Ampman Classic - The Pedalboard Amp we deserve! H&K Review

[@MrPhins]

Bravo on the "please don't include marketing speak in the manual." I can't tell you how many times (not just H&K) that I've read a manual and said "I already bought it! Stop selling me and tell me how it works."

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I found it very annoying and you’re right H&K are not the only guilty ones for sure

[@Raelscage]

It's worth noting that the term 'Sagging' refers to the effect that valve rectification has on 'all tube' amps. Early valve/tube amps historically used valve rectifiers, which in essence, changes a.c. power to d.c. power to energise the internal electronic components. This form of rectification is a bit slow and inefficient so it struggles to keep up with the amplifier's d.c. power demands. Wind the amp up and the effect gets more pronounced. That's what they mean by 'sag'. The power drain is too much for the rectifier. However, for technical reasons, it happens to be a major contributor to the lightly distorted ye olde 'brown sound' from the 1950's that many guitarists still love today. As amps developed, mostly in the 1960's, the more efficient four diode bridge rectifier was used to replace the old valve rectifier. You guessed it, bridge recs were very much cheaper, so manufacturers couldn't change over to them quick enough! You know how the old manufacturers adage goes; "Oh sod the friggin' sound, how do we make it cheaper?" Unfortunately, the sound of sagging through inefficient rectification was still desired by many guitarists young and old, so these days manufacturers try to simulate it, with varying degrees of success. Try playing through an old hand-wired 'all valve' amp ie with valve/tube rectification if you want to hear the real deal. Some modern tube amp builders even make their amps switchable between tube and diode rectification to improve the users tonal choices. Many guitarists trade in their digital amps once they've enjoyed the more 'warm and natural' sound of a tube amp. Personally, I couldn't give a toss either way because I'm a bass player and care nothing for such trivialities! As long as I have enough amp power available to make the guitarist involuntarily poo in his pants, that's good enough for me! Hee hee 🤣 Byeee!

[@snuffyd]

SAGGING! Likely the best gear review I've ever watched...you answered every question I could have had about the amp and some I wouldn't have thought of. Thanks!

[@nlumby]

...agree

[@tzed2509]

Had to suffer through too many reviews of this box before I found yours, which is perfect. Thanks

[@tzed2509]

Sagging LOL

[@daveydragon6268]

Thank you for persevering with this product…you’ve done what so many other channels failed to do. Fantastic review!!!

[@DjNorbax]

I’m gonna be honest; if I buy it, it’s most definitely because of this demo. The clean tone you achieved is superb mate, which was my main concern. Other videos tend to go for a brittle scooped tone. This is brilliant.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That’s great Yuber! I wish you well with it

[@jonathanbailey994]

Just so you know, Joyo makes a speaker cab with a variable resistance on it that goes down to 4 ohms. They also don’t cost the earth and they are quite reputable.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That’s very cool! Thank you

[@LolMahmood]

Love this review. I initially picked up the Stompman, but then I saw a cheap second hand Ampman Modern and sold the one to buy the other. Don't regret it at all. Stompman was great, but the Ampman is next level, IMO.

[@notsurprised666]

First time I’ve EVER seen you. Thank you KZbin algorithm gods. Lotta fun, informative and…….SAGGING!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hey welcome to my channel! Glad you enjoyed the video 🤘

[@darthfaderlives89]

I’m living vicariously through you since you have this amazing knack of finding things I would love to play around with but have absolutely no reason to actually own. Stupid bank account. SAGGINGGG!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Oh I totally understand that. I feel the same way about other channels in other niches

[@danielbarth]

That's a good review! Thank you for going through the different settings step-by-step, showing what each does and how it changes the sound. Too many people just find one type of sound and then play...

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sebastianluppolo]

I bought this miracle, sounds great, many options, they beat everyone at this price :)

[@teotanka]

I just had the Ampman Classic, and well... I do agree with all you said about it.

[@ykuengl7789]

Very entertaining and some sagging happens here and there with your comments. Funny and informative. As everything should be. Good job bro.

[@vshears]

Very Illuminating review, without it I would never have understood how SAGGING would be used in an amplifier disrcription.

[@paulconnors7234]

Great insight! SAGGING!!

[@mark.guitar]

I have had this for about 2 months. It is now my main rig, with a gigrig QM to herd the effects and a BluGuitar nanocab (budgetary constraints ahoy!). I have one pedalboard and a cab I can pick up with my little finger. I agree with the sagging marketing in the manual, really drives my poweramp... Good vid.

[@chrisopherhoness8292]

Would love to see you review the Quilter Superblock amps, really interested in hearing what they are like

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Me too!

[@lgv3051]

Yeah compare to a Quilter Tone Block. The H and K offers a lot more but i am really just concerned with which one sounds better

[@ReidGreen-v9z]

Yes, a great amp when I don't want to haul my 100 Lb. Mesa Roadster but the white lettering sucks,. I got a pack of adhesive backed colored dots to note my standard settings... I used green and seems to work pretty good. I can use several colors to note my preferred settings on each channel.

[@jayhlava8379]

"sagging", lol! Great video, thank you! I'm curious how the Modern version differs in the second channel and hope you consider doing a video on that, too!

[@Okla_Soft]

I like how you played the opening riff to Supersonic :) during the resonance part.

[@robertanderson36]

My attention was never SAGGING because I just purchased one of these and lots of great tips in this vid. I really liked your style of presentation as it was like a band mate honestly explaining how their amp works for them. Refreshingly you don’t “ big note” yourself as we say in Australia.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You are so welcome! This is exactly my aim. Enjoy it

[@saarangnarayan123]

SAGGING makes this a great piece of kit in my book. All solid-state amps should have a sag knob, imo.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I totally agree mate

[@kyyowa129]

Despite the funny name, I think the SAGGING control really does add a lot to this. I've only heard it on KZbin here, but it seems to work wonders for adding tube-like feel.

[@CianRourke]

Excellent demo. Thanks. I would submit that it’s probable that whatever source running into the aux would come through the speaker if there was nothing plugged into the headphone jack. SAGGING!!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That’s a flipping good theory. I can’t remember if I tested that.

[@alanevil]

Thanks. I wondered about the "SAGGING" and like finding out what it does. My bass player (mutlti-instrumentalist) is looking for a head to go with the 2x12 I built for him. I have a stereo rig and wish I could find a stereo version of this thing.

[@Madmax-rz5hz]

Your subtitles are hilarious, thanks

[@callinpuddin5148]

I’d have subscribed for the Mudhoney t-shirt alone (if I hadn’t already!!) Great review, as always!! 👍

[@antonellovanni]

Great review! Greetings from Italy

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

I was hoping you would use the dirty channel with all the gain and then hit the boost so I could see if it would be capable of 80s metal and 70s rock like black Sabbath, etc. Otherwise, great video sir. Thanks. I'm trying to decide if I want the classic or the modern.

[@jlong5593]

I've been looking at a new amp and I thought I was dead set on a tube amp. I'm definitely going to have to consider this now lol

[@MikelBluni]

I think demoing the amp in a live/rehearsal situation would diminish the biggest doubt people have - is it loud enough. Sorry man, I just can’t rely on your „it’s plenty loud“ ;-) Yeah, different bands, styles, drummers…equals different volumes, but the average Blues Rock band thing through an 8 Ohms 1x12, then recorded with a pair of room mikes, would be such an upgrade to your demo 👍

[@PooNinja]

🎵I went to the edge (of break up) I stood and looked down There’s a lot floor amps baby Ain’t got no time to mess around Ery wants Sagging I want sagging too Ery body needs one or maybe two 🎵

[@theamericanpoets4555]

Great review! Thank you! And …. SAGGING!!!!

[@gr8tnowwhat]

Sagging! Great vid, thanks for going into it in detail. ...and agreed on the manual marketing...just tell me how to use it, you already have my money.

[@christiaandemarezoyens4720]

Sagging is almost as good as shagging! 😄 Great review!! 👍👊

[@makingmusiconline2309]

As Mick of That Pedal Show says, the best settings are "Everything at 2pm" and it seems, from your settings, it's pretty much true here too! :D p.s. SAGGING!

[@alexanderjoewinterbone676]

If you are on the edge.. looks down.. digs the sagging.. jumps.. Thanks man.

[@stefanhansen5882]

For less than 1/3 of this you can get a Mooer Micro Preamp, and run it straight into a mixer.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

26:20 - is the HISS only a problem when using the power amp section into a speaker? Does it show up when using the Redbox/DI feature too?

[@kcapkcans]

I really want to see Orange's little icon for a sagging control

[@andrewksadventures]

Hehe Good 1! 🥕

[@garystackhouse5787]

"SAGGING!!!" isn't really a "phrase", to be fair.... but I enjoyed your review very much, and you can tell H&K it was 'instrumental' (see what I did there) in my decision to purchase an Ampman Classic!! I've gone between tube amps w/ pedalboards and all-in-one modelling multi-effects units for the last few years. Love the sound of my pedals and Vox AC15 in the studio, but love the convenience of my Helix for gigs. With this mounted on my pedalboard, I'm somewhere in between the two, which is awesome! I agree that the sagging.... sorry.... "SAGGING!!!" control is awesome, and key to making the "clean" channel sound and feel very tube-like. I had to tweak upon the gain channel to get a sound I liked, but I got there (don't give up.) I can also now use the delay/reverb pedal I prefer (Boss RE20) and my favourite "wobbly" pedal (Tech21 RotoChoir) in the loop, and throw a klone and a wah in front for a little push and flavour! Cheers... and you've earned a subscribe from me!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Who wants to see the Ampman Modern? kzbin.info

[@andybungert]

I continue to be curious about the (SAGGING) Pedal style amps, but I have no issue with having an amp head assuming i still want/need to plug into my own cabinet. Extra brilliant if you are all about front of house and your rig can be all in one place/on one board.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I agree dude. I will try it with the band and see if I can do a pedal board rig!

[@RBHuckleberry1]

A year later...I bought one. Watched to the end, so... SAGGING!

[@keithh8661]

Thanks Andy

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re welcome Keith!

[@kikobarros76]

Veeery good video!! greeetings from Brazil!

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Bluguitar Amp1 for the win

[@TheGuitarGeek]

In its price range, yes

[@nlumby]

...superb review!

[@JaredGunstonTV]

Sag and res are 2 features I always tell guys in the Gt1000 groups to focus on. It really helps sculpt. And the redbox. Ah I still got 1 that's traveled to crap and is missing Jack washers etc but still works. Massive red box fan since early 2000s great vid man ✌️✌️

[@TheGuitarGeek]

This is the first time I really loved the red box. It’s very very good

[@JaredGunstonTV]

@@TheGuitarGeek I used to have a warp x valve head from kettner, still one of the best tones I've ever heard. And redbox to Foh or for recording was the dog bollox. Loved it 😁✌️✌️. Torpedo has prob captured that market now.

[@davidmahoney1248]

Love the shirt.

[@roblegrange473]

my brain is sagging on all the info of this review and demo. great content as usual 🤘🎸❤

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cheers Rob! There really are a lot of features!

[@davet8244]

The Pedalboard Amp we deserve? IDK man. Maybe (just hear me out, now) we deserve a bit better. At the VERY least the H&K needs an impedance selector switch so that a gigging musician isn't dropping wattage every time they need to rent or borrow a cab with a different impedance. This basically just sounds like a compression/distortion pedal capable of driving speakers. Which I guess that's what it essentially is. But for $400, I can't see getting this over SO many other things. All in all, great review! Thanks!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks Dave! Impedance doesn’t work like that so what your asking for doesn’t really make sense. What would buy as an alternative to this for 400 dollars?

[@davet8244]

@@TheGuitarGeek Huh. So how exactly does impedance work? On a tube amp, you can utilize different taps on the output transformer in order to impedance match your speaker cabinet with your amp head. This gives you the capability of using cabinets of differing impedance with your amp head without sacrificing power or changing tone, at the flick of a switch. gretschpages.com/forum/other-amps/4-8-16-ohm-switches-on-modern-amp-heads/56902/page1/ Most modern amps have these switches. I'm not sure how what I'm asking for doesn't make any sense. I'd love to hear an explanation on why that would be. As an alternative to this, or any pedalboard amp (powered distortion pedal), I'd probably get a Peavey Windsor all tube 100 watt head. They're cheap as hell and sound nice. Changing to a 12au7 in V1 makes it highly usable even with clean tones. I bought a couple of them ages ago for about 200 bucks a piece. Seems like they are a little more pricey these days, but still well worth the dough. Obviously, we aren't talking apples to apples here, but you did ask me what I'd personally buy as an alternative.

[@PoJoWo]

@@davet8244 Hi mate. Some time on but I came across this and thought it might be useful to respond in case you do see. Class D solid state amps like this mostly rely on voltage feedback from the output stage to keep them under control. It’s a nature of the design. This means a lower impedance makes for lower feedback, therefore higher output and vice versa. It is very difficult to get around it. Quilter have a proprietary way of doing it, with traditional class a/b solid state amps it’s easier to make them respond like a valve amp but it’s still not quite the same. It’s part of the nature of an output transformer, as you point out. Unfortunately that’s not repeatable at the cost and weight and size (lots of iron and copper). Putting an output transformer on a class D amp would be defeating the benefits of the design. I think it’s fair to say if you’re after a pedal sized amp, you’re not after the size and weight that comes with the valve amp tone. That said does the valve amp tone come with the portability , ease of injection into the pa, or flexibility of this product? Horses for courses I guess. A lot of class D designs have used eq type controls to simulate the speaker response of a valve amp (presence and resonance here), the rocktron velocity etc, arguably the valley curve is a large part of the character. Damping is another factor. Valve amps, and class ab solid state amps designed well have low damping factor, that means the speaker has more ballistic life of its own, a large part of the perceived “valve is louder” illusion and myth. Class D amps are very heavily damped, generally speaking. Quilter being the exception. They have a patent on their circuit. It’s not immune to the impedance affecting the output level though. No such thing as a free lunch as they say. Bass players have dealt with this for years, you want the full whack you need another cabinet. It’s a quandary isn’t it. We’ve had our taste buds spoiled by the forgiving nature of the valve design.

[@johanneschristopherstahle3395]

Get a 16 Ohms cab, rewire the speakers in parallel = 4 Ohms cab. But first check if your existing cab really ain't loud enough. I used a 15 Watts Solid state amp in the past and it was loud enough to play together with a drummer. Not the best sound, but the loudness was enough. Guitar is not bass, you often get away with quite low wattage.

[@toadnewt62]

It sounds sagging good in the vid. I still would prefer something like the Katana 100 head as a portable setup, since it also has effects. Can't see any good reason for the power amp to be on the floor.

[@ReepAbsolutelyNothing]

Nice crunchy tone

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hey Jerry!

[@ReepAbsolutelyNothing]

Keep up with the good work !!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Will do

[@zacknorton7011]

NICE SHIRT!!!!!!!!!!

[@adamwoods7163]

What is that gold colored guitar all the way to the left in the background?

[@tomdameek]

That’s a super Amp Andy. You coaxed some excellent tones out of it. Great price too for everything you get. I would probably have to print labels over that white writing so I get what you’re saying. Really interesting video Andy thanks 😀😀👍👍 Sagging 😂

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re welcome mate. They ALMOST nailed it

[@pablo9364]

I’ve not watched all the video but every one else is saying sagging. But it started great 👍 happy birthday

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hahaha thanks man.

[@TheFairway8]

I own the Blug guitar amp which is wonderful I wonder if this is just a less expensive version of this

[@TheGuitarGeek]

They function similarly. I do talk about Thomas in the video

[@tetanusforbreakfast3500]

thank you for this. Could you make a high gain / metal test, with the Red Box section please? by the way, SAGGING

[@mariosjosephidou1170]

Top notch review !! Forgot to add a sagging comment!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks Marios

[@makingmusiconline2309]

Do you think the low gain settings are for really hot pickups/humbuckers or could it even be for line level rather than guitar level signal? It would certainly expand the possible customers if keyboard players (or some other electric instrument that outputs at line level) could plug straight in .... ... and of course, the ever funny ... SAGGING!

[@telewired]

Hello Mr. Geek. Ken here from Kansas City---I love your channel and reviews...So I am in the market for a pedal board amp....Of all the ones you have tried what would you recommend?? I play light blues--jazz-country and american---no metal or heavy stuff really....Want to use my pedals and need a headphone out..What gives up the goods like a nice tube amp such as a deluxe reverb or super reverb? I kind of like this classic and also the ZERO Dynamic Hybrid Amplifier. But what do you say Mr. Geek?

[@21stCenturyOfRock]

Looking at picking up one of these now! Sagging!

[@tonybroken6353]

if i forget all the other things for minute, 12.5 watts solid state watts at 16ohms seems very low, is this really any good for gigging at all?

[@glashay]

A boost is not a channel and being able to switch between 2 different gain settings also does not make it a 2 channel amp. If it has one set of tone controls it is a single channel amp with extra features and yes I own 30 amps

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Congrats on your collection!

[@ces69]

Unless my eyes deceive me I can see 2 sets of controls, one for “Vintage” and one for “Rock”, that makes it a 2 channel amp in my eyes!

[@anomalousresult]

It seems perhaps the range of the sag, resonance and gain pots is a bit too much and poor sound is easily obtained.

[@HammerFang]

Great review. Can you confirm that when you plug in through aux but nothing plugged in phones socket, does aux sound still not coming out from connected cab?

[@Dani-El.]

Is the RedBox section digital? You said the amp isn't digital, but surely the cab sims must be? Sounds great either way, just wondering. The sag reminds me of a Fender Blues Jr. Thanks

[@johanneschristopherstahle3395]

Used to be all analog in the past. Don't think that change now. The different cabs should just be different EQs I guess.

[@keithbryan9754]

Sagging! Well played, thank you!!

[@geartweaker8518]

Wow this sounds really nice man, think I'd have a lot of fun with this! I'm pretty new to the channel, loving your approach. Think amma hit that subscribe 😊

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Welcome to the channel! Pull up a chair and grab a beverage

[@mnick0962]

What is that LP copy you’re playing?

[@BeesWaxMinder]

I’ve a BIG comparison question to ask! I’ve access to a Kemper & Kone BUT it’s Quite a head scratcher to go through all that it does and despite the fact that I feel I’m OK with technology, etc, I’m finding is a bit of a chore to use! Do you think it’s worth taking time out to descend on the steep learning curve of the KEMPER or just find one of these H&K’s? i’m conscious that you said that it took you three videos to get a sound that you like from the H&K but also I would never use (assuming I can get my head round it!) The Kemper for effects- just for the amp sounds alone

[@stk7778]

So on one of those links that sells it, it says something about requiring a voltage transformer. Is that just a wall wart type thing that comes with it?

[@RonRuminski]

Great job on the video. I think I’ll take a look at it…sagging and all

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cheeers!

[@HammerFang]

Aaand one more question: which one sounds better katana 100w mk2 or this h&k with harley benton cab?

[@terryspencer7925]

Cool amp and great tones definitely considering getting one a great price. Sagging.

[@MeTuLHeD]

Nice review man! Say...what is that LP style guitar you're playing? I can't make out the name on the headstock.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks! It’s a Maybach Lester

[@Necromanos]

Sagging! I've had one of these amps for a few months and I really like it. I'd recommend it.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I am so glad I persevered. What’s your favorite setting?

[@Necromanos]

@@TheGuitarGeek Basically I set it like it's a 4 channel amp with increasing gain from vintage + boost then rock + boost. The sagging and eq settings depend on which guitar I'm playing and the mood I'm in. I usually play through a Monoprice 1x12 which is the same as a Harley Benton 1x12. Sometimes I use the speakers from my old Peavey Classic 2x12 combo which gives it a 4 ohm load and it's loud af. 😎

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

This is a remarkable amp @ $400 The days of lugging around my AC-30 are coming to a close.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Totally agree. I’m definitely taking this to a rehearsal

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

@@TheGuitarGeek Let us know how it goes!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

@@hailmaryrecordings8255 oh I absolutely will!

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

@@TheGuitarGeek The real test is always how well it cuts-through with a drummer. I have a feeling this will do well. ☮️

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Agreed. Time to test!

[@davedavem]

Great vid Andy! I love the three rules you have. I've been looking for a pedalbard amp to allow wet/dry with my main amp, which goes through a Two Notes Captor X. Do you reckon this would do that job? What else would I need - an A/B/Y box with phase thingy?

[@jad547]

Sagging!! Nice video...Thanks. New subscriber

[@JesseLeeKing]

Thumbs up just for your fro

[@TheGuitarGeek]

My fro thanks you!

[@dalepal]

I like the size of the AmpMan Classic and who doesn't like the sound of an amp sagging? 😉 😁

[@lekcjegitary-gd1dv]

Nice this amp. And what is this guitar?

[@brainycrunches2359]

Hi Andy. I wonder if the R&D people from H&K were aware of Mooer Preamp Live before beginning this project?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hey! Not sure but the preamp live is not an amp

[@endezeichengrimm]

8:10 Feeling supersonic! Give me gin n' tonic

[@LarsonGuitarPlayer]

SAGGING! You made me really want this amp. Until you mentioned the Blue amp. Whitch is great. What to do?

[@PaulCooksStuff]

If I'm liking it so far? Tbh at 2:30 into the vid I'm undecided, but go on, I'll risk an upvote just on your track record 😜 #sagging

[@swmorgan515]

Can the "boost" be changed to be a post-drive / volume boost?

[@jrentie]

It’s already available. The boost is the pre, boosting gain but not necessarily volume. The solo is post boost. Late but hopefully that still helps… somehow

[@christopherkennedy873]

Amp make big sagging rock sound.

[@martinsmith4667]

Excellent. Sagging 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Brutuscomedy]

more expensive but the Amp1 from one of their former employees sounds better imo

[@vkelly1975]

Get on with it AndyLOL 😂📲🤜🚨🚨

[@ELPERRA1]

NOT BAD FOR BACK UP, BUT BLUGAMP 1 FOR ME

[@sharkair2839]

i have a 4 ohm cab.

[@JohnPaulSheets]

Sagging. Would you say it takes overdrive pedals pretty well?

[@m0j0b0ne]

Bass players use 4 Ohm cabs, pretty regular.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

This is not a bass amp…

[@zippy61]

Great review… Sagging !

[@LucasFowler]

That was sagging brilliant.