Orange Micro Dark 20W Hybrid Tube/Solid-State Guitar Amplifier Head - Black

Small in size but enormous in attitude, the Orange Micro Dark delivers the aggressive, harmonically rich sound of Orange's acclaimed high-gain amplifiers in an incredibly compact 20-watt guitar head. Combining a genuine 12AX7 tube preamp with a powerful solid-state output section, the Micro Dark offers exceptional tonal versatility, impressive volume, and authentic tube-driven character in a portable design that fits comfortably in a backpack.

Inspired by Orange's celebrated Dark series, the Micro Dark takes the simplicity and convenience of the original Micro Terror and adds a darker, more aggressive tonal voice. Its hybrid amplifier design incorporates a single ECC83/12AX7 preamp tube, delivering rich harmonic saturation, responsive dynamics, and the warmth associated with traditional tube amplification. The solid-state power section provides reliable 20-watt output with excellent punch and clarity.

Despite its miniature dimensions, the Micro Dark is capable of producing a remarkably wide range of sounds. From articulate cleans and warm blues overdrive to thick classic rock crunch and saturated modern metal distortion, this compact amplifier offers far more versatility than its straightforward control layout might suggest.

At the heart of the Micro Dark's tonal flexibility is Orange's innovative Shape control. Rather than relying on a conventional multi-band EQ, this single control adjusts the amplifier's overall frequency response, allowing players to move between warm, mid-forward British tones and aggressive, scooped modern sounds. Combined with dedicated Gain and Volume controls, the Shape circuit makes it easy to dial in everything from vintage-inspired crunch to tight, cutting high-gain distortion.

The Micro Dark also includes a fully buffered effects loop, an especially useful feature for an amplifier of this size. By placing delay, chorus, reverb, and other time-based effects after the preamp section, players can maintain clarity and definition even when using heavily distorted tones.

For quiet practice and direct recording, the Micro Dark features Orange's CabSim-equipped headphone output. This circuit emulates the sound of a miked Orange 4x12-inch speaker cabinet, providing a fuller, more natural guitar sound through headphones or when connecting to suitable recording equipment.

A standard speaker output allows the Micro Dark to drive compatible 8- or 16-ohm guitar speaker cabinets. Pair it with an Orange PPC108 for a compact miniature stack, or connect it to a larger cabinet for increased projection and a fuller sonic response. Its surprisingly powerful output makes it a practical choice for home practice, studio recording, rehearsals, and certain live applications.

Finished in a distinctive black-and-white enclosure with classic Orange control graphics and a convenient carrying handle, the Micro Dark combines unmistakable British amplifier styling with exceptional portability.

Whether you're seeking an affordable high-gain amplifier, a compact backup head, or a versatile recording tool, the Orange Micro Dark delivers authentic tube-driven tone, powerful distortion, and remarkable flexibility in a truly miniature package.

Please Note: This is an amplifier head. A compatible external speaker cabinet is required for conventional amplified playback and is sold separately.

Key Features

• Compact 20-watt hybrid guitar amplifier head

• Genuine ECC83/12AX7 tube preamp

• Reliable solid-state power amplifier

• High-gain design inspired by Orange's Dark series

• Rich tube-driven harmonic saturation

• Single-channel amplifier with extensive gain range

• Dedicated Gain, Shape, and Volume controls

• Versatile Shape control for intuitive tone sculpting

• Warm, mid-forward classic British overdrive

• Tight, aggressive, scooped modern metal tones

• Capable of clean, crunch, and high-gain sounds

• Fully buffered effects loop

• CabSim-equipped headphone output

• Orange 4x12" speaker cabinet simulation

• Suitable for silent practice and direct recording

• Compatible with 8- and 16-ohm speaker cabinets

• Ideal companion for the Orange PPC108 cabinet

• Compact, lightweight metal chassis

• Integrated carrying handle

• Distinctive black-and-white Orange styling

• Suitable for practice, recording, rehearsals, and portable live rigs

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Orange Amplification

• Model: Micro Dark

• Invoice Model Number: MD20H

• Product Type: Electric Guitar Amplifier Head

• Amplifier Technology: Hybrid Tube/Solid-State

• Preamp Type: Tube

• Power Amplifier Type: Solid-State

• Output Power: 20 Watts

• Channels: 1

• Preamp Tube: 1 x ECC83 / 12AX7

• Power Tubes: None

• Controls: Gain, Shape, Volume

• EQ: Orange Shape Tone Control

• Gain Structure: Clean to High-Gain Distortion

• Effects Loop: Fully Buffered

• Effects Loop Connections: Send and Return

• Instrument Input: 1/4"

• Speaker Output: 1/4"

• Supported Speaker Impedance: 8–16 Ohms

• Headphone Output: CabSim-Equipped

• Cabinet Simulation: Orange 4x12" Speaker Cabinet Emulation

• Auxiliary Input: No

• Built-In Reverb: No

• Footswitching: No

• Power Supply: External 15V DC Adapter

• Finish: Black and White

• Chassis: Metal

• Carrying Handle: Integrated

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.50" x 5.31" x 3.74" (16.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 cm)

• Weight: 1.72 lbs (0.78 kg)

• UPC: 5060299175532

• Speaker Cabinet Included: No