Rule the Deep with Three Versatile Channels
Victory Amplification’s VX The Kraken MkII is a roaring high-gain monster of an amplifier head, building upon its MkI predecessor with a full-bodied clean channel and superior controls. This lunchbox-sized amplifier head delivers 50 watts of dynamic tube-powered tone, harnessing the power of four 12AX7s and a pair of 6L6 power tubes to capture the most esteemed high-gain tones of both the American and British amp-building traditions on the Gain I and Gain II channels. Need a softer sound to balance against your screaming leads and chugging riffs? An all-new Clean channel takes your tone anywhere from a subtle edge-of-breakup chime to pristine and sparkling cleans to complement this beast’s exalted roar. You also get an extensive EQ section, Bass Focus switch to tighten your low end, flexible footswitch options, and a series effects loop for your favorite stompboxes. For the modern hard-rock or metal guitarist seeking captivating cleans and crushing dirty tones in a compact head format, VX The Kraken MkII reigns supreme.
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Flexible 3-channel design
Designed in collaboration with modern metal maestro Rabea Massaad, Victory Amplification’s VX The Kraken MkII is perfect for the guitarist who tonally traverses the proverbial pond. Each channel can be controlled via a 3-way footswitch or the front-panel channel switch.
- Gain I: This setting captures the voice of classic British amplification, delivering a midrange-rich wallop that’s superb for saturated classic rock rhythms and old-school metal punch.
- Gain II: Tight, aggressive, and incredibly heavy, Gain II takes its inspiration from the American school of amplifier design. Sweetwater’s metal-minded guitarists favor this setting for more modern applications, especially styles that utilize grinding low-tuned riffage.
- Clean: Even the most gain-addicted guitarist needs a top-tier clean channel! VX The Kraken MkII upgrades the classic Kraken formula with the addition of a crisp Clean channel to complement this amp’s high-gain nature. Finally, as this channel shares a Gain knob with the Gain I channel, the VX The Kraken MkII’s rear panel sports a balance control to keep both channels well-matched in volume.
Superior EQ options
Building on the VX The Kraken MkII’s ultra-flexible 3-channel design is an equally flexible EQ section, starting with a global 3-band EQ to fine-tune your tone. Next, the Presence knob allows you to precisely dial in your level of top-end bite. Meanwhile, the Presence Shift knob located on the amp’s rear panel reduces negative feedback in your upper-range frequencies, resulting in a brighter and more articulate edge. A Bass Focus switch tops it all off, altering your low end in the power section of the amp to deliver a firmer, tighter bottom-end punch.
Series effects loop and extensive footswitch functionality
VX The Kraken MkII is flush with functional features that rival amps several times its size. First, an innovative series effects loop makes it a breeze to cleanly integrate all your reverbs, delays, and modulation pedals into your signal. Plus, Victory Amplification’s engineers designed the loop to fully remove it from the circuit when not in use, ensuring your tone remains clear and uncolored. You also get two footswitch inputs that grant hands-free control of channel switching, master volume controls, and controls. Lastly, DIY-inclined guitarists will surely love how VX The Kraken MkII sports bias test points and a bias adjust trimpot on the rear panel, allowing you to properly bias your power tubes without disassembling the amplifier.
Victory Amplification VX The Kraken MkII 50-watt Tube Head Features:
- Updates Victory Amplification’s VX The Kraken with a third channel (Clean) and enhanced controls
- 50 watts of high-octane tube amplification in a compact lunchbox-style head, designed in conjunction with modern metal guitarist Rabea Massaad
- Footswitchable 3-channel design delivers classic British-inspired grit, screaming American-style high-gain firepower, and an all-new clean channel for when it’s time to turn down the gain
- Both Gain channels feature their own dedicated gain and master volume controls
- Extensive EQ controls, including a 3-band EQ, Presence knob, and Bass Focus switch
- Series FX loop for seamless integration of time-based and modulation pedals, which can also be removed completely from the circuit when not in use
- External bias test points allow for power tube biasing without the need for disassembly
- 9W low power mode is ideal for practice and achieving saturated tube tones at reasonable volume levels
