Hotone Purple Wind 5 Watt Nano Amp (Can It Really Do the Business?)

Hotone Purple Wind 5 Watt Nano Amp (Can It Really Do the Business?)
The Purple Wind by Hotone is an affordable nano amp, which is part of their Nano Legacy series. This particular Hotone is supposed to mimic a Marshall Plexi. How does it sound through a 4x12 Marshall Cab? How does it sound (period)? Sound is king, regardless of price or size. So let's see how it sounds.
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[@DeadlyFredXXX]

I don't even think it sounds bad, especially around 6:30. That sounds like a pretty solid classic rock tone to me?

[@keithburnett-i7f]

I would get a modelling amp instead as you suggested, but you’ve reviewed most of them & shot them all down in flames!!🤣🤣🤣

[@jimmyjames2022]

It's fun watching you agonize, trying to give them a break. You're a kind person.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha :D Thanks :)

[@clintjones9848]

That's the funniest part lol. He's like errrrrr..

[@mahoganymarco9199]

Dear me.. I tried this and the micro cube. No way, this is much better than tha microcube. Don't put down people, these are nice to have. It has is purpose for the right occasion. Something cheap for practice and that sounds good.. Back up is a little venue gig.. Many reason

[@SalvvOrtiz]

It sounds good when a good player uses it. I have one like this and I've had it in a drawer for a long time.

[@mrjoesguitar]

At this time Elmo I must say Thank You and God bless you for your ALWAYS HONEST REVIEWS! Unfortunately, a few years ago when this was released I saw this amp reviewed on another prominent channel and I guess they lied through their teeth because they made it seem like you would get absolute magic in this tiny piece of metal. It was not so. I thought maybe because I hadn't bought an external speaker so I saved up and this year I was finally able to purchase an external cab. The first thing I did was hook this up...and it still sounded like manure. It was then that I realized I was the sucker born every minute that P.T. Barnum spoke of. From now on I feel safer knowing that you're here to give us honest reviews. 🎸🤘😩🤘🎸

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks man! Glad to hear I can be of service and entertainment :)

[@michaelwirth6843]

I don´t know what gear you have. A Les Paul and a descent speaker and it sounds good as hell, but don´t try to play metal.

[@JedNadin]

I think it actually sounded really good. I use a JCM2000 with a 2x12 (GT12-75). This could be cool for the bedroom and leave the 100w at the band room. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool bananas :)

[@breitling77]

it does not sound that bad but anyway you have reason. 5 watt no effects no speaker and does not sound as a plexi. you are a kind and honest person

[@bobdavis761]

Oh, I don't know. I play mostly vintage 50's & 60's LP Juniors (9 of 'em), using the Purple Wind or the British Invasion, through a Vox BC108 speaker cab. As a bedroom practice amp, they're both pretty badass. No plans to gig it, just my retired old ass making joyful noise. I give it 9 out of 10. Unrelated - I also like my Spark40. I don't have room for a Marshall half-stack. Don't be so negative - it has its place. Note: Even though I own the BI and the PW, I'm gonna pull the trigger on the Britwind just for the consolidation (and the reverb).

[@markmcdonald5711]

I have the British Invasion model hooked up to a Randall RG8 cabinet in my bedroom and I think it sounds great with my G&L strat and Epi LP Special.

[@user-gw7bs9up3l]

I ran one of these with a little delay into a 70s silver face champ and it turned it into a monster. I loved the tone, especially with an aerodyne tele with a p90 in the neck position.

[@RandyFricke]

It's so hard to get an honest read with KZbin compression stepping on everything but I've just ordered one and am going to use it clean as a pedal board amp. Master volume cranked and use the gain as the clean volume. Should be fine.

[@luizdiaz5196]

Finally an honest review. You just got yourself another subscriber

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks man 👍

[@DaveBloomDrumsOnline]

I can’t agree on your headphone comment. the Iridium, the ACS1, and the Simplifier sound great with headphones. I can’t imagine the Fractal wouldn’t sound good with headphones.

[@chadjohnson-authormusician8072]

Guess I'm too lowbrow. I thought it sounded pretty dang good.

[@lolobuggah2670]

I disagree. I think it's a cool little amp and sounds great. I own a Plexi and this does have that character. You should've demoed it without using the effects loop. It sounds way better used that way.

[@88grinder]

I remember it sounded best when diming all the eq knobs. Give it a try!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Too late. Sold it.

[@mistersniffer6838]

@@MrPolevaulter - Well, there is the final review!!

[@hybridnoisebloom]

Finally, an honest review of this amp. Cheers, sir.

[@MrPolevaulter]

And thank you too :)

[@pedrolourenco2707]

I had one, and sold it! irt sounded ok with the master on 10...

[@sinpilot3195]

Thank you for he honest review. Yo just saves me $70 bucks.

[@MrPolevaulter]

No problem.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

I didn't think it sounded too bad for a 100 bucks. Not a real plexi, but for a hundred bucks I thought it sounded ok.. I think you could make a stone speaker sound good though with your playing. 😂😜 The Katana and even better the orange 35 watt 1 x 10 are the best deals out there imho. The Orange especially which has mostly the same parts as their rockerverb tube amp except no tubes. Plus, it only has two channels, eq knobs, shift knob for boosting or subtracting mids and no apps to work with. Love that part.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I've yet to try that Orange out.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@MrPolevaulter You're going to have to try it. Of course the 60 watt 1 x 12 is cool too, but it's another 250 dollars. The 1 x 10 online goes for about 259.99

[@hinjurock]

@@hoosierdaddy2308 I had one. It was too muddy and mid-rangey for me - I sold it for $100.

[@DrDizzleFrizzle]

I mean, this isn't for someone that doesn't own anything else. If you already own a cab, but you don't have a classic sound from your current head and want a classicish sound, this is much cheaper than any other option. Also, should've tried it as a preamp.

[@guitarman122763]

What's cool is,,,it has an fx loop,,,which means you can run a loop pedal and head phones and no one has to hear it

[@StratMatt777]

Even better, if we don't buy it, then even WE don't have to hear it! Thanks for the review Elmo!!! I was just looking at one of these on craigslist for $70... no wonder it is for sale! [EDIT: The lead playing with your overdrive pedal isn't completely bad. It's kind of "fluid" sounding.]

[@saintmichaelbarbellclub7253]

I got one of the Heartbreaker models (from the same series- based on a Mesa Boogie) for 25 bucks. It was probably worth 25 bucks- it's fun to play with. It would make a great stocking stuffer or party favor. But it's definitely not a killer tone haha

[@germdisco]

Nice playing! I don’t know why but I was thinking of Savatage when you were playing with overdrive. I’ll check your other videos because now I’m curious what you think about Line 6 Helix.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! Haven't tried it.

[@davidwilson7042]

Elmo: A guy walks into a bar. And says, "Ouch!" ;)

[@MrPolevaulter]

:D

[@heavymachete6235]

ive heard the high gain ones are ok, as well as a couple of the clean ones (if mic'd up correctly)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Ok.

[@caulinrocker1]

Neat little amp to run a talk box if you have one.

[@stevetamv68]

I think what Elmo is trying to say is, "Cheap isn't good AND Good isn't Cheap..."

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep. Although their not mutually exclusive.

[@jameslargent869]

I use an orange micro terror with a Marshall 412....it sounded to boxy with the 1 by 8(the 412 is from a Marshall valvestate half stack)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool!

[@Frenchmelodymaker]

Doesn’t seem good, it could be good enough for a budget/travel guitar. And could you review the Vox AV30 (it’s my amp) I would like to know your opinion on it, plus I think you’ll go with settings I have not noticed (I’m a bit stupid). Keep going you are really fun and good (your Yngwie licks where fun to hear !).

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! I might review it at some point. It actually looks a bit interesting (just had a look).

[@westleya111]

You tried. Im glad I didnt pick one of these up back when I had an opportunity...

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad to be of service :)

[@aptele]

I bought used mojo diamond and i like it. I had good celelestion g12h allredy, and 12 pedals so IT IS good for someone who have already have some gear.

[@patrickmcvay6966]

God I love honesty! Thanks

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers :)

[@TarenLeitzke]

I've been considering getting their higher-wattage floor version of this called the Britwind (which also has their version of the AC30 attached as a clean channel) as a practice/backup amp. I wonder if there is any tonal difference between their small 5W amp heads and their larger 75W floor amps. I would definitely be interested in a demo of one of their floor amps if this Purple Wind hasn't completely turned you off to Hotone products.

[@iLL_Corvo]

6:42 - 7:19 pretty sweet playing my man. I can hear the Eastern influence. What brand is the guitar?

[@howardpoulin23]

I have a Marshall 1x12 cabinet. I also have a Digitech 2101 Artist Pro. I thought the clean Silva Boogie would be great so I could use my old rack gear at a reasonable volume. Just a thought. Set it up flat and see what happens.

[@EricTViking]

A guy walks into a bar and says "Do you want to buy a second hand Hotone Purple Wind 5 Watt Nano Amp?"...

[@MrPolevaulter]

:D

[@halconsurf]

Finally! Thanks! I love mine!....

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad you do :)

[@halconsurf]

@@MrPolevaulter you should try it with a smaller cab... Mine is a 1912 Marshall ;) anyway, great channel, could you review some Moen Jimi pedals?... That would be great! Thanks! Steph.

[@jamesgarci]

Really good review

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@jfrankcarr]

I have 4 of these amps: Purple Wind, Mojo Diamond (Fender Deluxe), British Invasion (Vox AC30), Siva Boogie (Bogner Shiva clean). I like the Mojo Diamond and Siva Boogie the best. To get the best performance out of them for recording and quiet practice, go from the pre-amp into an IR Cabinet like the Mooer Radar or Hotone Binary IR Cab.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool!

[@devilslide01]

Sure , it doesn’t sound good. Nobody can accuse you of being in any gear manufacturers’ pocket because I haven’t watched any of your reviews where you actually like the product. I’m not sure if it’s that you e found your sound and everything else sounds like crap to you or. The products you demo are what you can afford on a modest budget until this channel brings in more $$. Thanks for the honest opinions though.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers! I have liked a whole bunch of things. You must have missed those.

[@devilslide01]

Elmo Karjalainen can you point me to the things you like. I enjoy your videos.

[@MattyPeq]

@@devilslide01 Just to name a few amps Elmo likes: Roland Cubes, old version of the Roland Micro Cube, Boss Katana Mini, Fender Mustang LT25..

[@MrAnders1976]

I saw a professional player demo the british invasion on an 1x12 palmer cab with an 8 ohm celestion greenback,, he was impressed with the tones ge hot.. I do not think it is a good idea putting the small solid state 5w amp into a 4x12 16 ohm marshall cabinet. Not sure the output is still 5 watts at 16 ohm,, probably more like 3 watts. Secondly if it puts out 3 watts it is shared between 4 speakers so you are only getting 0.75W through each speaker.. Not enough to get a good sound.. even solid state watts is borderline into a single 25-75 watt guitar speaker.

[@mikelee1906]

Exactly what I was thinking. The 5 watts is for 4 ohms only. Way less for 8 and even less for 16. Not meant for a 4x12 .I do not know why he stated"if your running a 4x12 why don't you just get a better amp" It is not marketed or made for running through a 4x12. Probably the worst case scenario. Straight from the Hotone website: Extremely compact configuration for portability"I plug it in to my custom built 4 ohm guitar cabinet I have in my recording studio lounge and it screams. The guys fight to use it. The clean and semi clean sound amazing through that cab. I have clients wanting to use it to record with. I paid 55 dollars. I have dozens of cabs and racks full of effects so it works for me. In fairness my friends and generally the caliber of musicians I record can make even a $50.00 guitar and a $20.00 amp sound amazing. If you look at the video and see this tiny tiny amp on top of his two huge Marshall heads I think the review was doomed from the start. The guy says" quiet". Well yes when you are used to the dual Marshalls I would expect it is!!

[@circedge]

Eh. Sounded decent either way IMO.

[@mikelee1906]

@NightRunner Yes. Here is a video where they are using a G12 Greenback 25W 16 Ohm. They state that in the video and in the comments. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH2rmnSqZbqWeq8 They mostly have it at half volume. Sometimes three quarter volume. I don't think they ever play it at full volume. Only full gain at times. So it depends what you are expecting and/or using it for. It can produce very good tones at all volumes. It is very very loud with 4 ohm speakers!! It can get fairly loud with 16 ohms. I just checked prices and these have gone up a lot. Was plenty of dealers selling at 50.00 to 60.00 when I bought mine. A lot of those dealers have doubled the price. Guitar Center has them slightly used for a good price. Ebay does from time to time. Good luck!!

[@mikelee1906]

@NightRunner Yes a 16 ohm is generally thought as being a quarter of a 4 ohm regarding output. "as it sucks more power and is quieter than a 4 Ohm?" Actually the 16 ohm only allows a quarter of the current to flow as compared to the 4 ohms. If an amplifier with 10 volts output is connected to a 4 ohm speaker, the lower impedance will allow more current to flow. 10 volts / 4 ohms = 2.5 amperes. If we use a 8 ohm speaker, less current flows: 10V/8 ohms = 1.25 amperes. Less amps less wattage.However there are other factors that affect performance. Such as the efficiency of the amp itself. This amp is meant to be used for a variety of outputs so it will be more efficient than if you were to rig something up on your own. Even surface area of the speaker can affect performance.

[@clintjones9848]

I think that's why this demo doesn't sound that good. If you check the other demos of these amps into 1 speaker they sound great.

[@kinksbeatlesstones]

Hyvää!

[@whyfcknnot]

thanks!

[@Turboy65]

Gotta split up any reasonable demo between two guitars at least, one with single coil pickups, one with humbuckers. Les Paul or SG or something. I can't make heads or tails out of a demo using only a strat because I don't play strats. They suck....for me. I should know, I've had eight of them and sold them all because that's just not my sound. Give me any SG or Les Paul with humbuckers.

[@reyfernandez356]

This amo wont let me control the volume when running through aux. Is anyone else having that issue ?

[@blasphemer1992]

Yeah, the volume is controlled from your device (pc, mobile, etc)

[@scubarojo]

What was the other amp you called out. A Bosca Tana mini???

[@storma95000]

Boss Katana Mini

[@danielebandoni5805]

this is an italian anagramma

[@paulkielt9301]

"That's what she said"... I already heard that somewhere else? Even with an overdrive, the magic of a tube sounding amp is not there!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep.

[@CalitranoN]

I thought you sounded good! for rehearsal? as a portable amp with a cab?

[@CalitranoN]

Nice little amp not good for a rock band not loud enough even rehearsal But practice amp sure or jam with a buddy sure

[@bulletsforteeth5029]

You can get a Fender Mustang Micro, that has a better tone and feature set for practice than mucking around with a fart in the wind.

[@ralfw.7502]

The pocketamp is vaguely reminiscent of a marshall. I cannot understand the positive assessments after my own test.

[@michaelwirth6843]

I don´t agree a bit, in my end id sounds fantastic (Les Paul and a Supro speaker).

[@rockpinch5177]

Wait the reverb or delay sound comes from pedal or amp?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Pedal.

[@lionchamp29]

Blind guy walks into bar.. and chair...and table

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha :D

[@kahlaaja]

Is it Ho tone or Hot one.. we may never find out :D

[@MrPolevaulter]

😀

[@franklucas9313]

I guess if you already have an amp that does not have an effects loop, you could connect to your cab speaker and now you have effects loop.

[@MrPolevaulter]

What? Effects after the power amp? I'd suggest you don't even try.

[@rockpinch5177]

8.14 how long it can sustain?

[@MichaelJohnson-to4rm]

It's still sustaining right now. If you listen closely, you can hear it.

[@LookingForEntertainment112]

It seems perfect for a local jazz club, so the audience don't actually have to hear what's being played. Btw, I actually own one...lol. Yeah, I'm an idiot. A used Fender Mustang would be a much better option for silent practicing.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha :D

[@scubarojo]

Or did you say Bose Katana ...bet that's what you said.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Check out more gear videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PLNaLwTdlpQNFGz5Eesm0Ey_pDAL1F5y21

[@MrStrat01]

I know how to play guitar ... did you see that 🤪

[@lionchamp29]

glad they didn`t name it blue wind....

[@ejazz666]

So let me get this right.....U didn't like it?? ;)

[@MrPolevaulter]

I looooved it :D

[@ejazz666]

@@MrPolevaulter personally i thought it sounded like a warm dogshit sandwich! but hey! then again u would still make that sandwich sound great Elmo! Great job

[@AB-lx8cf]

Can it gig?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Dunno.

[@pedrolourenco2707]

put the master on 10 please! -_-

[@MrPolevaulter]

It doesn't go to 11.

[@Bixll09]

Why are you so whiny about this little amp. OMG. It looks like you are in pain.

[@kenmalm6859]

100 euro amp. 3000 euro guitar #Smart

[@voodoodrive-in6417]

No experience with this unit, but I've always found modeling amps very sterile and unsatisfying. After many years on and off trying amp emulators I've come to the conclusion you can't fake a real sound no matter how much time you spend on it. I just plug an amp into a Palmer speaker load box and I am good to go.

[@michaelwirth6843]

I will NEVER watch this channel again of two reasons: 1) The reviewer has bad taste (yes I know taste can be subjective) and 2) The reviewer has only one goal with this video, to show how fast he is on the guitar. Listen to the amp instead of being focused on yourself, this is pathetic!

[@pjo1964]

😂

[@mistersniffer6838]

Sounds like a les paul........

[@tili_]

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