Hughes and Kettner TubeMeister 36 Guitar Amplifier Head, 36 Watts

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Packed with options like MIDI-controlled attenuation and Red Box output for cabinet-like signal, this compact 36-watt tube amp has tight tones at any volume.

Independent gain and master knobs and a switchable FX Loop are standard appointments on modern triple channel amps. But that's not nearly enough for a real TubeMeister. So Mr. Hughes and Mr. Kettner built in a MIDI system to access the channels, FX loop and onboard reverb. It can even select the power stages of the integrated power soak (36, 18, and 5 watts, 1 watt and Speaker Off)!

This revolutionary MIDI power soak can do some wild voicing tricks. For instance, you can tap its full dynamic range by running the Clean channel at 36 watts and switch over to the Crunch channel in 5-watt mode with the Master knob wide open to get good and grungy with some grinding rhythm. Or you could run the Lead channel at 18 watts for some high-gain riffage and switch over in a flash to the full 36 watts for a screaming solo.

A touch of a button is all it takes to conjure up to 128 such combinations. Imagine what this can do for your stage performance. And the 1-watt option brings the sound of the big stage into your own four walls, sans tonal compromises. Now you can keep that Master knob dimed even at home.

The built-in RED BOX feeds preamp and true power amp tone straight to a stage or studio mixing console. It authentically emulates the sound of a 4 x 12" cab and delivers a balanced line signal to the Speaker Out for use in rehearsal rooms, on stage, and even to pipe that sweet tube-driven sound straight into the PA. In combination with the power soak's silent recording option (Speaker read more Off), the RED BOX lets you lay down professional-quality tracks any time day or night. You can even feed the signal to in-ear monitors on stage without having to fuss with a cab or mic.

But that's still not all; there's also the wonderful TSC (Tube Safety Control). It is an automated system that constantly monitors and readjusts the bias to ensure power tubes operate reliably and deliver to-die-for tone, always. With the TSC, swapping tubes couldn't be any easier. And that makes the TubeMeister 36, already one of the world's most versatile tube amps, also one of the most dependable.

Features:

- Harmonically rich tube distortion that goes from edgy overdrive to creamy lead sounds
- Warm tube tone with phenomenal dynamic range that sweeps from sparkling clean to throaty crunch
- Modern high-gain sound that pairs plenty of punch with endless sustain
- 2x Passive 3-band voicing section tweaked to evoke the best frequency response out of each channel
- Preamp section sporting three 12AX7 tubes
- Push-pull power amp that pumps out stage-approved 36 watts
- Oversized transformers with tons of headroom
- TSC-protected power amp featuring auto-bias and status LED
- Footswitch connection enabling remote channel switching, FX-loop and reverb (footswitch not included)
- Serial FX loop for adding eff ects-fl avored spice to the sonic stew
- 5-stage, MIDI programmable power soak with silent recording capability
- Balanced RED BOX OUT with authentic speaker emulation
- Integrated, adjustable reverb
- Integrated MIDI-Interface including phantom power
- MIDI-LEARN for easy programming of channels, FX-loop, reverb and power soak
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- Channels: 3 Channels
- Power: 36 Watts
- Reverb: Switchable Reverb
- Effects Loop: Switchable Serial FX Loop
- MIDI: Yes
- Tubes: 3x 12AX7, 4x EL84
- Dimensions: 171 x 446 x 152 mm
- Weight: 7,7 kg

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 716-297-2920

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (8 ratings)
Submitted February 18, 2018 by Rob L in Clearfield, UT

"Best amp I've ever owned"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've only had this amplifier for a week now, but I can tell you it is the best. I've owned Blackstar, Line 6, Bugera, Marshall, and Peavey amplifiers and this Hughes and Kettner blows them all out if the water. I play mostly hard rock and metal, so I was concerned that this amplifier wouldn't handle the metal duties very well. I was fully prepared to send it back for an Orange Dark Terror, the Peavey 6505 mini or the EVH 5150 III mini head, but wanted to try the H&K for the direct out capabilities which would simplify recording. This amp delivered the metal and has a beautiful clean as a bonus. I make it a point to run an MXR Classic Overdrive out front as a clean boost, but this amp has plenty of distortion by itself. I took the amp to practice this last weekend and had my guitarist play through the amp because I'm actually the vocalist in this band, although I'm a guitarist originally. He ran it through the PA using the direct out and this thing has some cojones... It sounds great direct and it sounded great through his 2x12... I can't say anything more than I'm happy with the last amplifier purchase I'll probably every make. It's loud enough for a gig, but versatile enough to play in my bedroom. This thing was plenty loud over the drummer and quiet enough to play in my bedroom through my 4x12 with the baby sleeping in the next room. In addition, is have to say that this amp is the first amp to FEEL good to play. The chugs feel responsive, the clean feels responsive. I read more love this amp. I've found myself daydreaming about it and looking forward to the next time I get to play it...

Musical Background:
20+ yr guitarist

Musical Style:
Metal!
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