Frequently Asked Questions

(Q) The Reactor series amps only works if I own a POD, right?
(A) Wrong!
The Reactor series amps was designed to work with any modeler or guitar amp front end available. The Reactor’s classically designed amplification/speaker system will long outlive any current digital technology. We decided early on that the Reactor should be able to adapt to changes in technology and modeler brand popularity. This is the concept behind Atomic's Docking system. The Reactor series amp can currently house and power the Line-6 POD, POD-XT, the Behringer V-Amp and the Vox Tone-Lab, simply by changing to the proper template kit. Atomic plans to add new template kits as new modelers become available. A blank template is available for people who use rack mount modelers and other choices for pre-amps, including the growing number of people using floor based “pedal style” amp modeling products.

(Q) Why not just buy an amp with built in modeling?
(A) There are several answers to this question.
(A-1) If you already own a modeler then buying an amp with built-in modeling is in many way’s redundant, and lateral use of funds (you get a minimal return on your $ investment).
(A-2) As of now, most if not all amplifiers with built in modeling are transistor powered, and they sound like it. The Reactor series amps feature an all tube power section and easily competes sonically with modeling amps costing over twice as much.
(A-3) Why spend money on a piece of gear that will most likely be obsolete in two years? Digital
technology is always changing. The Reactor uses classic tube amplifier technology and allows the user to upgrade by simply changing the front end.
(A-4) When a player falls out of love with their current modeler of choice, they can go out and mess around with other modelers, and the Reactor will always welcome them back.

(Q) Why not just plug my POD into my Twin, Classic 30, etc?
(A) Plugging a modeler into a regular guitar amplifier negates the modeler’s purpose, which is to model. There are many high quality guitar amplifiers available and people love them because of their own distinct sound and feel. This is the main reason we have modelers; to model the tones produced by these great sounding amplifiers. The fact is that the quality of a modeler is measured on the scale of how well it can accurately duplicate the feel and tonality of the amplifier it is trying to duplicate. A modeler set to Marshall stack, or VOX AC 30 plugged into a Twin is going to sound like a Marshall stack, or VOX AC 30 plugged into a Twin.

(Q) Wouldn’t a power amp or full range PA be a better choice?
(A) This is a very valid question, and in theory is a great idea. The answer is “feel”. Many guitar styles require playing the amplifier as well as the guitar when performing. In these situations the Reactor amp is a champ! There is a HUGE difference between the feel a guitarist gets when playing a Reactor vs. playing a PA speaker.

(Q) Is the Reactor 112-18 watt loud enough?
(A) Yes, No, Maybe.
The Reactor 112-18 watt puts out a hefty amount of sound for an amplifier in its size and price range. Many people have assumed it was running two twelve inch speakers instead of just one. This is due to the Reactor’s maximized amplifier / speaker / cabinet design. The Reactor’s closed back tuned and ported speaker system provides a linear response and extended bottom end capabilities not found in other combo amps. The benefits of the Reactor become more evident when players tune down to a “D” or other tunings. By not having to boost the bass EQ (in an attempt to get their amplifiers to reproduce low frequencies that it can’t handle) the amp runs a lot more efficiently allowing it to focus its power where it is needed. Physics still dictate that room size, acoustical characteristics and playing styles are a factor. All amplifiers are still just basically trying to move air. This is one reason that we designed the Reactor to be used in pairs.

(Q) Why do you plug in both the left and right outputs of your modeler if there is only
one speaker?
(A) By plugging in both the left and right outputs of your modeler into the docking unit, you are
supplying the feeds to both of the left and right sends on the back panel of the Reactor. The left and right sends perform several useful functions. The sends act as a stereo direct output from the modeler that can be fed straight to the band’s mixer. They can also be used to accommodate outboard effects units, and perhaps most importantly, the right output can be sent to the return input jack of a second Reactor for a stereo rig that totally kicks butt.

(Q) Should I mic the cabinet or run direct?
(A) At Atomic we feel that this should be up to the player to decide. Running direct gets rid of stage bleed and microphone coloration, BUT if you mic the Reactor it sounds an awful lot like you are micing whatever amp your modeler is set to. This makes the Reactor an excellent choice for recording and rehearsal studios. The studio can purchase several docking units, load them with assorted modelers and have them ready to drop into their Reactor as needed.

(Q) Are the outputs balanced or unbalanced?
(A) The “send left” and “send right” outputs, located on the rear of the Reactor are unbalanced and are direct feeds from the modeler’s left and right outputs. The “return” input also located on the rear of the amp is unbalanced and is a direct feed to the Reactor’s power amp section.

(Q) What comes included with a Reactor series amplifier?
(A) Reactor series amplifiers ship with a docking unit and template kit of the customers choice.

(Q) What is the docking unit?
(A) The docking unit is the mechanism designed by Atomic Amplifiers (along with the proper template kit) that allows the user to house and power a modeler inside a Reactor series amplifier.

(Q) What is a “template kit”?
(A) A template kit consist of a pre-fitted, injection molded frame and the appropriate mounting hardware to hold a modeler in place inside the docking unit. The kit also includes the proper power connecting cable for the modeler so you won’t need a wall wart.

(Q) Who is Harry Kolbe
(A) Harry Kolbe is Atomic Amplifier’s Chief engineer and the designer of the Reactor series amps.

Harry is a master engineer with a rich background in amplifier and speaker cabinet design. Having authored countless published articles and product reviews on electronics, Harry brings decades of experience and know-how to Atomic Amplifiers.

Over time, Harry has evolved to become one of the world's most respected soundsmiths, specializing in modifying amplifiers and designing customized performance rigs. Harry has a long history of crafting performance solutions for many noteworthy guitarists. His huge client list includes an impressive line-up of musical all-stars from all genres:

Items of interest:
· Template kits are currently available to accommodate the original POD, the Pod XT, The Tone-lab, and the V-amp.

· A blank template is also available for guitarists wishing to use their desktop modeler and a pair of
Reactors in stereo.

· The blank template is also ideal for players using “pro” modelers or floorboard style like the new POD XT Live, Digitech GNX series or the ToneLab SE.

· Being able to purchase different template kits makes it easy for Atomic users to up-grade as digital
technology advances.

· Extra Docking Units can also be purchased separately for people who have more than one modeler and wish to hot swap.

· Reactor series amps have a voltage selector switch and can be used in most countries.