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Photos provided by Hotone Audio
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The 8-track cassette was introduced in 1964 by the Lear Jet Corporation, led by inventor Bill Lear, as a revolutionary audio format designed primarily for automobile use. Its innovative design featured eight separate audio tracks arranged in four stereo pairs, housed on a continuous loop tape inside a compact plastic cartridge. This allowed for uninterrupted playback without the need to flip the tape, offering unprecedented convenience for drivers. Quickly adopted by car manufacturers throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, the 8-track became a popular way for music lovers to enjoy their favorite albums on the road. While eventually surpassed in popularity by the smaller and more versatile compact cassette, the 8-track played a crucial role in shaping portable music consumption during its heyday, marking a key milestone in the evolution of music technology.
You may be asking, what does an 8-trak cassette have to do with a Hotone Audio Pulze mini-Amp?? Our friends at Hotone Audio sent us over the Pulze to review. The first impression that I received is how the outside reminded me of the old school features of the 8-trak cassette player. The vintage look captured my attention immediately. Therefore, there was no hesitage in setting this amp up to a recent Headless guitar I received from Anesidora Guitars. The footprint of the J804 guitar from Anesidora is perfect for many settings, including the stage. However, I will be touching base with my partners from the brick and mortars stores in the great state of Florida. The pairing of both the Anesidora and Pulze Mini Amp, will enable a “hands on” experience for those that I communicate with. Both are traveling accommodating
Outside of the purpose both will serve me, the Pulze Mini Amp is perfect for:
Home and Bedroom Players
Silent Practicing and Late-Night Sessions
Traveling and On-the-Go Musicians
Tone Tweakers and Digital Enthusiasts
Beginners Looking for All-in-One Functionality
“Hotone’s Pulze Mini is a sonic Swiss army knife. Don’t be fooled by its size—this pint-sized powerhouse delivers pro-level tones, flexible routing, and seamless digital control, all at a price point that undercuts the big players. Ideal for players who demand convenience without compromise.” – Guitar Thrills Magazine
Size and Portability
Amp Modeling and Effects
Connectivity
Tone Quality
User Interface
Battery and Power
Who It's For
Tone chasers looking to explore different amp sounds without breaking the bank.
Bedroom players who want a simple, powerful practice solution.
Touring musicians needing a reliable backup or quick stage setup.
The Hotone Pulze Mini Amp features a digital modeling engine with 12-amp models covering cleans, crunch, and high-gain tones, paired with 7 built-in effects including delay, reverb, chorus, and phaser. It delivers 3 watts RMS through a 3-inch full-range speaker, providing surprisingly clear and dynamic sound for its size. The Pulze supports Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for wireless audio streaming and integrates with the Hotone Tone Lab app, enabling detailed parameter editing and preset management. It’s powered by a 2600mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, offering up to 5 hours of continuous playtime. In comparison, the Boss Katana Mini provides a more analog-driven sound with 3-amp voicings and a single delay effect, outputting 7 watts through a 4-inch speaker, but lacks Bluetooth or app support. The Yamaha THR5 stands out with its 10 watts stereo output via dual 3-inch speakers, advanced amp modeling, USB audio interface functionality, and comprehensive effects, though it runs on AA batteries limiting portability. The Fender Mustang Micro is strictly a headphone amp with 12-amp models and 6 effects, USB rechargeable battery, but no onboard speaker. Lastly, the Blackstar Fly 3 offers 3 watts through a 3-inch speaker, two channels (clean and overdrive), simple delay effect, and runs on AA batteries, making it entry-level but limited in tone shaping and connectivity. Overall, the Pulze Mini’s combination of compact 3W output, extensive digital modeling, Bluetooth audio, and app integration delivers a technically advanced, highly portable amp with significant tone customization capabilities unmatched by most competitors in the mini amp segment.
