AST
HEAD Mk II & Cabinet Arguably one of the best combos ever made, the Atomic Space Tone returns in Head Form, now with Michael's fully bypassable Master Volume with its own dedicated tube stage • Runs 6V6 & 6L6 |
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The introduction of the Swart Atomic Space Tone (AST) was a smashing success, earning raves across the board, whether in studios, clubs, or living rooms. Everyone loved this 12" all-tube combo, with its multi-dimensional tone, excellent break-up, and soulful tube reverb and tremolo. Many were claimng the AST achieved a rare benchmark in category without peer, some saying it might be the best amplifier they've ever played. Those are strong words considering the myriad of boutique and vintage offerings. Soon after introduction, Michael took the AST and literally placed the combo circuit/chassis inside a head cab with nary a mod, this to appease musicians needing this format. The acclaimed "Limited Run" head sold out within 45 days and we've been getting emails and calls ever since. The all new AST Head MkII is Michael's assault on perfecting the AST circuit for a head with 4/8/16ohm impedance selection, the ability to run the 6V6 & 6L6, along with the addition of our completely bypassable dedicated tube stage master volume, designed from the ground up to bring MV convenience without leeching the tone/soul from the amazing AST circuit. The all aluminum, star ground chassis is housed in a hand-made , finger-jointed, solid wood cab, covered in lacquered tweed (Now availabe in DARK lacquer for $100). Click
on the pictures at right and below for full views.
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We feel this amplifier hits it out of the proverbial park just like the original AST. It's just a hair bit hotter than the original combo with some more angst when switching to MV circuit. A quick swap of the 12AX7 to a 12AY7 in the MV V4 slot WILL yield unity gain, however. And although it was a long wait, it's well worth the patience because you're going to be blown away all over again. And although there is already a line that's been forming for this beast, musicians can take solace that this is NOT going to be a limited run. We only make that mistake once. And one last point... this is a LIGHT beast at only 19lbs with the 1x12 cab weighing LESS than the AST. AST Head MkII & Cabinet Specifications •
All Tube circuit
~18-20w twin 6V6 High Class A Biased AB
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Can be
powered by 6V6 & 6L6 Family
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Tube stage
Master Volume that is bypassable for Purists
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Cathode
"AUTO" Biased (no need to bias)
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JJ
12AX7(3) - JJ 12DW7 - EH 6V6 - JJ GZ34
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Tube
Rectification ~ GZ-34 or NOS 5Y3 (See below)
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Sub
NOS 5Y3 for earlier breakup/increased compression
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100% Tube
Reverb & Tremolo ~ Quality Spring Tank
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Hi/Lo Inputs for better
PU Output matching
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Hand wired point to
point ~ Made in USA
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Standby Switch
~ Amp warmed up|extends tube life
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Carbon Comp
Resistors for BEST TONE
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Mallory,
Sprague and JJ Caps, selected for Application
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Finest
silver tinned cloth & Teflon covered wire
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Twin
Outputs to run two Cabinets
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4 /
8 / 16 Ohm selectable ~ Rear Panel Switch
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Dedicated
2 button foot switch included
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Extra Large Rubber
Feet for Vibration/Protection
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As
all Swarts, optional Export Transformer/Plug ~ $30k
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Solid,
finger-jointed Cabinet ~ Lacquered Tweed
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Head
Dimensions: 17 7/8W x 10H x 9D ~ 19lbs
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1x12
Cab Dimensions: 24W x 16 7/8 H x 11D ~ 26lbs
Some more highlights of the AST Head circuit... Designed to be powered by Twin 6V6's putting out 18-20 cathode biased Watts; the twin 6V6s seem to really put out an amazing mixture of soul~tone. We love this combo! You can also sub the 6L6 family for more headroom due to the extra beefy Transformers. And unlike the original AST Head, the MkII has TWO outputs and can run 4/8/16 ohm cabinets/speakers. The JJ 12AX7 does duty as the driver and bias regulated Tremolo. Ever heard tube tremolo? You will now. If you're a tremolo fan, you won't go back. Reverb is all tube. Tube Reverb is the only way to go and our implementation leaves the competition sounding rather two-dimensional. Simply put, it’s one of the most tonally expressive, organic, soulful, rich, and dimensional amplifiers in production, now in Head form with a Master Volume that's a step above the rest! Also, please take a look at our Atomic Boost pedal - The combination of the Atomic Duo has to be heard to be believed!
18w of twin 6V6 power in high Class A biased AB • Proprietary 100% Bypassable Master Volume • Tube Reverb/Tremolo • Run 6V6 or 6L6 • Hi/Lo inputs • Volume • Tone • Reverb • Speed • Tremolo • Standby • Foot Switch • two outputs • Carbon Comp Resistors • Mallory • Sprague • JJ Caps •Channel 1&2 Outputs to drive internal/external cabs • 4/8/16 ohm selectable Output • 17 7/8W x 10H x 9D ~ 19lbs AST MkII
Head w/4-8-16ohm Output |
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