Seriously considering offloading my XTC for Einstein setup

[Random Hero]

Einstein 50w head with either a 1 or 2x12. Long story short, I live in an apartment in London, and due to our flatmates bailing on us, my girlfriend and I are gonna have to move to a smaller place in the new year. I'm also living in a huge city, with no car, so getting a 4x12 around is difficult, to say the least.

Anyway, I thought a smaller head, and a smaller cab would be just the ticket. That way when I do wanna get a bigger cab I still have a head, rather than having to sell a combo to go back to a head/cab rig.

What I want are opinions in comparison to the XTC aswell as general opinions on the Einstein. I don't really care if I can't footswitch between all of the modes. I don't use all of the modes on the XTC as it is - I never use Plexi, as good as it sounds - and generally stick around the Blue and Red channels. However, I'm happy to boost for leads if need be.
I ideally want something more compact, with a great clean - XTC falls down here - nice mid-gain, chunky high gain rhythm, and really fat musical lead tone, that feels like liquid aswell as sounding it. As I said it doesn't matter so much if I can't footswitch between all of these at once, as when I gig, I usually stick to around two tones and call it at that. Generally a dirty rhythm that I can roll off, and a high gain lead.

 

[Peter Diezel]

If You want to check it out contact
James Leader at Diezel UK

Thanks,

Peter

 

[Random Hero]

If You want to check it out contact
James Leader at Diezel UK

Thanks,

Peter

Thanks for that Peter.

I know you're the mastermind behind these amps, so tell me, three words to describe the Einstein's lead channel

 

[VH4_BigRig]

Einstein 50w head with either a 1 or 2x12. Long story short, I live in an apartment in London, and due to our flatmates bailing on us, my girlfriend and I are gonna have to move to a smaller place in the new year. I'm also living in a huge city, with no car, so getting a 4x12 around is difficult, to say the least.

Anyway, I thought a smaller head, and a smaller cab would be just the ticket. That way when I do wanna get a bigger cab I still have a head, rather than having to sell a combo to go back to a head/cab rig.

What I want are opinions in comparison to the XTC aswell as general opinions on the Einstein. I don't really care if I can't footswitch between all of the modes. I don't use all of the modes on the XTC as it is - I never use Plexi, as good as it sounds - and generally stick around the Blue and Red channels. However, I'm happy to boost for leads if need be.
I ideally want something more compact, with a great clean - XTC falls down here - nice mid-gain, chunky high gain rhythm, and really fat musical lead tone, that feels like liquid aswell as sounding it. As I said it doesn't matter so much if I can't footswitch between all of these at once, as when I gig, I usually stick to around two tones and call it at that. Generally a dirty rhythm that I can roll off, and a high gain lead.
Einstein 50w head with either a 1 or 2x12. Long story short, I live in an apartment in London, and due to our flatmates bailing on us, my girlfriend and I are gonna have to move to a smaller place in the new year. I'm also living in a huge city, with no car, so getting a 4x12 around is difficult, to say the least.

Anyway, I thought a smaller head, and a smaller cab would be just the ticket. That way when I do wanna get a bigger cab I still have a head, rather than having to sell a combo to go back to a head/cab rig.

What I want are opinions in comparison to the XTC aswell as general opinions on the Einstein. I don't really care if I can't footswitch between all of the modes. I don't use all of the modes on the XTC as it is - I never use Plexi, as good as it sounds - and generally stick around the Blue and Red channels. However, I'm happy to boost for leads if need be.
I ideally want something more compact, with a great clean - XTC falls down here - nice mid-gain, chunky high gain rhythm, and really fat musical lead tone, that feels like liquid aswell as sounding it. As I said it doesn't matter so much if I can't footswitch between all of these at once, as when I gig, I usually stick to around two tones and call it at that. Generally a dirty rhythm that I can roll off, and a high gain lead.

Have you totally ruled out just using the XTC with a 1x12 or 2x12 instead of a 4x12? If you're happy with the sound of the XTC you might not want to mess with the head. However, if the head really isn't doing it for you either, then you can't go wrong with any of the Diezels.

Is the size of the head really an issue, or is it the weight? The einstein is 19kg and the XTC is 24kg (5kg/11lb difference), so it's not really a HUGE difference (well, to me at least).

As for the "feels liquid" part, my VH4 is very dry sounding...but I haven't played the Einstein so I don't know how much much more liquid it is than the VH4. I've heard Andy Wood pull some liquid sounds out of his Herbert in some of his clips, and from what the folks in the forum have said the Einstein is closer to the Herbert voicing than the VH4 ,so you may have some luck. I just get the impression that all the Diezels are kind of dry in order to keep the low end as tight as a...well, I'll stop myself there

Is there any way you can try before you buy? That's my main problem, I have to rely on clips and postings to get an idea...if you can try a Einstein before making the switch it would likely help out the decision making process...

Best of luck!

 

[Random Hero]

Einstein 50w head with either a 1 or 2x12. Long story short, I live in an apartment in London, and due to our flatmates bailing on us, my girlfriend and I are gonna have to move to a smaller place in the new year. I'm also living in a huge city, with no car, so getting a 4x12 around is difficult, to say the least.

Anyway, I thought a smaller head, and a smaller cab would be just the ticket. That way when I do wanna get a bigger cab I still have a head, rather than having to sell a combo to go back to a head/cab rig.

What I want are opinions in comparison to the XTC aswell as general opinions on the Einstein. I don't really care if I can't footswitch between all of the modes. I don't use all of the modes on the XTC as it is - I never use Plexi, as good as it sounds - and generally stick around the Blue and Red channels. However, I'm happy to boost for leads if need be.
I ideally want something more compact, with a great clean - XTC falls down here - nice mid-gain, chunky high gain rhythm, and really fat musical lead tone, that feels like liquid aswell as sounding it. As I said it doesn't matter so much if I can't footswitch between all of these at once, as when I gig, I usually stick to around two tones and call it at that. Generally a dirty rhythm that I can roll off, and a high gain lead.
Einstein 50w head with either a 1 or 2x12. Long story short, I live in an apartment in London, and due to our flatmates bailing on us, my girlfriend and I are gonna have to move to a smaller place in the new year. I'm also living in a huge city, with no car, so getting a 4x12 around is difficult, to say the least.

Anyway, I thought a smaller head, and a smaller cab would be just the ticket. That way when I do wanna get a bigger cab I still have a head, rather than having to sell a combo to go back to a head/cab rig.

What I want are opinions in comparison to the XTC aswell as general opinions on the Einstein. I don't really care if I can't footswitch between all of the modes. I don't use all of the modes on the XTC as it is - I never use Plexi, as good as it sounds - and generally stick around the Blue and Red channels. However, I'm happy to boost for leads if need be.
I ideally want something more compact, with a great clean - XTC falls down here - nice mid-gain, chunky high gain rhythm, and really fat musical lead tone, that feels like liquid aswell as sounding it. As I said it doesn't matter so much if I can't footswitch between all of these at once, as when I gig, I usually stick to around two tones and call it at that. Generally a dirty rhythm that I can roll off, and a high gain lead.

Have you totally ruled out just using the XTC with a 1x12 or 2x12 instead of a 4x12? If you're happy with the sound of the XTC you might not want to mess with the head. However, if the head really isn't doing it for you either, then you can't go wrong with any of the Diezels.

Is the size of the head really an issue, or is it the weight? The einstein is 19kg and the XTC is 24kg (5kg/11lb difference), so it's not really a HUGE difference (well, to me at least).

As for the "feels liquid" part, my VH4 is very dry sounding...but I haven't played the Einstein so I don't know how much much more liquid it is than the VH4. I've heard Andy Wood pull some liquid sounds out of his Herbert in some of his clips, and from what the folks in the forum have said the Einstein is closer to the Herbert voicing than the VH4 ,so you may have some luck. I just get the impression that all the Diezels are kind of dry in order to keep the low end as tight as a...well, I'll stop myself there

Is there any way you can try before you buy? That's my main problem, I have to rely on clips and postings to get an idea...if you can try a Einstein before making the switch it would likely help out the decision making process...

Best of luck!

I'm happy with the XTC, but I'm not sure I use every option to it's fullest, coupled with the fact I kinda have the itch for a change too The size is also more of an issue than the weight of the head.

Everything I've heard so far regarding the Einstein has been nothing but positive and really what I would be after. Great clean, heavy gain and fat, dark, thick leads.

I'm not sure about trying them out really, the closest shop hasn't got any Einsteins in stock at the minute

 

[Joeytpg]

hey Random, stay tuned, I'll make a new video of the Einstein Tomorrow, I'll post it here and in HCAF.

I'll try to do a few things (clean/blues/rock/metal) All with nothing no more than my P90 loaded Edwards

 

[Plugmein]

In my opinion the Einstein is the Herbert with out the midi option. I own both, and if the Einstein 50 watt head was made to have the (mode 1,2,3 switch) foot-switchable, I would take this head out more often than the Herbert. If you were to some up the true quality of the Einstein's 2nd channel it would have to be Liquid heaven! It doesn't get any better than this.

 

[Random Hero]

In my opinion the Einstein is the Herbert with out the midi option. I own both, and if the Einstein 50 watt head was made to have the {+-} switch, foot-switchable, I would take this head out more often than the Herbert. If you were to some up the true quality of the Einstein's 2nd channel it would have to be Liquid heaven! It doesn't get any better than this.

You prefer the leads from the Einstein? Have you compared it to an XTC?

 

[Plugmein]

It has been a long time since I played thru a XTC. I purchased an Uberschall instead, due to it having unmatched balls to the wall gain. I didn't want a Marshall type option since I have that covered with a 72 Marshall 50 watt. I purchased the Einstein because of its easily attainable liquid lead sound. I can't believe the levels of sustain that I can get out of it so easily. If your looking to mock a Marshall tone out of it it is more attainable with the Einstein than the Herbert IMHO. That is with the channel one (1,2.3 mode switch). If you want unbeatable singing sustain, this head will give it to you with out spending the Herbert bucks. Sorry, its Euros? Right?

 

[van hellion]

i agree with what everyone here has said, i have both and can achieve tones of each with the other. einstien really is a little brother to herbert, less options but also less cash and size. and vh4_brewtality thanks for the props
peace
A Wood

 

[Random Hero]

i agree with what everyone here has said, i have both and can achieve tones of each with the other. einstien really is a little brother to herbert, less options but also less cash and size. and vh4_brewtality thanks for the props
peace
A Wood

Hmmm, interesting. I thought the Einstein was more of a Vintage type thing.

 

[supersonic]

I own a Herbert and and XTC. The 3rd channel on the XTC is more liquid sounding. The Herbert is more instant response and punch.

 

[van hellion]

i agree with what everyone here has said, i have both and can achieve tones of each with the other. einstien really is a little brother to herbert, less options but also less cash and size. and vh4_brewtality thanks for the props
peace
A Wood

Hmmm, interesting. I thought the Einstein was more of a Vintage type thing.

it is kinda BUT if you dial your amps with your ears and not eyes you can get VERY similar tones, especially lead tones, out of each. now the knobs on each dont look too similar (not too far off, usually a number or two) but what comes out is really close to the same. now a good friend of mine has a 101b thats a much different sound to my ears, not better or worse just different. my problem with alot of amps is getting them "liquidy sounding" alone then losing punch in a live situation, the diezels seem to still cut even when i have em set for a smoother tone. just my 2 cents. with that said one of the next amps i want is an ecstacy classic
peace
A Wood

 

[Random Hero]

i agree with what everyone here has said, i have both and can achieve tones of each with the other. einstien really is a little brother to herbert, less options but also less cash and size. and vh4_brewtality thanks for the props
peace
A Wood

Hmmm, interesting. I thought the Einstein was more of a Vintage type thing.

it is kinda BUT if you dial your amps with your ears and not eyes you can get VERY similar tones, especially lead tones, out of each. now the knobs on each dont look too similar (not too far off, usually a number or two) but what comes out is really close to the same. now a good friend of mine has a 101b thats a much different sound to my ears, not better or worse just different. my problem with alot of amps is getting them "liquidy sounding" alone then losing punch in a live situation, the diezels seem to still cut even when i have em set for a smoother tone. just my 2 cents. with that said one of the next amps i want is an ecstacy classic
peace
A Wood

Haha, just throw that in there at the end. I'm interested to try something new so I think I'll get the Einstein once I get a buyer for the XTC. I can always get another XTC, should I not like the Einstein.

 

[Plugmein]

You need to find a store that has an Einstein. Plug in and play. Go home and take a shower, then go back to the store, and buy it. Oh, by the way, if your wondering why the shower, it will be necessary when you shit yourself, after hearing what this amazing amp can do. There are no clips that show the true tonal quality of this head, you need to play thru one and hear it for yourself. Why do you think some of us have both the Herbert and the Einstein.