Reissue Version of the EHX Sovtek MIG-50 Amplifier
The Electro Harmonix MIG-50 is a 50-watt all-tube amplifier and a modified reissue of the amplifiers made by the Russian Sovtek company, which is mainly known for its production of tubes under the wing of the New Sensor Corporation. Although the MIG-50 models have been on the market for several years, they were, with a few exceptions, officially only sold only in the USA—until now. The company has now obtained all the international certifications necessary to distribute these affordable guitar amplifiers worldwide.
The straightforward two-channel preamp offers a clean Channel I (Normal) and a brighter Channel II, providing a sonic palette ranging from light crunch to more saturated distortion. Four-band EQs are shared, and each channel has its own volume and input. The obligatory standby mode, power switch and, of course, a large status indicator are also included.
The end unit uses a pair of Tung-Sol 5881 tubes and a single Mullard 12AX7 triode, while the preamplifier is based on two Tung-Sol 12AX7 tubes. On the rear of the chassis, in addition to fuses and three speaker outputs for cabinets with 4/8/16 ohm impedances, there are also inputs and a trimmer used to adjust the bias voltage of the power tubes.
This modern reissue with ample output power, the necessary projection, typical compression and a sound close to the popular Fender Bassman provides a great platform for pedals, and a certain degree of versatility is provided by a tension switch selecting voltage in steps of 100, 117 and 230 V 50/60 Hz.
Each amplifier in the innovative MIG-50 series, which draws in part on the design of the older Marshall Super Lead, is assembled by hand in Electro Harmonix's New York factory. The official price of the 50 x 24.1 x 20.3 cm unit is under $640 for the US market.
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