it the best amp for the money, comparing it favorably to amps costing thousands, and note it can be found cheaply secondhand while still delivering true tube tone.

@natecaulder-y5b

If you only have a few bucks, hell yeah, it's worth it. It's a great pedal platform, just keep the gain low and it's a nice clean , yet powerful and full, sound. The effects loop is great for a equalizer, to compensate for the lack of tonal control.\n I find it's \"distortion\" to be strained and gravelly....any YouTuber that made a video about the Micro Dark's \"excellent metal tone\" should have their metal pass revoked immediately. This is a Blues and Classic Rock at best unless you've got pedals.\nI don't use mine much anymore, but it's natural, somewhat grainy sound is great with fuzz pedals, so it's my Budget Doom/ Stoner metal rig, matched with a Krank 1x12 and TC electronics Honey Pot or Super Fuzz clone....it's excellent for that purpose!launch

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August 18, 2026

@JamesJones-v7x

I will say this. Better than than tiny Katana, better then that Roland cube. All knob's on 1pm with any blues driver sweet blues tone. Boss SD1 AC/DC all day. Boss Metal Zone enuff said. Real practice amp, gig amp, all around amp. True tube sounds not fake ass katana tones for a fraction of the cost. Oh yeah Katana lovers my Boss GT-1, Boss ME-80, can go back 20 years. All the boss pedals sound more authentic than the Katana amps. Katana mini “why” any budget Amazon Joyo etc sounds better. Big money Katana, Blackstar modelers may sound great to someone who never played a tube amp but trust me, they fall short. This little amp captures more character than all these high dollar modelers. Remember when real music we cranked some Marshall’s and put some pedals in front of the tubes? No you don’t. That is why Katanas and all the overpriced modeling crap sells. I have this little orange, endless possibilities on a budget a fraction of the fake modeler sounds. It has its own character. Not a Marshall plexi cranked but not designed to be. It just does everything well😊Go ahead Katana ninjas, attack😂😂😂Realize Orange and one pre amp tube took all your ninja swords away. Truth. Only argument you have is no one in the audience can tell the difference. 100% truth. But you do… You can give your best or be a fraud. Music comes from your fingers, your tones, not a Casio keyboard… Yet the Casio keyboard pays better…launch

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July 15, 2025

@mikaashton2152

I have this amp and i bought it on eBay for 100 euros great price. Thats why i got it but its a monster. my neighbor complain jijijiji. but for me it has a great sound and the thing I like is well 2 things. The first is the shape knob is very diverse. Like an EQ really. And the second is the emulated output is great for recording. OHH and the third is that it cranks like a bastard ...... when you turn it up. It sounds like a full valve amp .......launch

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August 18, 2021

@yungsleepy8607

Love mine! It sells itself as a metal amp, but It's SUPER versatile, and I almost always use the clean tones since my band writes chill indie/bedroom pop, but when I'm dickin' around with metal or shoegaze riffs, cranking that gain knob does so much. If I'm trying to practice quietly or recording tunes, it sounds solid through the headphone jack. If you're trying to branch into getting amp heads and have a low budget or want a cheap, reliable back up amp, this is a quality amp.launch

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December 18, 2020

Multiple owners note the amp is much louder than expected, able to keep up with a full band and drummer, and even rattle windows when run through a larger cab.

@jarrusjenkins

It's not perfect..... But it's good!\nQuestions like....\nIs it loud enough? Yes.... Yes it is... I don't know how but orange has a way of making the watts go further... \nI've played through a Laney 2x12 with Celestion G12H anniversary speakers and it was easily loud enough to compete with a drummer and bass player at band practice.\nI had a Klon style OD in front of mine to tighten and add gain and add mids in a place that I liked (I ran the shape so it was slightly scooped)launch

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September 5, 2026

@terrywitzu7874

I bought this forever ago just for a D.I, or late night Headphone playing. Just this Sunday I went looking for a portable tube combo (8\" speaker, that sort of thing). Of course everything is discontinued, except the little 8\" Cabinet that was built for this sucker as in the store. As soon as I plugged in I was thrilled! The Cabinet speaker is still stiff as a board, but it didn't bother me one bit.\nI haven't even plugged my Pedal board in yet, b/c I was just enjoying the Direct in of this little guy. \n4 by 12\" cabinet? Are you kidding? This little sucker will have your Drummer yelling at you to turn it down just w/ the 8\" Cab using a Clean tone! Jams, Apartment, even gigs...I may be leaving my AD-15 at home more than I should!launch

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July 12, 2022

@neoaureus

1. This video has the highs little rolled off.. It is much sharper...in a good way.\n2. It is LOUD .... dont let the size fool ya.\n3. The clean tones are amazing... better and many 1000$ amps Ive seen.\n4. It has an FX loop so it takes pedals well.\n5. Overall it takes pedals superbly, I run a Russian Green Muff Pi...and ooh boy. \n6. It runs 8 and 16 ohm cabs .... I run a 2x12 Vox Night Train Cab 60w ... and it blows it away.\nIn all its superb... cannot compare it to say TH30C which also I own.. but paired with right gear it is great.launch

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October 25, 2019

@wupme

The Micro Dark is an amazing amplifier for its size and cost.\nIts my go to practice am at home and with a Band. Yes that thing can stand up to a drummer who's not a complete animal.\n\nI use a Metalzone without distortion purely for a solo boost to boost the highs and mids.launch

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August 9, 2019

Several users report using it as their main gigging rig or regular practice amp for years, citing its portability and ease of setup as major advantages.

@DareBear2099

I’ve used this as a bedroom amp, backup amp and occasional fly worship rig for years. It’s still my main bedroom/basement amp while my real amp is at my bands rehearsal space. I swapped out the tube for a 12AU7, I play it with a compressor in the loop to give the power section more tube squish. I pair ish with a 1x12 cab with a v-type Celestion. Takes pedals really well too. Does it sound as good as my PRS SE 50 with a creamback? Hell no, but it’s not the point. It’s a solid amp, your review nailed it.launch

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February 7, 2025

@DareBear2099

This is my main amp. Did a tube swap, run some OD in the front with effects in the loop. It's a killer amp, Can keep up with loud drummer, have played hundreds of gigs with this guy. Highly recommend to metal and non metal heads alike.launch

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August 12, 2019

@wupme

The Micro Dark is an amazing amplifier for its size and cost.\nIts my go to practice am at home and with a Band. Yes that thing can stand up to a drummer who's not a complete animal.\n\nI use a Metalzone without distortion purely for a solo boost to boost the highs and mids.launch

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August 9, 2019

@DareBear2099

This amp is actually my main gigging rig. I have pedals in the front end and in the FX Loops and it takes pedals really well. I did swap out the stock 12ax7(ECC83) and put in a JJ Gold Pin 12AU7 for more clean headroom. It sounds pretty freaking awesome, and I get compliments from other musicians after shows on the regular. Usually set up on stage with an over-sized 2x10 Panama Cabinet, with use of the cab sim into a board and the cab mic’d up (depending on the stage setup, it varies). It’s fun surprising folks with the size and tone/volume this thing pumps out. I use a vox type pre-amp pedal in the FX loop sometimes depending on the gig to change my EQ. Only real gripe for me is the cab sim, which can get fizzy. It’s totally usable but kind of wish it was a little better in quality. But for the price, and what you get, this amp is super difficult to beat.launch

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April 10, 2019

Some users describe unexpectedly good clean tones by rolling back guitar volume, calling them a delightful surprise for an amp marketed toward metal.

@faultcraft

Thanks for this video! I purchased it on reverb because I'm moving to an apartment and saw it had a tube and headphone jack, as well as an out to go to a cabinet or DI box, which is perfect for me. I didn't know antyhing about the profile and didn't look at this video until it arrived. Figured I'd wing it and it would be part of the adventure (also got a JHS overdrive pedal) with my new PRS hollowbody guitar. That's the sound I'm after, but still a newbie. I like the low-end crunch but high end creamy overdriven cleans that spike through the crunch, looks like I may have just gotten lucky cause I wasn't shopping based on sound, hah.launch

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December 1, 2023

@ryanspencerlauderdale687

4:42 “The amp isn’t designed to play clean.”\nTurns volume up\n“That’s actually a pretty good clean tone.”\nBRUHlaunch

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May 21, 2020

@neoaureus

1. This video has the highs little rolled off.. It is much sharper...in a good way.\n2. It is LOUD .... dont let the size fool ya.\n3. The clean tones are amazing... better and many 1000$ amps Ive seen.\n4. It has an FX loop so it takes pedals well.\n5. Overall it takes pedals superbly, I run a Russian Green Muff Pi...and ooh boy. \n6. It runs 8 and 16 ohm cabs .... I run a 2x12 Vox Night Train Cab 60w ... and it blows it away.\nIn all its superb... cannot compare it to say TH30C which also I own.. but paired with right gear it is great.launch

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October 25, 2019

@HamishMHarper

Phil & HOD, you nailed it! This amp does it ALL! I have one and play through my Zilla Cabs Deep Small Vintage with 2 x 12 Neo Creambacks. I've put every kind of guitar through it from Gretsch Eddie Cochran to Strats, LPs... You can go blues clean to blues way dirty and on to chugga-chugga-death-by-metal and its all sweet. The cleans are the most unexpected delight. Just a decent guitar and this amp (no pedals) and you can go from Blackberry Smoke to Black Crowes, Clutch, EoDM, Metallica, SOAD... ANYTHING! I've also put pedals in the front and the Eff-Loop round the back and its just effing awesome! Worth every penny/cent!launch

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December 21, 2017