Yamaha THR 10 II Review - Hardware and software overview, and raw playing examples

[@bristolfashion4421]

I tret myself to one of these the other month and I gotta say, the sounds & features are *perfect* for my own use, which is wannabe bedroom noodler. The physical knobs effectively give you a short-cut to the main controls, while the desktop & device app (identical as far as I can see) is the Full Fat route to everything you want to change to make your noodling dreams come true! And the orange glow *is* cute 🙂 I'm using mine on my mac mini via the usb cable and its totally stable.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I was so against SS Amps - until heard the Quilter, and now this little Yamaha. It gives-you: 65 Fender Princeton-like Clean's. I'm Impressed. Update: Ordered the new 10th anniversary THR30II in Black. Due to arrive in August 2022. Enjoyed your thorough review. oNe LovE from NYC

[@knottsscary]

i just bought the thr30ii cant wait to get it

[@frederickthompson8686]

I just traded my Spark away for the Yamaha. While the Spark offers unlimited options, I found the format very tedious. I spent more time tweaking than playing! Also, I didn't like the sound of the Spark at low "bedroom" volumes. It was muddy and the sustain inconsistent with various amp settings. Great work, Jason. Your approach is very rational and instructive!

[@gergemall]

Nice to know. I’ll check it out.

[@brucelangsteiner4599]

Good information and it makes feel even better about purchasing one. My THR 10 II is arriving today. Looking forward to playing around with it. I'll post comments after I have a chance to demo it.

[@ToneSoCooL3]

Are you happy with it?

[@cdgatto]

One thing you missed is the 40+ factory presets you can load into the amp through the app.

[@Jagon_S]

Thanks for the overview. Re: the Amp selector, you mentioned that you can use "Flat" to make music via Bluetooth sound like a speaker vs. amp. I don't think this is the case. As far as I can tell, anything played through BT completely bypasses the modeling, cab sim, tone controls, etc. I actually was very disappointed with how it sounds playing music through it for this reason. Love how it sounds as an amp though.

[@garyt3hsna1l82]

Nice playing dude covered alot of ground in a consise way, did you know there's a booster stereo if you hold down the tuner for 4 seconds, crazy.

[@wimjacobs4075]

Great review. I actually have both the THR10II (only model available in my store about one year ago) and the THR30II wireless that I got recently when they were back in stock. Though I like the UI of the apps, I never really got on with them, neither on desktop nor on mobile. Esp since I use my Android phone to play backing tracks on the amp through bluetooth, which means a second bluetooth connection simply isn't available for the app to tweak the settings. So I just don't use the app. Instead I started using pedals in front of the amp, and have now collected a large pedalboard full of pedals, and this works beautifully. The last of the pedals in the signal chain is actually a stereo pedal. Hence I have its left and right channel running into the THR30II and the THR10II resp. with me sitting in between both amps, thus giving me an immersive low volume stereo experience. Both amps are dialled in the same for now, i.e. classic clean mode with Master to max and Gain to about 10 o'clock. The Guitar dial controls the volume. When I take it outside my hobby room, i.e. only the wireless THR30II (with no pedals in front of it), I generally run it on boutique clean with some slight reverb.

[@cjl5150]

You can connect both the app and music playback via Bluetooth at the same time

[@wimjacobs4075]

@@cjl5150 OK, tx! Perhaps I should try it again then. Could be my phone that's the problem, or perhaps still first version THR firmware when I tried? I upgraded the firmware since I got the XSonic ULooper. However, unrelated perhaps(?), but I did have to disconnect Bluetooth from my phone in order for the ULooper to be able to connect through the USB cable. Multiple connections conflicting here also? Not a real issue to me anyway, I still use and love both my THR II.

[@robertrouleau1000]

The app works fine on my tablet and Andriod phone. Use it most every day. Very satified. (THR30II and wireless.)

[@chriscapenplur]

Dude, best connection tips from all videos. Thank you so much!

[@cleverdood]

@@chriscapenplur thanks!

[@fairfaxsurfshoprider]

This is a great review. Love my THR10ii.

[@Deteroblix]

Nice review. Wish you did a "lead" setting sound test as well. Also, you'll have the same bluetooth drop out issues with the Spark as well. Both suffer the intermittent bluetooth connection issues.

[@cleverdood]

my lead playing isn't all that great, so I chickened out! :-)

[@therenegade1680]

thanks for the in depth review great job! cant wait for my thr10ii to arrive

[@bradfordsmith5014]

Thank you very much. I have had mine for 3 days and was really wondering if I could make it sound decent. Your video gets me there. Very useful. Thanks again.

[@cleverdood]

Glad I could help!

[@Carphunter1970]

I got one of these for Christmas THR10ii wireless with the G10 transmitter and it is a phenomenal bit of kit but I have yet to fully explore its potential due to a slow recovery from Covid but as soon as I am back to full strength, my PRS SE 35th Anniversary Custom 24 and Epiphone Sheraton Pro ii will be plugged in and ready for some guitar goodness! Good review , enjoyed it.

[@MapleW1ngIt]

Can you play background music from your phone through the Bluetooth amp feature while also using a G10 wireless transmitter? Or does using the G10 transmitter make the amp unable to play back tracking music?

[@garyt3hsna1l82]

Thoughts are with you friend

[@portsideguitar1981]

Thanks for the in depth review!! Looking forward to getting one.

[@scdaymon931]

Very good review man! You really make me want to buy it. However, I have a question, and I can't seem to find the answer anywhere on the z: when you record through usb into your DAW, can you record simultaneously a wet and a dry track (as it is possible with the first generation amp: I own the THR10X). It's an amazing feature : you can record a track with the THR10X sound, and simultaneously a track completely dry, that you can (if you're not happy with the THR10X sound of you decide that it would sound better with another distortion or whatever) , add that sound with a vst such as Guitar Rig. Can you please help me. Have you tried? There's the only thing keeping me from buying this new one. Thanks for the reviews, and keep up the good work.

[@cleverdood]

Yes, you can do that.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Thanks for this video. I just bought this amp and it’s great. Just wondering where can one save additional presets?(for example: if one wants more than just the five that one can assign to the buttons on the top of the amp. Is there a library on the app where they can be saved?) Thanks again.

[@cleverdood]

yes, in the app you can save more presets, load factory ones and also save any of those to one of the 5 buttons.

[@BJSabet]

Great little review... Btw if you’re on an iphone you need to update to 14.3. Apple messed up bluetooth with 14.2 so the app would crash constantly. Should be fine with the update...

[@cleverdood]

thanks, I'll give that a shot.

[@greg6162]

Can you update this and run solely with the iPhone 14 Pro Max or do I need a PC?

[@BJSabet]

@@greg6162 you can run it solely with your phone. If you want to upgrade the fw though you’ll need a PC or Mac.

[@bradenaustin5482]

Hey, what if you don't have an iPhone? Can it be run from something that doesn't deal with having to keep up with pricey apple products?

[@DavidSollows]

Great rundown. I am still on the fence about purchasing a THR-II 10. One thing i can't seem to find an answer to online through youtube videos and googling: Can you save amp models from different categories to user presets, and recall that particular preset without connecting to the app? The official Quick guide from yamaha says "The settings for the knobs on the top of the THR-II (excepting the [GUITAR] and [AUDIO] knobs) are stored in user memory." Which to me implies that you should be able to save the amp model from the classic/boutique/modern categories. But then the longer reference manual from Yamaha says: "Saves up to five sets of amp section controller settings (GAIN, MASTER, BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, EFFECT, ECHO/REV)." Which is explicit by omission, that the amp category and model is not saved in the preset. Can anyone who has one of these confirm?

[@cleverdood]

I just tried it and yes, it saves the amp type (modern, boutique, classic) in the preset. It also saves the cabinet if you change that.

[@DavidSollows]

@@cleverdood Awesome! Picked mine up today, can't wait to get it home and play around with it!

[@johannessilver8653]

I have the same problem with the mobile app....almost un usable as you say. Otherwise nice thing.

[@Psalm24-1WAEII]

Thanks for the video. Do you know what amp categories, Classic Modern or Boutique are featured on the amp without using the app?

[@cleverdood]

Not on this model, but the THR30 has other hard buttons on top for changing that I think.

[@sawyercooke3307]

thanks for going so in depth!

[@kaimertens2193]

Thx for the video. I had the spark for two days and it was a huge disapointmend. I will try the Yamaha!

[@cleverdood]

what was the biggest disppointment? Just curious...the THR has no pedals or other effects but I do think it sounds more clear!

[@kaimertens2193]

@@cleverdood Let first point out where I come from. In my living room I still use a small Fender Mustang amp, which is not that good. But I use it at such a low volumen that I just need three "good" sounds that work for my noodling. There is no need to replicate any famous amp,. It just has to do the job. Im my home studio I use and love my Kemper profiler which has a complete different job. I took my Kemper once into my living room, connected it to a tiny Marshal boom box and it was fantastic for that low volumen. But to spend another €1.600,00....? NO! So I followed the Spark-Spam and watched the forums abour delivery time. When that issues was solved I used a coupon and bought the Spark amp. First I was impressed about the building quality, but none of the stock presets did it for me, compared with my Mustang. I then tried a lot of the online presets, same here. The quality of the pedals IMO thumbs down. So I tried different models and settings. The clean stuff was ok, but changing to some distortion tones, everything sounded first like you have a towel on the speaker.... huge break in changing from clean to drive..... and compared with my Mustang at my prefered low volumen no punch at all. After the second day I decided to return it and still use my Mustang.

[@kaimertens2193]

Hey Jason, i bought the Yamaha THR10 and I am very happy. It is still punchy at lowest volumen and delivers usable sounds for my purpose! Greetings!

[@joerocker21]

So...three years later...what do you think? I prefer my spark over the Yamaha.

[@kaimertens2193]

@@joerocker21 Yeah absolutely love my THR10 for noodling with TV. But I must state out I haven't tried a spark since I sent it back! Should I give it a retry?

[@kolchak357]

Nice rundown. I currently have a Spark, but I might pickup a Yamaha as well. Spark has too much bass for my liking.

[@kolchak357]

@Ralph Reilly Of course I did that. Even with it down, it’s got too much low end. But it is manageable with the EQ pedal they have added since my original comment.

[@wesjackson71]

You forgot about the THR 5. Which is really cool too

[@cleverdood]

correct, I only mentioned the current gen THR II's not the first gen ones.

[@thepajamajams]

Is the thr10ii worth the extra $100 vs the older thr5?

[@cleverdood]

@@thepajamajams hard to say, the THR 10II is the next gen model and there's a gigantic thread here where people are debating the upgrade: www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/yamaha-thr-ii.2081407/

[@WealthForge44]

Would this Yamaha HR 10 II sound good with an epiphone les paul studio?

[@cleverdood]

it'll sound good with any guitar!

[@PJ-kx4of]

Thanks for the review. Can you use this amp with a looper?

[@davidmartin2631]

This is good. Yamaha beats Boss imo. Couldn't get my Boss Katana 50mk2 to talk to the computer so i got rid of it. The yamaha sounds better and is way easier to connect to the app. And with an EQ app, it even sounds pretty good as a sound system.

[@RADERFPV]

Hi Jason. Quick follow up question for you. I just got the THR30ii and absolutely love it, one of the best sounding small amps I've ever heard. However, I'm not having such great luck when trying to record with it. I downloaded the latest audio drivers from the THR30ii page, and installed Reaper, of which I haven't used in years - just getting back into guitar after a 5 year break. I notice when I record with it, the input levels are very low, though I have the USB out turned up very high in the Yamaha app. I noticed the recorded guitar tone sounds very thin and not very "present", like it's sort of in the background. Also, when I render the tracks, the output volume is very low, I have to crank it way up. I'm also noticing some crackling sounds occasionally, as it's monitoring the recording. I don't think anything is wrong with the amp, because everything else is working flawlessly. Is there something that a noob like me should be checking on? Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide. I'm very new to recording, so I have a feeling I have something setup wrong. Also, I made sure to get the inputs to about 3/4 way showing, and I'm trying to record the wet signal directly, without applying any effects. Thank you kindly.

[@cleverdood]

First thing I'd check is to make sure Reaper is showing the THR in audio settings as the input. If it's ASIO it's possible is using whatever default microphone your computer has to record the sound instead of the USB connection.

[@RADERFPV]

@@cleverdood Thanks Jason, appreciate the reply. I definitely have all that setup right, it's using the THR ASIO driver, and the amp's outputs are mapped to the inputs. I'm going to fiddle with it some more tonight, and will let you know if I come across anything. Might try using with a different AISO driver to see if it helps. Thanks again.

[@TheBluesBox]

Was looking at a mustang micro but now thinking this may be a better option really. Does anyone know-or maybe you Jason :) if this has any eq for the music that’s played back through it? Can’t find that info so guessing maybe not… nice demo, subbed 👍

[@cleverdood]

There’s no EQ for music playback that is controllable but there is a “flat” setting for music. Not sure if it’s a full FRFR speaker but it sounds ok. Not very meaty like the Spark.

[@TheBluesBox]

@@cleverdood hi, thanks for the reply 👍 ok I’ll go take a look at one I think. Did look at Spark, and Katana Air. Starts with a cheap-ish idea like the Mustang Micro and quickly gets out of hand doesn’t it! 🤦‍♂️🙂

[@nordicomsystems8841]

Great video man. I just ordered a THR10 II off Reverb and I have a question...what drivers do I need to install to use this as an interface with my MacBook Pro? There's no info online really, I'm running Big Sur also. I did see somewhere that the Firmware Updater doesn't work in Big Sur so now I'm wondering what else won't work. I've already downloaded and installed the Yamaha Steinberg USB driver and the Remote app onto my Mac, just hoping that there's detailed instructions on how to do the initial setup. I had a THR10X and loved it and that's why I really wanted the V2 since it has all the tones of that amp. Any info is appreciated, thanks!

[@cleverdood]

I had to install the Yamaha Strindberg USB driver before the desktop app would work. I haven’t upgraded to Big Sur until all of my plugins are updated to be compatible with it so I don’t know if there are any issues.

[@nordicomsystems8841]

@@cleverdood Ok thanks Jason. Yeah I wouldn't have updated the OS either but the person I bought my Mac from had already updated to Big Sur unfortunately, half of my plugins and software don't work. It's frustrating.

[@Nabil-ym4tn]

@@nordicomsystems8841 hey got an update about usb connection with yamaha thr10 ii you just bought?, i've been wondering too about the usb connection, do you get any problem or its just plug and play after you instal the driver

[@nordicomsystems8841]

@@Nabil-ym4tn I've had no problems at all man, it's operated flawlessly.... pretty much plug n play after the driver install. There's still no editor, as far as I know (haven't checked in a few weeks) but I'm gonna look later tonight and report back.

[@greg6162]

@@nordicomsystems8841 Ok so I don’t have a working PC atm… could I use the THR10ii on an iPhone 14 Pro Max or do I need a PC to update this… any info on this would be greatly appreciated! I really want this amp but I only have an 8yr old laptop that I can’t connect to the internet for some reason. I wish you could run this amp solely off the iPhone app

[@inkalicious7868]

I have this amp and it buzzes like crazy even with the noise gate the from the app. Help

[@tiago5a]

Why doesn't have a overdrive pedal? Does it work great with pedals in front?

[@cleverdood]

yes you can connect pedals to it. I hooked up my GNX4, which is a full pedal board with amp/cab and plenty of effects. I just turn off the amp head/cab and use the OD or distortion pedals if I need to. Mostly I use it as is.

[@tiago5a]

@@cleverdood Great! And what if you decide do use the amp/cab of the GNX4? I guess you'd turn the Yamaha as flat, right? Will it sound great and faithful to the tone created by the GNX4? Thanks again

[@Chip_57]

Can you delay and reverb on at the same time?

[@cleverdood]

Yes. The app has more customization but you use the multi function effects knobs on the amp to do that too.

[@Chip_57]

@@cleverdood Super. Thnx

[@gustavochiozza6465]

Let me see if I undestood well, only the wireless model have a rechargeable battery?

[@cleverdood]

correct. The THRii 10 and 30 'wireless' models have a rechargeable battery and wireless connectivity.

[@DrFix82]

What happens when you switch between modern/boutique/classic mode within the app and then use the physical ampli knob on the ampli alone? Does it remain stuck in the mode chosen in the app or does it go back to classic only?

[@cleverdood]

If you use the Amp knob, it’ll stay on whichever one you set in the app. Good question, I didn’t notice that before so I had to go check!

[@greg6162]

@@cleverdood so do you need a PC for this or can I use my iPhone 14… I don’t have a working PC at the moment?

[@cleverdood]

@@greg6162 yes, you can use your phone only. No PC required!

[@dennistaylor983]

The spark was great but after 2 yrs its dropping out a lot. Not the bluetooth. Even gtr plugged in amp w/out the app.

[@cleverdood]

Could be a faulty power adapter ( or a grounding issue )I think I remember people talking about that and PG was sending out replacements if it was still under warranty.

[@captbss]

DOES THIS THING WORK WITHOUT THE APP

[@cleverdood]

Yes. You can’t change cabinets or amp types but it still works fine without the app. I rarely use the app.

[@captbss]

I returned it. If its a pain in my ass I am done.

[@carlostapia5087]

when i try to download the app on my mac it won’t allow me to. how did you do dthat?

[@jeffbizzle7180]

Hi, just came across your review. I have this amp and for the life of me I can't get the reverb to work. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@cleverdood]

maybe it's defective? I'd return it, if you can, or check out Yamaha support

[@gregsellentin6842]

I like mine, but has a fizzy distortion when volume or gain is increased. Has anyone experienced this? I'm thinking of sending it back.

[@TiberiusWorld]

Mine is the same...

[@changgao8237]

Hi, I just got my thr 10 ii and a strats guitar, I have a Scarlett 2i2 and a condenser microphone. My question is how to connect my interface with my speaker? I have my guitar plugged in the input of my speaker and my micro plugged in my interface, I want to hear them both in the speaker. Is that possible ?

[@graycolors2879]

The EFFECTS and ECHO/REV knobs had weird range of work. Take CHORUS for example - start from max left and start turning it clockwise - I could NOT hear any CHORUS until middle of it's range. The same with other effects as well as ECHO/REV knob. First half of effect's range was not doing anything to sound - like badly calibrated knobs... Is still the same? I was trying THRII30 unit back in Oct2020 and these knobs worked as described...

[@cleverdood]

I noticed the same thing using the knobs, there’s much better precision using the desktop app.

[@graycolors2879]

@@cleverdood it's not that the knobs are not precise, this is a failure from Yamaha to release such device.

[@GeoffGreen]

Hi Michael. My THR10ii out of the box my input jack is dead or no sound. Any solution ? Cheers.

[@cleverdood]

that sucks! I'd probably reach out to Yamaha, or just bring it back to the store and get a different one.

[@clemenslangle880]

Can you connect it to the iPad via USB and use the audio interface function? Does anyone know?

[@cleverdood]

yes. I've done it with my old iPad and newer iPad pro with Garageband, works great!

[@LeTelecaster]

Hey man, how are you recording your guitar tones? Would it be possible to record the thr into an interface then into a daw say like Cubase or ableton?

[@cleverdood]

I'm connecting it directly via USB and recording into Logic Pro X. You don't need to use another audio interface unless you want to mic the amp and record that way.

[@LeTelecaster]

@@cleverdood awesome, thanks for the reply.

[@captbss]

I have plugged 3 different cords into this and no guitar. But bluetooth audio connects. So right now a little pissed off. Just want to plug in and play

[@barryarsenault9796]

Can someone answer how do you change at the top where it says USER MEMORY 4 to something else? I noticed labeled different in other videos. Thx

[@cleverdood]

For this model, there are 5 presets. Hold down any of them to store the preset. Presets 4 and 5, when pressed together, allow you to reset bluetooth. The THRii 30 just has 4 preset buttons and dedicated bluetooth button.

[@barryarsenault9796]

Hi … Sorry I meant change the words of the User Memory title up top to like a Bands name…

[@Hakuakuki-n3q]

Hello sir can play backing track through this amp an jam along plsss reply

[@cleverdood]

yes, Yamaha has a seperate app for that, I think it's called 'yamaha music' or something, but can't remember...that gives me an idea for another video...

[@chrisadie1432]

Yes. I play KZbin backing tracks via Bluetooth. You can adlust the audio and guitar level.

[@MrFrampo56]

TremOlo ??

[@cleverdood]

yes. because Canada.

[@MrFrampo56]

@@cleverdood Oh? I was unaware that Canadians just pronounced words any old way they feel like. Must be nice , liberating.

[@RADERFPV]

Why did they pick the ugliest color in the world? Does it look this terrible in person, because I really want it. I'm also on the fence between this and an original THR10X, as I mostly play metal and have been reading that the modern voicings on the THRii don't sound as "punchy" as on the original THR10X. Does anyone know if there's a difference really?

[@cleverdood]

compared to the Spark, yeah, it's ugly in-person. I do like the industrial look. If it was gun-metal gray or something, that would be cool.

[@RADERFPV]

@@cleverdood Thank you so much. I'm getting the 30 anyways, been seeing too many things about it not to. The line outs sealed the deal for me, since you can basically use them as a legit send/return effects loop. That's so hard to find on something this small.

[@awrebyawe]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, one of the reasons I love this and prefer it to the Spark and other practice amps, is the looks!

[@RADERFPV]

@@awrebyawe I just got mine yesterday, and it looks much better to me in person. Loving it so far.

[@Relicsun]

Cheap 90’s GM Car plastic! That’s hilarious 😆

[@joerocker21]

Even being $50 cheaper...the spark blows this away...and I own them both. The spark does so much more.