The heart of the matter - AST Head II Chassis with all tube circuitry - Click above for FULL view. See additional 4th 12AX7 dedicated to the Master Volume Circuit, totally bypassable for the purist. This unique Master Volume was developed to quell the potential leeching of TONE by the typical MV implementation. Swart would not marry a MV with the AST until a solution was found. We feel this is perhaps the best MV implementation out there. ~ Click above and below for full high resolution views ~ |
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, & EL-34!
We feel this amplifier hits it out
of the proverbial park just like the original AST. 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
Some more highlights of the AST Head circuit...
Designed to be powered by Twin Tung-Sol 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 along with the EL-34 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. Simply put, 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!
AST HEAD
MK II SAMPLES
Ole Lucian stops by one eve...
Introductory Pricing
AST Head II............................................................$1999
AST 1x12 Cab........................................................$550
Introductory Head &
1x12 Cab Deal
AST Head II & 1x12 Cab..............................$2498
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, and EL-34, 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. And see more highlights below....
Click above for AST Head II
~ Tubes can be changed from the front
Sub 6V6~6L6~EL-34 with NO BIAS HEADACHE.
Click above for insane SUPER
close-up at 1900px ~ HIGH BANDWIDTH
Click above to view AST Head
II & Cab from back
See 1500px AST Head II &
Cab in Swart Music Room/Office