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Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe - 40-/20-/5-/1-watt Tube Head

3-channel Guitar Head with Selectable 40/20/5/1 Watts, Power Soak, Effects Loop, and Built-in Red Box DI
$1,299.00

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Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe - 40-/20-/5-/1-watt Tube Head
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Toneful Tube Amp with Onboard Power Soak

Discover a new level of amp control with the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe guitar amplifier. This three-channel tone machine features an onboard power soak with selectable 40W, 20W, 5W, and 1W operation to let you dial in the right tone for any size gig - you can even choose speaker-off mode for true silent recording that won't damage your amp. An onboard H&K Red Box DI lets you send a speaker-simulated signal straight to a board without a mic for a cleaner stage setup and to take full control of your live sound. Finally, a serial effects loop lets you route your delays and reverbs after the preamp stage to preserve your guitar signal on the way in. Test out the all-tube Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe today and get flexible options for the stage and studio.

All-tube tone that delivers for any size gig

The TubeMeister's classic 12AX7/EL84 combo delivers glassy cleans and volcanic leads from its three footswitchable channels and fast, familiar 3-band EQs. An onboard power soak makes the TubeMeister flexible for live work, recording, and practice, allowing you to dial back the wattage from the full 40 watts to 20, 5, 1, or 0 watts without sacrificing tube tone and response. Sweetwater guitarists applaud Hughes & Kettner for building the power soak right into the head - a feature not common in stock tube amps.

Tube Safety Control monitors and prolongs tube life

Though they sound great, tubes can be ticking time bombs, ready to go out at the worst moments. The TubeMeister 40 Deluxe's Tube Safety Control (TSC) continuously monitors power tubes and adjusts their bias so you get the best sound and longest tube life possible. The TSC takes failing power tubes out of the circuit to protect your amp and lets you see their status at a glance.

Speaker-simulated DI for convincing tones without a cabinet

The Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe features a compact version of its award-winning Red Box DI, which faithfully mimics the sound of a miked 4" x 12" direct from the head. Send this signal straight to a live board or recording interface for convincing guitar tones without having to mic a speaker cab, or combine with a real miked sound for flexible mixing options. This feature, paired a speaker-off silent mode, makes the TubeMeister a fine studio tool for any time of the day or night.

Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Tube Guitar Amplifier Head Features:

  • Classic tube cocktail of three 12AX7s with four EL84s
  • Three channels with independent gain and master volume
  • Two 3-band EQs for fast tone shaping
  • Built-in power soak lets you choose 40W, 20W, 5W, or 1W operation
  • Speaker-off mode for silent recording without damaging your amp
  • Red Box DI mimics the sound of a miked 4" x 12" cab for creative signal options
  • Tube Safety Control continuously monitors power tubes and optimizes their tone and life
  • Series effects loop inserts FX after the preamp for a cleaner front-end signal

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Tube
  • Number of Channels: 3
  • Total Power: 40W/20W/5W/1W
  • Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7
  • Power Tubes: 4 x EL84
  • EQ: 3-band EQ
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (8/16 ohms), 1 x XLR (DI out)
  • Effects Loop: Yes
  • MIDI I/O: In
  • Footswitch I/O: 2 x 1/4" (channel, effects)
  • Bias Type: Adjustable Fixed
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 6.73"
  • Width: 17.56"
  • Depth: 5.98"
  • Weight: 16.9 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: TM40DH

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Titles are hard

So I've used this for rehearsals, recording, and on stage. Couldn't be happier unless they decided to make a 212 combo version. That would be the ultimate. I'm using a boss ms3 for digital effects and to change channels on the H&K. H&K has given me my signature tone for as long as I can remember. Super responsive, tons of harmonics, and super delicate.
Music background: Semi-professional
Rated 5/5

TubeMeister 40 Deluxe

For years, I've been chasing amp tones, and I've finally found it with my TubeMeister! Crisp clean tones, no matter what channel I'm on. The switchable wattage and DI output gives you the versatility you need, no matter where you play. It's lightweight and quite portable, especially with the carrying case. Whether you're looking for clean tones, crunchy rock tones, or heavy metal tones, this amp has it all! It's even more versatile with the foot switch. Highly recommended!
Rated 5/5

Going Strong since 2014

It's amazing to see that it's been almost a decade I've used this amp. Honestly, it's been pretty incredible.

I've changed the tubes in it once since purchasing, and honestly I can't remember specifically what I put in it since it was a while back, but the amp really does sound fantastic.

My favorite features have been the Power Soak and the Direct Out from the amplifier making it perfect for almost any environment. I love being able to go straight into the board, and even turn the speaker off completely while still getting the beautiful sounds out of the amplifier. I've run this one in 4 cable method, with pedals, just with the onboard reverb. It is my go to for most things when I'm not needing the depth of my helix. I've gigged with it live for years, finding that what the 36w can't handle, plugging into the sound system does perfectly for. Really I can't think of anything negative about the amp. It's a great amp that I got the cab with it. Everyone has their own tastes of tone, and I feel like this one covers most of what I would use it for. It's not a heavy metal amp, so don't expect that, though you can get a lot of gain on the lead channel. I tend to use it more for a boost than trying to really overdrive things heavily. All in all, it does everything I need and I love it.
Rated 5/5

Awesome Amp!

What can I say I'm impressed. This amp is loud and gig worthy in its 40 watt mode and quiet yet dynamic in its 1 watt mode. It also by far has the best low end response of any other el84 equiped Head i.e. Mark V, mini 6505, orange dark terror, etc. I would say it's very close to the mini recto verb but with it own unique voice. Though I have heard some say it sounds fizzy or mosquito like that simply just not true. I would recommend a speaker and pickup change if thats the case. I'm running it thru a Victory 2x12 with two DV-77s using a Chapman ml 3 pro modern with bare knuckle silos and it sounds massive and sharp not fizzy or mosquito like. One thing I forgot to mention is it reb box di out, man the best of all the mini Amp heads out there. Perhaps the G20s comes in a close but you could turn off the speaker sim on this and use the wall of sound plug in as well. With all that said, I highly recommend this amp to any one that's looking for an all rounder best in its class el84 equiped Head for either giving ,practice, or recording.
Music background: Indie,Jazz, Rock, Metal
Rated 5/5

Killer

This amp can do anything you need - especially satisfying with humbucker equipped guitars. Loud as hell.
Music background: non-professional gigging guitarist - Jeff Beck is my hero.
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