The ASTRO-20 is a 3-channel, 4-Galaxy, Built-In-USA head that combines authentic all-tube tone with features ideal for today’s modern guitarist. Mike Soldano designed this sonic powerhouse to be a fully featured versatile 20w guitar amplifier. The ASTRO-20 can also be used as a stand-alone cab-less amplifier ideal for live sound, rehearsal and studio recording sessions, thanks to the DSP powered IR cabinet simulation.
The simple front panel design of the ASTRO-20 lets you save any combination of the channels, Galaxies, and IRs and quickly recall them with the included 4-button MIDI footswitch. The free downloadable Soldano Editor Software makes organizing presets and integrating your own IRs fast and easy.
Cabless Operation
The ASTRO-20 allows you safely go to the front of house, a recording device, or use your headphones without connecting to a speaker cabinet.
Soldano Astro 20 All-Tube Amp Head Features
- Lightweight all-tube guitar amplifier
- Cascading-gain preamp design
- Ranges from crystal clean to pushed crunchy tones
- 3 Independent Channels
- 3-way BRIGHT switch
- 3 position DEPTH switch
- USB Software Editor
- Cab-less operation
- 6 IR presets, individually programmable per channel
- Load your own IRs via the Software Editor
- Low Latency IR Cabinet simulation (bypassable)
- Independent GAIN and VOLUME per channel
- Shared BASS, MIDDLE and TREBLE controls
- Included 4 button programmable MIDI foot switch pedal
- 7-Pin MIDI Cable Included
- Ultra-transparent series FX loop
- XLR Balanced Output with Ground Lift
- Headphone Output with dedicated VOLUME control
- MIDI programmable (up to 128 presets)
- Includes a 6’ USB Cable
3-Channels of All-tube Tone
Despite its incredible onboard control, the ASTRO-20 is a straightforward, all-tube amplifier that is powered by two 6V6 power tubes and four 12AX7 pre-amp tubes. There are three channels to select: Clean, Overdrive 1 or Overdrive 2.
The Clean/Green Galaxy is a high-headroom circuit reminiscent of classic American combo amps. It ranges from crystal clean to slightly pushed crunchy tones dialed in with a single Tone knob and a 3-way Bright switch.
Overdrive 1 and Overdrive 2 include independent Volume and Gain with a shared 3-band EQ. The Blue, Purple, and Red Galaxies can be assigned independently to each of the Overdrive channels via the Galaxy select switch.
The Galaxies
The Blue Galaxy ranges from bluesy cleans to fat and sparkly hard rock tones. The Purple Galaxy takes over where Blue leaves off, delivering higher gain and a tighter response.
The Red Galaxy takes you on a journey starting from Soldano’s iconic lead tones to a new phenomenal high-gain universe. The Blue, Purple and Red Galaxies can be assigned to Overdrive 1 or Overdrive 2 independently and saved for instant recall.
The ASTRO-20 lets you customize the overdrive channels to YOUR needs. For example, you can select the Red Galaxy for both OD 1 and OD 2 (and set the Volume and Gain differently on each channel), or OD1 as Blue and OD2 as Red, or OD1 as Purple and OD2 as Red – the combinations are endless.
Impulse Responses – Assignable Per Channel/Galaxy
Impulse response cabinet simulation is an essential tool for modern guitarists. The ASTRO-20 offers six onboard IR slots to choose from. Each expertly recorded IR can be assigned to each channel/galaxy independently, ensuring you get the perfect tone and speaker response, whether running direct onstage, recording, or utilizing the amp’s headphone output for silent at-home practice. Add and manage your own IRs using the included Soldano Editor Software.
The STAR Display
All features of the ASTRO-20 are controlled right from the front panel, making it convenient and versatile. The innovative STAR display indicates which Galaxy is being played (Green, Blue, Purple or Red), while the 6 “planets” around the star indicate the current IR preset. The planet indicator will turn OFF in CAB BYPASS mode.
Soldano Editor Software
The Soldano Editor Software features an intuitive user interface, allowing you to easily assign Galaxies to the Overdrive channels, select different IRs for all three channels, load and organize your IR library, and save up to 128 MIDI presets.
4-Button Midi Footswitch - Expanded MIDI Control
An included 4-button MIDI footswitch lets you save and access any combination of channels, Galaxies, and onboard IRs. The amp also accepts external MIDI switchers and controllers, giving you up to 128 user-created presets. You can assign and organize your presets with the included Soldano Editor Software.
Master Controls
The wide range master Presence control takes you from a tight and mid-focused response to an open, three-dimensional feel. The 3-positon Depth switch fine-tunes the power amp’s bass response. You can boost or cut the bass using this switch. Depth cut is ideal for extended range, low-tuned guitars, allowing you to cut through the mix. Depth boost beefs up single-coil guitars and at lower volumes enriches the bass response.
If you want authentic Soldano tube tone with the modern flexibility of digital control, the Soldano Astro-20 is the amp for you.