TWS Cali Sunset
Hot. Plexi. 18W.
Our interpretation of the legendary LA metal sound as we loved it on the recordings from the 80s.
Based on a classic Plexi, but in a hot-rodded version with an additional gain stage, an FX loop, and a master volume. All in a modern, handy 18W format weighing under 9 kg.
Other features of the amp include a flexible preamp section with "Deep" and "Bright" switches, as well as two independently switchable gain boosts called "Boost" and "Hot."
Quality
handmade in Germany.
Each Cali Sunset amp is handcrafted in Leingarten, Germany. All audio and power connections are soldered (no connectors) to permanently eliminate loose connections and contact resistance.
The massive 2mm thick aluminum chassis houses an extremely sturdy high-end circuit board with a thick 70um copper coating, onto which only select premium components are hand-assembled. Top-quality transformers for maximum longevity are a given. Only the best is good enough for us.
A robust housing made of 12mm Baltic birch plywood gives the amp excellent roadworthiness while remaining lightweight. With a total weight of less than 9 kg and a generous carrying handle, the Cali Sunset is extremely easy to transport.
Of course, the case is handmade in Germany.
The preamp
easy to use but yet flexible.
An original Plexi is a great amp, but it always struggles a bit because it has to be turned up to its full volume to generate enough gain. Furthermore, you can only get a balanced sound by patching the input jacks of the "Normal" and "Bright" channels and adjusting the corresponding volume controls to achieve the right sound.
You have to like that!
We like it more simple.
The Cali Sunset features an additional tube stage to provide enough gain and distortion without excessive volume, as well as 4 switches to customize the basic sound and gain level.
Deep & Bright Switches:
We've replaced the four inputs of a Plexi with a single input jack. Instead, there are "Deep" and "Bright" switches that allow you to configure your favorite basic sound, similar to mixing the two input channels of a Plexi.
Boost Switch:
This allows you to make the additional tube stage hotter while simultaneously reducing the bass a bit to keep the sound tight. And since the "Boost" is positioned before the "Hot" stage, you can also push even more signal into the "Hot" circuit.
Hot Switch:
Here, we've taken inspiration from a mod by a certain "Jose Arredondo," which inserts clipping diodes into the signal path to create more distortion. This creates a nice, smooth gain boost that feels very bouncy when playing. In contrast to the original circuit, the TWS clipping circuit doesn't introduce a drop in volume.
Just "mix & match"!
Custom EQ
we are "different"...
An original Plexi is a rather "brutal" fellow and lacks flexibility. That certainly has its charm, but we were more focused on the sounds on the albums from that era.
We tuned the EQ so that it works much more effectively than in a Plexi and also allows for modern sounds.
Everything at 12 o'clock is a good starting point for adjusting your basic sound with the "Deep" and "Bright" switches in the preamp.
Bass control:
This controls the bass portion of the amp after the distortion. If you want the tightest yet most powerful distortion sound possible, we recommend turning off "Deep" and turning up the bass control instead.
Mid Control:
This determines the character of your amp. At positions below 12 o'clock, we approach more modern metal sounds with scooped mids. At positions above 12 o'clock, we move more and more toward the classic Plexi sound.
A tip for single-coil guitars:
Turn the mid control up a bit, and you'll get a nice definition in the tone without it sounding "aggravating."
Treble control :
Sounds different than the Bright Switch. Why?
The Bright switch boosts the highs before the distortion, while the Treble control adjusts the highs after the distortion. For a smoother distortion sound, turn Bright off and adjust the highs with the EQ. For a more aggressive sound, turn Bright on and use the Treble control to keep the tone from becoming unpleasant.
Presence & Master
we can also be "quiet".
In a classic Plexi, a master volume is always a compromise. It's either placed before the phase inverter and makes the amp "clean" again when turned down, or it's placed after the phase inverter (PPIMV) and disables the presence control at low settings.
In the Cali Sunset, we were able to integrate a master volume (due to the additional tube stage in the preamp) in such a way that it has very little influence on the set gain sound and allows the presence control to be fully usable.
Presence:
This control is best used in combination with the treble control to determine how aggressive the Cali Sunset sounds.
Master:
We've also integrated our WonderVol TWS into the Cali Sunset, which delivers vibrant sound even at very low volume settings. This lets you enjoy your favorite distortion sound from the Cali Sunset's powerful preamp even at low volumes.
Even though our general credo is:
"Crank your Amp! Live is too short to be quiet."
FX Loop
Yes, there is an FX loop!
Why do we say this so explicitly?
Well, in an original Plexi, a large portion of the distortion comes from the phase inverter in the power amp. An FX loop would therefore sit "in front" of it and make little sense. This is the case, for example, in a TWS 2864-S or a Friedman "The Plex."
In the Cali Sunset, we already have sufficient gain and aren't necessarily dependent on the distortion from the phase inverter. "Happy Days" for an extremely high-quality FX loop!
We can place this in the Cali Sunset so that all effects are behind the distortion (e.g. important for reverb and delay), but the master volume still controls the overall sound, including effects.
World Tour Ready
thanks to switchable mains voltage.
Like all TWS amps , the Cali Sunset can be switched between the mains voltage ranges 110-120 V and 220-240 V and is therefore suitable for use almost worldwide.
In Japan, with its 100V power grid, the Cali Sunset can be operated at 115V with slight performance degradation. However, we recommend using a Variac to boost the Japanese power voltage to 120V.
Important NOTE:
When changing the voltage range, it is essential to check whether the voltage set on the amp corresponds to the mains voltage and whether the correct value of the mains fuse is inserted.
Technical data
and special features.
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Handmade in Germany
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1-channel, hot rodded Plexi amp
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18 W (RMS), cathode biased
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3x 12AX7, 2x EL84, 1x EZ81
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Bright/Deep switches
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Gain control
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Boost/Hot Switches
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Custom 3-band EQ
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Presence control
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WonderVol Master Volume
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Lossless serial FX loop
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4/8/16 Ohm speaker impedance selector switch
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Mains voltage switchable between EU/USA
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Dimensions: WxHxD = 510 x 205 x 210 mm
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Weight: 8.6 kg
2x12 Vertical XL-Cab
How about a bit more?
Often underestimated, but one of the most important factors in the signal chain is choosing the right speaker cabinet, because it ultimately determines victory or defeat. It's also somewhat logical – after all, the speaker cabinet has to "put the engine on the road."
As the ideal partner for the Cali Sunset, we chose an XL 2x12 Vertical Cab, featuring a low-resonance construction made of solid 18 mm birch plywood. This effectively suppresses unwanted resonances and keeps the cabinet tight at all times. The slightly larger XL format provides sufficient punch, noticeably increasing the sound volume .
In terms of speaker configuration, we opted for a mix of a Celestion G12M-65 Creamback and one of the popular Celestion Vintage 30s. The Creamback supports a warm and dense midrange, while the V30s provide sufficient aggression and "air" in the high frequencies. A perfect match!
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Hand-built in Germany
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1x 12" Celestion G12M-65 Creamback
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1x 12" Celestion Vintage 30
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Power rating: 250 W
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Impedance: 16 ohms
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Cabinet and baffle made of 18 mm Baltic birch
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Connection panel with parallel output
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Removable front panel
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Large-format, side handles
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4x plug-in rollers
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Dimensions (W x H x D): 600 x 760 x 370 mm
Custom TWS amp-covers
for long-lasting fun...
The best option for your favorite would, of course, be a flight case. However, that usually makes things bulky and heavy. And unless you're on a world tour, a good protective case is the perfect and affordable everyday companion.
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Handmade in Germany
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Tailor-made to fit the Lulis Signature Top
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Tailor-made to fit the Lulis 4x12 XL-Cab
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Perfectly stitched faux leather protective cover in leather look with sewn-on TWS logo
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The protective case is padded and splash-proof. It protects against impacts during transport and also against fading (UV protection) and dust.
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Thanks to the neatly integrated handle recesses, the amp and speaker can still be transported easily.
Price protective cover Cali Sunset Top: RRP 80,-€
Price protective cover 2x12 Vertical XL Cab: RRP 125,-€
Sound Samples
let's stop talking. Just listen...
Pictures, pictures, pictures
tell more than 1000 words.
