Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200

The Black Spirit 200 from German manufacturer Hughes & Kettner brings a new perspective on the sonic and functional possibilities of transistor guitar amplifiers. It combines the sonic experience, feel and quality of tube amplifiers with the versatility of modeling machines and the ease of maintenance of transistor amplifiers - all in a lightweight, compact body (the weight of the amplifier is equivalent to 3.6 kg).

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.

Named Clean, Crunch, Lead and Ultra, the amp's four channels 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 FX Access switch opens up additional sound 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 stored). 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, headphone output, Aux in for playing music from audio/MP3 devices and a Bluetooth streaming button.

The Midi connector can be used to connect the FSM-432 MK III MIDI board to the amplifier and easily control individual presets at the touch of a switch (MIDI board not included).