Soldano Astro 20 vs SLO 30!
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
- Thanks for watching my comparison of the Soldano Astro 20 vs the SLO 30! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Cheers!
Astro 20 review: • Did Soldano Just KILL ...
Gear used in this video:
- ESP LTD Phoenix 1000 Deluxe
- Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s
- Gibson Les Paul Custom
- ML Drums by ML Sound Lab
- Cubase 13 Pro
- OwnHammer Impulse Responses
- RedSeven Amplification Amp Central reactive load
- Klotz Cables & DI Box
This channel is sponsored by:
OwnHammer: www.ownhammer.com/
ML Sound Lab (ML Drums): ml-sound-lab.com/pages/ml-drums
An original song of mine with me on vocals: • My First Song w/Vocals...
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#soldano #slo30 #astro20
Disclaimer: this video can be considered as partially sponsored as I get to keep the Astro 20 (I bought the SLO 30 myself) but as always all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own!
Timecodes:
00:00 Soldano SLO 30 vs Astro 20!
00:26 What Makes These Amps Different (And Similar)?
01:57 About The comparison
02:28 Clean Tone Comparison (ESP LTD Phoenix 1000)
04:08 Thoughts & Details Of The Clean Comparison
05:20 Crunch Comparison (Normal Crunch & Purple Galaxy)
06:51 Thoughts On The Crunch Comparison
07:40 High-Gain Comparison (Overdrive vs Red Galaxy)
09:09 Some Thoughts About The High-Gain Comparison
09:55 Isolated High-Gain Comparison (Gibson Les Paul Custom)
11:23 Final Thoughts And Conclusion
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As an owner of a couple of OG Soldanos, I hear the same thing here, as I first heard, when I switched from being a life long Marshall guy, and made the switch.
Even the BAD 30 has that rich harmonic content that, to me, makes the traditional Soldanos something special.
Every note, and chord, has something I've never experienced in an amp capable of higher gain. When I originally checked one out, the Normal channel was the one that surprised me most, in a good way actually.
I think the Astro, is a nice, new, versatile addition to the line which many players will rightfully love.
That said, it's missing that something extra, the older amps uniquely possessed imho.
The Astro is such a wonderful amp that Mike surprised us with. I love its versatility and design theme, and at the price point, semi affordable to get the Soldano name into the collection. The SLO needs no introduction, it is a legend for good reason. The very reason in-fact that the boutique amp market is around today. Man, It's a great time to be a guitar player.
Heck yeah dude! What a time to be alive as a guitar player!
I'm very happy having chosen the Astro 20 over the SLO30.
I feel like the Astro was tuned to my ears, all the channels sound super good to me. Great comparison!
It's a bit more "British" voiced to my ears but you can't go wrong with either one
Imagine how insane the Astro would sound if they release a 100W model to compare with the SLO100. THAT would be gnarly.
Those Two Sitting On Top of Each Other Is........PERFECT... You did an AMAZING job on this video, maybe the best amp comparison vid 2 date .. Just showing the heads; going back and forth matching the sounds is killer. Well done Sir, Well Done!
Very interesting comparison! The differences seem really in the subtleties which become even less different in a mix. What's clear is they both do that Soldano thing. Great video!
I have played both, I own the Astro. It gets in the ballpark and the versatility is killer. They both sounded great here, the differences weren't massive. I dug it! Thanks for doing this man!
Great demo and comparison! Was impressed with the cleans on astro. Very pleasant top end
Thanks! I agree, great cleans!
I think we seriously need a top 5 amp in your collection video. With that beautiful Les Paul custom 😎
I own a SLO-30 because it has such a full tone that is almost high-fi sounding to me. I live on the crunch channel for that 80's rock tone!
Another great video. Btw, i love the riffs you play . 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Thanks!
@@SonicDriveStudio Curious , do you have any old Laney Heads . The old 50w AOR ones with the pull boost on the bass, treble , mid and overdrive.
@@johnfinlay4963 I do not. I only have the Ironheart 60 head
I'd personally go for the Astro given it has more 'options' for tweaking and I prefer the scoop of the clean and depth. From Mike himself he said the primary design of the Astro Pre is more or less identical to the Slo. I think both sound good, but Astro for me. Also, the crunch Jam sounds killer. Sounds so full with out a lot of gain, nice composing.
This is the video I've been waiting for - great job. I think I actually prefer the SLO's clean channel, a tie for crunch, and for high gain, I prefer the tone of the SLO by just a tiny bit because it sounded a little bigger and angrier - more raw. But if I had to choose between the two, then the Astro wins out for the overall package and flexibility. I'm wondering how do they compare under the fingers? Do you find one feels a little better and is more responsive - especially at higher gain settings?
Fantastic shootout!
Thanks!
Great rundown... very useful and welcomed! I haven't tried the Astro yet but I've watched all the videos on YT. I can't shake the feeling that the Astro seems like it would not hold up in a band setting. Obviously, I'm not talking about front of house, but at loud volumes with a drummer and bass. The 6L6's in the SLO 30 make a huge difference when you're cranked. In the bedroom and for recording or going front of house, the Astro would definitely suffice.
One solution would be to use the "Fryette Power Station", that utilizes a 6L6 S power section, which would help in a band situation. The sound man is going to mic you up, to FOH anyway, so you should be able to gig in any size club or venue. I hope this helps..
@@turbinexman Yeah, I'm not really interested in the Astro, just pointing out the difference between it and the SLO in a live or band rehearsal situation. If someone wants to spend another $1k on a Powerstation on top of the $2k for the Astro, then that's their choice.
@@Darth.Shredder If the owner of the Astro 20 can borrow a "Fryette Power Station", has one on hand already, or if the recording studio, he or she is laying down the tracks, has one on hand, why not utilize the device. The point that I was trying to make, is that as some guitarists already have one, or can borrow one, from the studio, where they're recording.
@@turbinexman Right... that works great if you already own a Powerstation or have access to borrow one, but otherwise it's not much of a solution if you have to buy one. So, yes... I agree with you... "if" you already own a Powerstation or "if" you can borrow one whenever your band rehearses or plays live without going FOH, then your solution works.
Sounds awesome
Both awesome. They did such a great job with the Astro. Honestly, the sound difference is so small between the two that I find myself using the Astro more frequently because of the added features of the IRs and the improved clean channel. The SLO definitely has a little more headroom in the power amp section, but the Astro can get so loud that I don’t even notice the difference very often. It’s hard to believe the Astro is $800 cheaper than the SLO 30 with those added features.
The Astro is great, but the SLO just had IT yknow? Thank you for the comparison! I've been waiting for a good one of these for a while and here it is!
Ok I'm at the high gain compare in the vid -- The differences, IMO, are not huge. You can definitely hear em (especially in the clean and crunch demos) but in the mix with drums and bass they both sound great. Astro always sounds a bit more forward (clear?) in the upper-mids and topend and not quite as full on the bottom. The difference between 6L6 and 6V6 shows there. Ok, I'll finish watching now -- Great demo as usual!
SL30 for all tones 4 me. I guess I hear & feel the headroom difference, even though it's only a 10 watt difference. Thanks for the comparison video 📹 👍🏻
I own both, love both. The difference is more noticeable through a cab. The Astro 20 is very loud into a 4x12, surprisingly so. Both sound killer, even better run together!
As someone that already bought the Astro 20, this video makes me feel even better about my purchase. The lesser apparent low end works really well with extended range or down-tuned guitars. While the Astro doesn't need a boost to tighten it up, it really adds the punch that I look for in a strong palm mute tone. I've just been incredibly happy with the Astro, it covers my high gain stuff and also pulls off good cleans and mid-gain tones. Besides my 7 and 8 string guitars, I also have my tele and LP with vintage/low output pickups so I have some semblance of what actual good clean tones are 😂
LOL...I'm not sure I was able to find a single review of the Astro 20 combo....I picked that up and think its great.
I am curious what the Astro would sound like with 6L6 power tubes instead of the 6V6. It’s already very close, but it might be even closer.
Have you considered making profile packs with the raw amps and studio recording ready tones? A win for those of us that have a hard time dialing in a good sound and also another revenue source to help grow your studio more as well. Just an idea
Really Like that Astro 20.
It's a great amp!
Very simplified it sounds like the SLO has a bit more low mids while the Astro has a bit more high mids. No night and day differences, but subtle. Maybe some more lows also from the SLO, but it's hard to know through UA-cam :)
Id be interested in seeing a review where both are mic’d using a speaker and attenuator but where they are set much higher in master volume., use the attenuator to match db. Then using an analyzer to correctly match the frequencies much closer rather then just attempting to match the knobs by ear. Then compare clean and high gain.
Yes there are differences, but so subtle that only us fellow gear nerds are really going to notice. As guitar players, we are too nit-picky over this sh*t 🤣They both sound killer. Great demo! 🤘
Thanks! To my ears the differences aren't that subtle but that's objective, I realise that!
They both sound great. The black one is a bit more middy and tighter on the low end I think.
Hell, I liked the Astro better for every instance. I've gigged it 3x so far and the versatility to have 4 voicings at your feet... direct to FOH signal... And I can get the channel volumes up over half as well as the master to about 1 o'clock, so the tubes are working pretty well, but the Amp is in the sweetspot. It just sings
I'm more of a mid-gain guy - but killer HELMET style riffing on the higher gain channel.
Are you collaborating with anyone to make some of these riffs, real songs? 🙏
The Soldano's both sound so good btw, but can't afford either... I like the 30 better IMO.
Price point. ASTRO wins. It gets in the range of the slo 30 and that's impressive. In a mix with all the post effects, tweaks,etc etc, you can .ake the asrto sound like your own tone. Definitely a great 20 watt option. Is it the best lower watt amp on the market? I think it might be. Great demo.
Jon, youre such a tone babe
🔥
I drove out to Sweetwater a couple weeks ago and played both of these. This was the first time ive been able to plug into a Soldano. For my playing and taste i liked the SLO. The Astro was at a disadvantage due to the 1x12 cab it was plugged into vs the SLO plugged into a Mesa oversized 4x12. They are different amps that cross over some of the same ground, but if you are on a budget and can only afford the Astro, its really nice, but obviously it isnt an SLO.
This! Both are amazing but only the SLO can do SLO!
I have the SLO 30 and i was thinking to sell it and get the Astro. What i do not like about the SLO30 is the drop vol between the clean & crunch!!
I didn't thought that the 20w amp sound this good! It really depends on the kind of music you make and the personal taste, which one you choose. Both amps are very good.
I agree, they both sound really good!
The SLO30 is my dream amp period lol... The Astro 20 is of course still very nice - but i'd take the SLO anyday...
I have the Astro going into a cab! Marshall 212 vertical with Celestions V Types. I am having problems getting it to cut and not enough depth for classic rock on the red channel. I play everything from AC DC to WhiteSnake. What do you recommend? Speaker change/EQ pedal? Or am I using the wrong amp for this? Thanks for any help. Great playing and demo on both amps
Are you playing super loud? It should cut really well. Don't be afraid to crank the presence if needed
@@SonicDriveStudio I am playing fairly loud, but if I turn the presence too much it becomes thin. I am getting quite a bit of bass with the cab just not the depth or cutting. I do really like the chewy feel of this amp if I can get it to pull off my styles it's a keeper.Thanks for the fast reply
Get an MXR 10 band or a Boss GE7 EQ pedal. You can run them straight into the front of the amp, or in the effects loop. It’s the Swiss Army knife of tone. They aren’t exciting, but they work wonders to get the tone dialed.
@@lostinpa-dadenduro7555 Awesome and thanks! Which brand do you prefer? I would be going thru the loop.
@@chasingtone5748 The MXR 10 band is good and has two outs. I prefer that one, but it’s physically bigger than the Boss if pedal board space is an issue. The Boss is a standard size pedal.
The main difference with putting an EQ in front of the amp versus in the loop is this: in front of the amp you are shaping the guitar tone before it gets to the preamp section. These EQs also have a boost slider you can set as a clean boost going into the amp. With the EQ in the loop you are EQing the sound after the preamp section and before it hits the power amp section. No right or wrong. Try both methods and see which hits the sweet spot for you.
great comparison. the slo 30 is punchier and has more grit. the astro is more updated. my friend has the astro and was a very good amp all rounder. but if you want classic slo then the slo 30.
Agree 100%!
Clean: Astro
Crunch: SLO
OD: Astro cut better in the mix, SLO would probably be more satisfying in the bedroom with the extra girth
"more satisfying in the bedroom with the extra girth"... Lol 😂😂😂 Sorry, couldn't resist
I liked the Soldano the best.
Me too!
SLO 30 has way more low to mid-bass punch on clean, crunch, and heavy demos. Found the ASTRO lacking.
I think they both sound great, but I far prefer the SLO. The Astro gives me vibes of being a 'modelled slo'.
SLO 30 all the way baby!
(Bose Headset) They both sounded the same....I guess if you need the 30 watts for gigging (and a bit more $$) SLO is the choice.
Astro 20 sounds a little stiffer and with a little less sustain and bottom end. But it is half the price of the SLO 30 here in Canada.
You can relly hear the difference on the high gain comparison, the SLO 30 lets in the dynamics of that low open string hit. The Astro neuters it.
I think the Astro is a good bargain. All the features and channels, no need for a load box or cabinet, foot switch included. If you subtract the cost of those items you won’t need to get a great recording, the Astro price is a good deal.
I also predict it will be one of those amps that 20-30 years from now people will be paying crazy money for on Reverb. Lol.
Yes it's a great bargain!
Can barely tell in a mix with other instruments. I'd get the Astro for the features and throw the saved money at something else. Speaking strictly from a home recording standpoint, considering you'd also need to spend further on a reactive load if this was your only amp. One thing that would be interesting would be to compare it to the SLO-30 with the same IRs but using the Astro's silent recording and it's embedded IR loader. I believe when the Astro is in silent mode the tube power section is disabled and there's a power section emulation via embeded two notes dsp at play. Does the real power section even matter if you still are using the same IR? Be interesting..
2k for these 20 watts? Pass
Soldano are the best sounding-boring looking amplifiers around
5150 all day over both, tbh.
Sure thing, because who wouldn't take a 120W beast over a 20W one, right?
Bruh...😂😂😂
@@JohnWiku With reactive load boxes, the wattage doesn't really matter that much. Besides, there are 50w 5150 IIIs. Or you could pull 2 tubes on the 100w versions.
I’ll take a EVH over soldano any day
EVH amp quality is crap. My first EVH 40watt amp works when it feels like it.
From what I’ve heard the combo’s are crap. I have a 5150 iii lunchbox stealth and it is flawless, works perfectly, no loud humming like the combo’s.
I think these soldanos are crazy overpriced.
I did too till I heard a slo 100 In the flesh.
Dunno about you but I've owned atleast a dozen valve amps (all the major brands) and there's always been that little something I wish was better...
The SLO I played couldn't be faulted.
Subjective ofcoarse
Buy some synergy modules and the search is over
@@damianval4626 I see. I only played my jcm2000 dsl. I think I'd rather grab a jcm 800, 4x12 cab and new guitar instead of an slo still. I just can't imagine it justifying the price.
I played an SLO 30 1X12 combo amp recently, and it kicked my ass in person. Soldano is expensive for a reason.
@@thejustinkates I looked it up and apparently it's 45 000 kr... it's too much imo. I just can't imagine spending that money on a 1x12 combo.
@@mangomeow7867
Stick with the DSL 👍🏻
You can't go wrong