Best New Practice Amp? (Hotone Pulze)
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- Опубліковано 14 кві 2024
- The Hotone Pulze is supposedly the best new guitar practice amp in the world. Well, as it turns out I have a big problem with it. It's not the most affordable amp in the world, but that's not too big of a problem assuming it sounds good. Let's see.
I hope you enjoy!
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I thought of a good speaker to try in your 5 watt Marshall ( if it fits ): a Weber Ceramic Gray Wolf 10
you could keep the stock baffle board and speaker, and just make a new baffle board.
OR....there is this 8" neodymium that I got for my 5 watt tube amp.... I think most people would raise their eyebrows because it's a pro-audio midrange speaker.
but it has the guitar speaker type response, and 96 db sensitivity ( Celestion would call it 97.5 db ) ...and it has a 76hz Fs, like a 12"....and just 80 USD
the wattage is based on a Xover frequency of 140, so it's like a 60 watt RMS handleing...a bit much for a 5 watt, but if you don't want speaker coloration, that's fine.
the speaker is the: PRV MR500-NDY v2
the PRV MR500-NDY v2 I mention, would bolt right up into your Marshall .. it was my best bang per buck move, and I am really happy with it. ( I couldn't find a louder 8 )
the low notes are really percussive, not sloppy sounding.....4 bolt, 8 inch....loud, good bottom end, airy top end, and punchy.....about 75 Euros.....8 Ohm 8
if you get a PRV MR500-NDY v2 , it has a cloth surround, so take an x-acto knife and cut the little part of the surround that overlap inside the bolt holes, ( to clear for the bolts )
I mean this 8 inch is Not Technically a guitar speaker,
but I don't think the EVM12L was technically a guitar speaker either, until people decided it was.
PRV AUDIO 8MR500-NDY V2 Neodymium 8" Mid Range 8 ohms Pro Audio Speaker it's a good practice amp speaker......almost as loud as a green back too
Yes, please compare this to Spark mini and micro cube.
Looks really fun, nice sounds too - hope you get to keep it! Could tell you were enjoying it
Great review! Looking forward to a comparison video.
Cheers!
Man, great review. My issue with many of these small modelers is that most of the presets are garbage and it takes a lot of tweaking to get them sounding good. But this one… just about every sound you flipped through was a banger. I’d complain about the price, but I think your demo makes it clear why it’s pricey.
Thanks!
I agree. I have the Spark Mini and this amp. As you said, is best not to go too lound. The Pulze makes the Mini sound like a wholy muffler when played back to back. The Pulze is an awesomely sounding practice amp. The rythm/drum feature is excellent for practicing. If it was battery/rechargeable, had a foot-switch with a looper and wireless guitar connectivity, there would be a few people out of work out there...
Oh yes please do a comparison of those practice amps mentioned on the video. Great review by the way! Your channel never disappoints truly, this is my go to when it comes to brutally honest and useful insights. Are you also going to make a content about amp modelers like boss katana go, toneXone etc? Really looking to what I can have best, don’t want to disturb neighbors but also want to do records or content on my own. Cheers!
Thanks!
Hello Elmo! Cool amp! Thanks 😊
Cheers!
Hi Elmo, have a great week. 🎉
Thanks! You too :)
Sounds good.
Fun you mention the Micro cube. Still my go to.
Yeah, it's really stood the test of time.
Same here. I use my Micro Cube almost every day. Had it for many years.
Elmo that amp is a keeper, I've never seen your playing so elevated before! It is obviously inspiring you to play at your best. Trouble is, I now want one!
Haha :D Sorry :)
It sounds good and Hotone have been around for a minute at this point so if you don't already have a desktop/shelf amp, it'll do the job. I've had a Spark 40 for years now and don't see myself buying a second practice amp but if they're still around when the Spark gives up the ghost, this would be an amp worth coming back around to check out.
Soooo Hotone did it right this time
Lots and lots of usable to great tones from this white box
Thanks a lot for sharing
Cheers!
Oooh! A very interesting new toy! Excellent job as usual mate 😎👌
Here's some ideas (To help convince you to keep it 😁).
1: Please do a Livestream with it to test out that feature of it 🙏 (Even if it all goes wrong, would still be a useful demo )
2: The Blackstart ID Care 20 also touted the Livestream feature. A head to head between those 2 might be useful for people trying to decide? 🤷♂
3: Like you suggested, Shhotouts agains you other favourite amps, The Spark probably makes the most sense.
All of the above, might bring in enough revenue to keep it, especially if ya do regular livestreams with it, it could pay for itself? 😃
Cheers!
The End
I might do just that at some point.
@@MrPolevaulter Awesome! 😃👍
Hotone makes some killer stuff. Their modelers in particular are amazing. The ampero 2 stomp is the best modeler you can get at its price point. Not surprised this amp is great too.
I really like that. I’m a happy Spark 40 owner also. I think if someone’s in the market they should get it.
Hi Elmo great playing and reviews as allways, what amp would you recommend for small gig venues ie bars ect? Thanks
Probably the Harley Benton Tube15, but it depends on the style of music and budget.
Not ready to give up my Yamaha THr yet…but that does sound very nice 👍
I have the Spark Mini and I run it thru an frfr and it can get insanely loud and works just fine…but I always go back to the Yamaha thr cuz it just sounds so good and it’s easy 👍
I‘ve just ordered the Marshall DSL1CR. I‘ve already tested this little combo and it’s amazing. Needed something with a good sound without disturbing my sleeping daughter.
"It even almost makes a coffee for you" 😄
This amp sounds really good. Yes do a 3way comparison please
I was about to ask for the comparison. It would be appreciated.
Many of the same sounds and models are in the Ampero mini by Hotone for $189. I bought one for traveling because it’s got a headphone output and it’s just a little bigger than the size of two decks of playing cards
That combined with a Harley Benton powered fr cab and you have a 100 W and a 12 inch speaker.
A better choice yes.
Hi Elmo😜 Nice content as usual. I wonder what hotone or the mooere prime sounds like going into the Spark Cab ? I also wonder what sounds better, the Spark Cab or the Spark Live Amp ? Too bad these companies don't send you this stuff free considering your impressive knowledge 🤩 The portability of a practice amp is half the reason for having one. This makes me want the Spark Live....So many great products nowadays 😅It would be nice to see looper pedal compatability for these various practice amps as well. I'm leaning toward loopy pro for my Spark 40. Have a great time with your musical journey👻 Now I want to hear it compared to the Nux Mighty Space... And as far as Spark goes... the lack of looper functionality really sucks. Of course this makes me want the output jack gained by the ULooper pedal for the Spark though apparently it only works well for the Spark Live .....Aaaugh🌮🤣😂
Yeah, loads of great stuff out there.
I have this amp. And Yes. This is absolutely BRILLANT❤🔥Sounds incedible!❤🔥
Compression. I love little speakers for their compression. I have a Roland GC with 4 little speakers, that I normally just run through a Weber 10'' alnico speaker, that I sometimes hook up to its tiny 3.5'' speakers because they compress EVERYTHING in such a pleasing way. Compression isn't always what I want and the GC's preamp with tube emulation is pretty cool so it is nice to be able to directly hook it up to literally any speaker I want. Can that Hotone be sent through a larger speaker or is it stuck with that inherent boom box vibe?
Thanks for the video Elmo! I tried the gear links in the description, they don't seem to work anymore.
They do for most people. Sometimes there's something wrong with them. I don't know what it is. I've tried on different devices and browsers and they've always worked.
@@MrPolevaulter I figured out why it didn't work, the address after redirecting contains language code, e.g. /gb/blabla /it/blabla. For some reason, the link doesn't work with the /hr/ language code and works fine when I changed it to /gb/.
It would be great if you could check out more hotone products like the stomp or stage!
I have had one for about a month ,just for noodling whilst watching football .
It does sound fantastic ,better than the similar stuff from Yamaha and boss etc but there are some issues .
The touch screen is too small , so you really need the app.
You cannot change presets mid song unless you have the Bluetooth footswitch which I bought but then if you use that you cannot use the app or stream music into it and it’s a major pain to set up .
Overall though it’s a great unit .
Totally agree
Sounds like my old Yamaha 500 bible,which I still got, For me Speaker size is important, though I got a Bkackstar 40watt with 2 6inch speakers OK for Practic. What Ido not like is the outside power pack.
It sounds great A number of different than the usual patches
It reminds me of that Yamaha desktop amp.
Seeing the way the companies are going towards built-in effects, I guess I have an unpopular opinion on it. It's beautiful, it's compact, you have a wide range of options of amps, cabs, effects, the screen is really useful, the app... Although there are so many things I could say about it, it's still a 400-dollar practice tool, which you won't use live or for band practice - even at home, you want to use your pedals to improve what you can get from them, and Pulze goes on a different way (you don't pay for such wide range of effects if you will always use your set of pedals to play!).
It's exactly what you said. It's something nice to have around so you can sit down, practice, play. But I don't feel so confortable paying that much when I'd still need an amp to set up my gear or even practice with other people. I'd love to have one too, tho.
Great video as always, Elmo! Hope you decide which one you prefer (and let us know) and get to keep it!
Cheers! Yeah, I do plan to compare them.
Seems to shine well, after a listen.
Elmo! My fave muminshredder 😁
:D
Pretty impressive sounds. But too expensive! Get the apps: Gig Performer, S-gear by Scuffham and Midi Guitar 2 (soon 3) and a fast notebook and you got EVERYTHING you need at s highest level!
Play with headphones.
Sounds great, but the price is the killer. Almost $800au here. Toss in another 50, and you could have a Spark mini, and the 140w FRFR powered cab to go with it. It's just too much for a practice amp IMO. Great review as always though. No knobs either. I like knobs. Just a volume, at least?
Hi Elmo, what's your opinion comparing the positive spark amp and this one ? I would like to buy the 40 watts one ,, now you show us this one ,,, witch one would you choose ?,,great video and thanks , have a great day
Elmo is high....
I don't know.
Now you just have to test the Nux Mighty Space to fill the gap!
Hi Elmo. Nice demo. But mabye you need both spark mini and this one. Cause this one has no battery aparently. The spark mini you can take it outside in a park or garden isn't it? Best regards.
True.
grandes sonidos Mr Karjalainen💪💪 ...pero mucha reverb en casi todos ellos..🤔..esta es una primera impresión..pero puedes grabar una segunda impresión y con tus pedales strymon..etc?
por cierto..cómo se nota que es bueno..tus ráfagas de alta velocidad han sonado como nunca!👏👏👏saludos desde España 🇪🇸👌
Gracias!
Great amp but does it really beat positive grid? Tonecloud alone for me makes nothing better than pg.
Hey Elmo! I'm looking to diversify my amps a bit. I think the headphone jack on the Spark 40 is very good, you need to rework the sounds a bit for this use, but it's very satisfying. I just tested the Fender Mustang LT40S on headphones and it was abominable! Can you tell me what the quality of the Hotone Pulze's headphone jack is worth?
Haven't tried it
@@MrPolevaulter Have you returned the Hotone yet?
@@jaunianise4172 Still have it
@@MrPolevaulter Love you ^^ 😁
I'm using an Ampero One into an Orange Crush 12 as a practice setup, have all the effects I need plus the amp sounds like a real guitar amp and I don't need an app to run it. 400 dollars total cost.
Ah! But does it have an alternative speaker out? Most of these "practice amps" may sound good but could you actually use them live? Without an external speaker output, they won't sound any good on stage( I get that it's a practice amp ,but if it sounds good you could use it into a good 2x12 speaker live.
I think this sounded better than spark, not bad at all
Yeah, I need to A/B them.
Thanks for the "honest" review, Elmo. Most of the gear reviewers would be broke if they purchased the gear as well. No... they just add custom Ir's and smile. Hope you're able to stay true and not take the big salami.
Mmm...salami...
@@MrPolevaulter Hebrew National brand is pretty decent if you can't get the better Organic beef salami. Yeah, cold beef salami especially in the summer is really very nice.
For that cash I’ll take the Positive Grid powered cab and the Mini for a little more $ or the Positive Grid 40 watt head for about $600 to $650 total. Lots of amps and effects to choose from and 150 watts of power. I got that and I’ll stick with the Positive Grid over that. Hell the powered cab can probably be used with that.
I think that the Nux mighty Space is very similar to this.
Elmo, I have an issue with the modeling amps. They sound great and have all kinds of bells and whistles but they just feel like ...eh. They make sound sure but you can't control the tone of the model like you could on the real amp they are designed to emulate. Is it just me? I have several modeling amps and regular simple amps (like they just have a volume, gain, tone or bass/treble/mids and possibly a reverb tank). I just find I can make a Fender Champ or even a simple Pignose with just a volume knob sound great and change the tone of the amp with the controls on my guitar but it just isn't the same with a modeling amp. The Roland Micro Cube (I have a 1st gen version) comes the closest to reacting like a real amp but still limited. Maybe you could do a video of modeling and regular amps pros and cons or your 2 cents on the subject.
The Micro Cube is still surprisingly good. Might do something along those lines at some point.
I have a yamaha thr30II. Surprisingly, it cleans up when I dial the volume down, provided I don't max the gain and master, and I don't overuse the "noise gate". The main drawback is the short "lag" period when you go from one preset to another. So, as a practice amp it's really good, if you don't push it too much you can use it for fun at a small jam session in a bar. This "hotone" amp sounds a lot like that too. The Roland MicroCube is a versatile, excellent practice amp which punches higher than its pricetag.
@@arvetemecha I have the THR5 (first gen also) and like it as it is very reactive to your playing. One thing I think I like best about it was the volume knob. You could have the gain and master all the way and yet have the volume down to play it in the bedroom. Great practice amp.
I had one returned it cleans were amazing effects are amazing but when it came to high gain it felt like it was like playing through a tin can sounded way to thin not sure if it’s because of the all metal housing when playing through it
It just didn’t have that warmth
It’s a great amp in any case but not for me
That’s interesting as I was thinking about buying one. Have you played the spark range and did you find any of them better sounding than this?
@@gazzaduce3424 hi the spark was to dark for me and the hotone was to bright in the distortion end of it
Brittle sounding but for cleans and effects are great no complaints there
I think I am going to get the blackstar ID core 40 sort of the best of both worlds
And cheaper 😃
To be honest, I'm a little surprised that it doesn't have a looper built in. I think that would go perfectly with the built in drum tracks. I think the thing sounds incredible (helped by your playing, for sure), but they're higher than the Spark 40 and just under the Yamaha THR that has a built in wireless receiver.
Sadly none of these desktop amps seem to have a built in looper and for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. It seems like a glaring omission.
@@jasonswitzer1748 Totally agree. I think loopers are one of the ultimate practice tools.
Have you tried importing IRs compared to the stock cabinets? I’m just wondering if it makes a difference ? Thanks
No, sorry.
@@MrPolevaulter no probs and thanks for the reply.
Elmo Dirt Hall is crazy good :)
It did sound good. However, I think it was 10 percent the amp and 90 percent Elmo's playing. Once again, though, the small speakers did not allow the amp to be all that it could.
This amp is expensive. On the other hand, Elmo said it gave some of the Stryman Cloudburst sound. That pedal costs $280 just by itself. Thanks Elmo.
Hi mate, so I’m thinking of getting this but I have the spark mini. Do you the I should for this or do you think it’s waste of money having the spark mini already.? Thanks
I'm not sure tbh. Need to compare them side by side.
I’ve just got one but how do update the firmware? For me so far it’s not sounding as good as the spark mini
Is all of that reverb in the presets?
Not sure I understand.
NUX Mighty Space sounds better from my perspective. (had one for a bit, plus it was wireless)...and you can connect an external cab...
Seriously 400 bucks!? It sounds like it’s worth it! All that and none of the spark bullshit?! I would be down if they made a bass model!
Thank you so much for the review Elmo. I really appreciate your honesty. I’m gonna have to pass on this amp right here. I’m gonna stick with my Roland micro cube. It’s old faithful and never fails me
Yeah, the Micro Cube is legendary.
Elmo, if your "Uummimng and Aarring" about keeping a cheap practice amp, SELL the Hotone and simply buy the
Yamaha THR 30 with the Wireless Line 6 dongle, once you`ve tuned it In, you won`t or even forget the cost, as it`s
LOUD and Tonally Brilliant...
Thanks for the tip, but already had one. The video on that' not out yet.
Ça fait des année que les chinois commencent à dépasser tout le monde , ça ne fait que confirmer
Je me le suis commandée , hâte de le recevoir dans la semaine
That seems expensive for a practice amp. Even if it sounds better than the competition I don't need 10 percent better tone to practice scales. The cleans sound better than Spark but the Spark high gain tones sound a bit better I think. Plus my spark for all its issues was under 300.00 US.
Fair enough.
Maukasta! Olis kyl hauska kuulla miten toi hoitaa 7-kielisellä alhaisen A:n sahauksen :-)
Yamaha THR 10 top!
I’d spend the extra money just to stay away from anything Positive grid. I bought the spark when it came out and waited. Almost 8 months to receive it. Worst customer service ever. They shipped the first ones out with an adapter that did not have a ground and was really noisy. They told me they would send me a new one and never did.
I thought it was fine until you added any distortion to it and then it sounded either boxy or super compressed or buzzing to the point were some of those presets were... just terrible. It must be better in person because I think the Katana (and Catalyst) still sound better and are cheaper.
i mean. its a digital amp
@@blehhhhhhh272 Why would you concern yourself with a gear review of a digital amp if you are secured in your belief that all digital amps suck at distortion?
Is there a way to dial out that awful low midrange honkiness
Probably
Is it better than Fender Mustang LT25?
Yes, imo.
@@MrPolevaulter Ok, buying :)
Is it better sounding than Yamaha THR30ii?
Yes imo.
@@MrPolevaulter thank you for the answer! Already ordered the Pulze. When it arrives i will compare it to my Thr30 and maybe writhe here some impressions.
I hate it when people write reviews saying that this amp is ´the ultimate practise amp' or 'better than any other amp' etc. etc. It makes it not plausible unbiased objective information because in most cases their assumptions are not correct. It's really hard to find trustworthy acadamish reviews on products. Best is to buy it yourself and test it. Same can be said about guitars especially the Kiesel boys with their Kiesel guitars. They talk crap.
In my experience you have to play it yourself. For example the neck needs to fit your hand, if it says squire or Gibson doesn't matter. Like tennis players plays with different string tension
Sounds really nice but $400, too much. Also, 30 watts but you can't turn it up loud enough to really utilize those watts, then what's the point? Nice but more of a luxury item.
Hi. I would love to see you joining Gear Street 6 at Henning Pauly channel this year. Any chance for that? He wants to invite new faces this year :-)
I don't know. I haven't heard about that until now.
@@MrPolevaulter please check one of his last videos, all about is inside ;)
Hot-tone
Not bad but 400 quit? Hi Elmo!
Hi :)
Pulze can't be called a good coffee maker until James Hoffman has reviewed it. Even though you created some good tones, overall not a fan of the speakers. Generally I prefer headphones over desktop speakers when playing guitar at home. These days that gives me a boatload of pedal/modeler/amp options.
That amp/box is really fugly 😂
YUP! That Ho has some Tone. I dunno, but it's sucks that I'm flat broke, I'd probably have to pick one of these Hotones up.
Still looking for an amp which will beat roland cube 30x in terms of quality/price ratio. Got my roland for 85e
simply too expensive and too much stuff crammed in there for a practice amp..I mean how do you target that audience..it's practice like bedroom...not practice like garage band....so for that simply too much crap in it and too expensive...
I also feel like the more stuff thats crammed into an amp, the less likely it will be any good...just do one thing amp manufacturers and do it well....then you will get no complaints...this is why everyone goes looking for the old amps...bassman, princeton, plexi, ac30 or jcm 800 stuff....
Suprising, not cheap but not shit.
Yamaha...
400 dollar I'm pass.
Fair enough.
That's Yamaha money!
For a PRACTICE AMP??? 😂
what??????
Damn, I was going to buy it until Quit293 said pass. Actually I did just buy it and can't wait for it to arrive! Great in-depth review!
Ridiculously priced once again 😊
Nope. Not my cup of tea! Just like Tesla cyber truck!
Nice. How does it sounds at quite low levels in order to play at night without headphones yet not bothering neighboards? Thanks :)
Отлично звучит на небольшой громкости.
Great sound and playing! Play that instead of the Malmsten stuff.
Think I'll play what I feel like 😊
@@MrPolevaulter All good but music takes years, 7 life times to learn. No one is all knowing. Malmsten noone can re-create like Charlie Parker. But I see you know music, we Nordics are good musicians. Kippis, skål.
Stacken humbucker? Is that good? I wanna uppdaterad my strategi, The whammy doesnt work Esther but The neck is perfekt. Do you work for a musik store or samething?
No I don't. Google stacked humbucker.
@@MrPolevaulter I did, its more or less a hotter noiseless single coil? I have my Strat in the store, putting a humbucker in the bridge but I am gonna buy a Fender 60 anniversary model so want something different. It's getting me a headache, P90, telepickup or mini humbucker in the neck. I have to talk to the guy but I think P90. I have 10 guitars with paf already.
Did you go to MI?
Nope.
@@MrPolevaulter I was there 5 years, 2001-2006. That's why I asked.
In my view, I don't like the digital stuff. When Internet is out or electricity then what. But the amp sounds good. My spider sounded artificial. I stick with my mesa biggie and BlackStar until something comes up but I am into more the piano now, I am 333 years old and my back hurts. Yngve took amfetamin. Scalloped neck etc. he came from a music family. He said he is self taught, it's just bullshit.
Sounds great, but the price is the killer. Almost $800au here. Toss in another 50, and you could have a Spark mini, and the 140w FRFR powered cab to go with it. It's just too much for a practice amp IMO. Great review as always though. No knobs either. I like knobs. Just a volume, at least?
Yeah, I don't like tweaking stuff in an app.