HUGHES & KETTNER Black Spirit 200 Combo

The Black Spirit 200 Combo from German manufacturer Hughes & Kettner brings a new perspective on the sonic and functional possibilities of guitar transistor combos. It combines the sonic experience, feel and quality of tube machines with the modeling versatility and ease of maintenance of transistor combos.

Key to its success is Spirit Tone Generator technology, which replicates the complex interactions of tube circuitry in a digitally controlled, but strictly analog transistor amplifier platform.

The combo's four channels, named Clean, Crunch, Lead and Ultra, offer a full palette of guitar sounds, from crystal-clear tones to rock crunch to hi-gain metal distortion that will reliably peel the plaster off your rehearsal room walls. The amp's selectable power ratings of 200, 20 and 2 watts allow it to be used in any environment - from strumming and practicing in the living room to rehearsing or gigging in clubs or venues. The standard controls in the preamplifier section (three-band EQ, Volume, Gain) and the final amplifier section (Master Volume, Presence, Resonance) are complemented by a handy Noise Gate and Sagging function that simulates the processes taking place in tube amplifiers.

The FX Access switch opens up further sonic enrichment and editing options in the form of integrated effects (Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo) and eight cabinet simulations. Standard controls are used to select and adjust parameters. In addition, all parameters (except Master Volume settings) can be saved and reopened at any time using the Store button (up to 128 presets can be saved). Each channel can also be sonically "kicked up" even further by pressing the Boost button.

The rear panel offers a wide range of amplifier connection options. A symmetrical XLR DI output with the ability to set up eight cabinet simulations (Red Box AE) will send your sound to a mix or recording device in top quality. The 8-16 ohm external speaker output offers a choice between standard guitar boxes and FRFR (Full Range Flat Response) speakers, so you can play through hi-fi boxes. The rear panel also features an effects loop in/out, Midi In/Out jacks for Midi compatibility and Aux in for playing music from audio/MP3 devices.

A MIDI board FSM-432 MK III can be connected to the amplifier via the Midi connector, making it easy to control individual presets at the touch of a switch (MIDI board not included). Thanks to Bluetooth compatibility, individual sounds can be saved and their parameters edited using the Black Spirit 200 Remote App (free to download).

At the heart of the ported Thiele/Small cabinet is a 12-inch (UK-made) Celestion G12H-75 Creamback speaker. The result is a really big "Wall of Sound" sound for a smaller cabinet, which will certainly surprise you.