Review: Phil Jones Bass Double Four Plus (BG-80)

Disclaimer: Hotone kindly provided this pedal for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.

Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable trend among bass players toward downsizing their rigs. With fly dates becoming more common, the demand for compact, durable, and high-quality gear has surged. In response, manufacturers have flooded the market with impressive options. Today, we’re taking a closer look at one such option: the Ampero Mini by Hotone.

The Ampero Mini is an amp modeler and effects processor that packs a serious punch despite its small footprint. Measuring just 134 * 120 * 49mm and weighing 529g, this pedal is built like a tank and offers all the features you’d expect from a modern effects processor and amp modeler. Its compact size means it’s operated primarily through two footswitches and a 4-inch touchscreen, though a companion app is available for PC and Mac for those who prefer a larger interface.

Capabilities and Features

The Ampero Mini is powered by two DSP chips and operates at 24-bit resolution, allowing for up to nine simultaneous effect blocks. This processing power supports a total of 199 effects, 52 amp models, and 50 cabinet simulations. Additionally, users can customize their sound with microphone type and positioning options, or even load their own impulse responses if they prefer a more tailored approach.

But the Ampero Mini isn’t just about effects and amp modeling. It also includes a 100-second mono looper (50 seconds in stereo) and a drum machine with 100 patterns, making it a versatile tool for both live performance and practice.

Connectivity

Despite its small size, the Ampero Mini offers a wide range of connectivity options. In addition to standard input and output (which can be stereo if you use a Y cable), there’s an EXP/CTRL jack for connecting an expression pedal or additional footswitch to expand the Ampero Mini’s capabilities. An auxiliary input and headphone output round out the connections, transforming the Ampero Mini into an excellent practice tool when paired with its onboard looper and drum machine.

Bass Performance

As bass players, the most pressing question is: how well does the Ampero Mini cater to our needs? The answer is quite well.

Straight out of the box, the Ampero Mini offers nine bass-specific presets. These range from classic rock bass tones, like an Ampeg emulation paired with an 8×10 cab, to more niche sounds such as a slap preset featuring a fast compressor into a 4×10 cab. Whether you’re after the classic warmth of a B15 or some gritty overdriven tones, the Ampero Mini has you covered.

When it comes to effects, the Ampero Mini provides a robust selection. Bassists will appreciate the well-designed distortion with a controllable blend, ensuring that the low end remains intact even with heavy fuzz. The octaver and filter effects are particularly usable, and there’s a solid array of modulation effects, including chorus and vibrato. For those seeking something more experimental, the Ampero Mini also includes bit crusher and ring modulator effects that work surprisingly well with bass guitar.

Operational Overview

Given its compact size and limited DSP, the Ampero Mini does have some operational constraints. Users are restricted to nine simultaneous effect blocks:

– 3 effects
– 1 amp (with 5 dedicated bass models)
– 1 gate
– 1 cab
– 1 EQ
– 1 delay
– 1 reverb

Each block offers numerous options, resulting in a near-endless variety of possible combinations and sounds. However, it’s important to note that while the Ampero Mini excels in many areas, it does have a few weaknesses. The overdrive and distortion effects are top-notch, but the pedal only includes three fuzz options. Delays and reverbs are of high quality, but the pitch effects are somewhat lacking, with some digital artifacts marrying the experience. Modulation effects, on the other hand, are generally excellent.

Where the Ampero Mini truly shines is as a multi-purpose tool. It can serve as a versatile Swiss Army knife on your pedalboard, an ampless solution for practice or gigs, a recording interface, and an excellent practice tool with its looper and drum machine. In any of these roles, it delivers without compromise.

Pros:

– Compact and Sturdy: The Ampero Mini’s small size and robust construction make it a reliable choice for bassists on the go.

– Versatile Functions: It can double as a headphone amp, an ampless gigging solution, a recording interface, and a comprehensive practice tool, all in one package.

– Bass-Friendly: With bass-specific amp models, effects, and presets, the Ampero Mini caters well to bass players.

Cons:

– Touchscreen Dependency: If you’re not a fan of touchscreens, the Ampero Mini might not be for you. Its size necessitates using the touchscreen or the companion app for most operations.

– Limited Footswitches: The two-footswitch design limits its use in stompbox mode, though it works well in preset mode.

– No Power Switch: The Ampero Mini powers on as soon as it’s plugged in, which might be inconvenient for some users.

Conclusion

The Hotone Ampero Mini is a compact, feature-rich amp modeler and effects processor that punches well above its weight. While it does have some limitations, particularly in terms of DSP capacity and touchscreen dependency, it excels in delivering high-quality sounds and versatile functionality. For bass players looking for a portable, sturdy, and affordable solution that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Ampero Mini is a strong contender in its class.

Visit online at hotoneaudio.com/products/ampero-mini