HUGHES & KETTNER Black Spirit 200 Floor (opened)

The Black Spirit 200 Floor from German manufacturer Hughes & Kettner brings a new perspective on the sonic and functional possibilities of transistor guitar amplifiers, combining the feel and performance of the venerable Black Spirit 200 guitar amp with the practicality of the FSM-432 MK III MIDI board in the form of a floor-standing multieffect. Key to its success is Spirit Tone Generator technology, which replicates the complex interactions of tube circuitry in a digitally controlled, but strictly analogue transistor amplifier platform.

The amp'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 (Master Volume, Presence, Resonance) are complemented by a handy Noise Gate and Sagging function.

The integrated MIDI switch/board operates in three modes: Preset Mode (32 banks with four presets in each), Stomp Box Mode and Direct 7 Mode (direct access to 7 of the 128 presets assigned to each footswitch). The effects section itself in the form of integrated effects (Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo) and eight cabinet simulations are accessed via the FX Access switch. Standard controls are used to select and adjust parameters. All parameters (except Master Volume settings) can be saved using the Store button (up to 128 presets can be stored) and reopened at any time using the footswitches. 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) cabinets, so you can play through hi-fi boxes. The unit also offers an XLR Monitor In input with a corresponding volume control, where you set the ratio of monitor/listener volume to your machine, an effects loop input/output plus two programmable pre-loop loops, into which you can place your favourite effects pedal (connect to the signal chain by activating the assigned preset, otherwise bypass), Midi In/Out connectors for Midi compatibility, two inputs for external fooswitches/expression pedals (not included), headphone output and Aux in for playing music from audio/MP3. Bluetooth connectivity also allows you to stream music and control, edit and save individual presets in the Black Spirit 200 Remote App (iOS, Android).