Harry is a master engineer who has been in the audio business for nearly 50 years with a rich background:

• Back in the mid-1950's he started the largest hi-fi service shop in the country. Since then he has always been an authority, having authored countless published articles and product reviews on electronics.
• In the early 1970s, he ventured into the world of guitar effects, designing a number of innovative equalizers and other stompboxes.
• Over time, he evolved to become one of the world's most respected soundsmiths, specializing in modifying amplifiers and designing customized performance rigs. His huge client list includes an impressive line-up of musical all-stars from all genres:

Al DiMeola | Allan Holdsworth | Bonnie Raitt | Buckethead | Dweezil Zappa | Helmet | Jim Hall | Joe Perry | Joe Satriani | John Scofield | Keith Richards | Lou Reed | Paul Simon | Robben Ford | Sonic Youth | Stereolab | Steve Stevens | The Goo Goo Dolls | Yngwie Malmsteen | And too many more to mention

Modelers, like the Line 6 POD series can be used in conjuction with the Atomic Reactor 112. The Atomic Reactor 112 is an amplifier "without an opinion". This means it's designed to not colour or equalize the signal coming from your modeler. However, it "de-digitizes" the signal to create that coveted analog sound. Atomic states that unlike other amps that use modeling front-ends, the Reactor 112 has real presence. The sound transcends the box that generates ot. It fills the room as only a well-enigineered tube amp can.

 

The Atomic Reactor 112 features Two premium JJ Brand EL 84 tubes & one 12AX7A tube as the heart and soul to get energy that your emerge across. To sum up all the specifications:

• Power:115V AC, 50/60 Hz 45 Watt (U.S. Version)
• Power: 230V AC, 50 Hz 45 Watt (European version; CE Approved)
• Amplifier Power Output: 18 Watt into 8 Ohms @ 3% THD
• POWER AMP INPUT SENSITIVITY (RETURN): 75 MV (-13db) at 1000 Hz for 18watts output
• POWER AMP INPUT IMPEDANCE: 56 K ohm
• TUBES: Two Premium JJ Brand EL84 tubes and one 12AX7A tube for Pre-Amp
• SPEAKER: One Atomic G12 Mega-Tön 12”, 8 ohm, 150 watt speaker
• FUSE: 2A 250V at 115V setting; 1A 250V at 240V setting
• DIMENSIONS: Height X Width x Depth 19.25 x 26.00 x 11.00 inch; 48.9 x 66.0 x 27.9 cm
• Unit Weight: 42.50 lbs. 19.3 kg

 

The Atomic Reactor 112 is an amplifier "without an opinion." It speaks through the special amp design and the Atomic G12 Mega-Tön 12”, 8 ohm, 150 watt speaker. That's a good thing because it will not color or equalize the signal coming from your modeler. However, it "de-digitizes" the signal to create that coveted analog sound.

Unlike other amps that use modeling front-ends, the Reactor 112 has real presence. The sound transcends the box that generates it. It fills the room as only a well-engineered tube amp can.

Once you dial up your modeled amp and effects, you will hear its true, uncolored reproduction powered by the organic warmth and presence of a tube amp - loud and proud. Here you see the Reactor waiting for your modeler

Reactor 112 waiting for your modeler with blank template	Reactor 112 opened up

It's pretty simple to put the blank template in. You just remove the 4 small screws on each side of the mount, plop it in and put the screws back in. All the other templates just slide right in. The blank is the only one you need to screw in.

POD 2.0 with template kit installed in DS 1

Floorboard modelers (useally) don't fit into the Docking station, you can use them with the Reactor 112 nonetheless.... Typically floorboardmodelers can be hooked up to the reactor 112 by running the output of your modeler to the return located on the backpanel of the reactor 112.

It is recommended that you use the blank template to cover the docking system cavity and protect the electronics when using these type of modelers.

One reactor is nice but an Atomic plant is even better! For those of you who'd like to run in stereo, there's good news. You can daisy chain two Reactors, and enjoy the Atomic Reactions from both sides. The Reactor 112 is a mono amp. Actually if you really want your audience to hear stereo, just take the FX sends from the Atomic and feed it to the PA. That's the same as taking the 2 outs from your POD or other modeler to the board.

This makes a parallel loop and it'll give you sound on stage aswell as running a signal feed to the P.A. system.

In order to complete your stereo setup, simply run an instrument cable from the right send of your first reactor loaded with your modeler to the returnjack of a second reactor, loaded with a blank template.

As a side note: you run your POD xt in Studio/Direct mode with the Atomic Reactor 112 (however this may change with newer dostware version than the current V 2.01.

Considering it has EL-84 tubes, it gets great cleans with the Twin model on the XT. Better than lots of tube amps will give you. Obviously, if you crank it really really loud, you'll get some tube breakup, as with any amp. When run the output volume at around 3-4 and it gets plenty loud and sparkly clean!

Atomic Amplifiers, LLC was founded by Tom King, President, based on a simple mission: Give musicians the tools to fuse the best of the advances in digital technology with the sonic authenticity of tube technology.

Inspired by conversations with Harry Kolbe about the triumphs and limitations of the many digital tone modelers out there, Tom asked Harry to build an amp that would allow guitarists to take their modeled tones live - on the stage, to rehearsals and in any other situation where amplification is desired.

After extensive brainstorming and development, and putting several prototypes through vigorous paces, the Atomic Reactor 112 was born. Harry Kolbe has since joined Atomic Amps as Chief Engineer. The company now is working on adding many exciting products to its product line.

The advantages of using digital modelers are apparent but even more so for the live player. There's an endless universe of distinctive guitar tones out there, yet to own a large assortment of classic gear, keep the equipment in top shape, and transport it all from gig to gig is unrealistic for most musicians. Digital amp modeling technology has brought the most coveted tones into headphones and studios everywhere. But try to take that sound live and the results are compromised...

• If you plug a modeler into a traditional tube amp, the amp can't help but color the tone - the modeler is treated as just another effect in the chain.
• Solid-state amplification is, well, solid-state - tight, compressed and sterile.
• Going direct into a PA system just doesn't cut it - especially for players who rely on the responsiveness of their amps.

Why is it so tricky to amplify a modeler?

Amplifiers are generally designed to receive a guitar as input, not a modeler - there's a significant difference. The speakers, cabinet and power amp must be optimized for its intended input. So, if you want to use your modeler live, you need an amp designed for that specific purpose. Atomic Amps set out to solve that dilemma.

The magic of the Atomic Reactor 112 is in the engineering. This was done by Harry Kolbe who joined forces with Atomic Amps as Chief Engineer. The challenge was to construct an amplifier that, when driven by an amp modeler, must meet these requirements:

• Create a new use for a modeler as a "performance device" (not just a recording or practice tool).
• Reproduce the desired tone without modifying it.
• Project that tone with the headroom and character only achievable with tube amplification.

The result is the Atomic Reactor 112.

The Atomic Reactor 112 is an amplifier "without an opinion." That's a good thing because it will not color or equalize the signal coming from your modeler. However, it "de-digitizes" the signal to create that coveted analog sound.

Unlike other amps that use modeling front-ends, the Reactor 112 has real presence. The sound transcends the box that generates it. It fills the room as only a well-engineered tube amp can. Once you dial up your modeled amp and effects, you will hear its true, uncolored reproduction powered by the organic warmth and presence of a tube amp.

The beauty of the Atomic Reactor 112 is in its simplicity. Plug in and turn the amplifier on. No volume knob, EQ or reverb to fuss with - that's all in the modeler! Its all-wood cabinet is lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to transport.