Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 20
Overview
The Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 20 is a 20-watt all-tube amplifier head that packs professional features into a remarkably compact and lightweight lunchbox format. Running on two EL84 output tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes, it delivers a versatile two-channel design with a clean channel featuring a bright switch and a lead channel with adjustable gain. The built-in power soak is a significant feature, allowing the amp to be attenuated from 20 watts down to 5 watts, 1 watt, or fully silent operation via the Red Box AE speaker-emulated DI output. This makes the TubeMeister 20 one of the most recording-friendly tube heads in its class, as players can drive the power tubes into saturation at any hour. The clean channel provides sparkling, articulate tones with a glassy top end, while the lead channel covers a range from smooth crunch to aggressive modern gain with tight low-end definition. The built-in reverb sounds natural and blends well across both channels. The parallel effects loop is designed for seamless integration with external effects. Build quality is excellent, with a durable steel chassis, transparent blue illumination of the tubes, and a compact design that fits in a backpack. This is a strong choice for gigging and recording musicians who need genuine tube tone in a portable, versatile package. The EL84 power section produces a different character than the larger 6L6 or EL34 designs, which may not suit players seeking a massive, authoritative low end.
Guitar Amplifiers
A 20-watt tube head in compact lunchbox format with built-in power soak down to silent operation and Red Box DI output, delivering versatile two-channel tone that is one of the most recording-friendly amps available.
Instrument Details
$699
Advanced
Brand
Hughes & Kettner
Type
Tube Combo Amp
Made In
Germany
Year
2014
