Hotone Ampero II Stage – New Flagship Virtual Rig announced
Hotone's third incarnation of their modelling system
4,8 / 5,0 | 
The Hotone Ampero II Stage is the company’s new flagship modeling floor pedal and comes with new algorithms plus internal updates to the system.
Hotone Ampero II Stage
This latest Hotone Ampero II Stage is the third incarnation of the virtual amp/effects system and is powered by their F.I.R.E modeling system. It follows on from the previous Hotone Ampero II Stomp and the Hotone Ampero Mini.
Though as the name suggests, this version is built for live use and comes with eight assignable footswitches. One is the default selector between Patch and Stomp modes.
It uses a 5-inch colour display for navigation and Halo LEDs around the footswitches for ease of use.
Source: Hotone
Virtual Gear
This latest version comes with 87 amps, 68 cabs that have been curated with a more precise algorithm, and over 100 legendary virtual pedals. This puts this modeler in direct competition with products like the new Fender Tone Master Pro system.
An onboard 60-second stereo looper is available as well as a drum machine that offers 100 rhythm styles. Making it perfect for backing tracks and practice as well.
Scene
A new Scene feature delivers smooth sound transitions. Each Ampero II Stage patch can hold up to five scenes, allowing users to effortlessly switch effects and parameters during different sections of their performances.
Hotone Ampero II Stage · Source: Hotone
Impulse Response
It also features an Impulse Response loader that works with third-party IRs. It comes with 50 custom IR slots available and includes 20 Celestion speaker IRs when you purchase it.
This will please anyone that has invested in quality IRs and having some decent branded ones included is also a bonus.
Rear Panel · Source: Hotone
Connectivity
Connectivity includes a pair of expression pedal inputs, a stereo FX Loop, balanced and unbalanced outputs, and two instrument/microphone jacks.
The unit will also act as an 8×8 USB audio interface for a DAW or similar.
Ampero II Stage also includes dedicated Win/Mac/iOS/Android software that allows users to access patches online from a cloud-based service.
USB Audio Interface · Source: Hotone
Verdict
On paper, this comes across as a very capable system with plenty of useful features. The deciding factors will be down to ease of use, quality of sound, and the price point. Currently, the price is yet to be officially announced, and so I guess it will all come down to how affordable it is for many potential new owners.
MSRP – TBC
More Information
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