TEST: Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40

 Sometimes I wonder whether the Saarland guys from Hughes & Kettner expected this. Logically, the concept of the head was perfect for the “working musician”, but probably not even the true believers in the marketing department dared to predict such a great success for the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister 36. I don't have exact figures, but I estimate that it is at least among the top 3 best-selling all-tube heads of the past year.

The reasons are quickly listed. Very compact dimensions, 128 fully programmable sounds in true all-tube quality without modeling, storable power amplifier power reduction, excellent sounds and a weight that allows you to travel on the German train or, if you are in good physical condition, on a bicycle. Well, what do you do as an ambitious manufacturer when you own a product that is already running very well?

Well, you listen to the musician, or let's say a somewhat emotionally reduced end customer, whether you couldn't maybe do a few things better. And yes, a few points were found that could be improved, which were then implemented in the successor model, the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40.


construction

As already mentioned, the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40 is an all-tube head that can deliver a maximum of 40 watts to any cabinet between 8 - 16 ohms. The amp doesn't like 4 ohms, in my opinion there is currently no regular guitar box that only runs at 4 ohms, i.e. H. You would have to connect 2 8 ohm or 4 16 ohm speakers in parallel. However, the power can also be reduced to 20 watts, 5 watts, 1 watt or even pure load resistance using pressure switches on the back of the housing by switching off various power amplifier tubes, which also enables operation without a box. The power amplifier circuit is also programmable, which is particularly useful for power tube saturations in the crunch area.

In terms of size, the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40 remains pleasantly small and, with dimensions of 446 x 171 x 152 mm and a total weight of only 7.8 kilograms, can be easily transported in the high-quality soft bag supplied. The Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40 has its carrying handles on both sides and is therefore much easier to carry and lift onto a stack than you are used to with one-handed carrying handles.

The front of the case is once again adorned with the well-known Plexiglas pane, which is dipped in the famous H&K blue during operation. No amp can be recognized on stage more quickly than a Hughes & Kettner; the marketing department did a great job on that many years ago. The back and top cover are made of metal and can reach a decent temperature during operation. The top plate in particular generates heat during normal operation, which at first glance makes you think.

However, what makes a Marshall user run to the nearest technician screaming in panic should make a Grandmeister user remain in deep relaxation. The heat dissipation via the top plate is part of the amp's cooling concept and enables operation without an internal fan, which would otherwise be necessary given the packed interior. When it comes to tube assembly, the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40 works with a total of seven tubes, with 4 EL84s used for the power amplifier and 3 12AX7 (ECC83) for the preamplifier.

On the back of the amp is one of the amp's special features. Using an internal circuit called TSC, the amp automatically detects the failure of one power tube and compensates for this by switching off the other half-wave tube. The four built-in LEDs also provide information about the degree of power reduction on the power soak. There is also the threshold control for the noise gate, a line out for external power amplifiers, an additional FX loop and two MIDI sockets (In / Thru-Out) for connecting a MIDI strip or, for example, the one specifically designed for the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister series tailored floorboard FSM 432 MKIII.

Conception

As already mentioned, the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40 comes into the race with four channels called Clean, Crunch, Lead and Ultra plus a boost function that can be used on all channels. Furthermore, the amp includes an effects section which features chorus, delay, tremolo, flanger, phaser and reverb, which inevitably leads the interested reader to manage the same parameters. In order to master the diverse possibilities with just 9 potentiometers, H&K uses two clever tricks.

On the one hand, so-called “Smart Rotary Controls” are used, all of whose settings can be saved with the exception of the master volume controller. To check a saved setting, simply turn the control until the Store LED lights up briefly. This means that all saved sounds can be retrieved very quickly. On the other hand, you can use the FX-Swich to switch the functionality of five of the controls. What was just the gain control now controls the intensity of the effect, the volume control becomes the selection control for the FX, etc. Once you have become familiar with the principle of switching and editing, the rest is self-explanatory. A very user-friendly solution.

WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

iPad owners can look forward to a very interesting feature. You can completely remote control and edit the head using the corresponding Grandmeister Deluxe 40 app. In addition to the above, you need: App a second app for switching the WLAN (both available for free in the Apple App Store) and a MIDI interface. With the WMI-1, H&K also offers a suitable interface, which then also communicates wirelessly with the top.

Placed between the two MIDI ports, you can now control your amp remotely, which makes working on large stages or in the studio easier. The app really comes into its own when it comes to copying sounds to other storage locations. What turns out to be a tricky test of patience on the amp takes seconds on the app. The highlight of the app, however, is the ability to copy the entire database to other amplifiers. Professional musicians who play at festivals or on tours abroad with rental equipment can take their database with them on the plane using an iPad and transfer it to the amp on site in the shortest possible time. The result is the same sound as at home, no matter which grandmaster you have in front of you.

Differences to Grandmaster 36

Fortunately, H&K didn't make any major changes, but only made subtle changes to the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40 compared to its predecessor, but in a few very important points. On the one hand, the basic sound of the head was “refined” by sounding more like the Battleship Triamp MK III. Compared to its predecessor, the head sounds a little softer, less angular and has a higher headroom in terms of distortion.

The current clean sound remains really clean even at high volumes and only starts to get slightly “dirty” at very high gain. The Crunch channel is also much more equipped for subtle blues than for harder rock attitudes. To compensate for this, the Lead and Ultra were designed to be heavier than on the GM36. The Ultra channel in particular is now a real metal channel, which also pays tribute to more modern metal sounds with its basic scoop design.

Clearly the biggest change, however, is the new Red Box speaker simulation, which H&K is now installing in some of its products. While most users slap their faces on the floor when they hear the word speaker simulation because of the generally terrible sound experiences, the new Red Box scores points in terms of basic sound, resonance and dynamics. A professional recording with a microphone is still far ahead in terms of sound, but if you are forced to go directly into a P.A. If you want to play or have to record quickly in your home studio, you can achieve a sound quality with this Red Box that was previously not possible.


Practice

In short: excellent! Even if you invoke the greatest possible nagging and whining factor, there is nothing that you could criticize about the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40. If anything, the only thing you notice is the relatively high noise level in the Ultra channel, which can be easily controlled with the very intelligent noise gate.

In terms of sound, the amp does not copy any of the great classics, but with a very neutral basic sound it creates an excellent basis for all the sounds that the “working musician” needs.



Conclusion

With the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister Deluxe 40, the Saarland company manages to maintain the strengths of its predecessor and take the sound a step further. I don't know of any other amp from the Lunchbox class that offers such a wide selection of practical solutions in the form of excellent sound, first-class workmanship and a brilliant concept.

Clearly top marks!

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Additional Informations:


Introduction:
Full-tube amplifiers, revered for their warm, harmonically-rich tones and timeless appeal, have captivated musicians and audiophiles for decades. Among the myriad configurations available, amplifiers equipped with EL84 tubes in the power stage hold a special place, renowned for their distinctive sound characteristics and versatility. This article embarks on a comprehensive journey into the realm of full-tube amplifiers featuring EL84 tubes in the power stage, unraveling their sonic nuances, historical significance, and enduring popularity.

Origins and Evolution:
The roots of full-tube amplifiers with EL84 tubes can be traced back to the mid-20th century, a time when vacuum tube technology reigned supreme in the realm of audio amplification. The EL84 tube, initially introduced by Mullard in the late 1950s, quickly gained traction among amplifier manufacturers for its compact size, reliability, and unique sonic signature.

Amplifiers featuring EL84 tubes in the power stage became synonymous with iconic British amplifier designs, epitomizing the "British sound" revered by guitarists and enthusiasts worldwide. The EL84's characteristic midrange warmth, smooth overdrive saturation, and dynamic responsiveness became hallmarks of this revered amplifier configuration.

Over the years, amplifier manufacturers have continued to refine and innovate upon the classic EL84-powered amplifier design, incorporating modern features and enhancements while preserving the essence of its vintage heritage. Today, full-tube amplifiers with EL84 tubes in the power stage remain a staple in studios, stages, and home setups alike, cherished for their timeless sound and unmatched musicality.

Sonic Characteristics:
Central to the allure of full-tube amplifiers with EL84 tubes is their distinct sonic character, characterized by a harmonically-rich and dynamic response that sets them apart from solid-state or hybrid alternatives. At the heart of this sonic signature lies the inherent properties of vacuum tube technology, which imparts a unique warmth, depth, and texture to the amplified signal.

The EL84 tube's relatively low output power compared to larger power tubes such as EL34 or 6L6 results in earlier onset of power tube distortion, lending a smooth, creamy overdrive that is highly coveted by guitarists for blues, rock, and alternative music styles. This natural compression and saturation contribute to the amplifier's dynamic responsiveness, allowing players to achieve expressive tonal nuances simply by varying their playing dynamics.

Furthermore, the EL84's distinctive midrange emphasis adds a characteristic "British" flavor to the amplifier's tone, characterized by punchy lows, singing highs, and a pronounced midrange presence that cuts through the mix with clarity and authority. Whether delivering chiming cleans or gritty crunch tones, full-tube amplifiers with EL84 tubes offer a versatile sonic palette that can adapt to a wide range of musical genres and playing styles.

Applications and Versatility:
Full-tube amplifiers featuring EL84 tubes in the power stage excel in a variety of musical applications, making them a popular choice among guitarists, recording engineers, and audiophiles alike. From vintage-inspired rock tones to modern high-gain aggression, these amplifiers offer a versatility that transcends genre boundaries, making them indispensable tools for musicians seeking sonic expression and inspiration.

In the studio, full-tube amplifiers with EL84 tubes are prized for their ability to capture the nuances of a performer's playing with unparalleled fidelity and realism. Their rich harmonic content and natural compression make them ideal for recording both clean and driven guitar tones, adding depth and dimension to recordings that may be lacking in solid-state or digital alternatives.

On stage, EL84-powered amplifiers shine in live performance settings, delivering the raw energy and visceral punch that define the essence of rock and roll. Their responsive touch sensitivity and dynamic range allow players to interact with their amplifiers in real-time, shaping their tone with precision and finesse as they feed off the energy of the crowd.

Furthermore, the compact size and relatively lightweight construction of EL84-powered amplifiers make them ideal companions for gigging musicians who value portability without compromising on tone or performance. Whether headlining stadium concerts or playing intimate club gigs, these amplifiers offer a reliable and versatile platform for musicians to unleash their creativity and connect with their audience on a profound level.

Notable Examples and Enduring Legacy:
Throughout the decades, numerous amplifier manufacturers have embraced the EL84-powered amplifier design, each putting their unique spin on this timeless configuration. From iconic British brands like Vox and Marshall to boutique builders and modern manufacturers, the legacy of full-tube amplifiers with EL84 tubes continues to thrive in today's musical landscape.

One notable example of a full-tube amplifier featuring EL84 tubes in the power stage is the Vox AC30, a legendary amplifier that has left an indelible mark on the history of rock music. Originally introduced in the late 1950s, the AC30's shimmering cleans and creamy overdrive tones have graced countless recordings and stages, earning it a place in the pantheon of guitar amplification icons.

In addition to the Vox AC30, other notable examples of EL84-powered amplifiers include the Marshall DSL20HR, Orange Rocker 15, and Fender Bassbreaker 007, each offering its own unique take on the classic EL84-driven sound. Whether vintage-inspired or modern-minded, these amplifiers pay homage to the rich legacy of tube amplification while pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration and innovation.

Looking ahead, the legacy of full-tube amplifiers with EL84 tubes in the power stage shows no signs of fading into obscurity. As musicians continue to seek out authentic, emotive tones that resonate with their artistic vision, these amplifiers remain steadfast in their ability to inspire creativity, elevate performances, and capture the magic of live music in all its raw, unfiltered glory.

Conclusion:
Full-tube amplifiers featuring EL84 tubes in the power stage represent a pinnacle of sonic craftsmanship and musical expression, cherished by musicians and enthusiasts for their timeless appeal and unmatched versatility. From the golden age of rock and roll to the modern era of digital innovation, these amplifiers have stood the test of time, leaving an indelible mark on the history of music and shaping the sonic landscape for generations to come. As technology continues to evolve and musical tastes evolve with it, the allure of full-tube amplifiers with EL84 tubes remains as potent as ever, serving as a beacon of inspiration and creativity for musicians around the world.