The Ampero Stomp 2 is massively slept on. I think it hangs with the Quad Cortex just fine. FX aren't quite on Axe FX level IMO, but some of them are gold. Also the Stomp 2 has this feel thing going on, it feels good under the fingers, something a lot of modelers dont give you. I love mine!
Totally agree with you..I had my eye on the Quad for the longest time but I thought I'd give the ampero2 a go before committing...so glad I did. Leaves no itch to scratch for me...tone, FEEL, usability..its got it all. ive AB'd against valves in the room and honestly its left me wondering if digital has finally caught up. Converted...I'm a true believer.Well done Hotone!
Absolutely killer unit. I have one for my practice rig, and the tone and feel of the amps and effects are stellar. Definitely the easiest to dial in of any of the modelers.
I got this unit last week after hearing and watching many YT vids. It is an EXCELLENT unit!!! I have the Helix LT and still love that too, but this unit is just as good and some amps are even better then the Helix models. The effects are killer too. I use this Ampero with a tube power amp and real 2x12 cabinet w/V30s. I am not a fan of any cab or IRs sims.
The TC2290 emulation in that pedal is AMAZING!!!!!!! Also, it should be getting an update to add SCENES soon. as it's the SAME DEVICE internally as the new Ampero Stage.
Happy birthday Michael! Wishing you whatever your heart desires. You started the video with one of my favorite solos of all time. “I’ll Be Over You”. And a nod to a great South African musician, Trevor Rabin. Great demo, nice unit. Thanks.
This is how Ive been using my HX stomp XL for a while now. Plus if my amp somehow goes down at a gig, I reroute 2 cables and switch patches, and boom, back online running direct. Its a perfect backup. 🤘🏼
Ive tried a dozen different digital modellers over the past 5 years & hated every one... EXCEPT the Ampero II. Not only does it sound amazing, but it feels right too. And it does something that no other mid to low end modeler can do, it handles edge of breakup like a real amp. Most do cleans great and do High Gain well, but can't handle the transition between the two. This thing does the thing
I always use the 2290 mod or the vintage rack which I believe to be modeled after a Roland SDE, the circular is great but unfortunately I use a mono rig! ^^
you can (mis)use nearly any modeler as an effects unit like many artist doing this with the axe fx, tonex and even very affordable units from joyo, mooer aso..i still use the line 6 m5 and m13 and i swear by this, just get one for cheap on the used market and try it out! cheers 🎸🎸
@@BigHairyGuitars Love your channel - you do tremendous work - and you have great taste in desks! (I have the same setup). Thank you for your hard work and love of old gear!
OMG, I've been waiting for so long for a single pedal with these effects and for a great video like this, approaching the kind of tone I most enjoy! Michael, could you build Dean DeLeo's "Plush" tone on your Ampero II and make a video of it? Appreciate it! Thanks!
I bought one with high hopes. It delivered on many fronts but not enough to keep it. I now have a FM9 Turbo and it is worlds better. That said, for the $450 I paid, it was "good." The UI is very simple- but still very good. Simple in what it can do- you still have many options but nothing like Fractal- really nothing. The form factor was better. The cleans with some effects actually sounded good. The deal breakers... The looper cannot change during overdubs without changing the original part- no good at all. That said, the display of the looper was awesome. The touchscreen was great and it locked (very important feature so a cable does not change the screen.) Other than some basic cabs and light effects that were decent. It ran out of DSP quickly and did not have the depth of effects tons of more expensive competitors but again, for the price, it is a great back up unit- especially if you play a lot of clean stuff including acoustic which sounded quite good. I heard they are not particularly reliable long term- some have bricked after 2 years so buy the warranty- 3+ years. When the Ampero III comes out, maybe this year, it should be great for around $500- again as a back up unit. Optionally, a lightly used FM3 would still be better in many tonal ways and only a few hundred more. With the Fractal stuff the UI is just ok so you will want to use the desktop editor most of the time. The editor is very robust. The effects are far better and more I/O as well. Pro level gear- especially at the FM9 T trim and above. You won't run out of DSP quickly so you can double amp, etc. FM9 also has 6 more footswitches which is very useful. Now, in FM9 they just added a zoom tool for larger fonts which is great and a really nice SET LIST feature. You can list all your tunes and pull up all the presets across all 9 switches- makes playing songs a breeze. You can focus on the song and less on the modeler.
Thanks for the great review! It gives me a lot of food for thought as I move forward! I appreciate the clear reply, without it just being, "X SUCKS, Y is BETTER!" 👍
I am not into the modeling stuff. But, this thing will really make my pedal board more rack like. I hate bending down to change annything. I prefer presets to knob twiddling. I plan to put my delays and Eventide Pitch Factor in the stereo fx loop. To do parallel for some things and default series. Use addirional delays and modulations. I got IRs covrered and 2 Reverbs: Digtech Polara for Plate Reverb. Eventide Black Hole for Gianormous Reverbs. I am excited that this will work for me perfected and it doesn't cost too much. I need money to go to acquiring more bad ass 3 ch tube heads.
Latency? Does the latency increment as more effects are added? With analog effects there’s essentially no latency, the latency inherent in the speed that electricity moves in wires, about half the speed of light, which is 100% unnoticeable. With audio processing with a DSP there’s far more. It’s subjective but I would say about 6 milliseconds is usable, more is definitely noticeable. If you chain more than one, with separate units, then you are incrementing the latency. Do multi-effects units provide multiple effects without incrementing the latency? If so then that’s a good thing. As computers get faster, that latency goes down but it’s a law of diminishing returns.
Ahh, your killing me. Wanted that sooo bad! Needed a 4cm/Midi amp/fx unit but had to settle on a Line 6 POD HD Pro X for $250. My EVH 50w and Crate BV120H needed it as my ENGL Fireball 60 gets my best rack gear. Really wanted the Savage 120, MK4, MKII C+ amp sims. All tho Line 6 Nailed the Fireball 100 sooo... Happy w/ the Pro X being Rack and all it does FX wise is crazy and will always have a place in my rack when done w/ it's 4CM duties. Hope for a Ampero II in the future. Great video!
You wanted this for post effects, but i was wondering if it could be used for pre and post? So guitar into Ampero for pre effects, then out of the Ampero send and into front of amp, before going out of amp and back into Ampero's send return for post effects?
I have a valet on gp200 lt which I’m told has the same modeling as the ampero. Igor it super cheap, but normally the lt goes for $279, and the normal gp 200 which has a few more I/0 and foot switches is $329. The lt has been a big upgrade from my line 6 hd500x except you can’t do multiple drives or dual amps but you can do IRs!
Didn't like the chorus setting but I'm sure I could dial in one that I do like. 2290 & PCM-70 circular delays!!! Yes please! I use my POD XT pro in the same way bypassing the amp sims and just use the delays. Makes sense to me....the Recto amp sim sounded legit. Great demonstration!!! Congrats on your new James Tyler SE!!!! Sounds killer.
I loved the vid...great job! I dig mine. I find that the amps track better than some of the other modelers. It is a fraction of a sec, but it makes the amp feel better. FX are pretty cool...wish that some of them had a mix control. The software editor is fantastic.
Hey, Michael. I´d love to see a tutorial video of yours on how to kinda replicate those 80s rack session stereo tones using cheap gear like the ampero 2 and plug ins, recording straight through audio interface. Since i live in south america, that´s the only way i could possibly replicate those iconic sounds, but there aren´t many videos about it on youtube Thks for the awesome content.
This is exactly what I bought the HX Stomp for. Unfortunately, it would run out of horsepower by the seventh minute of this video and the choruses, reverbs and delays are lacking.
@@rodrigomartins9692 The Helix is an amazing piece of gear. I was able to get really good sounds after some tweaking. High and low cut were necessary to make it sound less sterile and fizzy. The A2S is much easier to get a good sound out of and it 'feels' better under my fingers. The Helix has better pitch shifting, but it took a few updates to get there. Overall, I prefer the A2S, but that is a personal preference and I know Line6 is really good at updating the Helix.
Hi Michael I'm running a pod X3 Live into a HX effects linked to a Fractal Axe FX then on the second channel a Strymon ...got the outputs of them into two Kemper racks which are running through a Tascam desk into 2 Bugera 333 Amps after that am going into the Joyo Cab X2 sending both signals back out into the HX Effects effects loop which is linked to an old Marshall preamp which is running into a pair of headrushes ... Finding every tone I try and create just sounds muddy .... Was thinking maybe adding a Ho-tone on the end of it with that chorus effect may clean my sound up a bit what do you think 🤣🤣🤣
I’m considering adding this with the Tonex into a small rig just for the effects. Did you notice any latency issues, or is the processor very responsive under an average load?
its 500€ here in germany so how can that stand up to the oldschool effect unit like rocktron, digitech and lexicon? i still use my rocktron prophesy and multivalve, sometimes the very old boss gp8 and tc major 2. i think that these 90`s units are sounding as least as good as the newer most likely digital stuff, what is your experience here? i know you love that old rack gear 2, thank you 🙏🖤
Hi excellent video, just looking the ampero for using in that way, since I have a UAFX Dream 65 that is awesome, I want a complete fx units only for that. My question is how does the send and return of the ampero? I read that other units like the pod go have problems with levels, my idea is put the Dream 65 in the loop to put FX in front (noise gates, compressors, eqs) and mod, delays and reverbs at the end. Thank you very much!!!! by the way the UAFX Dream 65 is incredible, the feeling and sound possibilities absolutely recommend it!
Did most 80's racks put chorus and delay between pre and power or after cab? Any live performances then would most likely have implemented the loop scenario I would think. For sure the tones you are getting are amazing but would be interested in your take on how it sounds in loop v post eq. Great video man!
It really depends on the era. Live Lukather and most of the big rack guys (mid to later 80’s) had the FX between the preamp and power amp, and had FX in their speakers. By the mid 90’s guys were getting more tricky and doing wet dry, or mixing their cab and routing back into FX. Early 80’s were more of a maverick approach of whatever works
What pickups and wiring do you have in that Tyler guitar. Best clean tone I have ever heard. Sounds like Dan Huff on Giant. I can't afford a Tyler but I can do wiring and put in pickups and electronics.
I do have a lot of experience with the TC pedals. I like the delay, but don't like the chorus/modulation FX at all. So that was an issue for me. Also, that's X5 takes up a substantial pedalboard footprint. I'd love it if TC makes a more H9 sized multiFX. That'd be great.
@@BigHairyGuitars - The Line6 HX Effects pedal is nothing but effects with no amp modelers. Sounds pretty good, but I never could quite figure out how to use it to its full potential. The whole scene vs (whatever) confused me too.
Thanks for doing this video. You sound good through the Ampero II which definitely seems like its worth checking out. I like the user interface. I have all the original boxes from the 1980's and 1990's, but am looking to downsize always because session work these days means being willing to travel, when necessary. This is what Eventide and Strymon and Fractal should be making. Its also a sign of things to come. Do you think the effects in the Ampero sound as good as the effects in the H90 or Fractal Audio Axe-Fx units? Or, do you think they are closer to the quality of what's in the Line 6 HX Stomp or worse? Curiously, what pickups do you have in your Tyler guitar here Michael? Looks like the Seymour Duncan Hot Stacks in the middle and neck, if I'm not mistaken. I'm interested to hear what bridge humbucker you paired with those if they are indeed what's in there. I have Hot Stacks in one of my Strats and haven't yet found the right humbucker to pair with them, though have tried a few.
Seems like a very cool unit. From a quick google, I'm seeing it more in the $450-499 retail range, so may take a little legwork (meaning a couple minutes, lol) to find it at the referenced $429 price at the end of the video.
My struggle is with trying the in ears and such due to doing things a certain way(Old school wedges like tanks!). We have a loud bass player, and since he’s not a fan of in ears, there is gonna be some volume issues I assume. So, I struggle to figure out due to being older and needing less weighty options, what kind of powered option, or floor into the in ears and hope for the best? Help a fellow musician out with some advice. I can use digital stuff, so it doesn’t scare me….but there are no more powered options that I think are worthy of stage other than maybe a Kemper? 600rms? Love this channel! Never disappoint. This device intrigues me. Thank you for the review, and the modelling amp samples at the end.
Cool tech, and nails the 80's over-processed era sound, but I don't think it sounds very organic. Very synthetic. Kind of the opposite trend where gear and recordings have been heading fidelity wise
Putting a question out there in regards to the setup here. So amp into load box and then into the effect. Then output of the effect right into the computer? So no cabinet mic’d up then right?
Correct. If I was going to mix the cab, then I would either run mono in the FX loop, OR I’d apply the FX by putting it into a loop in my recording interface. Basically post, but if I was going to do that, I’d probably just use plugins.
Can anyone rate the Mesa Mark II C+ models in the Ampero 2? Possible compare it to the new C+ plugin from Neural DSP? I love that new plugin, and the MKIV model in my pod go just doesn’t cut it.
Since you don't disclose if this is SPONSORED I think it is because there are much better modelers for just FXs, the best example and the best current modeler for just FX is the Line6 HX effects, it's basically the same price as this ampero and with much more possibilities and much better FXs, plus more footswitches, scribble strips, full MIDI control to interact with other amps and pedals, etc.
I reached out to them to get one. No payment of any other kind was involved. There were no terms or conversations with Hotone. I have used the HX stomp for a few years and although I think that the HX line is very good, I don’t think it’s any better or worse than the Ampero2. At this footprint size and price IMHO, the Ampero beats the HX stomp. If I was going to go really large with tons of foot switches, maybe I’d go HX. I really like that Hx has a software ITB version, so that’s cool. FX head to head is very comparable. They both do A+ meat and potatoes Fx. I like that the Ampero has a nice selection of classic rack emulations. When the HX goes into more fancy FX styles, I don’t typically like them. I think they’re hard to integrate into a sound and into music. So for me, I’m only looking for a few percentage past meat and potatoes basic FX. I’ve tried the Boss multiFX and I didn’t love it. I love the Boss DD500 and MD, RV 500, but they’re big. I’m hoping that this will replace the Meris delay and CXM reverb that are in my board because they’re crazy expensive very big. And I don’t really need delays to reverse and flip upside down and filter etc. I want quick access to great usable Fx. The Ampero is delivering that to me so far. In terms of modeling, I would still go with Kemper or IK ToneX + some pedal FX. I don’t turn on my rack gear too often because it’s a pain. The Ampero is totally scratching that itch for me though. It’s bringing me a lot of joy to play through, and I’m not fighting with it and constantly switching patches to find something that works. But back to HX line of products. Super awesome stuff there. I would definitely also *consider* the Ampero because it offers cool stuff as well. 👍 Thanks for the comment and feedback. Some of this stuff gets too convoluted to discuss… considering that there is no *best, when it comes to making music. Just options…lots and LOTS of options 😳
I finally ordered one after watching your video - and many others. It arrived defective. Just blinked and clicked at me. I sent it back and placed another order before even receiving the refund. The new one booted up but bricked during the firmware update. Good grief. People seem to love these things so maybe the 3rd one will be "the one" ... fingers crossed.
HI Michael! Awesome video as usual!! Just wondering if you can use it like a regular pedal, without having to connect to a computer? I'm very old school, and don't know much about this new digital stuff. Thanks for any help!! Cheers
How do you pronounce Hotone? Ho-Tone? or Hot-One? I know where you're coming from. I have a Quad Cortex as well as fancy pedals like the T Rex Replicator D'lux, etc.,I have a Fender practice amp but finding out that I need a FRFR amp. Otherwise I just play through my Zoom LiveTrak L20 via monitors or headphones. But headphones get to be a drag and then I feel the need to crank up once in awhile.
Brilliant just purchased one of these down to your videos which are always filled with golden nuggets of info xx Can you please let me know what Friedman Head you are using as I want to try and replicate the whole sound you had as it was amazing x❤
I’ve been pondering for a while how to run my boss dd200 in a stereo configuration with my interface. It’s an Apollo twin and I’m using the BE 100 deluxe with the captor x. Where and how could I place the pedal in the chain to achieve this?
So Michael, I'm trying to figure an issue I'm having and I wonder if you have any ideas. It concerns my Sennheiser wireless. I'm using an Axe FX3, in 4CM, a KSR Colossus, and a BOSS WAZA TAE. So this is where I'm at: using the WAZA and a guitar cable no problems. Go from guitar cable to wireless, ridiculous levels of high pitched squealing, and having to adjust drive effects to the point where they're of no use. If I use the WAZA but take out the front end part of the 4CM...no issues with the wireless. Take out the WAZA and I can use the wireless with no issues at all...4CM, drives as they should be, no squealing. Have you ever encountered anything like this? Any ideas? All suggestions gratefully received. Thanks, Michael.
Hey guys, I am old shmuck playing for myself for fun without an amp… looking for a device like this that would have a headphone jack and would accept line in to play along with music tracks and songs. Any suggestions? Thx
I have been trying to make a easy setup for jamming and practicing in a hotel room. Is this a viable option? I’ve considered HX STOMP, Tone X, l’m using a NEW pair 4.5 inch studio monitors by Presonus. I use a Kemper for the stage but l’m doing a lit of traveling each week and l need a small rig for the hotels room. I’m open for suggestions 🤔👍🏼👋🏻
The Ampero Stomp 2 is massively slept on. I think it hangs with the Quad Cortex just fine. FX aren't quite on Axe FX level IMO, but some of them are gold. Also the Stomp 2 has this feel thing going on, it feels good under the fingers, something a lot of modelers dont give you. I love mine!
Which ones are gold? Which ones not so much in your opinion?
The pitch stuff is horrible on the Ampero II. :/
Totally agree with you..I had my eye on the Quad for the longest time but I thought I'd give the ampero2 a go before committing...so glad I did. Leaves no itch to scratch for me...tone, FEEL, usability..its got it all. ive AB'd against valves in the room and honestly its left me wondering if digital has finally caught up. Converted...I'm a true believer.Well done Hotone!
It was only a matter of time with all things 80's is back in fashion. Sounds good. Thanks Mike!
Absolutely killer unit. I have one for my practice rig, and the tone and feel of the amps and effects are stellar. Definitely the easiest to dial in of any of the modelers.
Love that you played Toto's 'I'll be over you.' One of their best songs and a track that Lukather has played many an epic solos on.
I got this unit last week after hearing and watching many YT vids. It is an EXCELLENT unit!!! I have the Helix LT and still love that too, but this unit is just as good and some amps are even better then the Helix models. The effects are killer too. I use this Ampero with a tube power amp and real 2x12 cabinet w/V30s. I am not a fan of any cab or IRs sims.
Cool, which tube poweramp do you use?
Man you nail that 80’s movie soundtrack sound, it’s beautiful and nostalgic. Takes me right back, great review.
The TC2290 emulation in that pedal is AMAZING!!!!!!! Also, it should be getting an update to add SCENES soon. as it's the SAME DEVICE internally as the new Ampero Stage.
Happy birthday Michael! Wishing you whatever your heart desires.
You started the video with one of my favorite solos of all time. “I’ll Be Over You”. And a nod to a great South African musician, Trevor Rabin. Great demo, nice unit. Thanks.
It’s my favorite solo ever. Brilliant and amazing changes. And Trevor 💙
I hope the other patches have better names than "P00-1".
That's definitely the crappiest tone on there.
Brought to you by the same folks who have a menu item they call a poo-poo platter
Yeah PEE-2
This is how Ive been using my HX stomp XL for a while now. Plus if my amp somehow goes down at a gig, I reroute 2 cables and switch patches, and boom, back online running direct. Its a perfect backup. 🤘🏼
I like the user interface. It sounds great in the vid.Amp demo well done. Thanks for posting.
Ive tried a dozen different digital modellers over the past 5 years & hated every one... EXCEPT the Ampero II. Not only does it sound amazing, but it feels right too. And it does something that no other mid to low end modeler can do, it handles edge of breakup like a real amp. Most do cleans great and do High Gain well, but can't handle the transition between the two. This thing does the thing
Boss GT1000 vs Ampero 2?
Detune sounded ok but the 2290/Circular delays were mint!
I always use the 2290 mod or the vintage rack which I believe to be modeled after a Roland SDE, the circular is great but unfortunately I use a mono rig! ^^
@@AlexandreCriado I was thinking it might be the SDE3000 as well.
Right! What a treat to have those models baked in. Recreating them is such a pain!
Bought one of those Arion choruses for maybe $35 in '88 -- I had no clue how good I had it as a kid 😂
Me too
I bought one new and remember never liking it (probably because my amp was crap at the time, lol). I think I gave it away.
I had one built in to the Hot Watt. Which sounded terrible, but the chorus was great.
I don't know if you have tried it or not but the plethora x5 is great and has no drives in it.The x5 is 5 effects in 127 boards.
you can (mis)use nearly any modeler as an effects unit like many artist doing this with the axe fx, tonex and even very affordable units from joyo, mooer aso..i still use the line 6 m5 and m13 and i swear by this, just get one for cheap on the used market and try it out! cheers 🎸🎸
whoa, you grabbed a tyler, great guitars and i personally think the headstock looks cool.
Bought two units after seeing Jay Palmer video a year ago.
Thanks Micheal for your take as an effect unit with a loaded 100 amp.
Competing with the Eventide H90 at half the price. I imagine many will feel the H90 has higher quality of FX. Great video.
I keep hearing Dance Hall Days when michael plays that one chord progression 10:16
Me too! I played it once and thought… “Dance Hall Days Love!”
Coincidentally, I’ve had that song stuck in my head since I heard it on the radio at work a couple days ago.
@@BigHairyGuitars Love your channel - you do tremendous work - and you have great taste in desks! (I have the same setup). Thank you for your hard work and love of old gear!
My Ampero II just arrived today, looking forward to exploring it. Thanks Michael for this very informative video
I usually use the Editor Software for setting up a patch. It's really cool how every Amp, FX pedal etc... has an info description
Finally! ^^ Glad you tried this one, it is still my main go-to unit for rehearsal and small gigs
OMG, I've been waiting for so long for a single pedal with these effects and for a great video like this, approaching the kind of tone I most enjoy!
Michael, could you build Dean DeLeo's "Plush" tone on your Ampero II and make a video of it? Appreciate it! Thanks!
I bought one with high hopes. It delivered on many fronts but not enough to keep it. I now have a FM9 Turbo and it is worlds better. That said, for the $450 I paid, it was "good." The UI is very simple- but still very good. Simple in what it can do- you still have many options but nothing like Fractal- really nothing. The form factor was better. The cleans with some effects actually sounded good.
The deal breakers...
The looper cannot change during overdubs without changing the original part- no good at all. That said, the display of the looper was awesome. The touchscreen was great and it locked (very important feature so a cable does not change the screen.) Other than some basic cabs and light effects that were decent.
It ran out of DSP quickly and did not have the depth of effects tons of more expensive competitors but again, for the price, it is a great back up unit- especially if you play a lot of clean stuff including acoustic which sounded quite good.
I heard they are not particularly reliable long term- some have bricked after 2 years so buy the warranty- 3+ years.
When the Ampero III comes out, maybe this year, it should be great for around $500- again as a back up unit. Optionally, a lightly used FM3 would still be better in many tonal ways and only a few hundred more. With the Fractal stuff the UI is just ok so you will want to use the desktop editor most of the time. The editor is very robust. The effects are far better and more I/O as well. Pro level gear- especially at the FM9 T trim and above. You won't run out of DSP quickly so you can double amp, etc. FM9 also has 6 more footswitches which is very useful. Now, in FM9 they just added a zoom tool for larger fonts which is great and a really nice SET LIST feature. You can list all your tunes and pull up all the presets across all 9 switches- makes playing songs a breeze. You can focus on the song and less on the modeler.
Thanks for the great review! It gives me a lot of food for thought as I move forward! I appreciate the clear reply, without it just being, "X SUCKS, Y is BETTER!" 👍
god you made even the stock cabs sound good.
I am not into the modeling stuff. But, this thing will really make my pedal board more rack like. I hate bending down to change annything. I prefer presets to knob twiddling. I plan to put my delays and Eventide Pitch Factor in the stereo fx loop. To do parallel for some things and default series. Use addirional delays and modulations. I got IRs covrered and 2 Reverbs: Digtech Polara for Plate Reverb. Eventide Black Hole for Gianormous Reverbs. I am excited that this will work for me perfected and it doesn't cost too much. I need money to go to acquiring more bad ass 3 ch tube heads.
Awesome Michael 👍👍👍can you do a video of some crucial Alex Lifeson tones through the decades and show how to build them🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’ll look into that! Thanks
Latency? Does the latency increment as more effects are added? With analog effects there’s essentially no latency, the latency inherent in the speed that electricity moves in wires, about half the speed of light, which is 100% unnoticeable. With audio processing with a DSP there’s far more. It’s subjective but I would say about 6 milliseconds is usable, more is definitely noticeable. If you chain more than one, with separate units, then you are incrementing the latency. Do multi-effects units provide multiple effects without incrementing the latency? If so then that’s a good thing. As computers get faster, that latency goes down but it’s a law of diminishing returns.
Just today tried to put ToneX on send return of Ampero II : sound so good !
I bought the Gt-1000 core thinking I was going to be able to use it like this. I should have gone for this instead.
Ahh, your killing me. Wanted that sooo bad! Needed a 4cm/Midi amp/fx unit but had to settle on a Line 6 POD HD Pro X for $250. My EVH 50w and Crate BV120H needed it as my ENGL Fireball 60 gets my best rack gear. Really wanted the Savage 120, MK4, MKII C+ amp sims. All tho Line 6 Nailed the Fireball 100 sooo... Happy w/ the Pro X being Rack and all it does FX wise is crazy and will always have a place in my rack when done w/ it's 4CM duties. Hope for a Ampero II in the future. Great video!
When you played the clean detune by itself, it sounded like Wang Chung Dance Hall days
You wanted this for post effects, but i was wondering if it could be used for pre and post? So guitar into Ampero for pre effects, then out of the Ampero send and into front of amp, before going out of amp and back into Ampero's send return for post effects?
Michael, why didn't you put it in the Friedman's FX loop?
Just use AmpliTube 5 with the Fulltone pack...OCD and Tri Chorus kick ass
I have a valet on gp200 lt which I’m told has the same modeling as the ampero. Igor it super cheap, but normally the lt goes for $279, and the normal gp 200 which has a few more I/0 and foot switches is $329. The lt has been a big upgrade from my line 6 hd500x except you can’t do multiple drives or dual amps but you can do IRs!
Didn't like the chorus setting but I'm sure I could dial in one that I do like. 2290 & PCM-70 circular delays!!! Yes please! I use my POD XT pro in the same way bypassing the amp sims and just use the delays. Makes sense to me....the Recto amp sim sounded legit. Great demonstration!!! Congrats on your new James Tyler SE!!!! Sounds killer.
I loved the vid...great job! I dig mine. I find that the amps track better than some of the other modelers. It is a fraction of a sec, but it makes the amp feel better. FX are pretty cool...wish that some of them had a mix control. The software editor is fantastic.
Hey, Michael. I´d love to see a tutorial video of yours on how to kinda replicate those 80s rack session stereo tones using cheap gear like the ampero 2 and plug ins, recording straight through audio interface.
Since i live in south america, that´s the only way i could possibly replicate those iconic sounds, but there aren´t many videos about it on youtube
Thks for the awesome content.
I have one and i have tested it against quad and helix. I keep the ampero
This is exactly what I bought the HX Stomp for. Unfortunately, it would run out of horsepower by the seventh minute of this video and the choruses, reverbs and delays are lacking.
Excellent video. I picked up one of these after I sold my Helix. It is an impressive unit.
Hi. What do you thought about Ampero vs Helix?
@@rodrigomartins9692 The Helix is an amazing piece of gear. I was able to get really good sounds after some tweaking. High and low cut were necessary to make it sound less sterile and fizzy. The A2S is much easier to get a good sound out of and it 'feels' better under my fingers. The Helix has better pitch shifting, but it took a few updates to get there. Overall, I prefer the A2S, but that is a personal preference and I know Line6 is really good at updating the Helix.
You haven’t tried anything by headrush?
Hi Michael I'm running a pod X3 Live into a HX effects linked to a Fractal Axe FX then on the second channel a Strymon ...got the outputs of them into two Kemper racks which are running through a Tascam desk into 2 Bugera 333 Amps after that am going into the Joyo Cab X2 sending both signals back out into the HX Effects effects loop which is linked to an old Marshall preamp which is running into a pair of headrushes ...
Finding every tone I try and create just sounds muddy .... Was thinking maybe adding a Ho-tone on the end of it with that chorus effect may clean my sound up a bit what do you think
🤣🤣🤣
Omg how do you choose between this & an HX Stomp if this 80s sound is your bag ,the HX sounds great too
I’ve had a PodX3 bean since 2008. I still use it to this day. I’m thinking this thing is going to put the bean to rest.
Happy birthday Michael !!! Following you since here was grass !!
Cheers from Brazil
Thanks Riff!
Would be interested to see a follow up Michael, if you still have it. Would be interested to see what sounds you like on it and how you’re using it
I do still have it and like it a lot. I'll have a video for the Ampero Stage II coming soon-ish.
@@BigHairyGuitars 😀👍
I’m considering adding this with the Tonex into a small rig just for the effects. Did you notice any latency issues, or is the processor very responsive under an average load?
its 500€ here in germany so how can that stand up to the oldschool effect unit like rocktron, digitech and lexicon? i still use my rocktron prophesy and multivalve, sometimes the very old boss gp8 and tc major 2. i think that these 90`s units are sounding as least as good as the newer most likely digital stuff, what is your experience here? i know you love that old rack gear 2, thank you 🙏🖤
Hi excellent video, just looking the ampero for using in that way, since I have a UAFX Dream 65 that is awesome, I want a complete fx units only for that. My question is how does the send and return of the ampero? I read that other units like the pod go have problems with levels, my idea is put the Dream 65 in the loop to put FX in front (noise gates, compressors, eqs) and mod, delays and reverbs at the end. Thank you very much!!!! by the way the UAFX Dream 65 is incredible, the feeling and sound possibilities absolutely recommend it!
Sounds great for demo/practice.
Did most 80's racks put chorus and delay between pre and power or after cab? Any live performances then would most likely have implemented the loop scenario I would think. For sure the tones you are getting are amazing but would be interested in your take on how it sounds in loop v post eq. Great video man!
It really depends on the era. Live Lukather and most of the big rack guys (mid to later 80’s) had the FX between the preamp and power amp, and had FX in their speakers.
By the mid 90’s guys were getting more tricky and doing wet dry, or mixing their cab and routing back into FX.
Early 80’s were more of a maverick approach of whatever works
@@BigHairyGuitarsand it worked so well, that we still listen to that sound today, and do our best to recreate it.
Great review and a true A-Tier modeler. 👍
What pickups and wiring do you have in that Tyler guitar. Best clean tone I have ever heard. Sounds like Dan Huff on Giant. I can't afford a Tyler but I can do wiring and put in pickups and electronics.
10:13 - Dance Hall Days 12:28 Last of the Runaways
You could have gone for the TC Electronics Plethora X5.
It is exactly what you are asking for; just FXs.
I do have a lot of experience with the TC pedals. I like the delay, but don't like the chorus/modulation FX at all. So that was an issue for me. Also, that's X5 takes up a substantial pedalboard footprint. I'd love it if TC makes a more H9 sized multiFX. That'd be great.
@@BigHairyGuitars - The Line6 HX Effects pedal is nothing but effects with no amp modelers. Sounds pretty good, but I never could quite figure out how to use it to its full potential. The whole scene vs (whatever) confused me too.
The amps sound really good on this one too! They've always felt off before but they are getting damn close now! Live, you'd have no clue
Thanks for doing this video. You sound good through the Ampero II which definitely seems like its worth checking out. I like the user interface. I have all the original boxes from the 1980's and 1990's, but am looking to downsize always because session work these days means being willing to travel, when necessary. This is what Eventide and Strymon and Fractal should be making. Its also a sign of things to come. Do you think the effects in the Ampero sound as good as the effects in the H90 or Fractal Audio Axe-Fx units? Or, do you think they are closer to the quality of what's in the Line 6 HX Stomp or worse?
Curiously, what pickups do you have in your Tyler guitar here Michael? Looks like the Seymour Duncan Hot Stacks in the middle and neck, if I'm not mistaken. I'm interested to hear what bridge humbucker you paired with those if they are indeed what's in there. I have Hot Stacks in one of my Strats and haven't yet found the right humbucker to pair with them, though have tried a few.
Seems like a very cool unit. From a quick google, I'm seeing it more in the $450-499 retail range, so may take a little legwork (meaning a couple minutes, lol) to find it at the referenced $429 price at the end of the video.
I think you can get that price direct at Hotone’s website
Amazon it fluctuates between $330 and $420 depending on the day/seller.
My struggle is with trying the in ears and such due to doing things a certain way(Old school wedges like tanks!). We have a loud bass player, and since he’s not a fan of in ears, there is gonna be some volume issues I assume. So, I struggle to figure out due to being older and needing less weighty options, what kind of powered option, or floor into the in ears and hope for the best?
Help a fellow musician out with some advice. I can use digital stuff, so it doesn’t scare me….but there are no more powered options that I think are worthy of stage other than maybe a Kemper? 600rms?
Love this channel! Never disappoint. This device intrigues me. Thank you for the review, and the modelling amp samples at the end.
I personally just use it live with real guitar cabs and an Aiyima A07 for the power. Works for me, it's cheap and crazy portable.
Michael, i've always loved your playing!! Do you give lessons, or, would you recommend a site/person/etc for lessons?
Thanks a lot for this really nice and helpful video!
I have a question: How you get a stereo effects sound, if you are using a mono amp?
Thanks again!
Delay before a preamp always sounds crappy These things are good if you just use your live amp on a totally clean setting
I agree, Delay before Preamp is something I almost never like. But, Delay in a loop, or after preamp, or in the FX loop is great.
That was a nice review...
Why not use the Eventide H90?
Is the "only 2 effects" thing...?
Is the H90 X2 price better? (X3 in europe)
Cool tech, and nails the 80's over-processed era sound, but I don't think it sounds very organic. Very synthetic. Kind of the opposite trend where gear and recordings have been heading fidelity wise
Im dying to know what exact three chords you are playing throughout the video???😮🤔
Great video and love your content bro. Listening on my desktop with ns10’s. Maybe it’s me but sounds a little thin and brittle, no?
Hey Michael, did you check out the Fryette model on there? If so, how does it stack up to the real thing?
Michael- how do you think it compares to the AxeFx III effects and amp models since you own/owned one?
Putting a question out there in regards to the setup here. So amp into load box and then into the effect. Then output of the effect right into the computer? So no cabinet mic’d up then right?
Correct. If I was going to mix the cab, then I would either run mono in the FX loop, OR I’d apply the FX by putting it into a loop in my recording interface. Basically post, but if I was going to do that, I’d probably just use plugins.
Can anyone rate the Mesa Mark II C+ models in the Ampero 2? Possible compare it to the new C+ plugin from Neural DSP? I love that new plugin, and the MKIV model in my pod go just doesn’t cut it.
Since you don't disclose if this is SPONSORED I think it is because there are much better modelers for just FXs, the best example and the best current modeler for just FX is the Line6 HX effects, it's basically the same price as this ampero and with much more possibilities and much better FXs, plus more footswitches, scribble strips, full MIDI control to interact with other amps and pedals, etc.
I reached out to them to get one. No payment of any other kind was involved. There were no terms or conversations with Hotone.
I have used the HX stomp for a few years and although I think that the HX line is very good, I don’t think it’s any better or worse than the Ampero2. At this footprint size and price IMHO, the Ampero beats the HX stomp. If I was going to go really large with tons of foot switches, maybe I’d go HX. I really like that Hx has a software ITB version, so that’s cool.
FX head to head is very comparable. They both do A+ meat and potatoes Fx. I like that the Ampero has a nice selection of classic rack emulations. When the HX goes into more fancy FX styles, I don’t typically like them. I think they’re hard to integrate into a sound and into music. So for me, I’m only looking for a few percentage past meat and potatoes basic FX. I’ve tried the Boss multiFX and I didn’t love it. I love the Boss DD500 and MD, RV 500, but they’re big.
I’m hoping that this will replace the Meris delay and CXM reverb that are in my board because they’re crazy expensive very big. And I don’t really need delays to reverse and flip upside down and filter etc.
I want quick access to great usable Fx. The Ampero is delivering that to me so far. In terms of modeling, I would still go with Kemper or IK ToneX + some pedal FX.
I don’t turn on my rack gear too often because it’s a pain. The Ampero is totally scratching that itch for me though. It’s bringing me a lot of joy to play through, and I’m not fighting with it and constantly switching patches to find something that works.
But back to HX line of products. Super awesome stuff there. I would definitely also *consider* the Ampero because it offers cool stuff as well. 👍
Thanks for the comment and feedback.
Some of this stuff gets too convoluted to discuss… considering that there is no *best, when it comes to making music. Just options…lots and LOTS of options 😳
@@BigHairyGuitars So you mean u got the unit for free from Hotone? That sounds like sponsoring.
@@BigHairyGuitars Nice measured reply there. Very balanced 👍👍
@@Steve-ih7dg dude's got a yt channel. What do you expect? Harsh it with your friends. This is still informative
The fact that we're seeing YT guitarists like John Cordy shooting this unit out against the QC and AXE III says it all....an elite modeler for sure.
I finally ordered one after watching your video - and many others. It arrived defective. Just blinked and clicked at me. I sent it back and placed another order before even receiving the refund. The new one booted up but bricked during the firmware update. Good grief. People seem to love these things so maybe the 3rd one will be "the one" ... fingers crossed.
Love your take and playing. Thank You
Thanks Rev!
Hey Michael! How good/bad is the circular delay compared to the PCM70?
HI Michael! Awesome video as usual!! Just wondering if you can use it like a regular pedal, without having to connect to a computer? I'm very old school, and don't know much about this new digital stuff. Thanks for any help!! Cheers
Yeah. The intersect is great on the unit. Don’t need a computer
Probably my favourite episode to date Michael. Adore your Tyler. String gauge? It looks really well setup.
Great unit. I want one for sure. 😎 😎 😎
Thanks! 9’s. I might go up to 9.5 or 10.
It’s different on each guitar for me
@@BigHairyGuitars I used 10's on my Tyler's for years but 9.5 is it now. Prefect tension IMO. (note mines mostly have Floyd's)
I would like to see A/B against a AXEFX or a high end Lexicon.
Wow. and what a value at that price too.
I have been looking for something like this for my BluGuitar Iridium pedal board amp....looked at HX stomp but kinda like this more
I was trying the HX last year. Some of the FX are great, other are not. Hard to say which is better, but the Hotone interface is A+
How do you pronounce Hotone? Ho-Tone? or Hot-One? I know where you're coming from. I have a Quad Cortex as well as fancy pedals like the T Rex Replicator D'lux, etc.,I have a Fender practice amp but finding out that I need a FRFR amp. Otherwise I just play through my Zoom LiveTrak L20 via monitors or headphones. But headphones get to be a drag and then I feel the need to crank up once in awhile.
I’ll give ya 420. I can’t go any higher.
All in one roll?
Have you seen the Wampler Terraform? That looks and sounds great for a multi-effect pedal - certainly worth checking out.
Terraform is modulation only, right? The Ampero II Stomp has much more.
@@markdouglas8073 yes, I think it is.
Brilliant just purchased one of these down to your videos which are always filled with golden nuggets of info xx
Can you please let me know what Friedman Head you are using as I want to try and replicate the whole sound you had as it was amazing x❤
Thanks! It's a BE100
Are you still using this? Did this make your pedalboard?
Actually thought this was an April Fools gag at first seeing it was just posted! Great job as always!😂
So... It's not?? It even says "POO" on the thumbnail 💩??
@@PunkIsDead...LikeMe It’s real. Made by Hotone and is $500
I’ve been pondering for a while how to run my boss dd200 in a stereo configuration with my interface. It’s an Apollo twin and I’m using the BE 100 deluxe with the captor x. Where and how could I place the pedal in the chain to achieve this?
I’ll be over you solo! Classy 👊🏼
Sounds awesome!
This would probably work well with my Blackstar Amped 2
Yes! That's my thought. Amped 2, or ToneX pedal, or any of the other super cool preamp pedals + 1 FX box, would be an amazing travel compact rig.
That would be an awesome combo.
So Michael, I'm trying to figure an issue I'm having and I wonder if you have any ideas. It concerns my Sennheiser wireless. I'm using an Axe FX3, in 4CM, a KSR Colossus, and a BOSS WAZA TAE. So this is where I'm at: using the WAZA and a guitar cable no problems. Go from guitar cable to wireless, ridiculous levels of high pitched squealing, and having to adjust drive effects to the point where they're of no use. If I use the WAZA but take out the front end part of the 4CM...no issues with the wireless. Take out the WAZA and I can use the wireless with no issues at all...4CM, drives as they should be, no squealing. Have you ever encountered anything like this? Any ideas? All suggestions gratefully received. Thanks, Michael.
Hey guys, I am old shmuck playing for myself for fun without an amp… looking for a device like this that would have a headphone jack and would accept line in to play along with music tracks and songs. Any suggestions? Thx
Is there a gap when changing presets?
Only missing midi, so I'm keeping my Helix FX's
It does have midi.
Sounds awesome! 🤘
Why did noise gate sound like distortion was added?
He changed to channel 2 of the amp, before turning on the noise gate.
how does it compare to HX Stomp or GT 100
I have been trying to make a easy setup for jamming and practicing in a hotel room. Is this a viable option? I’ve considered HX STOMP, Tone X, l’m using a NEW pair 4.5 inch studio monitors by Presonus. I use a Kemper for the stage but l’m doing a lit of traveling each week and l need a small rig for the hotels room. I’m open for suggestions 🤔👍🏼👋🏻
I tried the HX Stomp and honestly I think the Hotone sounds better