I've had mine for a few weeks now. I'm a happy player that doesn't need to haul a 60 lb amp w/ me anymore. Lots of options and features, and a touch responsive sound I can live with :)
It's like Helix,Kemper,Axe-Fx transformed into Amp head. Sounds great.I didn't knew this is tranzistor amp.Sound like tube amp for me.Great job Hughes & Kettner. Cheers Mitch! 😎
Sorry mate...but it's not even close. All of the video you saw is overmixed. One thing true, this head is sexy. But that's all... I owned this amp and sent it back 4 days later...Believe me, everything is cheap on this amp...I feel so deceived, and I am so disappointed in H&K...
@@khalvargdemyrviel7236 wrong, wrong and wrong. I don't know what you consider cheap but it's clearly different to my idea of cheap. Also the tones in the video are pretty accurate, if you couldn't get them, you were obviously doing something wrong.
@@mattbikes323 it's cheap, fragile, plastic, the buttons are so fragile ; amp is badly isolated ; I'm not wrong because I'm not explaining a feeling or an idea, I'm telling a fact...Even turned off, I could hear a "bzzzt" every 7-8 seconds, and I tried everything in a matter of pluging and wiring. Plus, you can't EVEN navigate in the presets without a controler or a frakking iPad.......You want me to go on about the "idea" of cheap ?This amp is full of disappointment, it's a bad plastic gadget which costs 800€
@@khalvargdemyrviel7236 matter of opinion, I'm happy with mine, you weren't, calling the video tones over mixed is wrong, mine sounds like that, give or take and that's all that concerns me.
Hello, thank you for the excellent review! I like the concept of this amp. I kinda compare it to the Boss Katana, ofcourse they're different as are the prices and quality. But the concept of a few but nice sounds, some effects and other quality of life features, is awesome. Can you recommend other similar amps?
Maybe it's for someone who wants to see a familiar amp head but don't want tubes? An axe fx looks like a calculator and a Kemper looks like a space ship. Both great pieces of tech but maybe this is a nice middle between analog technology and digital commodity
Orange amps are... boring. At best. So fuzzy usually. This amps seems really good for the budget, and for apartments and such. Engl's are the best amps I've ever heard by far.
Hello, Michael! Great questions! The bluetooth is meant to go through the amp, in which case you could also take that signal xlr out to a separate system or powered speaker. Since the bluetooth is in-built it's not meant to travel the other way to another bluetooth speaker. It's just a "one-way" street, so to speak. Reach out if you have more questions. Thanks for the interest! Ben Jimenez, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1312, ben_jimenez@sweetwater.com - Se habla Español
If I use a looper pedal through the fx loop and record a clean track of a few chords and let it play in loops to play a solo over using a crunch channel, will my loop sound become "crunchy" or will it stay clean the same way I recorded it?
It should stay clean, as the FX loop comes after the preamp stages of the amp and before the power section that goes direct to the speaker. It should be no different here in comparison to a standard guitar amp with an FX loop.
I can't figure out why they refuse to design preset storage capabilities right on the amp itself....at least 10-12, without forcing the owner to go midi or play finger bongo on a tablet. Digital amps were doing that 25 years ago.
Hello, James! I wasn't sure myself, so I looked in the manual. Short answer is, yes. Here's the long form answer: You can use any MIDI footswitch, MIDI controller, or MIDI equipped pedal board to switch presets. Both MIDI devices, amp (receiver) and the controller (sender), should use the same channel. Otherwise, MIDI commands will be ignored or get lost. The factory default is MIDI channel 1 and "Omni On" (which means the amp receives on all 16 MIDI channels) to guarantee instant operation. If Black Spirit 200 does not react to program changes properly, see chapter 8.1, which explains how you can change the MIDI channel, or refer to the manual of your favourite MIDI controller. Thanks for the interest! Kevin Spunde, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1732
Hello, Johnson! That's correct. The emulated out can be plugged directly into a live mixer/PA or an audio interface, if recording. This will allow you to utilize the preamp/eq of the amp, as well as digitally model cabinets, when sending signal in this way. In effect, you could eliminate the need for a physical cabinet in these scenarios. Thanks for your interest! Larry Reed, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3091, Larry_Reed@Sweetwater.com
IS the amp capable of 200 watt RMS or is this peak power. What is the actual RMS power rating? Compared to a Rockerverb 100, how does the crunch channel stack up?
Hey, David! You would be able to run it at 200w no problem, as it is capable of running that wattage. Hughes and Kettner does not list the RMS power rating, unfortunately. But compared to a Rockerverb, the crunch channel will definitely be voiced different. It ultimately depends on the sound that you're looking to achieve. When you have a moment, give us a call and we can discuss what option would be best for your setup. Thanks! Jozy Franco, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3015
That would be up to your interpretation. There's a million sound demos of them, perhaps you'll like the sound, I find them too brittle and sterile as I said above. I'm more a fan of Orange Rockerverb or OR-15 myself.
Too bad no Wah on that expression pedal board. This really hurts the overall aesthetics and appeal of this amp. Many songs use Wah pedals. I see it has an effects loop, but seems pointless when it has some awesome built in effects you can program. Rather have seen a Wah Pedal input in the back than fx loop 🤷♂️
Manuel Kettenring from Hughes & Kettner (the guy sitting on the right side in THIS video: ruclips.net/video/M5GEAmi8cu8/видео.html&t ) commented at another video from Thomann (this here: ruclips.net/video/1d1sdbNyTD0/видео.html ) that an Android app will come soon. Hughes & Kettner even commented and confirmed on its own channel on RUclips that an Android app will be available soon, too. So you don't have to buy an IPad :) Sorry for my bad English, I'm not a native. Greetings from Germany.
This was the best review ive seen. You sold me!
I've had mine for a few weeks now. I'm a happy player that doesn't need to haul a 60 lb amp w/ me anymore. Lots of options and features, and a touch responsive sound I can live with :)
Great demo, stellar playing and love that Tele!
Those cleans sound incredible!
Great video. I would like to add this amp to my collection. Congrats on the weight loss Mitch. Looking good.
Now that's how you demo an amp! Well done
Great review, thanks guys!
Great tones and great playin' my friend!
Want that Telecaster...just saying.
It's like Helix,Kemper,Axe-Fx transformed into Amp head.
Sounds great.I didn't knew this is tranzistor amp.Sound like tube amp for me.Great job Hughes & Kettner.
Cheers Mitch! 😎
Sorry mate...but it's not even close. All of the video you saw is overmixed. One thing true, this head is sexy. But that's all...
I owned this amp and sent it back 4 days later...Believe me, everything is cheap on this amp...I feel so deceived, and I am so disappointed in H&K...
@@khalvargdemyrviel7236 wrong, wrong and wrong. I don't know what you consider cheap but it's clearly different to my idea of cheap. Also the tones in the video are pretty accurate, if you couldn't get them, you were obviously doing something wrong.
@@mattbikes323 it's cheap, fragile, plastic, the buttons are so fragile ; amp is badly isolated ; I'm not wrong because I'm not explaining a feeling or an idea, I'm telling a fact...Even turned off, I could hear a "bzzzt" every 7-8 seconds, and I tried everything in a matter of pluging and wiring. Plus, you can't EVEN navigate in the presets without a controler or a frakking iPad.......You want me to go on about the "idea" of cheap ?This amp is full of disappointment, it's a bad plastic gadget which costs 800€
@@khalvargdemyrviel7236 matter of opinion, I'm happy with mine, you weren't, calling the video tones over mixed is wrong, mine sounds like that, give or take and that's all that concerns me.
I think this is one of the best amps on the market right now it has so much stuff just good for everyone and everything
Execelent review. This could be my next addition, the GM 36 is pretty hard to beat though.
Pretty cool introduction. Thanks for demonstrating!!!
Why did I watch this? Now I want this amp.
I bought this Amp yesterday. Forget Kemper and the other. 771,-€ in Germany🤘
You were able to run the full 200 watts through the tm 212? Or was it set to 20 watts?
Want that Tele and amp for the studio I wanna make
Already preordered. Mid October can't come soon enough!
I preordered mine but I think it’s more like mid November..
Bojingly 67 so how is it?
Just ordered mine, gonna be reviewing it on my channel in the coming weeks!
let us know friend
Hello, thank you for the excellent review! I like the concept of this amp. I kinda compare it to the Boss Katana, ofcourse they're different as are the prices and quality. But the concept of a few but nice sounds, some effects and other quality of life features, is awesome. Can you recommend other similar amps?
Looks like a great amp. Is this a new amp for 2018?
Is it come with the big amplifier???
what´da signal chain. Often a missing info at the beginning of amp reviews
great amp!......looking good Mitch...
VERY nice demo.
Mitch is always a treat but I think he’s excited about the product or had an energy drink before shooting this haha
Amps fascinate me. But as a Kemper user I am humbly asking about the use of this one.
Maybe it's for someone who wants to see a familiar amp head but don't want tubes? An axe fx looks like a calculator and a Kemper looks like a space ship. Both great pieces of tech but maybe this is a nice middle between analog technology and digital commodity
Price
Sounds great!
That is one gorgeous Tele. What color is that?
best amplifier ever made, in my opinion. sorry orange!!
True, if I could afford it I would buy it, so I will stick with an orange cr 60
Kemper/engl are the best German built amps
@@jessetate9701 I have never heard of that brand.
Orange amps are... boring. At best. So fuzzy usually. This amps seems really good for the budget, and for apartments and such. Engl's are the best amps I've ever heard by far.
@@Sean.Cordes engl's?
I wonder if there is any of the legendary solid state mud when you crank it ??
Can the Bluetooth be used to run the amp signal through a Bluetooth speaker instead of plugging into a cabinet?
Hello, Michael! Great questions! The bluetooth is meant to go through the amp, in which case you could also take that signal xlr out to a separate system or powered speaker. Since the bluetooth is in-built it's not meant to travel the other way to another bluetooth speaker. It's just a "one-way" street, so to speak. Reach out if you have more questions. Thanks for the interest!
Ben Jimenez, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1312, ben_jimenez@sweetwater.com - Se habla Español
If I use a looper pedal through the fx loop and record a clean track of a few chords and let it play in loops to play a solo over using a crunch channel, will my loop sound become "crunchy" or will it stay clean the same way I recorded it?
It should stay clean, as the FX loop comes after the preamp stages of the amp and before the power section that goes direct to the speaker. It should be no different here in comparison to a standard guitar amp with an FX loop.
will it run 2- 4x12 16-ohm cabs
you went using popular makes like prs ibanez
I can't figure out why they refuse to design preset storage capabilities right on the amp itself....at least 10-12, without forcing the owner to go midi or play finger bongo on a tablet. Digital amps were doing that 25 years ago.
" ... without forcing the owner to go midi ..."
You nailed it :-)
floor boards = more revenue
can I use fcb1010 with it or do I have to buy the foot pedal for another $199
Hello, James! I wasn't sure myself, so I looked in the manual. Short answer is, yes. Here's the long form answer:
You can use any MIDI footswitch, MIDI controller, or MIDI equipped pedal board to switch presets. Both MIDI devices, amp (receiver) and the controller (sender), should use the same channel. Otherwise, MIDI commands will be ignored or get lost. The factory default is MIDI channel 1 and "Omni On" (which means the amp receives on all 16 MIDI channels) to guarantee instant operation. If Black Spirit 200 does not react to program changes properly, see chapter 8.1, which explains how you can change the MIDI channel, or refer to the manual of your favourite MIDI controller.
Thanks for the interest!
Kevin Spunde, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1732
So can it be used completely without a cab ?
Hello, Johnson! That's correct. The emulated out can be plugged directly into a live mixer/PA or an audio interface, if recording. This will allow you to utilize the preamp/eq of the amp, as well as digitally model cabinets, when sending signal in this way. In effect, you could eliminate the need for a physical cabinet in these scenarios.
Thanks for your interest!
Larry Reed, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3091, Larry_Reed@Sweetwater.com
You can also use it with headphones only, for those late night jams.
IS the amp capable of 200 watt RMS or is this peak power. What is the actual RMS power rating? Compared to a Rockerverb 100, how does the crunch channel stack up?
Hey, David! You would be able to run it at 200w no problem, as it is capable of running that wattage. Hughes and Kettner does not list the RMS power rating, unfortunately. But compared to a Rockerverb, the crunch channel will definitely be voiced different. It ultimately depends on the sound that you're looking to achieve. When you have a moment, give us a call and we can discuss what option would be best for your setup. Thanks!
Jozy Franco, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 3015
Definitely the best sounding H&K amp by far IMHO. Won't replace my tube amp with it though. What tele is that?. :)
ArielsSmartyPants best sounding *SOLID STATE* H&K
Nah, it's the best sounding in their lineup IMHO. Never been a fan, too brittle and sterile for me.
ArielsSmartyPants Hey, do H&K amps do good crunchy punk rock tones?
That would be up to your interpretation. There's a million sound demos of them, perhaps you'll like the sound, I find them too brittle and sterile as I said above. I'm more a fan of Orange Rockerverb or OR-15 myself.
I notice lifeson has moved on.....hmmm wonder why
I don't understand why they make reviews of amps that are clearly made for metal, but then these blues/rock guys review the amp.
Sweet Tele.
He needs to talk faster. Wish there was a tap tempo on the amp also. I get a snap or pop when I change the effects on the amp or go between them.
Ya but teles sound amazing thru anything....solid state and back lit.....nah
If it only had a compressor...
Too bad no Wah on that expression pedal board. This really hurts the overall aesthetics and appeal of this amp. Many songs use Wah pedals. I see it has an effects loop, but seems pointless when it has some awesome built in effects you can program. Rather have seen a Wah Pedal input in the back than fx loop 🤷♂️
IPad makes it a loser!
Manuel Kettenring from Hughes & Kettner (the guy sitting on the right side in THIS video: ruclips.net/video/M5GEAmi8cu8/видео.html&t ) commented at another video from Thomann (this here: ruclips.net/video/1d1sdbNyTD0/видео.html ) that an Android app will come soon. Hughes & Kettner even commented and confirmed on its own channel on RUclips that an Android app will be available soon, too. So you don't have to buy an IPad :)
Sorry for my bad English, I'm not a native. Greetings from Germany.
@Daniel Vincent Android app should be ready in early 2019
Tele is out of tune.
They won’t be able to keep up with kemper.
What's Kemper doing?
So do you mean Kemper won't be able to keep up with H&K?
Jim009911 kemper isn’t digital it stills all the tones of your tube amp at the state it’s in
RP225 no H&K won’t be able to keep up with kemper imo.
Jesse Tate you have no idea what you’re talking about
Speak slower Mitch, plz!