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LordRiffenstein « Quality combo, good tones »
Published on 03/17/11 at 05:45The Duotone combo is a 2.5 channel, tube-based amp. It runs EL34s in the power section and comes loaded with 2 Celestion Vintage30s. The output is rated at 50w. The combo is open-back so it doesn't have a lot of low-end push although it sounds tight. It can pull it off but it's probably not the best amp for metal.
The 2 channels have separate EQs, great for dialing in your tones without compromise. The OD-channel also has a switchable boost that gives you a gain and light volume boost. In the master section you have an overall reverb and presence control, a FX level control for the parallel loop and the 2 master volumes. The amp comes with a 3-button footswitch that allows you to switch the channels, od boost and 2 masters.
All-in-all, a lot of flexibility in a portable package.
UTILIZATION
At 1st, I had some problems dialing in the right tones, I was having problems leveling out the treble content between the 2 channels. In the end I was able to get it right with the presence control, running it higher then I usually would, I could dial in the right amount of treble on both channels.
I made full use of all the options, even running a rack fx unit in the loop with great results, the fx level control allowed me to dial in the right amount of FX. The Loop works well and sounds good. I even went as far as using the combo with a midi-controlled rack setup. I requested a schematic from H&K to make a cable to be able to switch the amp with a midi-switcher and got a quick response from the company. Thumbs up for that.
SOUNDS
The clean channel was probably the big surprise of this amp. We do not associate eL34-based amps with clean tones but the Duotone has a very big and shimmering clean sound. It also took pedals very well and with a Tubescreamer in front, I could get some great bluesy tones.
The overdrive section, with it's boost, can get you a wide range of tones. I kept the gain relatively low, say AC/DC style crunch and took things to a higher level with pedals, the boost or even both. The amp doesn't have a massive low-end because of the open back but it is tight and sits well in a live mix. Running it thru a closed back cab, I discovered it actually does have plenty of bass so you could run a different cab or get the head version
OVERALL OPINION
I would say that the Duotone combo is a great amp. H&K often stays below the rather and does not get the respect it deserves. They have a great range of amps and the Duotone is one of the highlights.
I got this amp in a trade and wasn't expecting much but I was wrong. I gigged with it plenty untill it became victim of one or the other GAS-attack. However, it is one of few amps that I would like to get back.
The 2 channels have separate EQs, great for dialing in your tones without compromise. The OD-channel also has a switchable boost that gives you a gain and light volume boost. In the master section you have an overall reverb and presence control, a FX level control for the parallel loop and the 2 master volumes. The amp comes with a 3-button footswitch that allows you to switch the channels, od boost and 2 masters.
All-in-all, a lot of flexibility in a portable package.
UTILIZATION
At 1st, I had some problems dialing in the right tones, I was having problems leveling out the treble content between the 2 channels. In the end I was able to get it right with the presence control, running it higher then I usually would, I could dial in the right amount of treble on both channels.
I made full use of all the options, even running a rack fx unit in the loop with great results, the fx level control allowed me to dial in the right amount of FX. The Loop works well and sounds good. I even went as far as using the combo with a midi-controlled rack setup. I requested a schematic from H&K to make a cable to be able to switch the amp with a midi-switcher and got a quick response from the company. Thumbs up for that.
SOUNDS
The clean channel was probably the big surprise of this amp. We do not associate eL34-based amps with clean tones but the Duotone has a very big and shimmering clean sound. It also took pedals very well and with a Tubescreamer in front, I could get some great bluesy tones.
The overdrive section, with it's boost, can get you a wide range of tones. I kept the gain relatively low, say AC/DC style crunch and took things to a higher level with pedals, the boost or even both. The amp doesn't have a massive low-end because of the open back but it is tight and sits well in a live mix. Running it thru a closed back cab, I discovered it actually does have plenty of bass so you could run a different cab or get the head version
OVERALL OPINION
I would say that the Duotone combo is a great amp. H&K often stays below the rather and does not get the respect it deserves. They have a great range of amps and the Duotone is one of the highlights.
I got this amp in a trade and wasn't expecting much but I was wrong. I gigged with it plenty untill it became victim of one or the other GAS-attack. However, it is one of few amps that I would like to get back.