Famend tube amp agency Soldano has debuted the Astro 20 – a 20-watt tube head and combo that options a quantity of modern touches, within the kind of a USB connection, IR cupboard simulation, and new Galaxy tone modes.
On the core of the amp is an old-fashioned tube circuit, that includes four 12AX7 preamp tubes and two 6V6 energy amp tubes. It’s a three-channel setup, providing a alternative of Clear, Overdrive 1, and Overdrive 2 channels.
Additional optionality comes within the kind of the Astro 20’s new Galaxy modes. The clear channel all the time corresponds with the Inexperienced Galaxy – a sound described as “a high-headroom circuit reminiscent of basic American combo amps. It ranges from crystal clear to barely pushed crunchy tones.”
Then there’s a three-position Vibrant change, providing treble enhance choices and a single tone knob.
Transfer over to the Overdrive channels and you’ve got a shared three-band EQ, plus impartial gain and quantity controls for every channel. There are then three Galaxy modes to select from, every of which may be utilized to both Overdrive channel.
The Blue Galaxy is all about fats, blues-inspired rock and onerous rock tones, the Purple Galaxy steps it up on the gain entrance, whereas the Purple Galaxy is extra in step with Soldano’s conventional high gain sounds, however may be pushed a lot additional – into what the agency is labeling “a new, phenomenal high-gain universe.”
As such, you’ll be able to have two completely different variants of the identical Galaxy loaded up throughout every Overdrive channel, with their very own quantity and gain settings, enabling it to behave as a enhance or gain stage – or select a fully completely different taste between the 2.
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Over on the far proper of the amp, a Star system-style indicator mild lets you hold observe of which mode you’re in with a corresponding LED shade. Then there’s a grasp quantity, grasp presence and a depth change.
You may also load and assign IRs to all three channels utilizing the accompanying Soldano Editor software program and retailer up to 128 MIDI presets – a perform that actually comes into its personal with the included four-button MIDI footswitch.
Lastly, the entire thing can function in cabless mode, enabling you to make use of it with headphone for recording or apply, or go direct to the desk in reside situations.
The Astro 20 is obtainable for $1,999 for the top and $2,299 for (the Celestion Dollar-equipped) combo choice, which, in 2023, seems like good worth for any USA-made tube amp – not to mention one with this quantity of flexibility and performance and an included four-way MIDI footswitch.
For extra info, head to Soldano.