All user reviews for the Hughes & Kettner TriAmp

The Hughes & Kettner Triamp MK 1 is a complex, feature-laden amp that still boasts an all-tube signal path. Sporting a 100W power section with 4 EL34's or 6L6GC's, along with 9 - count 'em - NINE 12AX7A's, spring reverb, also an optional MIDI control module, buffered FX Loop with db pad switch, H&K's Famous RED BOX DI, Line Out, selectable mains voltage, and Power Tube Failure indicator.

On the front panel, Three individual channels, each with two dedicated modes, dedicated EQ, Gain (one for each mode per amp - a total of six!) and Volume controls are topped off by a global master volume, Presence, and FX Loop Level control. Each channel's modes are switchable via push buttons on the face panel, or heavy duty footswitch.

UTILIZATION

The Triamp is a massive, heavy beast of an amp head, using only the best chassis material and components. A peek inside reveals a landscape of precision resistors, F&T and Vishay capacitors, as well as expertly laid ribbon cabling. The transformers are some of the largest I've ever seen in a 100 watt amp.

The EQ is responsive across all channels, and there is plenty of gain on tap for every need.

SOUNDS

The problem with the Triamp, in my opinion, is that it relies too heavily on low frequencies generated early in the preamp, especially when it comes to its high gain sound.

AMP 1 is the clean channel. Mode 1 gives a very spanky, ballsy clean that can get slightly hairy with the gain turned up. Very touch responsive. About as close to a Fender clean as I've heard in a non-Fender amp. Kicking it into Mode 2 ups the gain and the lowend response, achieving a more Vox-like clean tone which overdrives quite well with a pedal. Not as bright as Mode 1.

Amp 2 is voiced for classic plexi-style tones. Mode 1 offers up a very thin, bright sound. I found that it lacked a lot of lowend response, even with the Bass control maxed. I honestly didn't find this mode very usable. Mode 2 ups the gain, and thankfully, the lowend. Great classic-rock sounds are found here, with plenty of midrange grind and fuzzy Marshall highs.

Amp 3 is voiced for high gain. This channel has a very strong, tight low-mid emphasis, which is typical of German high gain amps. Mode 1 produces a bright, tight grind that is great for chugging. Mode 2 goes all-out, adding even more gain and thunderous lowend response.

The FX Loop is great, allowing pedals to be implemented without much loss or coloring to the overall tone. The Red Box DI was useful for running a line to Front Of House and allowing the engineer to mix that signal with the signal mic'd from my speaker cabinet.



OVERALL OPINION

A resounding quality of the Triamp to my ears was a muddy bass response, which, along with its size and complexity, ultimately led to me selling the amp. Moreover, the lack of bass response in Mode 1 of both AMP 2 and 3 rendered them barely usable.

With some dedicated tweaking and playing, there are numerous top-quality tones to be found in the Triamp MK 1, but in the end there are other amps that do just as much tonally with less bells and whistles, and less fuss. That being said, you'd be hard pressed to find a more durable and well-made 3 channel amp for the used prices (800-1000 bucks) that the Triamp MK 1 fetches.

Amplifier 100 W RMS, all lamps, 13 in total.

3 amps 2 channels = 6 channels in total
Boulc effect
poccibilité the option to add a controller card noon (interesting to change
channel along a preset multi purpose ...)
With a 7-alu péfalier switch (6 changes a channel and start the loop fx)
There is an equalization amplifier with a gain channel and volume
There was also a master general, with a presence and mik-General for the effects loop.
Bright switch and also present on the channels clear and crunch

UTILIZATION

Hyper simple, each with its own amp equalizer,
Be careful with gain settings, the volume of each amp and master volume to keep
uniformity in the output level.
Easily obtained sound that one seeks, with little to head
The manual is quite clear and I advise to read all that is speaker connections.

SOUNDS

For my style is absolutely perfect, good versatility, the advantage is that it is
possible to sound quite different box 3 (1 per amp), not 6, because of the settings
égualisation of common ...

I play it with a parker fly deluxe and a Gibson Nighthawk, it perfectly transcribed differences in timbre of the two guitars.

The amp dedicated a clear sound, provides christallin sound on channel 1 and sounds more
jazzy in two, with more rounded and less bass and treble. Channel 2 also can cruncher
slightly boosting the gain, for a nice blues. Connect an electronic sound on this channel, of happiness ...

The 2 amp dedicated to crunch is probably the least convincing ... and yes it is always the same comment for this amp. Channel 1 is not bad, with a healthy dose of treble and midrange, for channel 2, with the gain high enough, it sounds obient asse drooling, not quite to my taste, with a lack of precision.

The amplifier 3 is clearly dedicated to distorted sounds. The channel can perform a rhythmic rock with a punch just fine. Channel 2 is great for my taste. full of punch and dynamics, although it retranscit all frequencies, the bass can be enormous, delicious. in solo play, it''s great. In addition there is very specific

In short, for me it's all good! not 10 but for channel 8 crunch that could have been more successful

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a year, I bought it in a state of OCCAZ almost new, with the baffle.
I find it versatile enough for utinisation I have.
We can put Marshall, Fender in the closet, for against, for the price, it deserves to be better equipped to go tickle the Engl, Bogner and Mesa.
Just a note ... I know some who have offered grateux of Mesa for more versatility, which is probably true in terms of gear! ! After having seen him play quite a few times, I realized that these guys were playing only the boosted channel of the mesa and always with the same EQ .... Briefly, the same sound all the time ....
To you to test you realize what he can do.

We find the cheap today.

A +

This is an all-tube amp, 13 total (Preamp: 4 x + 4 x 12AX7 E83CC Power amp: 1 x 12AX7 + 4 x 6L6GC).
It is a 100W amp with selectable output impedance 4 or 8 ohms. In fact it INPED 16 Ohms 80W. It's quite convenient to choose the output impdance I branch often either 4 Ohms mono or 8 ohms in Stereo (On ​​baffles JCM900 that I intend to one day change for H & K).
Cot SETTINGS is simple header that includes three different amps with an equalizer and a volume for each, and each amp has two channels with a gain for each. This makes a total of 6 channels all switchable from pdalier provided. So a huge range of sounds ...
There is also a master volume which controls the 3 amps and presence.
You can also put the effect on the effects loop and a control module can be added twelve o'clock (it is rather expensive but good) with this module (which I added just can switch channels trs with pdalier noon MIDI recording is done with a small front-panel buttons easy to use.

UTILIZATION

As for the configuration we obtain the desired sound very easy ... Finally the sound, I'd rather the sounds! The manual is quite sufficient since the settings are basic (but effective).
Attention by against this head is very heavy, but requires lamps.

SOUNDS

This amp and extremely versatile and suitable for all styles of music, so for mine. I jous more often with Metal but I also often play funk rhythm or solo Mark Knopfler and the everything goes perfectly.
I jous on Jackson (EMG 81 + 89) for the metal (so the distortion) and a stratum for which is more quiet (clean sounds) and I plug in a GT6 on the effects loop with four cable method, this that allows me to keep the sound of the amp while adding some effects and switch channels with the help of the South.
The first two channels are found amp for clean sounds:
- The first channel is very crystal-clear, with a little reverb is beautiful and a pleasure to play on.
- The 2nd tone is a little different with a little more bass but is also nice when you keep the gain around 11. For if one goes against the gain you get a more crunch with a slight overdrive.

The second amp is ddi Crunch sounds, I use it less often but I'm sure Blues fans will be delighted because he's always hot. By pushing the gain of the second channel bottom can even get a good distortion for the solo with a heavy grain different from that of the lead channel I also often juggles with these two sounds.

The third amplifier is fully saturated sounds DDI:
- On the first channel there is a sound enough Bourin but some very good round for all the solos with distortion ...
- And finally the last channel, the big sounds perfect for aggressive rhythm mtal wish with a big win.
I use almost all the channels can be with a small preference for channel 2 of the Lead amps, but they really are all perfect.
I might be an AIM presence spare on both channels of the last amps.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this amp for 1 year and I am very happy to see proud.
This amp is perfect for me has all the styles, and more aesthetical level of the mouth it anyway (it's good it's on again by the blue lighting of the MK2 but good).
I tried for a year before the amps to make this choice, both in Marshall, Mesa or Engl, but I did not find more versatile amp.
We can not find this amp new so difficult to compare with models for sale on the market but the amp is it, 1000 is really cheap!
Even by paying more I would do this choice.

This is an all-tube amp, 13 total (Preamp: 4 x + 4 x 12AX7 E83CC Power amp: 1 x 12AX7 + 4 x 6L6GC).
It is a 100W amp with selectable output impedance 4 or 8 ohms. In fact it INPED 16 Ohms 80W. It's quite convenient to choose the output impdance I branch often either 4 Ohms mono or 8 ohms in Stereo (On ​​JCM900 cabinet and the cabinet in original Celestion G12M triamp).
Cot SETTINGS is simple header that includes three different amps with an equalizer and a volume for each, and each amp has two channels with a gain for each. This makes a total of 6 channels all switchable from pdalier provided. So a huge range of sounds ...
There is also a master volume which controls the 3 amps and presence.
You can also put the effect on the effects loop and a control module can be added twelve o'clock (it is rather expensive but good) with this module (which I added just can switch channels trs with pdalier noon MIDI recording is done with a small front-panel buttons easy to use.

UTILIZATION

As for the configuration we obtain the desired sound very easy ... Finally the sound, I'd rather the sounds! The manual is quite sufficient since the settings are basic (but effective).
Attention by against this head is very heavy, but requires lamps.

SOUNDS

This amp and extremely versatile and suitable for all styles of music, so for mine. I jous more often with Metal but I also often play funk rhythm or solo Mark Knopfler and the everything goes perfectly.
I jous on Jackson (EMG 81 + 89) for the metal (so the distortion) and a stratum for which is more quiet (clean sounds) and I plug in a GT6 on the effects loop with four cable method, this that allows me to keep the sound of the amp while adding some effects and switch channels with the help of the South.
The first two channels are found amp for clean sounds:
- The first channel is very crystal-clear, with a little reverb is beautiful and a pleasure to play on.
- The 2nd tone is a little different with a little more bass but is also nice when you keep the gain around 11. For if one goes against the gain you get a more crunch with a slight overdrive.

The second amp is ddi Crunch sounds, I use it less often but I'm sure Blues fans will be delighted because he's always hot. By pushing the gain of the second channel bottom can even get a good distortion for the solo with a heavy grain different from that of the lead channel I also often juggles with these two sounds.

The third amplifier is fully saturated sounds DDI:
- On the first channel there is a sound enough Bourin but some very good round for all the solos with distortion ...
- And finally the last channel, the big sounds perfect for aggressive rhythm mtal wish with a big win.
I use almost all the channels can be with a small preference for channel 2 of the Lead amps, but they really are all perfect.
I might be an AIM presence spare on both channels of the last amps.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this amp for 2 years and I am glad trs, see proud.
This amp is perfect for me has all the styles, and more aesthetical level of the mouth it anyway (it's good it's on again by the blue lighting of the MK2 but good).
I tried for a year before the amps to make this choice, both in Marshall, Mesa or Engl, but I did not find more versatile amp.
We can not find this amp new so difficult to compare with models for sale on the market but the amp is it, 1000 is really cheap!
Even by paying more I would do this choice.

This a German company who designs high quality guitar amps for touring musicians and the average consumer. They guitar amps that range from just a few hundred dollars to several thousand. The have a flagship amplifier and this is it. The Trimap from Hughes and Kettner.

Some big names have pickup amps from Hughes and Kettner including Alex Lifeson from the band Rush and Tommy Thayer from the band Kiss. Those two gentlemen have their own signature models but they have used been great artist for this company.

UTILIZATION

Channels 1A: Vintage Californian Clean, 1B: Vintage British Clean, 2A: Classic British Rock, 2B: Vintage British Rock, 3A: British Hot Rodded, 3B: Modern Californian Hi Gain
Power 100 Watts
Poweramp 4x EL34
Preamp 9x 12AX7
Effects Loop serial/parallel
MIDI built in
Footswitch/Stageboard 7-way Stageboard TriAmp included
Switching Functions 3x Amp, 3x Channel, 1x FX
Special Features RED BOX built in
Speaker Outputs 1x 4 Ohms, 1x 8/2x 16 Ohms, 1x16 Ohms
Suggested Speaker Cabinet CC 412 A/B 25, CC 412 A/B 30, CC 412 WA30
Protective Cover included
Dimensions 750 x 340 x 256 mm
Weight 22 kg/49 lbs
External Fuse (Anode) 1 x T 500 mA Slo-blo
Fuses 230V: T 1,6A, 117V: SB 3,15A, 100V: T 3,15A

SOUNDS

This amp has three channels and six modes. Each channel has two different modes of operation. For the clean you can get a nice Fender like clean and click the next mode you'll get a British style clean much like a Marshall plexi. On the second channel you have a crunch channel. The first mode is a classic rock tone from a Marshall style voiced amp. Next you have then a hot rodded tone from a Marshall style amp. This gets you great vinatge classic rock tones for music such as AC/DC or Led Zeppelin. The third and final channel you get over the top gain and distortion. The first mode is a hot rodded British gain for most hard rock and metal. Then to top it all off you have an insane amount of gain for the second mode. This mode is for modern playing or dripped tuning. Great for modern metal and hard rock.

OVERALL OPINION

At new these amps come in at around $2800, which is a great price for a boutique quality amp with three channels of operation. This rally is a fantastic deal for and amp of this caliber.

I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs a good versatile amp for gigging or practicing at home. If you do a lot of cover songs then this is the perfect amp for those needs.

100W amp "all light" (1997)
respecting the factory configuration
preamp:
4x E83CC Highgrade
5x ECC83
amplification:
4x 6L6 Tung-Sol "coke bottle"

Send / Return (+ /-10dB)
HP 1x4 2x8 1x8 outputs 2x16 1x16 ohms (the 1x16Ohm works perfectly well on my head from 1997)
Output DI out with integrated Red Box
Send / Return for the reverb (RCA)
Preamp OUT / IN Amp
Accutronics Spring Reverb (attached to the back cover, adjustable rear)

3-band EQ, 2 and 1 master gain for each amp
A Master General, Presence, potentiometer SEND / RETURN (WET / DRY)

A bright switch for the front and Amp1 Amp2

ability to switch the head with midi module HUGHES & KETTNER MSM-1 (optional)

UTILIZATION

Very simple configuration like other amps.
This amp sounds great in the first test but the multitude of sounds requires a lot of investment and time to find the sound that really suits you.
Attention to the noise level of 3 amps, which requires uniformity not to shock when moving from one channel to another.
The manual is very simple and comprehensive (not necessary when using this amp head).

SOUNDS

The head should I think of all styles, especially for those who love the high gain rock sounds and they are vintage or modern ...
I use it on a firm H & K 412 Triamp equipped 25W Greenbacks (original).
I play it with an Epiphone Joe Perry Boneyard Signature or relics Washburn N4 Nuno Bettencourt Signature and N2.
Sounds obtained with the head can be very varied. With six channels (with a gain per channel), versatility is the appointment.
A bright switch on the front allows you to add the first 2 amps to slamming (4 channels) if necessary ...

The sound is very clear lens 1A. This sound is very rich in harmonics and very slamming into Arpeggio. It is similar to Mesa Boogie Lonestar with a little less brightness (it tends to saturate slightly when the gain goes up very high and we played very nervously, but that's not what a research clear channel in general).
The clean / crunch 1B is very rich in low, near the head Vox. When this channel is cruncher pushing the gain of the preamp, the sound got very hot.
The channel 2A is a winning pattern vintage typed. The overdrive sound is close to that time was Marshall Plexi's. The sound is very sharp and corresponds perfectly to the styles of rock 60's / 70's.
Channel 2B is (in my opinion) the best of this amp. Its grain is very rich and best reflects the 6L6. The saturation is very cut and enormously rich in frequency, type MarkIV Mesa Boogie. The presence of this channel sound is truly magical. Just for that channel, I would acquire the head without hesitation ...
Channel 3A sounds pretty modern rock. I prefer to use it with less gain and keep the attack rather than to push high into overdrive very surly (the 3B can handle it very well). This channel is also a marvel. The 6L6 giving it a slightly different basis crunch Triamp heads equipped with EL34.
Channel 3B is very powerful, well recommended for those looking for a hi-gain type VHT, Soldano, Bogner, Diezel or Mesa Boogie, but with a character in the head ... It lacks very slightly low for my taste on the original cabinet, which I would prefer a cabinet-type wide body (higher than the standard 412).

OVERALL OPINION

I use this amp head for over 6 months.
Most are its versatility, power and sound really exceptional to me.
The least are the weight of the head (over 25 kg!), The output OUT DI is too high and average quality compared to Triamp MkII, the knob reverb that is in the back.
Provide adequate funds to pay for changing the lamps 13 (but we get something for nothing).
The sound is close to all other major brands but is specific to H & K. He brings a unique sound compared to everything that competition.

I bought this head for playing in stereo with a Triamp MkII. It covers a range of sound (with a grain due to this very 6L6) I do not have the MkII equipped with EL34 (which has a more powerful and richer but more going across the MkI). Small addition, the original speaker can play with two heads simultaneously on the same baffle.

The reverb is very good, if not to put too much not to distort the saturation of high quality.

This amp is hard to play, does not forgive mistakes. Very rich in harmonics, it excels in sound muffled, but it requires a small adjustment at first. The sound is very rugged and unforgiving about the same very high gain.
For those seeking a sound very heavy, lean more toward the MkII which was built for that. Budget buy or occasion is hardly the same, however.
I would buy this head without any hesitation.
Attention to the choice of lamps preamp and amplifier that are crucial in the resulting sound ...

Characteristic of this tube amp: 13 total in preamp. Rest assured they do not work all at once. They can refine the tone and gain of 6 channels independently of each other.

3 "amps" each with 2 modes, presence, reverb, switch "bright" for amps 1 & 2.
MIDI Implementation.

UTILIZATION

Despite the many buttons in front, the TriAmp easily adjusted. But he has a particular philosophy:
Each channel is characterized by a particular EQ, pre set. A bit like modeling. For example on the overdrive 2A 2 Amp sounds very end, with little bass british despite setting this one to the bottom while the 2B has an equalizer just the opposite: big bass, few mids. Problem: only one EQ. Concession difficult.
Found almost the same problem on 2 of the clean amp 1.

So it's a little insult to injury, as there are channels to the call, as I have not always been able to set the TriAmp as I wanted. Attention is very subjective, the head has absolute flexibility, but personally I preferred continuity especially in the channels. It is aimed at very specific needs.

SOUNDS

The clean 1A is excellent, right, dynamic, funky!
The clean 1B is bluesy, very round
The crunch / od 2A is a classic Marshallian, but my faith sour
the crunch / od 2B is interesting, sounds like an old amp pushed, but his attention is particularly eq
Saturation 3A and 3B are quite similar, the second focused more modern with more gain and chest. A lack of character all the same for this amp.

The reverb is very correct.

OVERALL OPINION

the +
. Diversity of sounds: excellent versatility
. Value price OCCAZ sometimes interesting

The -
. Reverb setting on the back of the head (!)
. AMP3 below the first 2 point of view its
. No escalation between the two channels
. Weight
. Retubing price of a full.
. Questionings on the sonic identity of the product ....