RedsoxJiminator
5.0 out of 5 stars Studio | Recording | Live Guitar Rig | In “One” Compact Pedal
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2020
First, let me say that this Hotone (pronounced “Hot Tone”) Ampero One is a monster of a rig that is built beautifully. The design is very well thought out, and the aluminum casing with the gold back plate is just gorgeous.
I initially thought that the “One” version of this unit was a lesser entry for Hotone in comparison to its bigger and more expensive brother, the Ampero and it is in a sense but not so much in its actual performance. It’s a smaller footprint, loosing one assignable foot switch. It also lacks the balanced XLR output jacks, along with midi control on the back panel. If those are a major point in your requirements, then the “One” may not suffice for you, however if those are not major points of contention, then the Ampero One is otherwise identical in performance. In fact, you may end up preferring it as it can run from a 9v power supply instead of the 18v required for its big brother. Hotone states that internally, they step this up to 18v to give the same “headroom”.
I will not go in to each and every feature of this unit, as that would require way to many pages, but will hit on what I think are the major features and how well they perform, along with a few tips to start getting the most from this unit!
First, I suggest you download the full manual from Hotone’s web site. Included in the box is a nice “getting started” card for reference, but you really need the manual to get familiar with all that this unit can do, along with getting the software, editing and firmware updated. Which brings me to the next tip...
Update the firmware! As of this writing, my unit came with version 1 of the firmware, and they have released Version 1.1 for the Ampero One. Get it, along with the new version manual. Lot’s of good updates are included with the update, including Global EQ, moving of effects in the signal chain, changing display colors to name a few.
Upgrading the firmware was a little tricky...just be sure to read the instructions carefully and be sure you are upgrading the Ampero “One” firmware and not the original Ampero firmware.
Download the updated Editor as well from the Hotone website. Again, be aware that the editor also has different versions, depending on which unit you have.
Once this is done, you are ready to explore all the different functions, amp and cabinet models, effects and presets present, and there is a TON of them! Not only that, but you can edit just about everything to your liking and save your settings so the versatility of this unit is nearly endless.
Again, I highly recommend downloading and reading the manual and saving it for reference. Everything can be setup and edited from the unit itself, or from your computer using the free editor and USB connection to your computer.
I guess the big question is, how does it sound? In my opinion....fantastic! I have only had it a few days, so I am still learning, but I have tried a number of different configurations so far and found them all very satisfying.
Running one output (left mono) to front of amp like a regular guitar pedal works fine. You can go into global settings and shut off the cab sim for either output. Nice!
Running both outputs into two separate amps works nicely! You can run both to front of amp, or to effects loops in both amps. This gives a nice “stereo” type effect, especially using some of the delays and other modulation effects of the pedal.
Running into a interface works very nicely as well. I can run both outputs to my Scarlet 2x2, then to a mixer or PA, or computer (for DAW) without having to change or fiddle with changing drivers in my Windows 10 desktop.
I have not noticed any discernible lag, or noise. In fact, the Ampero One is very, VERY quiet!
The majority of the factory presets are very well done, and quite useable as they are, which was surprising.
You can also load in 3rd party IR’s using the editor as well!
In my opinion, if you don’t need or require balanced XLR outputs, or midi control to the unit, or you like the fact that you could run this off your normal 9V power supply from your pedal board and prefer having a smaller footprint, the Ampero One is the way to go! I have been using Bias FX-Two as my computer rig for recording, but now I am currently rethinking that. Having that same kind of power, along with great sounding amps, cabs, effects and versatility in a small floor unit is incredible. You also get a nice tuner, looper, and decent drum machine built in!
This unit pretty much has it all, along with very good sound, portability, versatility and good looks, all controlled by either foot switch (assignable) or touchscreen that’s logically layed out.
It will take awhile to really learn its many features, but I know it will be fun doing so.
So far, I have been enjoying the journey. Can’t wait to give it a go in a full rehearsal or gig, hopefully sometime soon!
In the meantime, I will be delving into getting just the right patches set up and enjoying the Ampero One’s versatile soundscapes! Highly recommended! Get “One”!
