I have the previous Ampero and it sounded already quite good with IRs or plugged in the effects return of my amps. I did several A/B comparisons between the Hotone amp models and my tube preamps (Synergy iicp / modded JCM800 / SLO / plexi clones) and i think their modeling is pretty close to those circuits and it would be hard to distinguish in a mix. The only drawbacks are the terrible presets, the bad pitch shifting and the cab models are not the best (but anyway, I will use IRs anyway...).
@@realtruenorth I wish I had the bankroll to do something like that (some day☺️☺️...) I have the Nu-X MG-300 and a Boss GT-1 that I like to screw around with, so I'm always curious about how others feel about their respective doodle units...Neither of those will fool anyone into thinking I'm using a real Dual Rec or an Engl Fireball, but I'm pretty new to sims and I.R.s and those get me 80-85% there sound wise
They really do. Now it's a matter of features & minutiae like latency and switching delay is all that sets them apart. This thing is 90% as good as a FM3 IMO. Which says a lot. Fractal just crushes everyone in support & updates.
I've been thinking about getting back into a band recently, and honestly, I feel like this is all I need. Simple, super portable, reliable, don't need to worry about the sound engineers cab micing skills etc.
The high gain sounds on this blew me away for a modeler, and then once I got it and started messing around with it, I found it had so many cool features too. I use it as my main interface for tracking guitars and also use the fx loop for using pedals with it. Such a cool unit
how are you tracking guitars with it? I tried mine with LogicProX and the tones sounded pretty terrible and super low fi... I tried everything to fix it but I haven't been able to figure it out (I use the Ampero II as input and I also have the Ampero app running)
@@candyCode I should clarify that even though the ampero is my main hub, I still go out of the ampero stomp via 1/4” into my Focusrite clarett+ interface - mainly so I have more control over the gain staging. What I do is adjust the output volume of the ampero so it’s hitting the clarett+ in the green (just below the red). If that makes any sense. With that said, if you’re using the ampero as your main USB interface and still having issues with it sounding bad, sounds like it might be your internal gain staging within the ampero stomp itself. You might need to turn it up more on the initial gain stages, and then turn down the output, because the opposite is going to magnify the noise floor/noise which i suspect may be your issue
@@danthegeetarman ah... interesting... I have an interface too, but recording directly from the Ampero would be super convenient, I gotta mess around with it more to figure it out... thanks for your response!
I purchased this unit last week and I am VERY impressed with it. As you said yourself it didnt take long to get a great tone out of it, and the presets are dam good too. I use it with a tube power amp (Mooer Tube Engine) and real cabinet (2x12 V30). I go back and forth using the full Amps and Preamps. I am a Helix LT user when it comes to modeling but this unit is just a good, and at times even better. The 800, Friedman, Recto and Engl amp models are very impressive, I also like the effects allot too. The only thing this thing needs is a clone feature, maybe the v3 will have that. This is an Excellent modeler.
I bought one of these about 9 months ago, my first modeler, and I feel like I've barely scratched the surface on what it can do. It's amazing how much you can do with it for the price.
I bought it over a year ago and it's really impressive. I've had some problems lately during a live show because there's a function to change banks by pressing two buttons at the same time, and I lost sight of the patch while I was playing. . . I solved by adding an external control pedal, which allows you to go back and forth between the patches without any problems. Lately, after watching your own video about the sound of Hetfield, I'm trying to blend different amplifiers. You get impressive results!
One of the best marketing tools is fomo (fear of missing out). Consider all the times you chased after the shinning object only to discover Moore's law hit the fancy new thing-ah-ma-bob in less than 2 to 3 years. Spending 1k+ on some new thing-ah-ma-bob is totally the buyers choice, but for me I like these more affordable options. Nice video!
I’ve actually started using this in place of my PRS MT15. I started because of the convenience, but actually I like the sound more. The models don’t sound exactly like the amps but to my ear they are clearer and more controllable, especially live. At some point soon there must be the first ‘classic digital amp’.
Boss makes their own, their models don't copy any existing ones - though they are inspired from tube amps. But we can say the same for Tube amps as well, ex: Diezels are inspired from modded Marshalls, etc.
I stumble across this pedal on another gear related video, saw a couple more since the first one got me really interested and then quickly came to your chanel to see if you have already reviewed. This was a couple weeks ago and yesterday: boom! The magic of youtube algorithm's recommendations and here I am. Thank you as this was the push i need to finally bite. Amazon delivery can't come soon enough
Kilohertz?!? Reamping? And of course it sounds amazing, you’re playing it! I’m about to buy one. It’s going to go next to my other 40 pedals that nobody ever told me needed a power supply. I just figured they were all broken. Ugh! The only thing I can chug is beer. And watch you rock 🤘🏽 oh I did pick up this little prime P2 unit which actually has been making me play quite a bit! If the simplicity of this unit is anything like it, I’ll be using it. I think I just get overwhelmed and go hide under my bed where the pedals can’t find me.
Hotone did a great job with their Ampero ii Stomp. It's definitely not perfect. But it's compact, comfort to use and it sounds and feels surprisely well.
Proud owner here good video \m/. I prefer it over my HX effects soundwise. I use it alot at home and live shows. I really like the TS-9 OD sim over the 808. Wish Line 6 did one in the HX effects.
Thanks Jon, another great review and awesome demo song! I wish you'd do a Masterclass in song writing, LOL! Your demos are always so amazing in both tone and song structure.
Thanks! I don't really have any specific methods tbh, I just sit down and play or let ideas come to my head. I try to not think about it at all and just let everything flow without judging the ideas and try to listen as much for ideas or grooves that I like. I guess that's the best advice I can give
@@SonicDriveStudio That's great advice! You definitely have the gift of creativity. Even if you didn't review any products, I'd still come back just to hear what you create in your demos.
A comment on the LTD phoenix: I own a Black Metal version with a fishman fluence modern, and it sounds and plays amazing. My favorite guitar for writing. ESP could only fix the massive neck dive issue!
I enjoy seeing new technology in the modeling space. The Tonex is good, but I also like seeing what else there is in general. I really only use my Pod GO anymore for FX with my Dual Rectifier, and desktop plugins for anything else. For the price... I may be getting this. Great as always!
You always have the best demos! 2 things I'm curious about on this unit. Noise gate and pitch FX (i.e. drop tuning). Some modelers really struggle here. Curious how this one holds up.
I would like to point out somethings many leave out. This is the smallest least expensive unit that can do two amps at once..Hx stomp can do this but you are extremely limited to pick the two amp you want. And i mean like only 2 you can pick from. It has a very cool acoustic sim and a mandolin sim that really gives you almost banjo like string damping. Multiple mic and multiple mic placements.
Nice video. But I must disagree with your final comments. I ahve both the Ampero II Stomp and the HX Stomp, and while it can sound really good, the A2S is NOT a serious contender for the following reasons: (1) significant updates are non-existant, (2) no snapshots, (3) very poor MIDI implementation, (4) and the pitch effects are generally unusable. The HXS shines in all of these areas. If none of that matters to you, the A2S also has some advantages over the HXS: 12 blocks instead of 8, fewer parameters which makes it easier to dial in, touch screen (if you like that sort of thing - I don't really care much about it), and price. For the right player, it is a contender, but not objectively. Hotone has a lot to learn from Line6 in terms of what players need for live play (snaps and better MIDI) as most importantly, ongoing support (meaningful updates on a good schedule that include significant new features, and lots of new models). I hoped the A2S would become my main device, but without better live control, it is relegated to being just my backup device.
It all depends on how you use it. You make a good point from your perspective, I have to look at it from my own perspective. That's what my opinion is based on. I can see why for you the HX Stomp might be better!
I work as a sound engineer and I'm geniunely disappointed in HXS and upper Helix models cuz they all have a noticable latency when put into mixing consoles of all kinds (Yamaha CL5, A&H DLive, etc). And it's cledarly not the issue with mixing consoles I work with.
@@TheMtvdeath All digital modelers/fx, not just Line 6 will experience some latency due to multiple A/D and D/A conmversions. Live the amount of latency is not usually enough to be problematic. But in a studio, I can understand why it would be bad. And if the board is digital, it too will have some conversions.The worst part is latency adds up. When a small amount of latency is followed by another small amount of latency, etc., you end up with a lot of latency.
@@steveliberty You should use your Hotone for amp & cab and run it into your HX stomp FX ONLY! In this way you're sharing the DSP roll for superior ultra low latency. The gentleman above is correct the HX stomp has too high of latency on recording and it also has too much aliasing since those increase when you run over 4-5 blocks pulls down the DSP. It's a great unit for live play and rhythm guitarists, but its lead tones are lacking.
I had one when they first came out. Lost it in a house fire & it was the first piece of gear I replaced. Even before any of my tube amps. It's THAT good!
Since you said that you also own the real 535Q wah, how do you think the Ampero II version of the wah compared in terms of how it feels in the hands? It sounded pretty good in the video. All of the tones sounded very good actually. The tight chugs, the noise gate, even the clean tone sounded good. I haven't played one but the general tone of Ampero gain models made me very interested when I heard a shootout many months ago.. people talk about the price but even forgetting the price or the nice touchscreen.. a lot of the tones sound really good. One big question mark I have is using it solely as a multi fx in the loop of a tube amp, in terms of how it would stack up against Axe Fx, Boss, Line 6 etc. Whether it's dirt pedals infront or mod effects in the loop. But I understand that this is primarily a rock and metal channel. You did a really good review in terms of showing how it handles your bread and butter stuff. Everything sounded great.
I haven't compared the wah sounds to my actual wah but it sounded good to me! The only think I would Iike to see with the wahs is a manually adjustable frequency range...
@@SonicDriveStudio Yeah more customization is always a good thing! Comparing wahs can be tricky, for example there is a 18v and a 9v version of 535q and people even argue about which one sounds better for the real pedal, let alone comparing a digital version. I consider Fractal to be the peak of the mountain but for the price Ampero stuff seems really great.
I have a couple of the "old" Hotone Xtomp Mini pedals and they sound fantastic. The best pedal only metal distortion I've used in almost 40 years. I'd love to get one of these (Ari are you listening?). I can imagine it sounds even better.
Bro, I really enjoy your taste and taste in Guitars. You are a good Guitar Player. Great FX. Use the right IR's, and Bam ! Chinese Mad Scientist do it again.
Hey Jon, this pedal sounds great and love your production sound! I was wondering if you have interest in demoing/reviewing the Revv G20 amp at some point? I have this lunchbox amp and it sounds fantastic with the right IRs but find a lot of videos from other videos don’t showcase how good this amp can really sound. Also, I love the consistency and the quality of your production sound🙂
I’ve had the Ampero II Stomp and really liked how it sounded. The user interface was the best I’ve ever seen on a multifx pedal. BUT the input mode for e.gt suddenly dropped after 2 days of trying it out to an unusable level. Factory Reset and updating the firmware didn’t fix the problem. Support didn’t respond after an email. Also the usb c cable that was included stopped working. So, quality wise it was quite disappointing and I’ve returned the unit.
Really Nice video man - great playing, great tone, great review...🎄 I stumbled on these units...to replace my Korg A2 ..love the Korg but, it's not as portable as these modelers and damn... I'm behind the curve on these things...Headrush wanted me to get one of thier unites and I ALMOST did until i found out about Hotone ( thanks Ola) the sound on these are insane...i tried an ampero with the foot pedal but I'm thinking Stomp might be great for me - I'm using my amp for most distortions so I'm only really interested in a simple rev/ delay/ chorus...with wide stereo through 2 amps..so, we'll see...I'd really like a great sounding unit with foot pedals that actually show you which foot switch is affecting which effect...any thoughts? or any thoughts to bring up which pedals the foot buttons are affective ? thanks man...rock on and happy holidays all :)
I forgot to mention the ability to do parallel fx and all the signal chain flexible routing really appeals to me. I already have my Two Notes Torpedo Cab M plus (stereo pair). I tap the signal from my Two Notes Torpedo Captor 8 of my amps to send to fx. I am wondering if you can use more fx when not using the amp sim or cabs. For example like additional parallel delays.
Hi John! I've been following you for a while and I've never written to you before... my question is always whether the sound we hear in the demos of your reviews has any kind of post-processing, whether you do any kind of mixing in the DAW... or is it all volume? It all sounds very good! Thanks, a hug!
Great video Thanks! I just one of this units, my question, is there a way to have one output send to Foh and other to a power amp and speaker cabinet, Thanks in advance for your response.
The only reason i didnt bought this is that its lacking a xlr out with cabsim option. I bought a mooer preamp live. Limited but has the option to have everything in one. Jack out for amp use and xlr for foh use. Do i need it? Not now. But i think its necessary in the future. Small gigs with an amp. Big gigs over foh. Versatile
I think the amp modelor is cool, but I really want it to manage my stereo fx loop and for multi fx. I would consider using my Rocktron Midimate to run to control cc control of fx like I did with my rack fx rig
I have the stage version qued next in my playlist. But what are your thoughts? I hear the stomp version is much better for studio and much more capable. But the stage version as much quicker and a simpler to maneuver around?
Great video and great sound! But I own this Ampero, and it sounds nowhere near the demo song being recorded via USB. I copied all the settings for the first heavy section (and doublechecked it) and then got the sort of ultra-bass-heavy low-fi muddy guitar (I am playing my Tom Delonge signature strat equipped with Seymour Duncan Invader bridge pickup, so it's clearly not the guitar issue). The sound has no bite, no attack, no crispy highs. How did you manage to get that sound of the demo song?
The problem is you don't know what the sampling rate is of your IR's which is why you getting clipping and aliasing issues since the unit is 44.1kHz sampling rate, the IRs have to be the same.
Can you send out to your daw use plugin effects and re route back into effects chains ? Then out to your monitors So insert external effects into your chain ?
Question: after having been tweaking the Ampero 2, is it possible to do this? Stereo (parallel) chains to mixing board with an onstage unmiced amp before hitting the emulated cabinets. Gate>Comp>Drive>Preamp, then sending one of the channels to the fx loop return of an onstage amp (just to be my guitar monitor), then being able to continue both signal paths to their respective Cab IRs and out into 2 separate channels of the mixing board. Sorry for the weird question, but its exactly what I need and I'm trying to avoid having to buy two separate units
Noticed and was wondering why I don't see any Revv amps, specifically the Generator 120 MKIII on your walls of amps. Did a search and only found a video on a few of their pedals on your channel. No love for or not interested in their amps?
When I hear your isolated Hi Gain tones (Recto an Engl) with headphones there are a lot of little "cracks" and "bits" hearable. Like artefacts from rendering or even clipping. Someone else noticed this? In other product videos for the Ampero II this was not the case.
Great video as always! So many choices nowadays! Just a suggestion: Starting with a single track panned hard left with nothing on the right is dizzying, especially when using headphones. Thank you for the videos. Love them.
All these models have a sound that I just can't put my finger on ..... The crunchy tone has a ....... I want to say fake clicking tone to it... or a busted cone sound.... I'm not sure what it is. I do hear the lack of Warmth in all of them. the AxeFX 3 which is 4x the price is still the best at making this sound go away....At this price point 500.00 to 700.00 even though I hate Line 6 ... I would get an HX stomp over this unit for one reason... PRODUCT SUPPORT and the ton of users out there that can help you get though the learning curve. If you want to save a little cash OK ..... Maybe this one is good... As I said all of them have this FAKE crunch / clip sound . . . . BUT . . . . its not driven by tubes and old electrolytics. This is why they will never be the same. All the components in a tube amp break down at different rates . . . this miss-matched base gives the OLD school stuff a sound. If that wasn't the case .... then why are you MODELING it . . . . Just a Thought
Very cool.. I loved the tone.. The first part of the song reminded me of a rush song.. Very cool..I'm looking at the tiny one, the little bitty one that will be an amp in a box for me.. I want something like that to do all the work so I can go direct.. I just need a few effects from time to time. I'll use a good amp with a good cab and then a noise suppressor and delay and reverb at the most and plug in my own wah in front of this thing if that works.. Very cool.. Thanks man!
