Wizard Hell Razor Tone Tips (NAD)

[ChrisWuelling]

Greetings! Well today I picked up a secondhand Wizard Hell Razor KT66 60w and while I think I’m getting the hang of dialing it in, I’m looking for some input from some of the other dudes that have one of these beasts.

I’ve owned a shit ton of high end amps including those that can be tricky to dial in, like the Uber Ultra. But with 3 gain controls, 3 boosts, EQ, bright switches, etc it’s easy to end up chasing your tail.

Suggestions on a good place to start or method to explore would be great. I play a wide range of genres, from country to metal and would love for this fire breather to go from clean to fire breather but obviously its main selling point is the chugs.

I’m more of a Metallica/older thrash style dude than the super clanky djenty stuff.

Thanks so much in advance!View attachment IMG_5978.jpeg

 

[CrystalSky]

Happy NAD man!

 

[Tone Monster]

Everything set basically neutral is a good place to start, with all three boosts engaged. Then just play with it from there. I found a cool tone with the brightness on the back set to about 11 o’clock. I added back treble and presence on the front panel and it was like the perfect scooped tone.

 

[TheGreatGreen]

How do the two bright controls work? Is one pre-distortion and the other post-distortion or something?

 

[Yehuda]

The settings I like a lot are cranked depth, presence at 3:00
Saturation cranked, gain3 at 9:00,gain 2 at 1:30, gain 1 at 3:00, and then the rhythm boost pulled and pull shift- EQ and brights to taste

I think of gain 1 as overall, 2 as high mid clank, and 3 as low mid chunk

With the amount of options there are, I haven’t gotten half of the possible sounds out of it I’m sure

 

[Techdeth]

The settings I like a lot are cranked depth, presence at 3:00
Saturation cranked, gain3 at 9:00,gain 2 at 1:30, gain 1 at 3:00, and then the rhythm boost pulled and pull shift- EQ and brights to taste

I think of gain 1 as overall, 2 as high mid clank, and 3 as low mid chunk

With the amount of options there are, I haven’t gotten half of the possible sounds out of it I’m sure

The options are endless . From Klank to thrash to 80s to even stoner . I’ll try to get my settings later

 

[ners]

How big can the low end on these things? Of the few clips out there no one seemed to dial it in even close to the MTL.

 

[ChrisWuelling]

Thanks for the insights, guys! Interesting that Tone Monster recommended neutral but with all of the boosts engaged, which would be counterintuitive to me.

So far, the low end seems massive. I’ve owned an MC2 and an MTL MK2 and this thing sounds huge. If anything, I’m struggling to dial back some of that thickness.

Part of this might be buyer’s remorse, but I feeeeeeeel like I could probably cop these tones with an Uber Ultra. I’ve bought and sold Wizards a few times because even though they are killer, I always end up feeling like it’s not 5-6k worth of killer.

Anyway I don’t want to start a war, but just saying that’s how it feels initially.

 

[Smash]

Thanks for the insights, guys! Interesting that Tone Monster recommended neutral but with all of the boosts engaged, which would be counterintuitive to me.

So far, the low end seems massive. I’ve owned an MC2 and an MTL MK2 and this thing sounds huge. If anything, I’m struggling to dial back some of that thickness.

Part of this might be buyer’s remorse, but I feeeeeeeel like I could probably cop these tones with an Uber Ultra. I’ve bought and sold Wizards a few times because even though they are killer, I always end up feeling like it’s not 5-6k worth of killer.

Anyway I don’t want to start a war, but just saying that’s how it feels initially.

I love the hell raiser.
Also love the uber ultra.

I think from the limited time i have spent with them they are fairly interchangeable

 

[Yehuda]

Thanks for the insights, guys! Interesting that Tone Monster recommended neutral but with all of the boosts engaged, which would be counterintuitive to me.

So far, the low end seems massive. I’ve owned an MC2 and an MTL MK2 and this thing sounds huge. If anything, I’m struggling to dial back some of that thickness.

Part of this might be buyer’s remorse, but I feeeeeeeel like I could probably cop these tones with an Uber Ultra. I’ve bought and sold Wizards a few times because even though they are killer, I always end up feeling like it’s not 5-6k worth of killer.

Anyway I don’t want to start a war, but just saying that’s how it feels initially.

Dialing back thickness is mainly gain 3

 

[braintheory]

How big can the low end on these things? Of the few clips out there no one seemed to dial it in even close to the MTL.

At least on my KT150 version Hell Razor it has a huge low end, bigger than that of the MTL and MC I had, but the MTL had naturally more low mids and some guys really mean that when they say low end

 

[braintheory]

Thanks for the insights, guys! Interesting that Tone Monster recommended neutral but with all of the boosts engaged, which would be counterintuitive to me.

So far, the low end seems massive. I’ve owned an MC2 and an MTL MK2 and this thing sounds huge. If anything, I’m struggling to dial back some of that thickness.

Part of this might be buyer’s remorse, but I feeeeeeeel like I could probably cop these tones with an Uber Ultra. I’ve bought and sold Wizards a few times because even though they are killer, I always end up feeling like it’s not 5-6k worth of killer.

Anyway I don’t want to start a war, but just saying that’s how it feels initially.

Having had at the same time an Uber Ultra and my Hell Razor I'd have to completely disagree with all due respect. I can maybe see what you mean having the amps separately, but I think if you heard them side by side you'd know what I mean. There is light years more detail, clarity and note definition on the Hell Razor, especially on faster or more intricate riffs and the Uber Ultra sounded in comparisons really filtered/artificial, cardboard-y and in a way like it was underwater vs my Hell Razor. I don't really hear a resemblance between the 2 amps other than both being very punchy and powerful. The Uber Ultra to me just sounded like a sterile version of my Rev 1 Uber when compared to it. The Uber's do for sure have thicker low mids if you prefer that sound

I can understand feeling it’s too expensive for what it is and I don’t get into debates over price. That’s one’s call. The Uber and Wizard to me are their own flavors that I both love, just for me not the post Rev 2 version Uber’s

 

[ners]

At least on my KT150 version Hell Razor it has a huge low end, bigger than that of the MTL and MC I had, but the MTL had naturally more low mids and some guys really mean that when they say low end

Yeah I could be in that boat lol. Never played an MTL but listened to a bunch of clips.

 

[ChrisWuelling]

Having had at the same time an Uber Ultra and my Hell Razor I'd have to completely disagree with all due respect. I can maybe see what you mean having the amps separately, but I think if you heard them side by side you'd know what I mean. There is light years more detail, clarity and note definition on the Hell Razor, especially on faster or more intricate riffs and the Uber Ultra sounded in comparisons really filtered/artificial, cardboard-y and in a way like it was underwater vs my Hell Razor. I don't really hear a resemblance between the 2 amps other than both being very punchy and powerful. The Uber Ultra to me just sounded like a sterile version of my Rev 1 Uber when compared to it. The Uber's do for sure have thicker low mids if you prefer that sound

I can understand feeling it’s too expensive for what it is and I don’t get into debates over price. That’s one’s call. The Uber and Wizard to me are their own flavors that I both love, just for me not the post Rev 2 version Uber’s

It’s funny because I have read your opinion on the UU in other threads and definitely know what you’re talking about as far as what you’re describing. I experienced it with an Engl SE FE and couldn’t return it fast enough. But I’ve never felt that way about the UU.

Anyway…decided the HR just isn’t for me so it’s listed on a popular gear selling platform. I don’t have the post count to post here.

 

[braintheory]

It’s funny because I have read your opinion on the UU in other threads and definitely know what you’re talking about as far as what you’re describing. I experienced it with an Engl SE FE and couldn’t return it fast enough. But I’ve never felt that way about the UU.

Anyway…decided the HR just isn’t for me so it’s listed on a popular gear selling platform. I don’t have the post count to post here.

Yeah the Engl’s aren’t my favorites either for similar reasons, but imo still quite different sounding from the UU. I haven’t tried the FE, but had the the regular SE EL34

Yeah Wizard’s aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Maybe it can help you better figure out what is. Mine isn’t going anywhere

 

[PurityS.L.G]

Having had at the same time an Uber Ultra and my Hell Razor I'd have to completely disagree with all due respect. I can maybe see what you mean having the amps separately, but I think if you heard them side by side you'd know what I mean. There is light years more detail, clarity and note definition on the Hell Razor, especially on faster or more intricate riffs and the Uber Ultra sounded in comparisons really filtered/artificial, cardboard-y and in a way like it was underwater vs my Hell Razor. I don't really hear a resemblance between the 2 amps other than both being very punchy and powerful. The Uber Ultra to me just sounded like a sterile version of my Rev 1 Uber when compared to it. The Uber's do for sure have thicker low mids if you prefer that sound

I can understand feeling it’s too expensive for what it is and I don’t get into debates over price. That’s one’s call. The Uber and Wizard to me are their own flavors that I both love, just for me not the post Rev 2 version Uber’s

With all due respect Sam, you pretty much write off every newer amp made that's not older than the year 2000 it seems. You've never steered me wrong on items I've personally asked you about but your pickiness has no bounds LOL

I'm pretty sure most of us can agree here that @RedB4Black is the resident Wizard expert since he's owned/played/compared a hefty amount of Ricks amp line and their variations of tubes/transformer combos. He even said himself the UU was SUPER close in sound and tone shaping feature sets to the point he ended up keeping his UU over the HR. His opinion and choice, I'm well aware of that. But you make the UU seem like it's pure trash. I have a Rev 2 (Serial 301) sitting on top of my UU and have ran the amps in stereo and played them back and forth numerous times. They are not worlds apart like you're claiming. In fact the only major difference I hear between mine when dialed in to sound similar is the Rev 2 is more smeary in the voicing. It's cool and addicting but it sacrifices the cut and clarity of the updated UU. The only caveat I can see with this as far as conflicting sound similarities between those two amps is the fact I've read and talked to numerous other Uber fan boys and owners over the years and it does seem the majority of all pre Rev Blue Ubers all sound different from each other. Some extreme, some very minute, namely with the responsiveness of the controls.

Sorry, not sorry I'm defending the Ultra. It's one of the best modern amps you can buy today AND it can be dialed in to sound like the older models, especially Ch.2. Ch.1 has more of that modern clank to my ears, a la KSR.

 

[RedB4Black]

With all due respect Sam, you pretty much write off every newer amp made that's not older than the year 2000 it seems. You've never steered me wrong on items I've personally asked you about but your pickiness has no bounds LOL

I'm pretty sure most of us can agree here that @RedB4Black is the resident Wizard expert since he's owned/played/compared a hefty amount of Ricks amp line and their variations of tubes/transformer combos. He even said himself the UU was SUPER close in sound and tone shaping feature sets to the point he ended up keeping his UU over the HR. His opinion and choice, I'm well aware of that. But you make the UU seem like it's pure trash. I have a Rev 2 (Serial 301) sitting on top of my UU and have ran the amps in stereo and played them back and forth numerous times. They are not worlds apart like you're claiming. In fact the only major difference I hear between mine when dialed in to sound similar is the Rev 2 is more smeary in the voicing. It's cool and addicting but it sacrifices the cut and clarity of the updated UU. The only caveat I can see with this as far as conflicting sound similarities between those two amps is the fact I've read and talked to numerous other Uber fan boys and owners over the years and it does seem the majority of all pre Rev Blue Ubers all sound different from each other. Some extreme, some very minute, namely with the responsiveness of the controls.

Sorry, not sorry I'm defending the Ultra. It's one of the best modern amps you can buy today AND it can be dialed in to sound like the older models, especially Ch.2. Ch.1 has more of that modern clank to my ears, a la KSR.

Don’t drag me into this!

It’s true, I kept the UU over my KT120 (KT66) HR. I could dial them in pretty damn close. The Uber is a lot more versatile too. I did have 4 other Wizards when I sold it, one being a 50w MTL that Rick customized that made my HR sound too smoothed out in comparison. Im not the only one who thought the HR was too smooth and I know Rick made some updates subsequent to the initial ones (what I had) that went out the door. I think they are less smooth now according to Justin since he’s had one before and after the updates. The Uber was capable of delivering a more raw/aggressive tone, similar to my customized MTL. I also have a 60w KT66 MTL with C transformers that I liked a lot more than my HR. I’d like to try a KT88 HR with the updates, but I’m not really raring to spend the $ when my Uber can run KT88s and sound just as good IMO

 

[leib10]

With all due respect Sam, you pretty much write off every newer amp made that's not older than the year 2000 it seems. You've never steered me wrong on items I've personally asked you about but your pickiness has no bounds LOL

I'm pretty sure most of us can agree here that @RedB4Black is the resident Wizard expert since he's owned/played/compared a hefty amount of Ricks amp line and their variations of tubes/transformer combos. He even said himself the UU was SUPER close in sound and tone shaping feature sets to the point he ended up keeping his UU over the HR. His opinion and choice, I'm well aware of that. But you make the UU seem like it's pure trash. I have a Rev 2 (Serial 301) sitting on top of my UU and have ran the amps in stereo and played them back and forth numerous times. They are not worlds apart like you're claiming. In fact the only major difference I hear between mine when dialed in to sound similar is the Rev 2 is more smeary in the voicing. It's cool and addicting but it sacrifices the cut and clarity of the updated UU. The only caveat I can see with this as far as conflicting sound similarities between those two amps is the fact I've read and talked to numerous other Uber fan boys and owners over the years and it does seem the majority of all pre Rev Blue Ubers all sound different from each other. Some extreme, some very minute, namely with the responsiveness of the controls.

Sorry, not sorry I'm defending the Ultra. It's one of the best modern amps you can buy today AND it can be dialed in to sound like the older models, especially Ch.2. Ch.1 has more of that modern clank to my ears, a la KSR.

I’ve owned my Rev 2 (#336) for over ten years. I love the amp and nothing sounds quite like it. That being said, guess whether the Rev 2 or the UU is sitting in its case right now.

 

[PurityS.L.G]

I’ve owned my Rev 2 (#336) for over ten years. I love the amp and nothing sounds quite like it. That being said, guess whether the Rev 2 or the UU is sitting in its case right now.

My guess is the Rev 2 since the UU can cop it, is more versatile and has a WAY better MV suitable for lower volume playing when needed.

 

[braintheory]

With all due respect Sam, you pretty much write off every newer amp made that's not older than the year 2000 it seems. You've never steered me wrong on items I've personally asked you about but your pickiness has no bounds LOL

I'm pretty sure most of us can agree here that @RedB4Black is the resident Wizard expert since he's owned/played/compared a hefty amount of Ricks amp line and their variations of tubes/transformer combos. He even said himself the UU was SUPER close in sound and tone shaping feature sets to the point he ended up keeping his UU over the HR. His opinion and choice, I'm well aware of that. But you make the UU seem like it's pure trash. I have a Rev 2 (Serial 301) sitting on top of my UU and have ran the amps in stereo and played them back and forth numerous times. They are not worlds apart like you're claiming. In fact the only major difference I hear between mine when dialed in to sound similar is the Rev 2 is more smeary in the voicing. It's cool and addicting but it sacrifices the cut and clarity of the updated UU. The only caveat I can see with this as far as conflicting sound similarities between those two amps is the fact I've read and talked to numerous other Uber fan boys and owners over the years and it does seem the majority of all pre Rev Blue Ubers all sound different from each other. Some extreme, some very minute, namely with the responsiveness of the controls.

Sorry, not sorry I'm defending the Ultra. It's one of the best modern amps you can buy today AND it can be dialed in to sound like the older models, especially Ch.2. Ch.1 has more of that modern clank to my ears, a la KSR.

There’s actually plenty of very recent made gear that I’ve kept and love as much as anything I’ve tried: 2023 Wizard Hell Razor, 2020 MI Audio Megalith Beta, 2023 Alessandro DAZZ, 2023 Ronin J7GT, 2024 Ronin P88, 2018 Gjika 10N, 2000’s Steavens Poundcake Mk2, 2014 Soldano SLO and have tried a friend’s Larry that also sounded killer. I actually have just slightly more modern than vintage gear right now. Good is good and I don’t discriminate. Lots of recent made guitars I also love and discovered recently (not stuff that gets mentioned on this forum). The Naylor’s are also killer sounding recent made amps

I don’t know enough to say about the Rev 2 Uber’s, but have currently 2 Rev 1 Uber’s and they do sound pretty different from each other (both great though) and to me they smoked the UU I had. I can agree actually the UU is capable of more cut and a lot tighter, but despite being tighter somehow actually wasn’t tracking as well or defined on more fast or intricate riffs (the mark 7 had the same exact problem when AB’ed with my IIC+ HRG, @GJgo can tell you the same) and the main problem for me was the inherently cardboardy/filtered sound, zero warmth, richness or chewiness of the Rev 1 nor remotely the same feel at all. I’m not alone here at all in thinking this, others just are more polite than me here about voicing their opinion

I’m not saying either it’s a bad amp at all or intending to trash it, just my honest thoughts. There were things I liked about it enough to keep it for a little bit, but ultimately couldn’t justify it. I’m not saying the Hell Razor or any amp is worth whatever price they are, but I only give opinions without putting price into the equation and from that perspective I felt the Hell Razor (and Rev 1 Uber) smoked the UU I had when compared (no contest for me). Just my findings. Matt has had more Wizards than anyone we know, but I can just say from my experience the UU is nothing like the Hell Razor I have nor the MTL or MC I had. If you try one for yourself you can decide. I know guys that agree with me 110% and others that will agree with Matt, so it’s something to just decide from trying yourself