Hi-Mu Amps
Rik Myers
market for a nice versatile low powered amp. Here's what I got (edited for
brevity):
"The Hi-Mu Model 5.5 is a pro-quality all tube amp for the guitarist who
works primarily in a home or small studio setting. This 3-channel amp has
all the sounds you would expect from a fine quality tube amplifier; sounds
you won't get from a 50 or 100 watt amp with its' volume set on 1 or 2.
The handwired circuitry is a unique combination of a sophisticated,
contemporary tube preamp driving a classic single tube power section. With
a power output of 5.5 watts RMS (7-8 watts peak)....and the high efficiency
(ed. note - Eminence) 12" speaker (97 dB/1W/1M), these amps generate nearly
100 dB SPL, which is loud enough to easily drive most guitars into feeback.
The Clean channel is the essence of true Class A power tube performance
(ed. note - this amp is a Champ with a fancy preamp section. There is a
single Sovtek 6V6 power tube and custom wound power and output
transformers. The tone controls can be cut out with an optional switch to
give higher gain and vintage Champ-oid tones if desired). Below Volume 6,
the sound is lush, bell-like, and harmonically complex. Push the volume up
toward 10 and you get increasing amounts of pure power tube distortion
which responds directly to how hard you play and how the guitars' volume is
set. Gain 1/Crunch adds another voltage gain stage (ed. note - all preamp
tubes are Sovtek 12AX7A). The Gain 1 knob controls the amount of preamp
drive and the Volume knob controls the power amp as above. These two
controls allow you to dial in varying amounts of preamp and/or power amp
distortion..... You can also pull up a clean sound that is ....different
from the Channel 1 clean. It is a tighter, harder-edged sound with more
punch and drive. Gain 2/Lead adds two more voltage gain stages to the
preamp. This is the classic, saturated tube preamp sound with lots of
natural tube compression and smooth, singing sustain. The Gain 1 and Gain
2 knobs are active on this channel..... because the Gain 1 preamp section
is voiced with more bass and mid-range than Gain 2, you can effectively EQ
the preamp independently of the tone controls (ed. note - maybe useful if
tone defeat is engaged). The Volume knob again controls the power amp so
you can vary the mix of preamp versus power amp distortion."
Other comments: No footswitching for channels. 1 input. No external
speaker out. Direct recording out and speaker out are mutually exclusive.
Preamp out is standard. DC powered tube heaters to eliminate hum. Metal
film resistors and metalized polyester capacitors used throughout.
Model 5.5 Tube Combo, 1-12" speaker $490.00
Model H5.5 Head $440.00
Options
Direct Recording Output $25.00
(ed. note - post output transformer with level control)
Tube Driven Effects Loop $20.00
Celestian G12M Greenback $92.00
Tone Defeat Switch $15.00
Shipping extra
1 year warranty covers everything (including tubes) but misuse or
accidental
damage.
If dissatisfied, return within 2 weeks for full refund including shipping
both ways.
Address: Hi-Mu Amplifiers
52 Wheeler Ave
Cranston, RI 02905
Phone: 401-781-7314 (say het to Barry for me. Nice guy.)
Buy the bye, I ordered one, so I'll post a review in a couple or three
weeks (quick turnaround for a custom built amp, eh?)
Barry sez he's delighted with the preliminary Guitar Player Review
(scheduled for print early in 1994).
--
Rik Myers
Zanga Zanga
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* Earth is an asylum for angels with amnesia - Emerson *
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