One of THE BEST demo's on anything I've come across. Very well explained, not too long on any one setting, too the point critques of the various settings. Thank you as it helped me in buying one of these little guys. Plenty of what I need for home use.
Like so many who've commented here, I love your presentation, Don! : just the facts, ma'm, and lots of them, great licks as examples and zero pretense. An oasis in the desert of presenters. Also, spot-on descriptions of the amp sounds, for example, "very naked, clean Fendery sound"-- thanks :)
If you are are on a budget or don't want to haul a heavy tube amp to gigs, or the venue stage footprint is a consideration, this is a great choice at 24 lbs. in a small package. The built in effects and amp models make it very versatile with channel switching and a nice channel one clean. This is really an import Fender Deluxe Reverb in a 15 watts RMS and 10" speaker format, but with way more in the effects and amp models. Also, one feature often overlooked is that this amp has a GREAT Line Out for front of house (FOH) amplification to louder levels that works very well. I know, because I used it in a very loud Southern Rock/Classic Rock/New Country band out in Memphis, TN and Arkansas for 29 gigs over 8 months 2009 to 2010. I kept it on a comfortable volume of 4 behind me "back line" on top of my keyboard amp and power supply small rack case, and we blasted it out to the crowd FOH with great tone results. You can't lose with this amp. You can play it at ANY size gig due to its super Line Out, by using the bigger PA that is FOH. Or you can drop a mike on it, but the line out works as good or better than a mike. We had been miking it, but one day needed the extra mike on the drums, so used the line out, heard how great it sounded, and never used the mike again. Even though it does not have a standby switch, it was fine, since it uses low wattage 6V6 power tubes. One AR club we played every month for one weekend, left it on for up to five hours both nights.
Hi Don, just checking back in. I bought one of these 10 years ago used based on your review and one other (David Gilmour style). I have been gigging this thing all over and still get compliments on my guitar tone every night. Over the years I did change the tubes and swapped speaker to a Ragin Cajun for about 5db more beef. She is just a great little workhorse. I found she takes either TS9 or OCD really well into Ch1 but Ch2 is best to dial in the voice you want with nothing in front. Voices I use often- Ch1- Blackface Deluxe Reverb- Doobies, SRV, Mayer 3- hi gain Tweed- Brian May, Santana 6- Vox Top Boost- Beatles, U2, Gilmour 8- Plexi- Jimi, Clapton I own several other more expensive amps but this one still goes to most of the local gigs. For large outdoor stages I do bring a Mesa. If the SC got lost, stolen, or caught fire one night, I would find another one. Cheers!
It has been several years since I reviewed this amplifier.... Since the review of this amplifier played many small similar amps that deserves some attention... Guitar Center has agreed to supply me with several of their new small boutique amplifiers for review.... Marshall, Vox, Acoustic, Backstair to name a few. But from what I have heard the fender Super Champ XD model still holds its own with any of the comparison tests. But will see... So stay tuned , check back,.... and I'll give you a fair assessment. Thanks again..... Happy trails
I don't care for the clean channel a single coil guitars. Instead, try using the first tweed voice for clean. Turn the gain all the way up or close to it. It will remain clean but with a bit of hair. That's one of the best clean sounds I've ever heard and a good platform for overdrive pedals, but you have to turn that gain up for it. With a good overdrive pedal in front of it, you can go from a thick jazzy clean to a creamy overdrive all with the guitar's volume control. A lot of people have been changing to a speaker with more bass to try and make that clean channel and the BF voices sound thicker, but they screw up the tweed voices when they do that. In my opinion, it's the tweed voices that make this amp worth having. You can make the amp louder and keep the nice tweed voices by using a Jensen C10Q.
Bill I have recently picked up this amp and still exploring all the settings. I have a Jensen C10Q in another cabinet (which I rate highly) and have plugged this amp into it. It certainly smoothes out the brightness, it will take me some time to decide whether I prefer the C10Q over the stock Fender speaker. The stock speaker may be bright, but that works well for a Fender clean tone.
this is a great demo of this amp, i bought one and was freaked out a little by the digital preamp effects or whatever, i was afraid i wouldnt be happy with the tone. Well i picked one up for $120 bucks and its taking the spot of my VOX AC4TV and my Marshall Class 5. You can litterally get anything from fender cleans all the way to heavy marshal overdriven tones and everything in between. Its amazing how close it nails thats marshall tone, then u can spin a dial and get a clean fender sparkle.
My SCXD sounded nothing like this video. Through Fender forums, I found out the voltage going to my tubes was half what it was supposed to be. The factory routinely sets the tube voltage low to extend tube life and allow people to change tubes without worrying about overdriving them. After adjusting the tube voltage to the correct setting, the amp now sounds like this one. Look up scxd bias adjustment to see how it's done. I also added JJ tubes and a Jensen C10Q and it's a little monster!
Don...excellent review! Fender should hire you to demo this amp on their web site. You have mastered it. Do us all a favor and post some of your favorite settings!!! Please!
Still probably the BEST video presented as you Don go through a thorough explanation of what you are doing, and do a great job of the demo for the various settings you are always calling out to the viewer. Thank for again for the time you took to do this a subsequent video's on the fender Super Champ XD
@WormOfTheWorld thanks for the comment....this amp is mostly a pre-production amp for practice or recording...live is not quite enough volume but a very careful monitor mix might get it . You got it...it has a very warm ....smooth break-up with a pretty nice clean thing as well...perfect for low volume reproduction ..great for BR
Don - thanks for this. I just got a friend to buy this amp - I bought 2 more today before the price increase!!!. Two things - a Ragin Cajun speaker really give this thing just a little 'more' in terms of tightness in the fuzzy high end. Also, as to your comment about live - I'm betting your playing more gigs than I am, but my next one I'm simply using two of these, set two ways - and switching... Friggin amazing. Many many thanks for your brilliant video!
Don, again, thanks for the demo. Just got my second SCXD. First one I got from CL with Ragin' Cajun speaker already installed. Came with footswitch, too. $220. Picked up a new one and got footswitch from MF. $299+25. Got a 1x12 cab from a friend w/ Celestion, G12-P80, 100 bucks. Use it with new one @ practice sessions. Picked up a 2x12 Crate cab w/Tone Tubbies for $100 from CL and use that for gigging with the SCXD w/Ragin' Cajun. All I can say is, WOW!
Thanks for updating this. I too have an old XD which I use at home in my small practice studio, and a newer X2 in a second home overseas, which I agree doesn’t sound as good as the original. I mostly just use the “non-modeling” channel with pedals (my current fave is an Okko Diablo Gregor Hilden two channel pedal that gives me that perfect edge of breakup tone). I put a Cannabis Rex in the XD but am not sure I prefer it, since is seems to sound a bit more hairy. Might bring it here and see if it improves the X2.
That little XD is just so perfect for sounding a little lamp, I’ve done the same thing with pedals in the front end, but I like the modeling side as well, it’s just a beautiful little combination of both amps
Nice reviews...Congrats! You convinced me into buying this baby again, I had one a year ago and after a long story of selling and buying amps seeking to get the perfect tone for home playing and not to loud gigging I finally came back to the Super Champ XD, I only have one word to describe it "Perfect". I play a lot of rock music and with a Les paul plugged in this thing Rocks better then nay other on the market without making your neighbors wanna kill you. Saludos, amigo.
i have had my super champ xd for more than a year now, and i am still diggin it. It has so many flavors, it satisfies all of my cravings. I still love watching Don covering this amp.
Hi Don, This remains the best review of the amp voices in this amp. I watch this from time to time to remind me how versatile my amp is. To answer a question from below - this amp is very usable at home and can run from whisper quiet. Thanks again. Mark
Still the best demo out there regarding the Super Champ XD as I said awhile ago. Thanks again Don for doing a find job on your video with good explanation and demo.
I just got back from playing one of these at G.C. just a bit ago. Absolutely fantastic sounding amp. I was using a Heritage H-535 thru it. it just sang. I am getting one shortly.
What an absolutely fabulous review. I'm referring to your method of review, although it would seem, the fabulous adjective would equally apply to the amp. By keeping a pretty stable base to your settings, you gave some real perspective to what each voicing, had to offer, If a listener can't get a feel for what the amp has to offer, it isn't because you didn't show them. Thank you for keeping it simple and understandable.
Thx so much for the video, Don, it's been the most useful I've seen in a long time. And special thx for goin' quickly through the metal sounds. I'm sick of amp reviews which just focus on dirty channels who sound derivative and underwhelming. Thank you!
Great overview Don, thanks for sharing. I viewed both your videos before deciding to buy this amp, and now that I have the amp, I have explored all it's settings and have to say that I am delighted with this Fender amp 👍👍👍
great playing and great tone. i bought the vibro champ, the 5 watt version of the super champ for those late night bedroom practice session. cant wait for it to arrive.
This is easily the best demo of this amp!! I really like your playing and how you play to each voice's strengths. I like how you call out what the settings ARE, ie blackface, marshall, etc. Good radio voice as well! Thanks so much!! You've got me thinkin, and gassin'.
Just special ordered the blonde version at GC and am currently waiting for it to be delivered. I think I am going to replace the factory speaker with a Ragin' Cajun. I have a Roland Ready strat that I am rebuilding from the ground up and along with the Roland GR-33 sound module this amp will give me countless sound color choices for home recording. Can't wait to put it all together. BTW the Strat rebuild includes, Lace Hot Gold pickups with the hot bridge and a babics full contact tremelo system
Great a,ps. I’ve owned it twice.I have gigged it many times and is loud enough my rock band at parties and a decent sized bar. Much louder than a champion 20 fender I had. That one wasn’t for gigs and I sold it.
Just picked up what they call the special addition blonde version of the Super Champ xd. Got the amp brand new, the footswitch, an elivated amp stand, fender amp cover, ragin cajun speaker upgrade and a fender amp jewel in amber all for about $348 not including tax. I think I got a lot for my money but who knows. My Roland Ready is still being rebuilt so I am still chomping at the bit to get up on it.
Thanks man, i've been looking into the fender super champ lately, because I want a cheap good sounding tube combo (in addition to my egnater renegade with 212 cab) that is easy to take with me when I play elsewhere then my home.. this amp seems to be the excellent solution! Awesome tone and playing by the way, I was glad when I finally found a video of a good bluesy guitarplayer with this amp and a fender strat, thanks!
Really liked your review. Now I'm really eyeballing this amp for xmas. Sounds like I'll be able to play some excellent blues out of this amp as well as a number of other sounds.
I like to roll the bass off to about 4 when using channel 16. That gives it a nice, bright acoustic sound. I find that anything higher than that sounds muddy.
Don: I share your opinion on the SCXD, and this (plus the other parts) are a fantastic review. However, whatever system you're using to master the audio for these videos, you're getting lots of clipping (there's constant popping in the audio) It needs to be recorded at a lower volume.
Great, thanks. Fender never did explain any of the voices on the amp models that I remember. Got two of these, appreciate your perspective. Also, this amp has a GREAT line out for FOH PA, you can use it on ANY size gig. I used it on 27 gigs with a very loud band, and I only had both channels on volume 4 for backline, with line out to the PA. I did have it up on top of my Carvin AG100 and 4U rack case power supply, which brought it better to my ear level. It can cut ANY gig, I know. We were very loud and had a massive PA and played some medium size clubs in AR and TN. It did fine.
@pindaro depends on your monitor system ..I don't think it's loud enough to cut through a drummer & bass player at "club level" so bringing it back up thru the monitors would be the answer
Hey rolijen...same here ..I have a cavalry of different amps to choose from....but the FenderSuperChamp made it to the practice room..and dust collecting on the others .....thnx for the comment
I Just got this amp; amazing tone. it's not "pure tube" (the preamp is modeling and a 12AX7) but it definitely has that tube feel, and much more versatile than the other small tube amps. For really overdriven distorted sounds, which seems to be what you're looking for, IMHO the Champ is better. Also, although the 212R is 100W, bc its solid state it will only be fractionally louder than the 15W Tube Super Champ. Pull the trigger; Fender increased the price for a reason, it's worth it :)
@BimboShaggins I use my SCXD when jamming with a drummer and it holds its own. It's rated at 15 watts but I believe it actually pushes 20. I highly recommend it.
Quite a few people asking how does this amp take pedals so I will answer that here. Pedals are not really necessary because CH 1 and CH 2 provide lots of options (clean, overdrive, distortion, reverb, delay etc) at comfortable volume levels. However, I have now tried a number of modulation type pedals on CH 1 (effects that are not available on the amp). They work very well indeed: Boss CS-2 Compressor >EHX Big Muff Pie (Tone/Wicker)>Dunlop GC-95 Wah>Boss BF-3 Flanger>Boss RC-1 Looper. I have the pedal levels set for 1:1 input/output so not to overload the amp input. The modulation pedals also work on CH 2 but are less effective, gain pedals (Fuzz or OD) tend to screw up the amp voices on CH 2 so I do not use those. I have tried two OD pedals on CH 1 (Boss OD-3 and EHX Soul Food), but was not impressed by them, much prefer the overdriven tube amp sounds on CH 2.
thanks i tried him at music shop and its so great will buy him, its damn good at the number three you have got an no ending sustain unbelievebile, and three metal settings i think only great you have to try him!!!
@don22b From the forums, it sounds like most people have a correct factory bias of 40, but some of us got lower settings around 20. I can tell from the "sparkle and chime" that yours is correct. I love this amp. Just a little warning: to check or adjust the bias, one has to know about electrical dangers and precautions because it has to be done when it's turned on, but it's easy I have a new Blues Jr 3, and sound # 10 on the SCXD is very similar, but the SCXD has smoother distortion above 5.
settings were changin a bit..but I usually kept the gain on about 6-7 eq was pretty straight up..a tad of treble...I do use a Tube-Screamer when I play out with this Amp...it gives me one more level of edge...TS is the best pedal over-drive .
it's basic sound family is the Fender 1950's "tweed" amp. The word tweed is the discription of the amp's cover ..in the 50's the amps were covered with a tweed-cloth over the wood. Now of course the amps are vinyl tolex Those amps were a bit noisy but have an incredible tone... Don
Pedals? With this amp, forget the troublesome pedals. Scxd has beautiful distortions and is not necessary to have to use pedals. This amp will be a clasic.
Your probably right..I'm not playing out right now ...but I know that all the rules change when your in a performance situation..the "upper mid cut" as gdhi11 mentioned is so true. Maybe running thru PA and back thru monitors could work...wish that fender would simply make a bit larger version...
Don, I know that it's been a while since you posted this, but I had a question on Voice #3. Do you recall where you had the gain set on the demo of that one? I find that Channel 3 really breaks up even a low gain levels, but I really liked where you had it.
I have an XD and an X2. I find the XD to be a far superior amp. The X2 was supposed to be an improvement but I think they spoiled it. Another thing, wish the XD had a 12inch speaker in.
Edwin Martinez I also have a VT40+, it is a good amp, very versatile. Today I did an A v B comparison of it's clean tone (Cali Clean Amp, Orange setting, but reduced the gain to 11 o'clock) and it was surprisingly close to the clean channel of the Super Champ XD. My VT40+ is fitted with Jensen C10Q speaker to help give it that Fender tone. The SCXD has a warmer to tone and more presence, and I like the simplicity of it's controls and ability to easily get to a clean, mild or heavy overdriven tone.
I have this amp. But I'm looking for a new one. I admit its a great practice amp with a nice organic sound. The problems i have with it though are that so many of the voices sound exactly the same. I play metal so this amp doesnt always deliver for me. In stead of having a distorted crunch it has more of a rumble. I'm in the market again but I'll still keep this for practice because its so versitile.
Great video, great playing and very informative, I'm in the UK and looking for that Fender sound on a budget, I think I have just found it! Now I just have to sell my Peavey Windsor Studio;-) Thanks.
Hi don great review , i have one of these amps and wondered if you have the same problem i have in that i can`t keep the same volume all the way through when i`m trying out the diiferent voices i have to raise the volume up quite high in some cases
Very loud, I'm getting one tomorrow!! I've tested it and it is amazing, and if you want you can actually rig up 4x12's with it, I would suggest using it with a mesa cab:] Def. worth the money!!
i have the vibro champ xd and you are right about settings 3 and 8 being the best ....farking best bedroom amp ever made .i think im going to sell the vibro champ and get the super so i can use ma green pedal on the clean channel .i bets that would kill!!
I've only had my Super Champ XD for a few days, but I'm diggin' it a LOT! I'm a rhythm player. It's sounding really cool and 'tubey' with my Ric 12 string.
HI ...yes ..when I was going thru the different dist type tones the channel switch was depressed and the red light was lit up....generally I kept it on the rev/delay setting on the effects. I did 2 follow-ups to this video ...going over the effect side and the other was just a sample song I played to show the amp in action in context....hope this helps
i bought one for me and i gotta tell you that it's pretty hard to play it in my apartment without getting neighbours yelling at me...although i'm pretty happy with it. Great review
Don, great video. In your opinion overall taking into consideration build quality, sound quality, ability to take pedals, and gigability mic'd, does the Super Champ XD beat the Vox Valvetronix VT30? I'm looking at both. I currently have a Deluxe Reverb RI and looking to downsize a bit. Thanks!
Fantastic review, Thanks Don.. Have just got a Telecaster Nashville d/l and in the process of buying one of these little amps, for recording etc. Should get some cool sounds eh? Thanks again.... dave
@EuropeFactor It is ok for bedroom but the volume i found to be very touchy and it goes loud pretty quickly.....with the gain lower its easier to control the volume....Im wondering how one of these would sound with a nice eq pedal in front...
15W, But 15 watt of tube power, doesn´t sound like much but trust me, it´s damm loud. I hooked it up to a pair of 10" celestion greenbacks from a friends ENGL screamer ( the old cream tolex one) and I was blown away by the power of this tiny amp. Stock speaker is okay, but if you can get your hands on a 4ohm, 2X10 or 2x12" box do so. You´ll get all that punch you´re missing, greenbacks are a good choice for this amp, I belive, better then V30s.
Hey Don, what VOLUME are you using on this demo? Just picked this amp up and your demo is great, but I'd like to achieve similar tones you have by matching the volume you are using. Please let me know. Thanks! Great Demo!
@Xantulle I use a tube screamer to get another level of each stage of the amp...if the amp had three or four pre-sets...I might not need to use the screamer. but the tube screamer sounds great....as usual
@ArtDonna84 ...why thanks a bunch ...more to come ....I've been a bit busy with projects...got to get a few more playing things out there...keeps me alive...Domn
@WormOfTheWorld Hi ...Thanks for the ,comments...and Absolutely this amp can be a great practice scenario and a "small" gig thing too. but by all means a great bedroom guy.
It still speaks 15W regardless of what speaker you plug into. If the drummer plays softly, this amp should be enough when saturating the valves, but if the drummer is a lumberjack, you need at least to double the power.
Don, Thanks for this video. Very informative. I was wondering if you're familiar with the Blues Jr.? If so what's your opinion of it and how it compares to the Super Champ XD? Thanks
Dear Don, Great sound ,feeling and tone. But i think it isn't the amp only. For exemple nr. 15 this is a very sweet tone with sustain. I can't get this sound with my amp. Tthe other setting give's in your demo much more drive. Did you use in the demo always the screamer or something like that ??? greatings from Holland Hans
The best demo of a affordable amp! Someone who can really, make a good sound and great play!
Wow, wonderful Strat sounds.
Not sure why I'm surprised but man you got soul when you play... Amazing tone!!!
One of THE BEST demo's on anything I've come across. Very well explained, not too long on any one setting, too the point critques of the various settings. Thank you as it helped me in buying one of these little guys. Plenty of what I need for home use.
Like so many who've commented here, I love your presentation, Don! : just the facts, ma'm, and lots of them, great licks as examples and zero pretense. An oasis in the desert of presenters. Also, spot-on descriptions of the amp sounds, for example, "very naked, clean Fendery sound"--
thanks :)
Good grief! Such licks! Nice demo, sir.
If you are are on a budget or don't want to haul a heavy tube amp to gigs, or the venue stage footprint is a consideration, this is a great choice at 24 lbs. in a small package. The built in effects and amp models make it very versatile with channel switching and a nice channel one clean. This is really an import Fender Deluxe Reverb in a 15 watts RMS and 10" speaker format, but with way more in the effects and amp models.
Also, one feature often overlooked is that this amp has a GREAT Line Out for front of house (FOH) amplification to louder levels that works very well. I know, because I used it in a very loud Southern Rock/Classic Rock/New Country band out in Memphis, TN and Arkansas for 29 gigs over 8 months 2009 to 2010. I kept it on a comfortable volume of 4 behind me "back line" on top of my keyboard amp and power supply small rack case, and we blasted it out to the crowd FOH with great tone results. You can't lose with this amp. You can play it at ANY size gig due to its super Line Out, by using the bigger PA that is FOH. Or you can drop a mike on it, but the line out works as good or better than a mike. We had been miking it, but one day needed the extra mike on the drums, so used the line out, heard how great it sounded, and never used the mike again.
Even though it does not have a standby switch, it was fine, since it uses low wattage 6V6 power tubes. One AR club we played every month for one weekend, left it on for up to five hours both nights.
2024 just picked 1 up
80 bucks brand new
First fender
And Immediately fell in love w this amp
Killer tone 👍
Where did you get a new one for $80?
Hi Don, just checking back in. I bought one of these 10 years ago used based on your review and one other (David Gilmour style). I have been gigging this thing all over and still get compliments on my guitar tone every night. Over the years I did change the tubes and swapped speaker to a Ragin Cajun for about 5db more beef. She is just a great little workhorse. I found she takes either TS9 or OCD really well into Ch1 but Ch2 is best to dial in the voice you want with nothing in front.
Voices I use often-
Ch1- Blackface Deluxe Reverb- Doobies, SRV, Mayer
3- hi gain Tweed- Brian May, Santana
6- Vox Top Boost- Beatles, U2, Gilmour
8- Plexi- Jimi, Clapton
I own several other more expensive amps but this one still goes to most of the local gigs. For large outdoor stages I do bring a Mesa. If the SC got lost, stolen, or caught fire one night, I would find another one.
Cheers!
It has been several years since I reviewed this amplifier.... Since the review of this amplifier played many small similar amps that deserves some attention... Guitar Center has agreed to supply me with several of their new small boutique amplifiers for review.... Marshall, Vox, Acoustic, Backstair to name a few. But from what I have heard the fender Super Champ XD model still holds its own with any of the comparison tests. But will see... So stay tuned , check back,.... and I'll give you a fair assessment.
Thanks again..... Happy trails
I don't care for the clean channel a single coil guitars. Instead, try using the first tweed voice for clean. Turn the gain all the way up or close to it. It will remain clean but with a bit of hair. That's one of the best clean sounds I've ever heard and a good platform for overdrive pedals, but you have to turn that gain up for it. With a good overdrive pedal in front of it, you can go from a thick jazzy clean to a creamy overdrive all with the guitar's volume control. A lot of people have been changing to a speaker with more bass to try and make that clean channel and the BF voices sound thicker, but they screw up the tweed voices when they do that. In my opinion, it's the tweed voices that make this amp worth having. You can make the amp louder and keep the nice tweed voices by using a Jensen C10Q.
Bill I have recently picked up this amp and still exploring all the settings. I have a Jensen C10Q in another cabinet (which I rate highly) and have plugged this amp into it. It certainly smoothes out the brightness, it will take me some time to decide whether I prefer the C10Q over the stock Fender speaker. The stock speaker may be bright, but that works well for a Fender clean tone.
this is a great demo of this amp, i bought one and was freaked out a little by the digital preamp effects or whatever, i was afraid i wouldnt be happy with the tone. Well i picked one up for $120 bucks and its taking the spot of my VOX AC4TV and my Marshall Class 5. You can litterally get anything from fender cleans all the way to heavy marshal overdriven tones and everything in between. Its amazing how close it nails thats marshall tone, then u can spin a dial and get a clean fender sparkle.
My SCXD sounded nothing like this video. Through Fender forums, I found out the voltage going to my tubes was half what it was supposed to be. The factory routinely sets the tube voltage low to extend tube life and allow people to change tubes without worrying about overdriving them. After adjusting the tube voltage to the correct setting, the amp now sounds like this one. Look up scxd bias adjustment to see how it's done. I also added JJ tubes and a Jensen C10Q and it's a little monster!
I shall look into that voltage issue. Mine has JJ tubes and stock speaker. I can plug into an Ext cabinet to try out a Jensen C10Q.
good job Don! Nice review, i use mine for lap steel...sounds great!
Don...excellent review! Fender should hire you to demo this amp on their web site. You have mastered it. Do us all a favor and post some of your favorite settings!!! Please!
Still probably the BEST video presented as you Don go through a thorough explanation of what you are doing, and do a great job of the demo for the various settings you are always calling out to the viewer. Thank for again for the time you took to do this a subsequent video's on the fender Super Champ XD
@WormOfTheWorld thanks for the comment....this amp is mostly a pre-production amp for practice or recording...live is not quite enough volume but a very careful monitor mix might get it . You got it...it has a very warm ....smooth break-up with a pretty nice clean thing as well...perfect for low volume reproduction ..great for BR
Don - thanks for this. I just got a friend to buy this amp - I bought 2 more today before the price increase!!!. Two things - a Ragin Cajun speaker really give this thing just a little 'more' in terms of tightness in the fuzzy high end. Also, as to your comment about live - I'm betting your playing more gigs than I am, but my next one I'm simply using two of these, set two ways - and switching... Friggin amazing. Many many thanks for your brilliant video!
great choice...same thing that I do...screamer gives such a great pop in any setting on the amp....god bless the screamer!!!....Don
Best review of this amp I've found on youtube. PLUS you rock!!
Don, again, thanks for the demo. Just got my second SCXD. First one I got from CL with Ragin' Cajun speaker already installed. Came with footswitch, too. $220. Picked up a new one and got footswitch from MF. $299+25. Got a 1x12 cab from a friend w/ Celestion, G12-P80, 100 bucks. Use it with new one @ practice sessions. Picked up a 2x12 Crate cab w/Tone Tubbies for $100 from CL and use that for gigging with the SCXD w/Ragin' Cajun. All I can say is, WOW!
Thanks for updating this. I too have an old XD which I use at home in my small practice studio, and a newer X2 in a second home overseas, which I agree doesn’t sound as good as the original. I mostly just use the “non-modeling” channel with pedals (my current fave is an Okko Diablo Gregor Hilden two channel pedal that gives me that perfect edge of breakup tone). I put a Cannabis Rex in the XD but am not sure I prefer it, since is seems to sound a bit more hairy. Might bring it here and see if it improves the X2.
That little XD is just so perfect for sounding a little lamp, I’ve done the same thing with pedals in the front end, but I like the modeling side as well, it’s just a beautiful little combination of both amps
You are much like my first guitar teacher. Articulate, soft spoken, clean-cut, short hair, friendly and could just smoke on guitar.
Don! That was an awesome demo! Mine is on the way and I CANT BLOODY WAIT!!!! No seriously, I CANT WAIT!
Nice reviews...Congrats! You convinced me into buying this baby again, I had one a year ago and after a long story of selling and buying amps seeking to get the perfect tone for home playing and not to loud gigging I finally came back to the Super Champ XD, I only have one word to describe it "Perfect". I play a lot of rock music and with a Les paul plugged in this thing Rocks better then nay other on the market without making your neighbors wanna kill you. Saludos, amigo.
i have had my super champ xd for more than a year now, and i am still diggin it. It has so many flavors, it satisfies all of my cravings. I still love watching Don covering this amp.
Great Hogweed11, you'll love it...something special about that Tube warmth, and the digital modeling...it's a winner.
Hi Don, This remains the best review of the amp voices in this amp. I watch this from time to time to remind me how versatile my amp is.
To answer a question from below - this amp is very usable at home and can run from whisper quiet.
Thanks again. Mark
Still the best demo out there regarding the Super Champ XD as I said awhile ago. Thanks again Don for doing a find job on your video with good explanation and demo.
I just got back from playing one of these at G.C. just a bit ago. Absolutely fantastic sounding amp. I was using a Heritage H-535 thru it. it just sang. I am getting one shortly.
What an absolutely fabulous review. I'm referring to your method of review, although it would seem, the fabulous adjective would equally apply to the amp. By keeping a pretty stable base to your settings, you gave some real perspective to what each voicing, had to offer, If a listener can't get a feel for what the amp has to offer, it isn't because you didn't show them. Thank you for keeping it simple and understandable.
Thx so much for the video, Don, it's been the most useful I've seen in a long time. And special thx for goin' quickly through the metal sounds. I'm sick of amp reviews which just focus on dirty channels who sound derivative and underwhelming.
Thank you!
Great overview Don, thanks for sharing. I viewed both your videos before deciding to buy this amp, and now that I have the amp, I have explored all it's settings and have to say that I am delighted with this Fender amp 👍👍👍
Great review just pulled mine from my garage (decided to play electric again after 3 years). It's super heavy @22lbs for a small amp
great playing and great tone.
i bought the vibro champ, the 5 watt version of the super champ for those late night bedroom practice session. cant wait for it to arrive.
Great demo with great playing!
I just ordered one myself after seeing this. Fender owes you a commission check!
Keep up the great work!
all right cool...i actually just bought a Fender FM212R, I'm pretty happy with it, sounds good for SS and seems to handle pedals well.
Hi Don, fantastic review walk-through and playing in this video!! Cheers from Stockholm, Sweden. All the best / Jonas
Don, thanks for the excellent review....best I've seen on youtube or ANYWHERE.
This is easily the best demo of this amp!!
I really like your playing and how you play to each voice's strengths. I like how you call out what the settings ARE, ie blackface, marshall, etc.
Good radio voice as well!
Thanks so much!! You've got me thinkin, and gassin'.
Don, you are the man. I can't stop digging this amp too. Hardly play my other amps anymore. Thanks for the awesome chops.
rolijen
Just special ordered the blonde version at GC and am currently waiting for it to be delivered. I think I am going to replace the factory speaker with a Ragin' Cajun. I have a Roland Ready strat that I am rebuilding from the ground up and along with the Roland GR-33 sound module this amp will give me countless sound color choices for home recording. Can't wait to put it all together. BTW the Strat rebuild includes, Lace Hot Gold pickups with the hot bridge and a babics full contact tremelo system
Great a,ps. I’ve owned it twice.I have gigged it many times and is loud enough my rock band at parties and a decent sized bar. Much louder than a champion 20 fender I had. That one wasn’t for gigs and I sold it.
Just picked up what they call the special addition blonde version of the Super Champ xd. Got the amp brand new, the footswitch, an elivated amp stand, fender amp cover, ragin cajun speaker upgrade and a fender amp jewel in amber all for about $348 not including tax. I think I got a lot for my money but who knows. My Roland Ready is still being rebuilt so I am still chomping at the bit to get up on it.
The amp is very versitaille so you can play alot of styles. You can plug in a wah pedal and probably a line 6 floor pod plus too.
5 stars Sir....Amazing Strat sound with this great amp.
6:25 monster sound!
Thanks man, i've been looking into the fender super champ lately, because I want a cheap good sounding tube combo (in addition to my egnater renegade with 212 cab) that is easy to take with me when I play elsewhere then my home.. this amp seems to be the excellent solution!
Awesome tone and playing by the way, I was glad when I finally found a video of a good bluesy guitarplayer with this amp and a fender strat, thanks!
Really liked your review. Now I'm really eyeballing this amp for xmas. Sounds like I'll be able to play some excellent blues out of this amp as well as a number of other sounds.
I like to roll the bass off to about 4 when using channel 16. That gives it a nice, bright acoustic sound.
I find that anything higher than that sounds muddy.
How about doing a follow-up review on the effects?
Don: I share your opinion on the SCXD, and this (plus the other parts) are a fantastic review. However, whatever system you're using to master the audio for these videos, you're getting lots of clipping (there's constant popping in the audio) It needs to be recorded at a lower volume.
love your review , wonder how a highway one strat would sound with that great amp
Hi Don, thanks for your excellents reviews and I like your playing, I´m going to buy this amp right now
Great, thanks. Fender never did explain any of the voices on the amp models that I remember. Got two of these, appreciate your perspective. Also, this amp has a GREAT line out for FOH PA, you can use it on ANY size gig. I used it on 27 gigs with a very loud band, and I only had both channels on volume 4 for backline, with line out to the PA. I did have it up on top of my Carvin AG100 and 4U rack case power supply, which brought it better to my ear level. It can cut ANY gig, I know. We were very loud and had a massive PA and played some medium size clubs in AR and TN. It did fine.
@pindaro depends on your monitor system ..I don't think it's loud enough to cut through a drummer & bass player at "club level" so bringing it back up thru the monitors would be the answer
Hey rolijen...same here ..I have a cavalry of different amps to choose from....but the FenderSuperChamp made it to the practice room..and dust collecting on the others .....thnx for the comment
I Just got this amp; amazing tone. it's not "pure tube" (the preamp is modeling and a 12AX7) but it definitely has that tube feel, and much more versatile than the other small tube amps. For really overdriven distorted sounds, which seems to be what you're looking for, IMHO the Champ is better. Also, although the 212R is 100W, bc its solid state it will only be fractionally louder than the 15W Tube Super Champ.
Pull the trigger; Fender increased the price for a reason, it's worth it :)
@BimboShaggins I use my SCXD when jamming with a drummer and it holds its own. It's rated at 15 watts but I believe it actually pushes 20. I highly recommend it.
Quite a few people asking how does this amp take pedals so I will answer that here. Pedals are not really necessary because CH 1 and CH 2 provide lots of options (clean, overdrive, distortion, reverb, delay etc) at comfortable volume levels. However, I have now tried a number of modulation type pedals on CH 1 (effects that are not available on the amp). They work very well indeed: Boss CS-2 Compressor >EHX Big Muff Pie (Tone/Wicker)>Dunlop GC-95 Wah>Boss BF-3 Flanger>Boss RC-1 Looper. I have the pedal levels set for 1:1 input/output so not to overload the amp input. The modulation pedals also work on CH 2 but are less effective, gain pedals (Fuzz or OD) tend to screw up the amp voices on CH 2 so I do not use those. I have tried two OD pedals on CH 1 (Boss OD-3 and EHX Soul Food), but was not impressed by them, much prefer the overdriven tube amp sounds on CH 2.
Great video and great playing !!!! I'm really blown away by this amp. Thanks bro!
thanks i tried him at music shop and its so great will buy him, its damn good
at the number three you have got an no ending sustain unbelievebile, and three metal settings i think only great you have to try him!!!
@don22b From the forums, it sounds like most people have a correct factory bias of 40, but some of us got lower settings around 20. I can tell from the "sparkle and chime" that yours is correct. I love this amp. Just a little warning: to check or adjust the bias, one has to know about electrical dangers and precautions because it has to be done when it's turned on, but it's easy
I have a new Blues Jr 3, and sound # 10 on the SCXD is very similar, but the SCXD has smoother distortion above 5.
Hi Don Anderson! Thanks for posting this. BTW: DANG that sounds good!
awesome review...thanks thinking about purchasing it.
Thanks for this...really sounds amazing....can you change the gain, mid, bass, treble, etc, on each MODEL
settings were changin a bit..but I usually kept the gain on about 6-7 eq was pretty straight up..a tad of treble...I do use a Tube-Screamer when I play out with this Amp...it gives me one more level of edge...TS is the best pedal over-drive .
it's basic sound family is the Fender 1950's "tweed" amp. The word tweed is the discription of the amp's cover ..in the 50's the amps were covered with a tweed-cloth over the wood. Now of course the amps are vinyl tolex Those amps were a bit noisy but have an incredible tone... Don
Pedals? With this amp, forget the troublesome pedals. Scxd has beautiful distortions and is not necessary to have to use pedals. This amp will be a clasic.
Thanks a lot for this review/demo.
I'm gonna check it out if I get the chance.
Your probably right..I'm not playing out right now ...but I know that all the rules change when your in a performance situation..the "upper mid cut" as gdhi11 mentioned is so true. Maybe running thru PA and back thru monitors could work...wish that fender would simply make a bit larger version...
Don, I know that it's been a while since you posted this, but I had a question on Voice #3. Do you recall where you had the gain set on the demo of that one? I find that Channel 3 really breaks up even a low gain levels, but I really liked where you had it.
ya i have a roland cube 60 and im tryin to get one of these
I would agree with that... I think the 10" also brings out more character of the amp. I know this by comparing the Roland cube 30 and 60
Very helpful review. After hearing this I'm going to buy one. Thank you.
Dude you are one hell of a guitar player the best thing about it you don't even struggle it is like second nature to you THANKS
Edwin Martinez Thanks Edwin....
Have a fender super champ X2 not finding my sound don't like yet have a vox VT 40 wow love this amp maybe I need to play like you
I have an XD and an X2. I find the XD to be a far superior amp. The X2 was supposed to be an improvement but I think they spoiled it.
Another thing, wish the XD had a 12inch speaker in.
Edwin Martinez I also have a VT40+, it is a good amp, very versatile. Today I did an A v B comparison of it's clean tone (Cali Clean Amp, Orange setting, but reduced the gain to 11 o'clock) and it was surprisingly close to the clean channel of the Super Champ XD. My VT40+ is fitted with Jensen C10Q speaker to help give it that Fender tone. The SCXD has a warmer to tone and more presence, and I like the simplicity of it's controls and ability to easily get to a clean, mild or heavy overdriven tone.
everything sounds great... the amp, the guitar and your playing. :)
I have this amp. But I'm looking for a new one. I admit its a great practice amp with a nice organic sound. The problems i have with it though are that so many of the voices sound exactly the same. I play metal so this amp doesnt always deliver for me. In stead of having a distorted crunch it has more of a rumble. I'm in the market again but I'll still keep this for practice because its so versitile.
Great video, great playing and very informative, I'm in the UK and looking for that Fender sound on a budget, I think I have just found it! Now I just have to sell my Peavey Windsor Studio;-) Thanks.
Hi don great review , i have one of these amps and wondered if you have the same problem i have in that i can`t keep the same volume all the way through when i`m trying out the diiferent voices i have to raise the volume up quite high in some cases
Very loud, I'm getting one tomorrow!!
I've tested it and it is amazing, and if you want you can actually rig up 4x12's with it, I would suggest using it with a mesa cab:]
Def. worth the money!!
i have the vibro champ xd and you are right about settings 3 and 8 being the best ....farking best bedroom amp ever made .i think im going to sell the vibro champ and get the super so i can use ma green pedal on the clean channel .i bets that would kill!!
Well done, Don. Fender owes you a commission for the unit I ordered last night! John in Ohio
I've only had my Super Champ XD for a few days, but I'm diggin' it a LOT! I'm a rhythm player. It's sounding really cool and 'tubey' with my Ric 12 string.
HI ...yes ..when I was going thru the different dist type tones the channel switch was depressed and the red light was lit up....generally I kept it on the rev/delay setting on the effects. I did 2 follow-ups to this video ...going over the effect side and the other was just a sample song I played to show the amp in action in context....hope this helps
i bought one for me and i gotta tell you that it's pretty hard to play it in my apartment without getting neighbours yelling at me...although i'm pretty happy with it. Great review
Don, great video. In your opinion overall taking into consideration build quality, sound quality, ability to take pedals, and gigability mic'd, does the Super Champ XD beat the Vox Valvetronix VT30? I'm looking at both. I currently have a Deluxe Reverb RI and looking to downsize a bit. Thanks!
Fantastic review, Thanks Don.. Have just got a Telecaster Nashville d/l and in the process of buying one of these little amps, for recording etc. Should get some cool sounds eh? Thanks again....
dave
thanx so much for the post, after months of looking, i think im sold ^^
@EuropeFactor It is ok for bedroom but the volume i found to be very touchy and it goes loud pretty quickly.....with the gain lower its easier to control the volume....Im wondering how one of these would sound with a nice eq pedal in front...
great review and wonderful playing!
15W, But 15 watt of tube power, doesn´t sound like much but trust me, it´s damm loud. I hooked it up to a pair of 10" celestion greenbacks from a friends ENGL screamer ( the old cream tolex one) and I was blown away by the power of this tiny amp. Stock speaker is okay, but if you can get your hands on a 4ohm, 2X10 or 2x12" box do so. You´ll get all that punch you´re missing, greenbacks are a good choice for this amp, I belive, better then V30s.
Hey Don, what VOLUME are you using on this demo? Just picked this amp up and your demo is great, but I'd like to achieve similar tones you have by matching the volume you are using. Please let me know. Thanks! Great Demo!
@Xantulle I use a tube screamer to get another level of each stage of the amp...if the amp had three or four pre-sets...I might not need to use the screamer. but the tube screamer sounds great....as usual
@ArtDonna84 ...why thanks a bunch ...more to come ....I've been a bit busy with projects...got to get a few more playing things out there...keeps me alive...Domn
@WormOfTheWorld Hi ...Thanks for the ,comments...and Absolutely this amp can be a great practice scenario and a "small" gig thing too. but by all means a great bedroom guy.
Great Amp, great review, thanks Don.
It still speaks 15W regardless of what speaker you plug into.
If the drummer plays softly, this amp should be enough when saturating the valves, but if the drummer is a lumberjack, you need at least to double the power.
Excellent review - _fine_ playing, well-explained, thorough, and helpful.
Don, Thanks for this video. Very informative. I was wondering if you're familiar with the Blues Jr.? If so what's your opinion of it and how it compares to the Super Champ XD?
Thanks
Dear Don,
Great sound ,feeling and tone. But i think it isn't the amp only. For exemple nr. 15 this is a very sweet tone with sustain. I can't get this sound with my amp. Tthe other setting give's in your demo much more drive. Did you use in the demo always the screamer or something like that ???
greatings from Holland
Hans
Thanks for the demo!