I have said it before IMO Hotone is the underdog to watch
They will only get better more powerful units , they already have the interface down pretty well the app all they have to work on is the amp modelling and cpu
Absolutely. I think they still have ways to go to catch up with the big boys in both amps and fx, but we are talking about a gap rather than a chasm. I think they are pretty spot on for what you get for your money in their price point.
Dave Friedman actual had pretty complimentary things to say about them , some one wanted an effects unit and he actually recommended the Ampero he said they have some great effects for the money
He also went on to say that the build quality was amazing at that price point much better than some of the US companies for chips and components they were using
He ripped one open and said it really good quality , the chassis encoders etc
I have to replace the DC jack on mine. It's become pretty loose to the point it doesn't stay on if you move it around too much. But that's again one of those cheap parts that is easy to fix. Still a pain in the ass that I wish I didn't have to deal with. At least this time I can just buy the part from any electronics store.
I still think the worst part is the power brick. It should come with a standard IEC connector instead of that molded 3-prong type that is not something you find in any store. That cable is way too short too. While it's easy to replace the power brick, that's still extra cost. Or you can use a good pedal power supply with a doubler cable to power it.
Cool to hear that Dave Friedman also thinks it's nicely done, because that's what I've been saying and I have absolutely no real knowhow to evaluate that stuff!
@laxu is one of most objective contributors here and elsewhere and is well known to criticize and point out shortcomings and faults. Especially with use and GUI’s. He still has and uses his. Heck he even went full hardhat, did a deep dive, and repaired his once. Read his thoughts here and elsewhere to inform whether this unit is for you. I know I’m happy. Looks cool too!
Next Gen Hotone will be something to look out for.
Don't take me wrong, for me the Hotone is a bit of an interim ownership product. It's not as good as Line6 or Fractal in some ways..but boy does it hit a good price/performance ratio!
I initially bought this as a "eh, let's give it a go...I can always sell it for what I paid used" product but ended up liking it a lot more than I thought I would.
With the products on the market right now, there's honestly nothing that I truly want to change it for. I think Fractal and Line6 are the only companies in position to change that - but not with their current products. Or Hotone if they release a 3rd gen unit.
