ANALOG

PROBLEM

The guitar world today knows two significantly different ope­rating concepts: The digital and the analog control concept in which only one function is assigned to each knob. The analog concept is very practical and clear for devices with few functions. However, if the number of functions increases, the number of knobs and controls also increases. With complex units, this then leads to a large control panel with an unclear layout. Additionally, the position of analog potentiometers can not be memorized as they are not programmable and also can create scratchy noises over time as they are part of the analog signal path.

SOLUTION

The operating concept of the AMPX uses the best of both worlds, in that the lower control panel follows the analog model with one control for one function, just as you know it from guitar amplifiers. We’ve also made the handling of the AMPX simple and clear, just like traditional tube amps. The control panel – which features gain, bass, middle, treble, and presence controls – is recessed, well protected and directly accessible.

AMPX is equipped with high-quality, classic analog potentiometers that have a limit stop, just as we know it from the classic tube amps. The settings of all knobs are sent to the digital micro-controller that sends the information to noise-free potentionemeters in an analog signal path. The micro-controller can store these settings as presets.
When a new preset is recalled, the stored values are recalled, but the physical position of the knobs remains in the last selected position. When a knob is moved, its current value is shown in the OLED display. The stored value is also shown. In this way, you can see exactly where the knob was saved in the preset.

DIGITAL

PROBLEM

The digital operating concept uses a display and a reduced number of controllers to which many different functions are assigned.  To get to the desired function of each knob you have to navigate through many menus. This prevents quick access to the parameters, especially in sub-menus.

SOLUTION

To simplify the operation of the AMPX’s multitude of functions, a combination of control concepts is used under the flap, in the upper control panel: To control the boost intensity, there is a dedicated control BOOST. The dedicated POWER SOAK control adjusts the saturation of the power amp.The power drive control under the flap is at hand to adjust the feel and tonal changes that we all love when we crank our amp! POWERDRIVE provides sagging and extra creaminess whatever volume you’re at!

The PEDAL, AMP, FX and CAB buttons provide direct access to the various sections of the  guitar system. The combination of DISPLAY and PUSH DIAL allows deep editing of complex parameters. 
To give you direct and intuitive operation of such a complex guitar system as , we came up with the X CONTROLS  that provide direct access to the parameters on the selected effect. The respective parameters are assigned to the four X CONTROL knobs, and their function and value is displayed in illuminated fields.