Reactive Loads - 2026 consensus??

[Ross Davies]

As far as RELOAD 2 Goes, I found these in its manual. Curious to test it and see the guts.

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Yes indeed, we were keen to be very transparent with our specifications with Reload II as we worked very hard on the load response. It is definitely worth a test if you get a chance to play with one — I am confident you wont be disappointed!

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Ah ok, that makes sense. I can completely see the need here and will certainly look into seeing whether this would be feasible to capture - out of interest, what amps would you consider being necessary for the test?

A Dual Rectifier on Red Channel Modern mode is usually the most revealing.

Something like a 2203 or 2204 is cool as a middle ground.

For cabs - maybe a 1960AX or 1960TV, a Mesa Oversized and an Orange 4x12.

 

[OrganicZed]

As far as RELOAD 2 Goes, I found these in its manual. Curious to test it and see the guts.

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That's pretty close to the ideal curve shape. While it doesn't have as many small peaks and valleys as the SIC of a real cabinet does, the broad stroke features (which are what matters most) are well represented.

 

[MatrixClaw]

I didn't even realize the Reload II had a power amp... And it's a stereo poweramp? Interesting. I didn't find my Powerstation to be transparent at all, I also didn't care for it as a plain power amp, either. I might need to consider one of these, instead.

Almost no one online talking about these and it's very similar to the new Friedman product, except I expect it won't cost nearly as much, plus Two Notes has plenty of experience doing this thing for years. Nice!

 

[dws2384]

The RL-IR is the same load, better DI output (but needs power) and adds serviceable IR and headphone capabilities. Definitely not my first choice for IR loading or headphone use, but these days I am using a Tonex One for that stuff better than 95% of the time anyway.

Really it's the DI out impedance that MAY make the RL IR worth it over the RL, but keep in mind you then need a wall wart plugged in somewhere.

The headphone output sucks, wish they would have put something better in it.

 

[Ross Davies]

I didn't even realize the Reload II had a power amp... And it's a stereo poweramp? Interesting. I didn't find my Powerstation to be transparent at all, I also didn't care for it as a plain power amp, either. I might need to consider one of these, instead.

Almost no one online talking about these and it's very similar to the new Friedman product, except I expect it won't cost nearly as much, plus Two Notes has plenty of experience doing this thing for years. Nice!

Well, it's been in the market for a year now and every time we get them in, they sell out super fast - we have just had a stock drop so if you're interested in giving one a whirl, now is the chance! If you have any questions, let me know!