Diezel VH4 VS Herbert (Comparison)
Our pick: The Diezel VH4
With a lot of similarities between these two amplifiers, including their price tag, we'll recommend the known commodity and the extra (fourth) channel in the iconic VH4.
In this comparison we're pitting the Diezel VH4 and Herbert amp heads against one another. These are both high-end and high-gain boutique amplifiers, built by Diezel Amplification, a small company based in Germany.
We know that both amps are fairly expensive, but what are the differences between them?
The main section of this comparison is made up of the following tables, which allow you to compare the two amps side by side with pricing and basic features.
After that, we'll get into some of the details of both amps.
Diezel VH4 VS Diezel Herbert Comparison Tool
Use the compare buttons to see more details about each amplifier. If you just want a product description and full specs sheet, check out the Sweetwater entry. Also note that we partner with Sweetwater as a way to support our site at no additional cost to you.
Amp | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Diezel VH4 Amp Head | 97.0 | |
 | Diezel Herbert Amp Head | n/a |
Detailed Specs Side-by-Side
Header | VH4 | Herbert |
|---|---|---|
Amp Type | Tube | Tube |
Channels | 4 | 3 |
Power | 100W | 180W |
Preamp | 7 x 12AX7 tubes | 5 x 12AX7 tubes |
Power Amp | 4 x JJ KT77 tubes | 6 x KT77 |
EQ | 3-band EQ, Presence, Deep | 3-band EQ per channel, Mid-cut, Presence, Deep |
Effects Loop | Yes | Yes |
MIDI | Yes | Yes |
Height | 12" | 10.75" |
Width | 29" | 29" |
Depth | 11" | 11" |
Weight | 47 lbs. | 56 lbs. |
Diezel VH4 VS Diezel Herbert.
Diezel VH4 Details
The VH4 is the more popular of the two amps, and has an extra channel, but less wattage (compared to the Herbert).
The Diezel VH4 is the flagship model from Diezel, popular with modern rock pros like Korn, Tool, Alter Bridge, and many others. It's also one of the more expensive options, retailing around $4400 if you buy one brand new.
It uses more tubes in the preamp, while Herbert uses more in the power amp, though both use a blend of 12AX7 and KT77 tubes.
At 100W the VH4 isn't as loud as the Herbert (180W).
Though it's worth noting that any amp over 100 watts is going to feel and sound quite loud.
A small advantage the VH4 has over the Herbert is the extra channel (four in the VH4 vs three in the Herbert). Both amps give you at least a three-band EQ for each channel.
Read the full review: Diezel VH4
Diezel Herbert Details
The Herbert has three channels and 180W of power. It's just a little cheaper than the VH4.
The Herbert drops you down to three channels and dedicates one for your clean signal, leaving out the gain knob entirely. Gain is added back into the next two channels while presence, deep, and mid-cut are controlled at the master level.
While it is higher wattage than the VH4, there isn't much that sets it apart outside of some minor tweaks and spec differences.
We also noticed that it's oddly heavier (weighs more).
In terms of sound and tone quality, both amps sound excellent and handle particularly well with higher gain levels (one of Diezel's specialties). Both heads do a great job of giving you warm, tube tone with a modern and heavy bend.
But, are there reasons to choose the Herbert over the better-known VH4?
Unless you want the additional wattage, not really.
Summary of Comparison
Without that wattage difference, there's little to distinguish the two amplifiers. But we like the VH4 better, just because it's a better-known amp that a lot of pros trust. It's also just slightly more expensive than the Herbert.
If the Herbert had dropped more off the price tag, then we'd give it the nod just because it would be saving you money.
But both amps are over $4000.
Not to take anything away from the Herbert - it's a great amp - but we'll give our vote to the VH4 to get the extra channel and the additional gain control.
Your Questions
If you have questions about the Diezel Herbert or the VH4, feel free to drop us a line in the comments section below. We'll jump in and help out as much as we can.
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Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
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