TEST: Hughes & Kettner Ampman Series

That's what I call an open ear for the needs of the customer. After the Hughes & Kettner Nano series from the standstill both by the writing guild and the user to probably the best bedroom amp ever, Hughes & Kettner immediately set out to create an expanded product line, which addresses the criticisms of the tiny heads. In particular, the lack of FX loop and the somewhat limited direct-to-interface functions somewhat diminished the rehearsal room / live, as well as home recording, which does not detract from the excellent sound, but somewhat limited the flexibility. Well, Hughes & Kettner presents, the Ampman series, which sets out again with the two models Classic and Modern, after the 3-way BS200 series (Head, Combo, Floor) and the Nano series to manifest another highlight in the Spirit.

Floor amp or what?

Most guitarists will not have remained unaware of the general development. The trend towards "smaller and lighter" continues unabated in 2021 and is gaining more and more contour. The royal class in the form of massive all-tube heads and combos still represents the ultimate in terms of sound, but its handling is now unfortunately only possible for lucratively working artists of the upper and top league, who have a corresponding crew and equally corresponding transport possibilities. And even in the professional sector, every kilogram counts for air shows, which is taken out of the transport budget and rather put into one's own wallet.

So the Ampman series follows the very successful Floor Amp of the BS200 series, which has found its way into the transport bags of (semi)-professional guitarists for quite some time due to its extensive sonic and circuit flexibility (LINK). Should the Nano series produce an illegitimate offspring with the Floor Amp, it would look like the Ampman series. But everything nicely in order.

The concept of the Ampman series

Hughes & Kettner has set itself 3 different goals with the Ampman series.

1) Keep the simple sonic management of the Nano Series.

2.) Combine several models of the Nano series in one amp

3) To incorporate the road capability and flexibility of the Floor Series into the product.

To be upfront, all 3 approaches have been fully successful, which can be seen from the first impression of the products. Each 2 Nano Amp models were combined in one of the two versions, where you can choose between the Classic and the Modern version. As expected, the Vintage Nano Head with its excellent clean sound found access to both Ampman versions, whereby the Classic variant with its second channel aims more in the direction of rock , the Modern variant more in the direction of metal.

In addition to the highlight of the Sagging circuit, both the Tone control, as well as Gain and Master were adopted from the Nano series in both channels. As a real added value, one must evaluate the controls Presence and Resonance, which now round off the sonic possibilities in the area of high and low frequencies. Furthermore, there is a master control per channel, which decides the volume difference in solo mode. In terms of power, the values are identical to the Nano series and correspond to the physical constraint of a solid state power amplifier, i.e. the more resistance at the speaker, the less power.

The values amount to approx. 50 watts at 4 ohms, 25 watts at 8 ohms and 12 watts at 16 ohms and are sufficient without problems to fill a club stage or a small hall with sufficient volume. Only with a "pure" 16 ohm speaker such as older Marshall 412 cabinets (not switchable to 4 ohm mono) 12 watts could be a little tight on a hall stage. But always remember, volume monsters like a 100 watt Plexi are just about 80% louder than an Ampman at 16 ohms!

To protect the 14 knobs during transport, they are placed slightly recessed on the top. The respective channel selection is indicated by an LED on the outer right. Four footswitches allow a practical sound management in the form of channel selection, a solo switch, the activation / deactivation of the FV loop and a boost switch, which slightly boosts the upper midrange and can be compared with an external booster.

Although the Ampman series is clearly designed for live operation due to its conception in the form of a solid metal housing and the foot switches, consideration was also given to the demand regarding home recording. As with the Floor series, a Red Box speaker emulation was installed, but this time in a professional XLR version with switchable output level (Mic / Line) and 8 different speaker simulations. This can be used for direct recordings into the interface, to feed the Inear System for live operation or, in an emergency, to send a direct signal to the PA. The Red Box is located on the back of the product, as well as other useful features. This includes the FX loop vehemently demanded by many users, which makes a full-fledged live operation possible. In addition, the control for a noise gate is located on the back, which makes sense especially in the lead channel of the Modern version. Anyone who has had to frantically change the channel in every break in the performance in order not to rush into the singer's announcement in terms of background noise knows what I'm talking about.

To support the practice effect, there is also a mini-jack headphone output and an AUX In on the back of the case, as well as the input and the speaker output. It's also nice that even this comparatively small power consumer has an AES circuit that can be disabled if you don't like it, which turns the amp off after 2 hours of inactivity. This circuit often made my technician sweat during our tours, because my Triamp MKIII Spare Amp liked to deactivate itself at the end of the show and my technician did not know this circuit yet.

Unfortunately, due to space limitations, it was not possible to install a cold-device plug on the Ampman, so the same external power supply as on the Nano series does its job. For live operation it is important to provide a good strain relief and never forget the external power supply. No multi-voltage power supply will be able to deliver the values of 24 volts at 2.5 amps.

Even though all components are solid and of high quality, I recommend to get a padded bag or case especially for the transport of the amp. In addition to the controls on the top, this also protects the three protruding controls on the back of the housing, which could be damaged in the event of an unfortunate impact.

The Hughes & Kettner Ampman in practice

OK, let's get straight to the point. I am through the intensive contact with the BS200 series sonically already so much of Hughes & Kettner accustomed, especially in terms of analog sound and the sonic proximity to a tube circuit. However, what the Saarland here with the Ampman sonically "do", sets in terms of price / performance ratio once again on top. The two variants sound, in a word, phenomenal!

Doe both controls Presence and Resonance allow exactly the tonal diversity that it still needed for the real stage operation and provides in cooperation with the Tone and Sagging control for a very large fanning what style and personal priorities. The Vintage variant can be easily blown up to a three-channel by adding an overdrive in TS9 style, but due to the Solo and Boost switch, this is only necessary for very high gain reserves, for AOR, Classic and Hard Rock the Lead channel is completely sufficient and impresses especially with its excellent interaction with the volume control of the guitar.

This is particularly evident in the Modern variant, where a high-gain sound can be easily transformed into a true lead or heavy crunch sound by pulling back the output, much in the style of an all-tube amp. Sonically, both variants are more in the American than in the British realms, that is, the overpowering "Mittennöck" of the EL34 guard can be tickled out well by turning the Tone control to the left, but the overall sound always remains very balanced and voluminous, as you know it more from the 6L6 department and colleagues.

The practicality of this amp is outstanding, for me already one of THE new releases in 2021. This amp screwed on a medium floorboard, tuner and the personal modulation and room effects with it, and you are perfectly equipped for a complete show. Should you be able to share a suitable cabinet on site, your complete equipment consists of your instrument and a padded bag / bagpack for your floorboard.

These amps are a real enrichment for every working musician! Full marks with all possible recommendations what goes!

Conclusion

With the Ampman series, the Saarland company has once again two excellent products from the Spirit series at the start. The amps impress with an excellent basic sound, great practicality and a very high flexibility, which ranges from home recording to the daily practice routine to the very easy to transport, professional stage amp.

The abandonment of the classic three-band tone control in favor of the Tone control allows a very fast character change from midrange-heavy to scoop and, in conjunction with the Sagging control, achieves a sonic quality that has not been possible in solid state technology until now.

Absolutely test and be amazed! Absolute purchase recommendation!

Additional informations:

Hughes & Kettner is a German manufacturer of high-quality guitar amplifiers, speaker cabinets, and effects pedals. The company was founded in 1984 by Hans Stamer and Lothar Stamer, two engineers with a passion for creating innovative guitar equipment. Today, Hughes & Kettner is recognized as a world-class manufacturer of guitar amplification products, and their products are used by some of the most renowned guitarists in the world.

One of the things that sets Hughes & Kettner apart from other guitar amplifier manufacturers is their commitment to innovation. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with guitar amplification technology, and this is reflected in their product range. From the award-winning TriAmp MKIII to the versatile GrandMeister Deluxe 40, Hughes & Kettner amplifiers offer a level of tonal flexibility that is unmatched in the industry.

Another key feature of Hughes & Kettner products is their attention to detail. Every amplifier, speaker cabinet, and effects pedal is built to the highest possible standards, using only the best components available. This results in products that not only sound great, but are also incredibly reliable and durable.

Hughes & Kettner also places a strong emphasis on user-friendliness. Their products are designed to be easy to use, even for guitarists who are new to the world of amplification. Whether you're looking for a simple practice amp or a high-end professional rig, Hughes & Kettner has a product that will meet your needs.

In addition to their range of amplifiers and effects pedals, Hughes & Kettner also offers a range of speaker cabinets. These cabinets are designed to complement their amplifiers perfectly, and are built to the same high standards as their other products. They come in a variety of sizes and configurations, making it easy to find the perfect cabinet for your needs.

Hughes & Kettner has also embraced the digital revolution, and many of their products feature advanced digital signal processing capabilities. This allows guitarists to access a wide range of tones and effects that would be impossible to achieve with traditional analog technology. However, Hughes & Kettner has also recognized the importance of preserving the classic analog sound that has made guitar amplifiers so popular over the years, and many of their products combine the best of both worlds.

Overall, Hughes & Kettner is a company that is dedicated to providing guitarists with the best possible amplification products. Their commitment to innovation, attention to detail, and user-friendliness have made them a favorite among guitarists around the world. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, Hughes & Kettner has a product that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.