Ampero Hotone MP-100 Review
Ampero Hotone MP-100 – Previously there was Nux which was considered quite successful in placing its brand among Indonesian guitarists. This time, another Chinese guitar equipment manufacturer named Hotone appeared.
Reporting from Anderton’s official website and official website, Hotone strives to use the latest technology in presenting products that stand out in the market but are still affordable and practical, to take their musical inspiration to the next level.
After trying to surf the internet, in the end, I was quite amazed by what the Ampero Hotone MP-100 had to offer, which was rumored to be killing the line 6 Helix XT market. That’s an interesting question to explore, because, in my mind, it’s impossible if this multi-effect model can suddenly be aligned with a fairly stable brand in the global multi-effects market without being equipped with comparable quality.
In terms of design, I think the Hotone team worked hard enough to create a product that guitarists have always wanted. The chassis is sleek, the entire body is made of metal, and comes in black and gold which will catch the eye of the beholder if worn on stage or compared to high-end brands.
The Ampero Hotone MP-100 has quietly built a fine reputation for offering compact multi-effects, featuring a four-inch color touchscreen, five black knobs (volume and four encoders), four footswitches, integrated volume/expression pedal, white letters, and a golden logo.
The inputs and outputs are on the back panel which is painted gold and in my opinion, are sufficient to accommodate all the needs of a guitarist. Both inputs for mono instrument inputs have three switchable impedances including electric guitars, piezo-equipped acoustic instruments, and keyboards.
Ampero Hotone MP-100 Key Features
- New-gen CDCM & F.I.R.E. modeling system ensures high-end tonal expressiveness and realistic playing experience
- Compact, easy-to-use amp modeler & effects processor
- 24-bit signal processing, up to 120dB S/N ratio
- Powerful, upgraded dual DSP-powered platform ensures excellent sound quality
- 18V DC high voltage power supply for a huge dynamic range
- 4-inch 800 x 480 sharp color touch screen with instant control
- 240+ effects based on stunning XTOMP effects library
- USB port for firmware upgrading, loading/editing/managing effects/IRs via free Mac/PC software or for use as an USB audio interface
- CDCM HD & F.I.R.E. modeling effects including:
– 64 amp models
– 60 cab models
– 100+ legendary pedal models
– Next-gen mic position and microphone-type simulations
– User custom IR loader with 3rd party IR support - 50+ Hotone original effects (incl. high-quality drive/dynamic/filter/mod/delay/reverb models and more)
- 198 presets
- Built-in looper with max. 100 seconds recording time
- Built-in drum machine with 100 patterns
- 4 assignable footswitches with halo LEDs
- Authentic stereo output processing
- Built-in expression pedal
- Line, XLR, and headphone I/O for various connection needs
- Road-ready, light-weight aluminum casing
- MIDI IN and EXP2 jack for connecting external controllers
One of the two adjacent quarter-inch jack sockets is for an external expression pedal. You will also find a MIDI In socket, a stereo mini jack Aux input, and a USB 2 Type-B connector for connecting the Ampero to a computer as an audio interface and/or programming presets.
The main stereo outputs consist of a pair of balanced XLR connectors and another unbalanced quarter-inch jack socket. There is also a mini headphone jack output. It is then powered by an external 18V DC 500ma power supply, with on/off and ground‑lift switches.
This relatively compact multi-effects pedal and amp simulation are powered by Hotone’s Comprehensive Dynamic Circuit Modeling High Definition (DCMHD) and Field Impulse Response Enhancement (FIRE) technologies. Hotone hoped the two systems would make it more dynamic and make everything sound like a real guitar amp.
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Equipped with a 120-amp model, cabinet, and virtual microphone, it seems to be a great addition for guitarists who need a lot of sound options. This model also offers 240 effects derived from the XTOMP and Hotone libraries. This virtual pedal can load up to nine effects modules at once which can be edited using software or directly from the unit.
If You like to improvise, this effect is also supported by a looper that can record up to 120 seconds of overdubs, and midi drums with over 100 patterns.
Most importantly of all, I quite enjoy using the Ampero. Not only because it’s practical, but it sounds convincing to be the choice of gear when on tour and on small stages.
Honestly, I really enjoyed trying it, navigating patches and editing parameters is very easy to use. I was also quite impressed with the acoustic simulator. Not only are there tons of great-sounding acoustic guitar models to use, but it also includes a selection of specially developed acoustic guitar simulations.
While I didn’t encounter any software or firmware issues, I did experience some practical issues with the Ampero’s integral EXP1 volume/expression pedal. The status LED is completely hidden from view so it’s a bit difficult to control whether the pedal is operating or not.
Overall, the Ampero Hotone MP-100 is a capable unit and is available at an attractive price. Packed with quite a tempting offering with the many models of effects, amplifiers, and cabinets already packed into such a small box. It also feels quite fun to play, intuitive, and easy to operate. The amp models and effects sound great almost identical to the originals.
So, if you like recording a guitar at home and want an amp and effects modeler that’s easy to operate and doesn’t require any knowledge of how tube amps and effects work, I think the Ampero could be an option worth considering.
