Overview
The Lynx is a part of Badcat’s new lineup of amplifiers. This particular amp is Badcat’s high gain monster that is supposed to fill the metalhead’s niche. Player’s need a tight sound when palm muting and not every amp is geared towards that style of playing.
The brand also offers the Hot Cat which is considered to be a more of a 70’s rock sound. That amp can be used to play more of a classic metal sound but it lacks the tight low end of the Lynx. If you’re wanting more of the modern high gain tone then the Lynx could be for you.
This amp looks fantastic and mean in person.
Specifications
(Pulled straight from Badcat’s Website)
Designed and Built in Southern California
50W – 2x EL34 in fixed bias class AB configuration
Two Channel
Lo and Hi Gain Modes
Channel-dedicated GAIN and VOLUME controls
Global Master, Bass, Mid, Treble, and Presence Controls
Adjustable noise gate circuit – Patent Applied For
Buffered Effects Loop
12” Celestion Vintage 30 (Combo only)
Front of the Amp
The front of this amp features the basic knobs that you would find on any amplifier. However this amp features one knob that isn’t commonly found on guitar amps itself. One the far right you’ll see a noise gate knob. This is very helpful on a high gain amp because of the constant hum that you will hear whenever you aren’t playing anything. Turning the noise gate up will get rid of that noise that people can find annoying.
Back of the Amp
The back of this amp is also as simple as the front. This is a good thing for the casual player that doesn’t need all these “unnecessary” features. All you got is the section to plug in your cabinet, send and return, footswitch, and the power/standby switches. This amp also features a line out that you can use to record into any DAW of your choice using an IR.
Sound Demo
If you are looking for the metal tones out of this amp I would definitely check out Ola Englund’s video below. He really shows what this amp can do if you are looking for those tones.
While the recording is not ideal I believe this gives you a good idea of what this amp sounds like cranked. It was recorded in a 30′ x 50′ metal shop.
Pros vs Cons
Here are the pros of this amp
- Succeeds at giving you the high gain metal tone
- Built very well. Feels super sturdy and materials feel great
- More affordable compared to other high gain amps (ex. Mesa Rectifier)
- Pretty good clean tones on channel 1
- Footswitch and cable are included.
Here are some cons of this amp
- This amp doesn’t include reverb like other Badcat amps
- Expensive for the average consumer ($2099 for Combo, $1899 for head only)
Final Thoughts
Overall I would say that this amp definitely checks all the major boxes for a metal amplifier. It has a great control that is needed when palm muting. The noise gate is a great feature to have built into the amp especially when you live in an apartment or with roommates.
As I mentioned earlier I wish that this amp featured the reverb that is found on their other amps as I think they sound absolutely fantastic. Obviously everything music related is subjective to your opinion but I think that most if not everybody will be very satisfied with this amplifier.