Tone Report Weekly 190 | Page 30

Quilter Tone Block 201 For rack-based modeling preamps a dedicated rack power amp makes a lot of sense, but for pedalboard players, it’s hard to find a solution more perfect than Quilter’s Block Series power amplifiers. The 200-watt ToneBlock 201 is especially suited to those of us that get our foundation tones from amp-in-a-box pedals, with its clean layout and thoughtful, yet minimalist onboard tone-shaping tools. The 201 can be ultra clean and transparent, like a veritable blank canvas for the many tonal colors of the player’s stompboxes, or it can add a bit of its own grit and character as well with the gain and voice knobs. The voice control has five settings, including Full Q, Tweed, Jazz, Surf, and Lead, with Tri-Q and Hi-Cut controls offering further sonic 30 TONE TALK // carving possibilities. The Quilter ToneBlock 201 can hook up to virtually any cab or combination of cabs without issue, and its XLR direct out and effects loop offer an unparalleled amount of flexibility. Two units can even be combined in Quilter’s rackmount kit for a badass, lightweight stereo rig that is ideal when used with rack- based modelers or other preamplifiers. You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby: 6 New-School Power Amps You Need