Koch Studiotone ST20/C112

The Studiotone from the quintessentially Dutch brand Koch has rightfully become a modern classic. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Koch was the undisputed pioneer of compact tube amplifiers, upon which all the well-known micro/mego/super-terror/train models were later based. However, the Studiotone’s concept is and remains unique because Koch made a conscious decision not to compromise on the quality and functionality of this little powerhouse.

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As with all Koch products, the Studiotone was never intended to be a budget amplifier thrown onto the market with a lot of fanfare. The Studiotone is designed for the professional guitarist who can hop from gig to gig with his guitar on his back and the Studiotone in his hand, and do everything with just that one amplifier. The Studiotone is a fully tube-driven amplifier based on a Class-A EL84 power stage delivering approximately 25 watts. The preamp features 3 channels (clean, OD, and OD+) that share a three-band EQ. For the OD+ channel, the level of overdrive can be adjusted separately, and for additional voicing options, the Studiotone is equipped with mid-boost and bright switches. In addition, the amplifier features a spring reverb, and the speaker is a Koch custom-designed VG12-60.

On the back panel, we find the real added value: options to connect various speaker cabinets, an extensive recording/direct out section for recording applications, and a serial effects loop. The Studiotone is truly a Swiss Army knife among tube amplifiers, perfectly suited for both live performances and (home) recording.

Features:

• 2 x EL84 power tubes
• 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
• 3 channels (Clean, Overdrive, and Overdrive Boost), switchable via a footswitch
• Passive controls for bass, midrange, and treble
• Two tone switches on the front panel (2-position for mid-shift and 3-position for bright), for all channels
• Specially designed VG12-60 Koch 12-inch speaker
• 4-, 8-, and 16-ohm speaker outputs, plus a speaker on/off switch
• Serial effects loop (10 dBV signal level)
• Recording output with speaker simulation and 2 tone filters
• Direct outputs (unfiltered, clean channel, and headphones)
• Short Hall reverb with three springs
• 2-way footswitch included
• Dimensions: 44.5 cm wide x 23.5 cm deep x 43.5 cm high
• Weight: 15 kg