The Duchess you know and love, made even more versatile.
When developing the Duchess MKII, we were careful not to stray too far from what made the original range a success. Sonically, the Duchess remains the reference amplifier for sounds ranging from clean to high-treble, and the ideal pedalboard platform. Furthermore, we drew inspiration from some of our more recent products, adding new tonal switching features from the MK Clean series and modernizing the reverb circuits, incorporating two different types of digital reverb.
Voice switch
Increased tonal flexibility is now offered thanks to a new 3-position voice switch, allowing you to adapt to all pickup types and playing styles. Each successive selection increases the richness of the low-mid frequencies via the treble control.
Mid Kick
This popular feature from the original Duchess range has been expanded to include three levels of dynamic mid-range correction:
Position I: Standard response
Position II: Low-mid boost
Position III: Additional high-mid gain
Reverb
Two distinct digital reverb types are now available on the front panel:
Vintage: Classic spring reverb, ideal for the Duchess's sonic character
Modern: A new type of reverb inspired by The Deputy, ranging from subtle ambience to total, shimmering immersion. Both reverb types include level and decay controls and are footswitchable (footswitch included).
Series effects loop
The hard-bypassable effects loop allows you to use delays, reverbs, etc. after the amp's preamp to maintain a clean sound. If the sound is not as clean as desired, try lowering the mix/output level of the pedal, especially when turning up the amp's master volume.
Low power and new aesthetic
The panel switch offers a low power mode, reducing output to approximately 7 watts. We have also redesigned the front panel, with a cleaner look and our new Victory logo, which first appeared on the MK series.
6L6 or EL34 power tubes
Although the Duchess range ships with EL34 tubes, the V40 gives you the choice of EL34 or 6L6 power tubes. These tubes offer slightly different sonic characteristics in terms of power stage saturation and overall frequency response. A bias range switch allows you to find the ideal range, but fine-tuning the bias is also recommended when changing power tubes.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FORMAT:
Single-channel head
POWER:
42W,
Low power: 7W
VALVES:
3 x ECC83, 2 x EL34 as standard
DIMENSIONS:
(mm): 342 (w) x 185 (h) x 185 (d) (including handle, feet, and controls)
WEIGHT:
8.2kg / 18.1lb
EXTRA FEATURES:
Three-position voice switch
Three-position Mid Kick switch
Dual digital reverb with footswitch/bypass option
Series effects loop with hard bypass
Single-ended mode
Skeletal metal chassis with rubber handle (lunchbox style)
Padded carry bag included
Reverb on/off footswitch included