HoTone Ampero Stage - This is a KILLER Unit - Better Value than HX Stomp and Quad Cortex?

[@caseylockwood5512]

I am rooting for this company. They make a lot of great stuff honestly. Their wah/volume pedal is killer. Their THR style practice amp looks amazing. I loved my Stomp 2, it felt every bit as good to play through as my Fractal. Hopefully they do well listening to their community feedback and actually supporting their products long-term.

[@lonewolf8188]

Man can you please tell me How does it sound the Alchemy Pre ( B-0 M-10 H-7 ) with Power Amp ( Master 10 - Presence 7, with EL34

[@michaelgregory2231]

As the owner of a Helix and a Fractal FM9, I'm mightily impressed with this unit!

[@guitarplayer1969]

I just got the Stomp II as a backup to my FM9 (Which replaced my Helix of 8 years). It is cool as a backup and replaced my Stomp XL. I would have liked the Stage but couldn't justify it as a backup unit with the current price. I like it but footswitch assignments and flexibility is not near the HX capabilities, but 12 effects, more powerful CPU, and touchscreen which works well, and at least equal sounds, sold it for me at the discounted price over the HX units.

[@cosmogang]

All I need in this life is the tone from that neck pickup

[@blessedlifechronicles]

Used this yesterday on stage as a standalone unit. The flexibility of combining scenes, turning on/off footswitches, and the dedicated patch/stomp mode made it really easy to play live with. The extensive connections allowed me to run stereo straight to PA and my monitor separately. Plus, it's really small and light for the capabilities and number of footswitches it provides. Really happy I upgraded to this unit from the A2S. Best part is I got this used and for the same amount that I got after selling my existing gear that it replaced.

[@TheToneWork]

I've had my eye on this for a while. Glad you shared your thoughts on it. Seems like a solid contender.

[@AlainChatignon]

Thanks John, I put my Helix LT in for repair. What you say confirms what I think of the Ampero Stage, an excellent machine. Hotone has specified that they will make the Stomp presets compatible for the Stage, which will open up a large library of presets of all kinds. Assigning parameters to controllers is child's play. There are undoubtedly improvements to be made, particularly in the adjustment of the reverb and delay EQs. I would also like them to add a sustainer like on the Helix. I will probably buy some presets from you because I really appreciated your work on the HX Stomp and Helix

[@winstonsmith8240]

I was thinking about buying an HX stomp ( possibly XL) but this looks interesting. I await your future takes on this.

[@gregalon]

My first impression after watching some demos was that it has a bit of a "blanket over the speaker" sound. But the more I listen the more I think it just doesn't have that harsh digital presence that many modelers have. It's naturally warm which might be why it needs less EQ tweaking.

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

IF the tones are the same as my Ampero Stomp 2, I can attest it can be dialed in to sound like anything, warm & round, or bright & piercing. No limitations or odd tonal characteristics, they played the tones right down the middle.

[@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist]

@@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx Its not the same! Stomp 2 was too fizzy and trebly to me without using extensive Global EQ. Stage is just fine as is - but anyway: 3d Party IRs even up the game more!

[@johnong2655]

​​@@Worlds_Worst_Guitaristfunny coz I often get that clipping sound on my A stomp. Even so for JNCs patches. I don't have that gain stagging problem on my HX stomp. I decided to sell it off. After seeing this again makes me tempted all over somehow

[@johnong2655]

​@@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yxthat's really true

[@niv6924]

JNC for the next two weeks: - Posts 5 videos per day with this unit, titled like “I didn’t know it did this”, “why this might be the greatest fx processor”, “ampero stage for gigging”, “saying goodbye to my helix”, “I didn’t realize this until now”, “end of line6?” etc. - After a week or two he finds another multi fx processor and posts with it like 100 times per week. - After two months: “Why I don’t use Hotone Stage II” anymore (with his baby on the thumbnail)

[@Ivan_Ku.]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Phoboss32]

😂

[@Topan_Conspiracy]

that is how the engagement works

[@niv6924]

@@Topan_Conspiracy What engagement? That's just he milking 10 videos per day with every single MultiFX unit he gets his hands on. His playing is really, I mean REALLY good and that's the ONLY reason I watch his content. I really wish he focuses his content more on that instead of doing these completely useless gear videos.

[@Topan_Conspiracy]

@@niv6924 the word 'killer unit' made me watch his video 1st time.. that's how youtube engage w viewer.. If it success 1 time, they'll keep doing it again n again.. 😊

[@AmbitiousRealismCreates]

Hello John, thank you for the amazing videos. I am a Ampero II Stage owner and I absolutely love it. It replaced my ToneMaster Pro which I think us a good start but isn't quite fully baked yet. I will say that the Ampero can absolutely compete with all of the big boys especially when paired with the Two Notes Opus. Since you are working with Hotone could you please pass on a message that they should try to implement Midi PC messages from the MIDI out ASAP. If they truly are looking to compete with the top competitors this is a must have feature and it is the ONLY fault I can find with this wonderful bargain if a device. When I pair this with my Fender FR10 cab and use the DynIR's from Opus it sounds amazing. I just hate that I can't get it to send Program Change messages to the Opus, both have 1/8 TRS MIDI this should be an easy fix.

[@LE6String]

I use the Opus now exclusively with as an amp in a box adding nice pedals. Do you think the preamps in the Ampero are better than in the Opus?

[@AmbitiousRealismCreates]

I forgot to mention that you should check out the SLO HQ model and the Plate 140 HQ reverb. Also the level meter is dynamic, it will show show visual parameter changes and other cool features. Nice touch there!

[@steved1099]

This looks great. the form factor is also a big thing for many. Stomps are great, but the helix seems huge now. I recently went with a GX100 and after a few months of tweaking i think it is brilliant.. dual amps, 15 fx in the chain, seamless switching - a fraction of the cost of a QC and Fractal. The future of affordable modelling is looking bright.

[@sjsphotog]

Wow that built in input level meter in the upper right is a nice sexy but very useful touch that Line 6 really needs on their next unit.

[@johnnathancordy]

It's actually an output level I think but yeh the principle is fantastic and looks really clean!!

[@wolfgangcordsen3430]

The knife for unboxing is the best part of the video! 😄😄😄

[@islandfield]

I thought it was a tooth pick

[@picksalot1]

Not only does the Ampero 2 Stage take many of the best features of the top Modelers, it improves on them. The UI is brilliant, sounds great, size is just right, and has excellent functionality. I've watched many videos on this unit. Leon Todd's and Leo Gibson's are particularly good. Leo does mention a possible problem, and that is regarding Latency. The Expression Pedal looks very good, and is worth getting. Looking forward to more deep dives into this Modeler. I hope Hotone supports it with regular Updates. Thanks

[@arrighioce]

Not likely. Look at any video of a Hotone Ampero or other device from them. They’re full of people loving them but hoping for any kind of meaningful updates or support to which it never comes. Just get a Line 6. Ask me how I know all this lol

[@picksalot1]

@@arrighioce I have an HX Stomp, and regular updates played a big part in my chosing a Line 6 Modeler. 😎

[@jimhall5393]

John this video convinced me to buy one! I recently sold may Helix just because it's just too big practicality wise and my HXStompXL is just a bit too geeky but this Ampero Stage form factor is just perfect. It's carry on hand luggage and could be the perfect all things to all men amp solution. Some more videos please, especially for realistic clean-edge of breakup-pushed amp-solo Scene sets. Just you learning as you go was very informative. A bit more time with the unit and who knows what. The Ampero Stage is a perfect blank canvas device for you!

[@BartKornmann]

Scenes have arrived on the Ampero 2 Stomp

[@mc30052]

Personally, hate this new version. The overall design was much easier to use before.

[@cliverkay]

Only thing missing was the ability to name scenes !! Coming soon I am told ! Use the software it is also very good . The only annoyance was the Volume knob as I was outputting to the XLR's you had to push it twice to select what you needed.

[@MyBestNameHere]

John, what is your signal path for this? Are you going straight from the unit to your DI, and then to speakers? No physical amp or DAW involved, right? Or perhaps your DAW is recording guitar for your video?

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

My Ampero Stomp 2 is so impressive for the price, an elite bit of kit.

[@johnnathancordy]

Once they add scenes, I think it'll be up there! I think for me the stage is about perfect for gigging?

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

@@johnnathancordy Agreed.

[@raffaguitars]

Got one yesterday and I am very pleased. Thought about the stomp and the price gap but then If this suits all my needs why not spend the extra for the convenience of the stage? already been making a few setups, where as with my spark 40 amp i almost only used the standard sounds. But this Ampero stage is so intuitive it's a joy to work with.

[@lescaster2179]

If Hotone can demonstrate a commitment to regular updates they could develop a community that would likewise be committed to their platform. I think all the essential technical capabilities are there but they currently lack the reputation and demonstrable history of long-term, consistent updates to existing products that would heighten interest and foster loyalty. Nobody wants to invest a lot of time and energy into a short term product that dead ends quickly without updates and improvements on the regular and DESPITE newer product releases. This is largely what creates the fundamental separation between themselves and the premium brand competition, imo... More than a few years later and even with newer products released, the Line 6's of the world are still releasing updates and improvements to older products and the communities remain intact and strong. By contrast, Hotone releases the Stage and the Stomp users sigh, expecting to see their product now shelved from further development, with focus now shifted to its new, big brother. The reason being, no demonstrable history to suggest otherwise and too few words to suggest that will change. If Hotone can fix that deficiency in their organizational capabilities, they could steal a healthy share of the market and sniff some of the same rarified air as their more well-heeled competition.

[@david_farmer]

I'm a fan of the Ampero II Stomp except for the things you mentioned. I'm very interested in the scenes and additional switches. I'm very curious to know if they fixed the computer app connectivity. The II Stomp computer app has to completely refresh itself (reload all the patches, etc - takes several seconds) if we touch ANYTHING on the physical unit. Even turning on the tuner on the hardware makes the app refresh. If that is fixed I'll be very apt to buy one of these.

[@keithmulcahy3417]

I’m helix guy and I really like it I’ve had it now since 2018 but I think really like the sound of these for that money

[@Carone2008]

Great!!! Are these tones that you demonstrate in the 5 scenes in the Ampero pack? In them, do you use third-party IRs or Ampero’s own IRs?

[@CL_Audio_Tuning]

I hope the Stomp does get the full scenes flexibility. Its probably the best feature of any modeler! Great video John, thanks!

[@zaporoshti3392]

what do you mean by full scenes?

[@kris5645]

The custom IR's make a lot of difference, they make it sound more natural harmonically, and EQ wise at least 30% better. It comes with Celestion IR's in the unit, but I used the York Audio IR's and I don't hear any difference tone wise between Quad Cortex and Stage if dialed in correctly. Also I have noticed the Quad Cortex has amp volume dialed in louder by default to make the tone seem fuller, so it is important to dial in the amp volume, presence in this unit. For the stereo delay FX I recommend the Tape delay, it sounds amazing, and widens the stereo field well if you are the only guitarists in the band.

[@franki68]

I bought the Pulze to use whilst having tv on and I have been very impressed with the sound . I had the original Ampero and that had some great tones .Hotone know what they are doing .

[@jmirand67]

When music and words are equally great!!!

[@freysergpal]

Hi there. Thank you for your video and insights. I believe this unit has great potential. I would be nice to see the possibility to rename each scene, Like “Clean”, “Crunch”… or “Verse”, “Bridge”, “Chorus”… and color each scene differently for easy reference and on the fly use. On the Editor it would be nice to be able to create folders to organize presets for different purposes, by “Band” and such… Let us all push for these improvements and help Hotone to have an even better unit. Thanks.

[@dustsculpture]

That intro 😍

[@Xaelrik]

Hey, i'm looking for a multi effects but i'm happy with my Orange super crush. I don't need amps and cabs sim'. Which one do you recommend between this and line 6 Effects ? Thanks :)

[@HenryAmat]

Disappointed that John didn't unbox the Katana GO using an authentic Katana.

[@Avatar7x7]

Is their editing software for this unit ? The thing sounds unbelievable on this demo !

[@johnong2655]

They do have a pretty good editor. However, I'm more used to the value bar on the HX edit

[@lunastrat]

I like the knife. Sorry the large one wasn't available.

[@johnnathancordy]

I'm checking stock levels daily

[@RamonChamadoira]

Love the form factor, the balanced XLRs outputs and the XLR input and voice effects (I can't believe NOBODY has yet reviewed this capability of the the unit - up for it John?). But how can Hotone be trusted regarding updates when they haven't even fixed the bugs on the Stomp? Let alone not bringing the promised scenes. I'm very tempted but for now sitting on the fence waiting for line 6 to release a scale down version of Helix or some sort of HX Stomp XL with XLRs and voice handling capabilities. I use the Native and I find such a luxury to record and change later all parameters. I might have to wait till retirement age tho :D

[@jackprice7828]

John I am a little late to the party at looking the new Hotone Stage. From what I am seeing on the reviews it's got some really good capabilities. It doesn't seem to be DSP or button limited compared to the HX Stomp.

[@TheOuterDrive]

How does it integrate with my Tube head? 4 cable method? Amp switching? Just want to use the fx ...

[@johnplaystheguitar123]

I think that illuminated line isn't just level but will light up for orther effects in time like delay, tremelo, flanger phaser etc.

[@johnong2655]

I hope that could make a dedicated indicator for compressor like what boss did for gt1000

[@enginkirmikil355]

Hi thank you for your video, I use Line6 amplifi 150 but it is heavy to carry and I decided to buy a processor (at the end :)) and your thought is important for me what do you think in comperison with Boss GX 100

[@Dan-of-NJ]

Amazingly good and versitile for the price

[@joerodriguez5880]

Looks like you need a bigger knife.😆Great playing and vid as always! I had this unit in the scope exactly for the same reasons you mentioned, the sounds and scenes capability. I would like to find out more about this possible latency issue I keep hearing about, but otherwise I'm ready to grab one

[@yeopasenpai5885]

i have some analouge pedals but all of them are like 64 and 50 dollars ones , and am having difficulty in choosing between hx stomp xl and ampero stage 2. ampero is best value for money but hx stomp xl is also really good

[@nesjo7777]

This is a beautiful device and well made. Great software and real great footswitches. But today some devices for less money and all the same sound. Now look at a Mooer Prime P1. Not really useful on stage but damn good for $79.00

[@kostaVHjovanovic]

Bought helix, fidled with headrush and kemper in the meantime. I honestly dont see much diference in the overall efect. It is good for rehersal and no-amp gigs but kills most amps

[@worthmoremusic]

John...are you calling "scenes" the same as creating your own presets ?

[@corfo8433]

Is it: A) Ho Tone B) Hot One C) Hot Tone???

[@jaymax3201]

I'll be waiting for the new Helix, 2 years.

[@steveymoon]

Can I just run one of these Hotone units into the front of a clean amp? Or would it be better in the loop?

[@MrTupeloFlash]

John, was bot wanting to take my QC to gigs … too expensive to replace if stolen. What would be a good trade off ?

[@johnnathancordy]

It might be!

[@reverendtos4271]

If you're a high-gain metal player, it absolutely is an HX Stomp killer. More and much better high gain amp options. Sold my HX not long after.

[@johnong2655]

I tried the swell freeze effect on the A2S previously before selling it away, it wasn't as good as HX stomp. If only they have a tone generator, Im ready to jump back in.

[@MeanMaoriMean555]

Been waiting for this!🤙😒

[@TheBbtlegit]

I'm getting one of these

[@jamman6]

What make/model guitar are you using here?

[@maxymstoiakevych4139]

Didn't Hotone say when scenes are coming to Stomp 2?

[@johnong2655]

Today!!

[@maxymstoiakevych4139]

@@johnong2655 Yeah 🔥🔥🔥

[@jarg7]

is this unit compatible with helix native or some other type of preset building software?

[@frankpratte8358]

Opens box with sword, haha.

[@hansvandenhurk7497]

What does DSP bypassing do? Stupid question but I never used multi fx units….

[@ilgazdilek]

Does it have minor/major 3rd-5th harmonizer effect?

[@PhiLikeFlying]

Are your pickups available to buy or are they only ment for your guitar?

[@johnnathancordy]

How do you mean? I think in the Yellow Strat I have Monty's Retro Wind?

[@PhiLikeFlying]

@@johnnathancordyOk that helps.... So any hints on where i can buy them from or links? Or you just want that amazing tone for yourself...lol

[@veissanr]

hello...can you please tell me, is there a snapshot-like feature in hotone ampero?

[@theknightdrifter]

The midi doesn't work after months that the product is on sale.

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I'm fixing to get one of these after I'm done demoing the Ampero Mini.

[@GuitarBailey]

Does HoTone get consistent updates??

[@iamtorrego]

Finally! Was waiting for this video for the longest.😂

[@sampereira1267]

Hi, is anyone using this with vocals? What affects can you use and how does it sound? I can’t find a list anywhere. Thanks a lot!

[@bassman12]

how good is it for bass?

[@underhog5275]

Is it worth to get this over GT-1000 core?

[@Benson.BereTV]

Can anybody answer this question please? :(

[@swardmusic]

Answer!

[@OLDM4N-DE]

Did you see the menus on the Boss ??? When you took a look at that (plenty of videos), that still looks like from 20 years ago a LCD display from an old Boss multi. There is no comparison.

[@swardmusic]

@@OLDM4N-DE None of that matters. Get priorities right if you take your music career seriously. How does it FEEL to you on stage??

[@OLDM4N-DE]

@@swardmusic LOL ... because you know all that ... Dude, if you dont see the difference that i makes, i wonder who should lighten up on his oppinion on other people I'd say. If that, what you say, dont matter, I'm happy for you. But dont compare everyone else to you and your oppinion, because that it is. Not more. Has nothing to do who is the more serious musician. If you cant see that, up to you,

[@ksharpe10]

This is the NEW dial in BANANA, It will be either a TMP/fender with no real updates. Or if a Contender: can it compete with the GIANTS?? UPDATES are critical with these units.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

When are you going to demo the Mooer GE300?

[@Mark-OutWest]

Considered that unit for the amazing low latency however it has no drums built in.

[@22duke]

I bought the Ampero Mini couple weeks ago. For the price, I’m impressed and now considering to return it for a Stage II, it really gets good reviews all by over the YT channels. But as I know - it’s from China and not just build there, as many other things are. But it’s a Chinese owned company. And as many other mentioned around, and as I know from other Chinese products. I’m not quite sure they value support on existing models/products, which is a shame. So I’m I bit biased right now.

[@TLMuse]

For me, there'd have to be "Hotone Native" for this to be a rival to the HX Stomp XL. It's the native/hardware ecosystem that drew me to Line 6. -Tom

[@johnnathancordy]

TRUE!

[@timbennett6644]

Love the knife….lol

[@DaviSiqueiraSilva]

The interface is kinda clunky compared to the Helix stuff, but there's definitely some things that Line 6 could learn from it. Great video!

[@smartmammal9926]

That's a knife!

[@chaz__]

I know this seems salty, but I'll probably never buy another Hotone product ever again after the way they've handled the development of the Stomp. It's one thing to not add quality of life improvements but to tease them and never actually bring them out is not very good IMO. It does seem like they're finished with the Stomp but I could be wrong. Their communication on it is woeful. Unfortunately, in the future I will probably stick to western products as they seem to have better communication about future updates. Like I've said multiple times before, a huge missed opportunity for Hotone to be a leader in the HX Stomp dominated market. I hope all the Stage owners are satisfied and enjoy their unit, it looks pretty great ngl.

[@인미화]

그래도 boss ir 낳은듯합니다

[@fourletterword7920]

buttons all look pretty close

[@GabrielFingolo]

Seems like hotone don't care about the stomp owners! No updates, even for bug fix!

[@TheDarkEthereal]

Knife from Predator 😄

[@JosephVanceDude]

Most every unit at that $500+ price point sounds good nowadays. Does Hotone stand by its product? How do they treat their customers when things don’t go as planned? Wonder how well their warranty service operates? Anyone have experience? There are numerous observations on quality of sound (when most floor based and software solutions are comparable in quality) but one selling point of something like the Helix is the absolutely stellar customer service, support and repair services. When calling support, talking to a real American moments after dialing is wonderful (if in America, you know how uncommon this is nowadays) and there are few horror stories from consumers (probably most from haters/fanboys of other gear jus being dicks). In fact, there are countless stories of line 6 repairing just out of warranty issues, fixing other issues when a unit is for repair, their turn around is fantastic, and the loaner service is wonderful (I’ve used it and the entire process was worth every penny versus replacing a two year old unit).

[@gs4777]

Boss IR-2. Game changer!

[@Margilio5150]

I got my HX Stomp with a free Helix Native plugin license, so to me, that was better value 😎

[@thegolfingmusician6345]

You need a bigger knife!

[@martijn_yt]

How do you mean HX Stomp ‘killer’ ? As far as i know it is substantially more expensive than the HX Stomp ;)

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

Pretty sure it's pronounced *hot tone*!

[@johnnathancordy]

It definitely is!

[@jclebedev]

They will NEVER put scenes on the stomp. Ever. This is normal shenzhen behavior, new product every 8-12 months and no software updates to old products.

[@lordseph]

I agree. Very hard to trust Ampero. They just abandoned the Ampero 2 stomp and it's very annoying.

[@BobJones-bh9qz]

Thanks for sharing, was considering getting one but won’t now

[@danilaxenovv]

@@lordseph Did Hotone said that the Ampero 2 won't get any update? I'm about to buy one

[@TheDarkEthereal]

​@danilaxenovv don't do it man. Hotone abandons their products after 1 year. Save a little more and get a Hx Stomp or a full Helix

[@danilaxenovv]

@@TheDarkEthereal I have had Ampero II some time ago and had a chance to compare it to helix native. And I can say Ampero sounds clearer and more dynamic. Never used HX stomp so have no interest, its user interface and controls are bullshit in 2024. For gigging maybe I’d consider line6 products, but not for home studio.

[@andycartlidge816]

Dude instead of buying these effect box’s I think you need to buy yourself a box cutter instead of branding a zombie knife, remember many young kids watch theses videos, been watching your videos so find using a knife like that as disappointing and irresponsible

[@bradfordbrenner9032]

Dude, box cutters took down the Twin Towers

[@RamonChamadoira]

I found this box opening fashion rather hilarious, but you do have a point!

[@therangersinger]

This can't be a serious comment.

[@hartlee1160]

Some amps in helix are better than hotones and vice versa. Ampsims in hx i like: orange or 80, rockerverb, diezel, friedman Ampsims in hotone i like: engl, mesa dual rect, marshall 800 Hx: has more selection in amps more effects which are better than hotones Hotone: takes less eq, compression, less dsp to sound the way you want.

[@keithb5612]

I have neither. Which do you recommend? Cheers

[@hartlee1160]

@keithb5612 depends on your amp tastes. Google the effects and amp list of each. If you love effects then hx is the way to go.

[@keithb5612]

@@hartlee1160 Thanks

[@yogiyudo2453]

Hey john, i know it’s impossible but can we get the tabs for that intro? 🥲

[@ZOMBIELANDakaUSA]

bias is a bitch, this unit sounds monumentally better than anHX garbage, but the Stage pute it in the top tier for pedals, vs any as far as i'm concernerd. this dood needs to lose his bias to HX crap

[@DaviSiqueiraSilva]

The interface is kinda clunky compared to the Helix stuff, but there's definitely some things that Line 6 could learn from it. Great video!

[@duanewilson3941]

Just about every reviewer out there is saying just the opposite, the interface is one of it's best features.