In addition, the Hothead has controls for master volume and master presence.
Both channels share a tube-driven effect loop that can be run in Series or Parallel modes (selectable by mini toggle on the amp’s rear panel) and then hard bypassed, doubling as a footswitch-activated boost. Send and return controls act as expected.
Other Hothead amenities include a solid-state rectifier; DC-powered filaments (preamp) for solid, quiet operation; 16-gauge, 1.5mm rugged chassis construction with folded and welded corners; one 16-ohm, two eight-ohm and two four-ohm output jacks, plus a 1/4-inch line out; and a rugged cabinet constructed of durable 15-ply, 18mm, void-free plywood.
To accompany the amp, Blackheart Engineering is introducing its BH412 Slant (SL) and Straight (ST) cabinets. The cabinets are loaded with four 12-inch Blackheart by Eminence BH1216B Speakers, British-voiced and specifically designed for closed back cabinets, Each features 15-ply, 18mm, void-free wood cabs, classically joined and glued.
Both cabs are rated for 300 watts and have an input impedance of 16 ohms. They sport parallel 1/4-inch input jacks to daisy-chain multiple speaker cabinets from a single source.
The Hothead starts shipping in May. Street price is $649.99. The cabinets also ship in May, with a street price of $449.99 each.