All user reviews for the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 18 Head

I admit, I can be dazzled by sparkly things. When I saw the first ad for the Hughes and Kettner Tubemeister 18 I was excited, with its blue glowing front panel. It looked fantastic, and the description of features sounded like just what I was looking for. I bought the Tubemeister 18 Head to use in my rig. I play in a local band that gigs about twice a month, and this amp suits my purposes perfectly.

Power Soak

The power soak was what I was most interested in. Being able to adjust the volume through wattage output rather than the master volume is a big advantage, especially when using pedals. Distortion pedals are affected by volume, but using the power soak does not cause volume discrepancies like using a master volume. 18 watts is great for gigs, 5 watts is perfect for rehearsal, 1 watt is best for at home practicing, and turning off the output and sending out through the built-in Red Box is great for recording. In certain situations I have even sent my signal out to the main mixing board via the Red Box. I would rather mic my cabinet, but sometimes that just is not possible. Having a built-in DI box is a great feature.

FX Loop and Channels

The serial FX loop is great for effects that you do not want going through the lead channel. I have a reverb pedal going through mine all the time, I will speak about why in a bit. You can hook-up a footswitch to go between the clean and lead channel. There is a boost feature that can be added on top of the lead channel, but not onto the clean channel. This is really good for going from a clean sound to full out lead by having the boost pre-trigger then switching to the lead channel.

The Sound

I do not use a footswitch with my Tubemiester 18, because it works really well with pedals. I have yet to find a pedal that does not sound good going into this amp, and believe me I have plenty to try. The sound of this amp is so good it made me rethink the rest of my signal chain. When I bought the amp I was using a multi-effects device that included amp modeling. The amp models masked the tone of the amp so much I had to do something different. I ended up going to individual pedals which allowed the amp to really shine.

TSC

Another nice feature is TSC, Tube Safety Control, which monitors the tubes in the amp. I have yet to have an issue, but it is nice to give the back of the amp a quick glance to make sure everything is running fine.

Portability

The amp head is very light, and easy to transport with the included gig bag. I keep a speaker cabinet at my band’s rehearsal space, and a cabinet at home for practicing. This makes it easy to go back and forth from home to practice. I still have to take a cabinet to gigs, but that is a given anyway. It can handle 8-16 ohms speakers.

Extras

This amp looks fantastic on stage. This may not be a reason to buy an amp, but it is a nice benefit. A very sturdy metal enclosure protects the inner workings on the amp. The 3-band EQ is great for dialing in your tone, but the true tone of the amp is so good it will not take too much twisting to find the sweet spot.

Complaint

There is no reverb on this amp. Like I said, I was using a multi-effects device when I initially bought the amp head so the fact it had no reverb did not bother me. I had reverb aplenty already. When I switched to pedals, then I had a problem. I ended up buying a reverb pedal, and put it on my pedalboard. Once I realized that I left it on all the time I removed it from the board, and now it sits on my amp fed through the FX loop, where it sounds best.

Final Thoughts

This is a great sounding amp. The clean tone is very crisp, and allows each note of the chord to be heard clearly. It takes pedals really well, and has a very good dirty sound. The distortion is not enough by itself for a heavy metal player, but for the rock crowd it is plenty good enough. Add your own distortion pedal, and you can take this amp to thrasher heaven. It is a perfect size and wattage for gigging in bars and clubs. It has a very modern sound with all the sonic benefits of tubes.

Lamp, 1w 5w 18w adjustable 0w (headphones or direct) very practical home studio and concert (direct output + transplanted in parallel on general enclosure)
I leave the description on manufacturer website
But:
Compact, lightweight, rather pretty
Simple

UTILIZATION

Simple Config, clear manual
Setting eq common between the two (clean or distortion)
But the size being reduced can not have everything I note 8

My adjustment Adjustable base:
Treble -5
Mid -2
Bass +3

Home 0w or 1w,
repet 5w group, and small concert hall and once 5w 18

SOUNDS

Yes: blues, rock, jazz no hard
Its clear, very friendly (with good bass adjustment)
A little distortion on the lens or not very pleasant (note not my priority as -1)
D 'or use only clean channel with distortion pedal
Boost really powerful (too)

Gibson Les Paul guitar and amp vox AC30 2 greenback

OVERALL OPINION

Almost 2 years
Yes orange, vox train, palmer
+ Adjustable Watt
+ Direct output position
+ Clean sound and ease SETTINGS
+ Crunch (it takes a little searching by against)
+ 4cables method
+ Transportability

Its distortion-
Common-tuning the two outputs

Very good value for money, yes I would do this choice

Small head of all-tube amp 18W
2 channels, 1 boost
XLR output with HP calculator

UTILIZATION

Simple and classic config, controllable with a standard 2 channel footswitch.

SOUNDS

Very good clear sound, the settings are effective, we can get very bright or very round sound without saturating with good presence.
Distortion channel: big disappointment for me, not a super grain crunch rather cold actually. No presence (currently lamps there?) ... Fetching of metal sounds, not enough gain and boost only adds a very rough appearance to the whole. Impossible to leave the mix group.

OVERALL OPINION

I used it once again, no sound, no grain, unusable group what ... Good after this is only my opinion metalhead, but apart from the clear, I do not like at all this amp, I sold and replaced by a Laney IRT studio for the same price offers much better sound quality and a wider range of sounds (and spring mix it!)

head tube amp, 2 EL34 equipped for power and two 12AX7 preamp for.
all switchable 1W, 5W and 18W speaker for HP 8 or 16 ohms and little more equipped: a position to be able to play via an XLR therefore relay on the mixing console to play with headphones.
a more wear indicator lamps and a return effect. but no reverb ... ALTHOUGH at this price, we will quibble about that.

UTILIZATION

on cattle in itself was two separate channels (but the power is not assignable independently as on more efficient heads):

One clean and one saturated lead + button to distos more strong.

NB: the two channels share the same EQ!

the clean channel:

this channel is very easy to use: you rule the gain is equalized, it is mounted master. this amp can have a nice clean (do not dream and that we will have a sound Tween), a little too vague for my taste but it adds a charm to him. Once 10am exceeded the gain knob that crunch. what kind of sound I have not been seduced more than that, so I will not dwell on it.

saturated channel (finally!):

like the previous one, easy to use, we rule the gain is equalized, we do fart master and we are left with a typical distortion of our friends Hughes & Kettner! me that attracted me immediately because the 1st time I tried it, it was a customer who came to order at the store and this was the best surprise for small all-tube head that I could test (Orange Laboga, Marshall, Mesa Boogie, Blackstar (yerk!), Vox and Bugera <- MDR).
The sound of this channel is hot, not too specific or too runny. you can get good distortion rock has a typical saturation metal pushing the gain in its entrenchment and engaging the boost.
For the more subdued kind Jazz distortion or change lamps or buy another head.

Being primarily a metalhead, I recommend enter Sovtek for the preamp to get a good distortion busy in the midrange.

SOUNDS

"Question: Is it your style of music?"

Unfortunately not enough because I play everything and it is still too typical rock (the reason I went to Mesa)

Regarding sounds, those seeking the lens, past your way, this is fat but no more.

I played it with:
-Les Paul Gold Top 1958 to 1957, standard 2008/2012
-Ibanez JEM7V7-WH
-Select telecaster Gold
Jacobacci-studio 3
-Dean Razorback 10,000

HP H & G 1x12 "HP mesa 4x12" and 2x12 "of my design

in 1W can be played at home but stay around the clean and put a good distortion pedal
in 5W, heat lamps and the roundness of her begin to be felt well on the clean as the distortion
in 18W, it has all the power needed to make repeated group and make small concert without sound in a bar (for after you have transplanted) 2 channels are hot and lamps are very well feel.

OVERALL OPINION

I used it for 4 months until I go to my Mesa, and sometimes I miss it because its simple setting is so much more obvious that correct ...

the feature I like least is the lack of rate distortion but for the 40th over and a little elbow grease (but really good) by changing the lamps can level the problem.

what I like most is its price / quality ratio that I find quite exceptional!

with the experience I would definitely did because I was advised more than 20 people in 4 months are all super satisfied, and I plan to redeem myself!

Manual is your friend.

UTILIZATION

I use a loop to WP8, an Orange 2x12 and DI most of the time to save for cleaner, but it is a (small) compromise. A purist would be taken over by a real studio microphone with cab and proper equipment I guess.
Side head not rocket science, basic and effective. For group play with the 2x12 it has all the fields to express themselves and it is monstrous, no more, no less. See in overall opinion for choosing the firm: for toilets, go to Vox (not what I ever said that?)

SOUNDS

Due to its simplicity, I think it may suit all but extreme cases specific or particular really his research. It is intended rather modern but allows a lot of things depending on the hardware you put it in front or behind. And it is precisely from where we can really think outside the box.

DI output and DSP reverb, I love the grain it transmits. I found this little combo lamp of the same brand tried it several years ago and had really liked me. Except that TubeMeister is more accurate for saturation. Besides the lead channel is really interesting, but the boost ok here quickly becomes rough (gain has its limits). I think we should keep in mind that the boost is a function and not a solo channel. The clean is pretty neutral in the sense that we recover the soul of the guitar perfectly magnified.
The lamps are original (Chinese) and the sound is already typed. The presence of dynamics, gain, power.

Equalization is well staged. Note that it is different from one channel to another. The lead is enriched midrange and treble. Enough that it is clearly heard (note pun Tinlin). Returning to our buttons ... The sonic palette of this small anabolisé is vast. From light to very distorted with Standard LP is really good (this incidentally buttons volumes and tones are very useful huh).

OVERALL OPINION

I knew his H & K for quite some time and this is the sound I wanted so no hesitation on this side . I place between the marshall and Orange, there is a little of both mixed to the original sound. Having tried these two brands more vox (I do not like to suspect quality) in the same category before buying TubeMeister, nothing has me excited. Mesa Boogie off budget. Otherwise side Bugera Ampeg and I think there is good but never tried so it's only a priori.
After it is a matter of taste and need. The DI for example, is essential for me in a home studio.

The choice of the firm is important and for my part I did not like the 1x12 intended for him. In comparison with an Orange 1x12 and I both said in Celestion v30, Orange has a different sound, more dynamic feel of a sound less muffled. Like what the design of the box great interest. I opted for the Orange 2x12 (Jim Root) as well ... I tried it, just like that, and worse to see here I have seen and heard and passed the box

The +:
small, practical, versatile, good sound, red box

The United:
A reverb as you know them have been generous Hugues and Kettner.
Not a fan of the genre neon blue tuning key but it is fashion and I think people are wow this is beautiful (rewahou do it when they hear it)! She ate my whole celebrity that little head ... biiiip

Tube amp 2 channels equa common. 15, 5, 1 watt. 8-16 ohms output, effects loop, XLR output, footswitch jack for.

UTILIZATION

No need to book.

SOUNDS

I play in a rock cover band 70 and hard rock. 2 guitar + drums
basse.Pour starting power is more than enough to play the scene groupe.Pour I transplanted any clear façon.Son very clean and lead channel blues rock to metal.
I do not color detail you sounds, everyone has his ear and his own taste, but for the police, floyd, for it is clear and to the heavy style ozzy deep purple one is good.

In the loop I put a Line6 M5 + wampler fake tape echo + mxr eq to finish in a Intellifex for facace reverbes.En whammy + boss + cs2 + muskett wampler Plextortion.
Fender Strat + + gibson sg gibson lp p90.

OVERALL OPINION

I can not count my amp, I needed an amp for home, stage and répètes.Ca been 2 years and I still this is a sign. In one watt sound is too matte I don 't like but 5 w for home is bon.C is in 15 w it well and slap my pedals come out great.
Home studio in the red box is just to troubleshoot, you lose the whole point of an amp (the movement of HP) but it can be done. It is either a wired or a vox NT12 bedrock 12 percent or 2 x 12 bugera.

Yes I would do this choice for its versatility, its price, its size.
Overall rating 8/10.

All-tube amp to power 18w max.
2 x 12 to the preamp AX7 and 2 x EL84 for amplification.
Classic 3-band EQ 2 + channel a boost, DI output, and affets loop.

UTILIZATION

Modulation between master and gain allows a multitude of sounds from the purest light, an aggressive distortion and this through a bluesy crunch well and that, whatever the channel ...
The documentation is well done, but we really need, as it is intuitive and conventional operation. This is not a criticism but more in my opinion.

SOUNDS

In terms of sound,

The clean sounds are superb, well crystalline and it can become very hot even if you push the master in the last third of the race

The overdrive channel can sound pretty rock that is very clean and really neat.

The boost for me as a true third channel which allows for large saturations.

The head is connected to a cab Vox VN112, I like the rendering of the Greenback cab that gives me everything I want in terms of rendering.

I plug in all my guitars either on this amp with the same happiness (Vigier, Strat, Gisbson Tom Marceau)

OVERALL OPINION

I went on this model after using a small combo Vox modeling.
There is another world, really nothing to do, I use it for over a year and I would do this choice without hesitation.
Of course if I had a budget more so the question arises differently though!

Head lamp amp has two channels more boost. 18W / / 5W / / 1W / / Silent -> Red Box. No reverb. Loop insert.

UTILIZATION

Super simple. Its fairly neutral, but of excellent quality. Not need the manual. The concept is really great.

SOUNDS

I am forced to wait two weeks before posting an opinion on this here little head.
This is one of the best purchase I have ever made. It allows me to have a unique configuration for the repetition, the scene, recording at home ...
I use it with my 4 cables method GT Boss 100. The preamp very advantageously replaces the amp sim pedals, which I still keep all the quality effects. Icing on the cake, the GT 100 will set the channel change the head ... and there, this is America.
Because you can add and even drive the clean channel, simply by putting more input in the loop that takes the preamp. And lead channel switch for passages supported.
Side power amp is perfect too. By repeating, I play and sometimes even 18W 5W, 1W at home, and when I want to record, I am silent. The Red Box makes really pretty and can make the model quite well.
Head (5 kilos) can be transported easily in his saccoche, I leave the baffle (Palmer 1x12 with Eminence Governor) to local ...

OVERALL OPINION

If I do it again this choice? YES and rather than ten times. And in addition, the head is really aesthetically successful.

Tube amp
- 12AX7 (x2) + EL84 (x2)
-Effects Loop
18/5/1 and 0w-powersoak
-2 Channels (clean and lead)
Built-output red box
Integrated No effect.

UTILIZATION

Get an acceptable sound is very simple because this amp sounds great, but very modern.
Disconcerting at first appear inaccessible vintage sounds, and yet ..
All depend on the used cab, guitar and change (very beneficial for that matter) lamps.
Used with a Marshall 1936 lead cab mounted Celestion G12T-75 (x2 12 inch), I was not a big fan of his that I drew. With the hp, its' drool a little while with others in vintage 30 cab it sounds much better!
I count at least one change on my hp cab to balance it all.
When the lamps are Chinese origin and is frankly not with them that are making the most of this beautiful head. So I changed the benefit of two of EHX EL84s for power tubes and Tung Sol pre-amp and Sovtek in clean lead. Result: The amp that sublime dramatically!
Last thing, it is important to use his distortion pedals on the lead channel with the gain shift, otherwise swarm of bees guaranteed!

SOUNDS

I play with a Gibson lp rise seymour ahb-2 in bridge and emg 85 neck.
With this config, the metal is affordable, if the boost the amp is switched on.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for 1 month, it is difficult for me to tell you about its reliability objectively.

Everything has been said before by other users
I insist on the possibility to switch powers watts 05/01/18

UTILIZATION

Very simple configuration.
We obtain easily the right sound.
No need for manual use this amp, so simple and so effective.

SOUNDS

It is suitable for my use and it very well, all or most styles, but tend metal.

The sounds are very good, but for me, it sounds neutral, I do not have the type Fender, my reference is Fender clean tones, the TubeMeister is not even replace a Fender, but it is still very good job, it's not bad, it's just a matter of sound identity. Anyway, I find this amp and I appreciate more and more its sound identity.

Crunches are fine, then I began to better appreciate a true festival, it is very comfortable and easily obtained the crunch you want.

In distortion, it is the top, you can go from hard rock to metal, carefree and power in some one chooses to use. The guy is small, but it sends, and the heavy, 18 watts are more than enough for group play, even with a drummer who hits, 18 watts is already strong, it tells me that.

At home, position 1 watt enables big sound reasonable volume without necessarily grow.

Many sustain the notes last, last, I rediscovered my guitars, it's really extraordinary sensation, it reacts like a real big amp is impressive, however, we will not have the real high gain, but not far .

OVERALL OPINION

For 3 months
I tested other gear sometimes more expensive and were below.

Everything is ok, I see nothing as default, in addition, it is beautiful, with its LEDs lit, it's nice.

The value for money is absolutely amazing, I do not know for reliability, I've had too little, for now, it works great and is behind a lot of much more expensive amps, including mesa boogie Mini correct (yes)!

So amazing value for money,

I would do this choice, no doubt, not once but twice!

2 channels + boost Lead channel
18W power (2xEL84).
Two 12AX7 preamp upstairs.
Effects loop.
Red Box symmetrical output with speaker emulation.
POWERSOAK 18w/5w/1w selection with recording function and silent.

UTILIZATION

Very simple to use ... Even a 5 year old child would use ...

SOUNDS

Bought 4 months ago, I was initially a little disappointed by the sound of the machine ... I explain:
Tested in store, I had a crush on the grain so special about Hughes & Kettner, especially saturated sound.
Got home, and plugged into a cabinet Orange 1 X 12, I did not recognize that I had heard :-(
Though I connect my entire collection of guitars (Jim Root Telecaster, Washburn N2, Les Paul Studio, Epiphone Gothic explore rise Seymour, Mexican strat ...), no configuration could go to the heat lamps ...
After returning to the store I had expliquation: that little head sounds really good condition to push the master over the quarter ... below, the sound seems "skinny", whether clean, crunch or lead ...
Once the knob pushed a little higher last quarter we appreciate a clear very faithful to the microphones guitars connected, as comfortable in arpeggios in casseroles funk. In crunch (without lead boost) is a delight, and the gain will take you to the sounds of blues riff until Angusiens. Finally, the boost can even leave the metal riffs based on the shovel you choose.
Attention, even 1 watt, that little head heavy to send the decibel level ... in 18 it can even repeat a battery. Finally, transplanted by a sound, it will play on stage without any problem.
Only small downside, connecting pedals ... Once my Blackstar HT Dist connected, whether live or in the effects loop, the rendering is really ugly, then it sounds perfectly in rehearsal plugged into a JCM 900 ..

OVERALL OPINION

In summary, an excellent head lamp all for a very good value for money, provided you can push a little volume to be!

07/08/2012:
See all the details already made relevant by previous users. It is true that a shared EQ settings on both channels is a bit short as technical option, but it was perhaps the tribe to pay for a super head at an affordable price. 8/10

UTILIZATION

07/08/2012:
Use child who has already had an amp in the hands, tube or not. Get lost, it would be worthy ... a dork?
The manual, I opened the instructions for pre-heating lamps (that's specific to this type of material), and those relating to auto adjust the bias, to own this amp, one of the reasons that took my decision to buy. Otherwise, the manual ... : Whistle: 9/10

SOUNDS

07/08/12:
I rather rock and prog, with a 7ender Telecaster Stratocaster and a DIY kit mounted micro 7ender CS 69 (this is for single coils), and an imitation microphones mounted Langcaster LP (that's for doubles). Specifications are in my profile.
This head accepts both as each other, preserves the snap of SC, and does not betray the bold and the couillu Humbucker. So I think it is a success, the amp is at ease in all registers that I explore, the Crystal clear and lighter than raucous and angry. Only the barrier of heavy, as it is, it seems inaccessible, but it's not my record that it does not handicap me.
Until then, I have used it without cab (I have a 1X12 based G12H30 under construction), live sound card or dynamics processor by taking on the Red Box setting 0 watts. I have a delay and a EHX Memory Toy Fuzz Angry Fuzz from Visual Sound: Everything goes perfectly, and I confess that my first requirement is met: the clarity of my two 7ender is preserved. 8/10

OVERALL OPINION

07/08/12:
The overall opinion will spoil due to the failure of which I have just been victim: a head that has three and a half months that loose, that's not acceptable! Woodbrass tells me that the symptoms seen, it has every appearance of being a tube of destruction! And I'll never guess, Emile, the tubes being consumables are guaranteed for three months (it's not big, a lamp, but in the ass, it still hurts).
So back workshop. If this is a lamp, it is for my mouth anyway, so they'll charge me like everywhere else, but if it's more serious is SAV, and then I'll be more circumspect in regard to quality "offered" by Hughes & Kettner.
Simply put, the shot was done in 30 seconds: a current record (the head was never released and never leave my HS, I work alone at home), suddenly one of the losses of its when we hear the usual battery of effects pedal makes his last breath, then his back, and when I attack a succession of treble riffs and bottom of the handle, I have a crackling on each note of the riff, accompanied by flashes IN head, then over her if not a rumble (that produced by an amp when you put his finger after a jack not connected). Only the full electrical failure puts the all-zero, before the incident does not recur in the same way if we retry the experiment.
There, between the summer holidays the SAV of the importer and my own vacation, I'm not going to rerecord this head before the end of September. When one has tasted the stuff (oh, a whole head lamp, it m'change Pod, sure!), The large glands that cares!
So when it works, this cute little head like everyone is a gem! When she stranded, it is a bitch! And my annoyance is proprtionnelle the pleasure that I took with it in ten hours of recordings ... no more, alas!
So my overall score will be necessarily halfway between perfect and zero or 5/10, knowing that I obviously have the honesty to publish this notice in the coming weeks (well, not before October, eh ... so ... Because time) to share my printer back on after sales service and the future of this product in my hands.
In the meantime, in addition, I could judge the creature connected to a true dedicated 1X12 cab.

All Tube amp (2x 12AX7 preamp in and power 2xEL84) 18w switchable in 5 and 1w.
Effects loop and integrated red box.
3-band EQ common to both channels.
Gain and master controls by independent channels.

UTILIZATION

Configuration simple but effective.
We get a good sound as long as we dwell a bit on the knobs of equalization.

SOUNDS

A very good clean channel slamming the "twang" to slight bluesy crunch.
With regard to the overdrive channel, it goes from slight crunch to a nice saturation.
The boost gives much of his body and can be used as a third channel.
I use it with an EMG arkane 1000 and do not give full dimension to the clean channel.
I use a Blackstar HT Dist X to venture in the field of metal (imperative as the head alone can not do) and the rendering is pretty good!

OVERALL OPINION

The amp is ideal for combining the "all lamps" and the game at home. Nevertheless, it will be quite able to follow for repets or small scenes. Very versatile, it will still need to add something to tease the metal and think about investing in modulation-type effects reverb, delay and chorus to complement the clean may seem a bit dry at first.
Too bad there is no equalizer for each channel but for the price, there will be hard to do better!

We are dealing with an all-tube amp 2 channels: 12AX7 pre-amp and EL84 power.
The rated power is 18w, but it has a Power Soak which allows to lower the power to 5w, 1w, and even 0w, very good place to play at home. In the latter configuration (0w), can be operated without connecting the head to a cabinet, using the balanced XLR output. This connector gives us access to the Red Box integrated allows the amp to connect directly to a mixer or a PA, since this interface has a simulation study.
It has an effects loop, but unlike the combo version, this header is not equipped with reverb, do not ask me why.
We have a front and a Masteur Gain for each channel, on the other hand controls EQ (Treble, Mid, and Bass) are common to both channels. That is because damages have therefore can not have two different settings. It should be noted however that only equalization orders are common as the equalizer circuits are very specific and react differently depending on whether one is on clean channel or Lead.
A button allows you to switch the channel to the Clean and Lead channel was a second button that activates the mode Lead-Boost.
It can also connect a footswitch kind FS2 (Optional) to switch channels and activate Boost.

UTILIZATION

This is a head rather easy to use that a user used this type of equipment will run without reading the comprehensive manual supplied.
We found very quickly and its brands are obtained fairly quickly render beautiful sound.
on the other hand, the Lead channel outputs a noise level higher than the clean channel, so watch out for if you should switch settings as the song progresses.
Interesting point: this amp has a bias circuit automatic lamp that should delight any hairs that testers would try other tubes without having to go through the case technician for adjustment Bias.

SOUNDS

I connected this head cabinet dedicated, ie the Cabinet Tubemeister 112, equipped with a Celestion V30 12 ".
Power is the rendezvous mode and 18w will suffice in many situations.
With this head, there is a register of british amp tones that US typed. I found the clear sounds very nice, with a warm and vibrant.
I play on Ibanez equipped with DiMarzio (JS1200 and 540S) I rediscovered the pleasure of playing either single coils: The sound is very accurate, treble is not as noisy or aggressive sometimes on my Fender. It retransmets very well all the subtleties of guitar playing and really respect the instrument recognition. By pushing the gain, we get a very slight crunch Blusy
The lead channel, which is my favorite, a very wide range of use since we will clear sound different from the clean channel (by lowering the gain and volume of the guitar) to a big fat saturation typed or rock metal depending on the settings chosen. It has a very interesting grain that gives it a real personality.
The activation mode Lead-Boost gives us an additional level of saturation with lots of harmonics and sustain, but also color the sound. This amp saturates well without reaching the register of HI-Gain modern amps.

OVERALL OPINION

I have this amp for quite some time and I am far from having made the rounds of all possible combinations. Its biggest flaw for me is not having a tone control on each channel and compelling reasons to find compromises. The best part is the return of all micro-information from the guitar and the guitarist. It also requires the skill and really work so much better. It has suited my playing style and perfectly meets the specifications that I had imposed: a versatile amp, easy to carry, with which you can play anywhere, from home to the small stage.
Its value taken seems very favorable deal with what can be find on the market.
I have not had a chance to test it on other more powerful speaker but I would do it as soon as possible because I think the result can be much higher.
For now, I remake the same choice, until the next crisis course.

- Pre-amp tube 2x12AX7
- Power-amp tube, 2xEL84
- Each channel has a gain and a master
- Equa three medium band bass treble common 2 channel
- Function "boost" only on lead channel
- Technology TSC (Tube Safety Control)
- HP Output: 8/16 ohms
- FX Loop Send / Return
- Connection for pedal control channel 1/2 and boost on / off
- Output D / I (Red Box)
- Carrying handle located on the side

UTILIZATION

Setup is simple, it is no different from other amps;

The manual is clear and sufficient for the use of the machine.

It sounds ... lamps .....

SOUNDS

I play in a cover band / composed, for the record goes to Nirvana Nathalie Imbruglia via Phone, Axelle Red or Red Hot short we play pop, rock to funk and sometimes to hairy rock (composed)
He is comfortable on all records.

The amp gives you a good idea of ​​the guitar that you plug in, I would not say transparent, which would mean he has no personality, but he respects the changes of microphones, and the tone controls are very finely with a significant impact on the sound ...

The sounds! ha this is subjetcif I would say that to clean her character and is well suited to my strat I have not used too with my les paul yet (I did that for a month ....). Note that to get the sound you should be aware played the Masters, if you want heat on the edge of the crunch or crunch, you have to push so the master has to work the lamps of power, as noted in Manual master and gain are used together .... I find it quite "fenderien" The lead I am a fan, between crunch / disto and when using the boost, it adds even contour the sound, perfect for add presence to a solo. I would call it "Marshallian". I play with a vox 847 wah, TS09 TS808 although he accepts the whole little world. For the reverb and modulation using my g-sharp.
The master and gain are accurate
The equalization is effective, but I find that the envelope on which are the knobs could have been a bit wider because it is enough (for me too) specifies the corrected frequencies compared to my twin.

There is no sound that I hate, what I like about this amp compared to my twin is that well organized, we have a component with a fairly high tempo strumming in his clear, the twin boiled it sounded, this amp is meant well chords and changes ...
One thing I do not like, personally, is sold with the cab, with the vintage 30 pickups I find garish ...
I preferred a Valvestate recovered on which I removed the amp to put my g-sharp and whose HP was less garish ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a month.

I have the twin fender, and played on an ENGL Thunder combo (with Vintage 30 that I do not appreciate).

I like the fact that it is easily transportable and for my use (and requisitioned coffee conc) I think it will be perfect thanks to its Power Soak that allows playing in 0.1, 5 or 18W knowing that I requisitioned on 5W ... For it ezt one feature that I have changed hardware ...

I played for a while live on the PA amp 0W via direct box bin it does, but here it's different sounds ... The direct coupling / box Power to soak 0W can be very effective especially for recording plans .... see a maquetee.
The direct box can also be used on stage for transplanting the amp in the console, it can save space on the ground, and in some bars, it is not luxury ...

I use it at home in the 1W lamp is "controlled" but it lets you practice without risking divorce (warning it may even bark 1W)

The 5W are requisitioned for and I think the little bars (or the twin was almost unmanageable), I think the 18W enough for quite a place and at worst it is transplanted into the sound system after the sondier manage the trick ....

Another detail I like is the TSC (safety control tube) that manages power lamps, being quite careful with my gear and do not call me Croesus, when I had a cut on her my old amp I was afraid that that is the output transformer, one is reassured the TSC is supposed to cut the power on a faulty lamp, and lets you change the lamps themselves (AutoBias) and to check whether they are well matched ...
Last thing is not an amp that will ruin you in loupiottes (2 and 2 EL84 12AXY not the most expensive market ....

With the experience of one month, my twin is on sale, I would do this choice, to see in the future if I think I affinerais this comment.

Tube amp: 2 12AX7 for the preamp and 2 EL84 for the power
It is switchable to 0, 1, 5 or 18 Watts with a switch located at the rear.
It has an effects loop and an emulated output for connecting directly to a PA equipment.
2 channels (clean and lead) sharing the same équalizeur (3-band Bass, Mid and High), each with a cons by Volume and Gain. The lead channel has a Lead Boost button that adds even more gain. These canaus are switchable with a pedal that is not delivered.
I think it lacks a reverb, but hey it was not a criterion for non-shopping for me.
It comes with a handy carrying bag.

UTILIZATION

Very easy to adjust and we quickly find the desired sound.
Not need the manual for its simplicity.
The emulated output (Red Box) is convenient for connecting to a PA and do the recording. But also to work with headphones.
The possibilities of power are handy to adapt to different uses (home, small bar, local snooze, ...)

SOUNDS

I find very nice clean channel and captures the character of the guitar is plugged. With both control (Volume and Gain) pushed to the max, it sounds slightly Crunchées spring that I found very good.
The Lead channel offers a wide range of sound that passes light at known Crunch Distortion pronounced. Lead Boost button still offers a range with a more pronounced saturation
I use both with guitars equipped with humbuckers that simple.
In certain situations, without any internal effect (no reverb) it sounds a bit too dry for me, why I have put him a G-Major in the effects loop.

OVERALL OPINION

For me it is a very versatile amp that can play a variety of different styles.
For now I only use it at home plugged into a Marshall cabinet in 1936 but
I'm really happy with my choice.

With all these manufacturers getting into the compact low wattage amp game, I figured it was only a matter of time before Kettner got into the fray. But this company always seems to do things their way. They prove that they can take a good idea and put their own German spin on things.

This is a small buy fairly well featured amp with an effective 3 channels and power reduction feature for low volume use. It also has the timeless Kettner Red Box on board and ready to go. El84 power tubes of course. On paper this looks like a pretty versatile amp.

UTILIZATION

The footswitch makes things simple enough. There is an FX loop which is a nice thing to include for guys like me who almost can't live without one. It's not that hard to dial in, the controls are pretty elementary. I haven't had mine long but if my previous HK products are any indicator this thing should be able to survive a 50 foot drop. The tubes don't need biasing...nice to know. Overall I have no complaints here. My footswitch works well. The weight is where it needs to be.

SOUNDS

The clean channel doesn't break up much from power amp cranking unless you are in a low watt mode. Kettner designed it to work like a Mesa clean channel and rely on preamp gain. I'm not a big fan of these kinds of clean channels but it sounds good enough for me. Kettner is not really known for their amazing cleans. if you want that get a Vox or Blackface. The lead channel is very hughes and kettner. Kind of like a Marshall meets a well mannered Soldano. Those of you who have played a Duotone will have an idea what I'm talking about. It's a pretty refined lead sound. The boost channel is obviously for liquid amounts of gain and it's voiced for heavy rock. Sometimes it can be a little out of control. But to other players this is desirable. Maybe I'm old fashioned.

OVERALL OPINION

Time will tell if these catch on and compete with the likes of the Tiny Terror and the newer Mesa mini rec series. Some say this market is overflooded but I've tried most of the 18 watt offerings and this is a very appetizing entry for someone who wants all the channels covered. I really like mine and I'm gonna hold on to it and sell my Mesa mini rec I just got.

The H&K Tubemeister 18 is a recent model offering from the company that combines KILLER tube tone with a portable package for recording. It has two channels, clean and drive. Each channel has its own gain and master volume controls, but they share a three band EQ section. It's powered by a pair of EL84s delivering 18 watts. There is also an onboard boost for the lead channel and an effects loop as well. Did I mention its small size? This attribute makes it perfect to grab and go as a small amplifier for gigs and recording.

UTILIZATION

This amp is very British in its general tonal nature. The EQ responds more like a Marshall type amp than a Fender or Mesa Boogie. Having only the single EQ will be a drag for some players, but it is what it is. It's also admittedly not the highest gain amp in the world, but you can get great eighties tones out of it with the gain maxed. I found it fairly easy to dial in and get tones going due to the lack of superfluous features. It sounded great at a variety of volume levels as well, making it a GREAT practice or recording amp.

SOUNDS

This amp seems to respond well to a variety of guitars and tonal styles. The clean channel has a nice sparkle that works well with a Strat or Tele for funky or fusion type tones. Using a Gibsongives it a bit more body and girth for jazz and blues tones. The drive channel can do everything from Zeppelin to Ratt with ease. The rig particularly shined for eighties rock using an EVH Wolfgang and EVH 4x12 cab. Using that combined with the gain boost was probably my favourite tone of the day from this amp.

OVERALL OPINION

All in all I think this amp is a great addition to the lunchbox heads on the market. It combines great tones with portability and a very reasonable price of $600. It has a variety of purposes and sounds killer to boot! Definitely worth a look for sure!

Features:

2 channels + boost the lead channel (3 different sounds can be activated by footswitch.)
18W power (2xEL84).
2 12AX7 preamp on the floor of.
Effects loop.
Red Box with symmetrical output emulation cabinet.
POWERSOAK 18w/5w/1w with selection and registration function silent.

UTILIZATION

Amp easy to use:

An EQ common to both channels and a high performance gain and volume for each channel. The amp sounds great regardless of the adjustment.

SOUNDS

This amp really respect the sound characteristics of the guitar.

The clean channel is pretty good, but crunch relatively quickly because it is often the gain level up to a volume equal to the boosted channel.

Boosted channel is excellent, you get nice crunch and reacts very well to the volume of the guitar.
The boost is in fact almost a 3rd channel as it not only increases the gain but also gives more body to the sound. It is perfect for solo or play something that requires a bigger sound.

OVERALL OPINION

This head is really excellent and complete. It sounds rock / hard rock, it will be harder to sound heavy metal metal without external support (for the record it is better to see the side of The Beast Laboga or ENGL Gigmaster 15).

The power this amp allows you to use both in concert and at home. The DI output is practical and with good plugins speaker simulation it can be misled in a record.

This is a pint size amp for those needing to get a lot of tone out of a small lunch box size head. This little amp has two channels one dedicated to the cleans one for the distortion. What is great about this amp is the red box feature. I'm not talking about the red box full of blu rays and dvd's at your local shopping mart. I'm talking about a speaker simulated interface that allows you to go direct from the amp into a recording session or the house PA system. This is a great features for those where playing loud can be an issue and you need to silence you loud rocking guitar tones.

Another wonderful feature is the self biasing on the back of the amp. This amp will auto bias you tubes so you don't have to shell out $50 to get it done by some tech down the street. This is great for people and allows you to not skip a beat leaving you amp on someone else bench for a day or two.

UTILIZATION


Channels 2
Power 18 Watts
Dimensions 356 x 156 x 150 mm
Weight 5 kg



Warm tube tone with phenomenal dynamic range that sweeps from sparkling clean to throaty crunch

Harmonically rich tube distortion and the gain reserves to go from edgy overdrive to soaring lead sounds

Re-voices LEAD to summon modern high-gain sound that pairs plenty of punch with endless sustain

Passive voicing section tweaked to evoke the best frequency response out of each channel

Preamp section sporting two 12AX7 tubes

Push-pull power amp that pumps out stage-approved 18 watts

Oversized transformers with tons of headroom

TSC-protected power amp featuring auto-bias and status LED

Footswitch connection enabling remote channel switching and BOOST actuation

Serial FX loop for adding effects-flavored spice to the sonic stew

Quad-stage power soak with silent recording capability

Balanced RED BOX OUT with authentic speaker emulation

SOUNDS

The clean on this amp is pretty solid. Nothing to complain about too much. It isn't as sparkly as I would have hoped but it will do. It still is chimy and sweet but not exactly the perfect clean channel.

The distortion channel is pretty good though. The tone is beefy and thick like all the Hughes and Kettner amps have. Having the lead boost kicks up the gain a bit and gets sustaining very well. I really like the tone of this amp and I find it has a similar voicing to the rest of the line of amps.

OVERALL OPINION

At new these amps come at around $699, which is a great price for this versatile head. I love the tone from this amp and the many features especially on the back side of this amp. The auto bias and the red box is a very great addition to a very great sounding amplifier.

I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs a good multiple channel amp that can be playing live or direct in to a recording booth. If you need something under $1000 then this is a good one to go for.