Need help?Do you have a question about the Soldano ASTRO-20 and is the answer not in the manual?
Do not expose the pre-amp to water or moisture, or operate near any water source.
Details on the 20W all-tube amp, channels, gain structure, and tubes used.
Description of Clean, Overdrive channels and the BLUE, PURPLE, RED Galaxies.
Explanation of the INPUT JACK, VOLUME, BRIGHT SWITCH, and TONE controls.
Details on CHANNEL/STORE, GAIN 1, GAIN 2, and GALAXY selection.
Description of BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, VOLUME 1, VOLUME 2, and MASTER controls.
Explanation of DEPTH SWITCH, PRESENCE, CABINET/BYPASS, and ASTRO Indicator.
AC Mains Input, MAINS FUSE, and AC SELECTION SWITCH details.
POWER/ON SWITCH, FOOTSWITCH/MIDI IN, and USB connector functions.
BALANCED OUT, HEADPHONES, EFFECTS LOOP (SEND/RETURN) connections.
Details on SPEAKER connections for various impedances and cab-less setup.
The Soldano ASTRO-20 is a highly versatile, multi-channel, and multi-function all-tube guitar amplifier designed for a wide range of uses, from live performances and studio recording to practice sessions. It functions as a full-featured 20W guitar amplifier, a standalone cab-less amplifier, and a practice amplifier, thanks to its DSP-powered IR Cab simulation and headphones output.
The amplifier features a cascading-gain preamp design and is equipped with 2 x 6V6 and 4 x 12AX7 tubes. It offers three independent channels: a Clean Channel (Green Galaxy) and two Overdrive Channels. The Clean Channel includes VOLUME and TONE controls, along with a 3-way BRIGHT switch, allowing for tones ranging from crystal clean to pushed crunchy. The Overdrive Channels have independent GAIN and VOLUME controls per channel, with shared BASS, MIDDLE, and TREBLE controls. These overdrive channels can be independently programmed to one of three "galaxies": BLUE, PURPLE, or RED. The BLUE Galaxy offers tones from bluesy cleans to fat and sparkly hard rock. The PURPLE Galaxy provides hard rock to punchy high-gain drive with a tighter response. The RED Galaxy delivers the classic Soldano lead overdrive tone.
The ASTRO-20 also includes a MASTER volume control, a 3-position DEPTH switch to adjust low frequencies in the power amp, and a PRESENCE control for high mids and treble in the power amp. An ASTRO Indicator serves multiple functions: it indicates when the amp is powered up, its color shows which GALAXY is being played (green, red, blue, or purple), and the six "planets" around the star indicate the current IR preset, which can be toggled using the CABINET switch. The planet indicator turns off in CAB BYPASS mode.
For cabinet simulation, the amplifier features low-latency IR Cabinet simulation, which is bypassable. It comes with six IR presets, individually programmable per channel, referred to as "planets" around the "star." Users can also load their own IRs via the Software Editor. The amplifier includes a 4-button programmable MIDI footswitch pedal with a 7-Pin MIDI Cable, allowing for MIDI programmable control with up to 128 presets.
Connectivity options include an ultra-transparent series FX loop, an XLR Balanced Output with Ground Lift for cab-less operation, and a Headphone Output with a dedicated VOLUME control for silent practice. Speaker connectors are provided for 1x16 ohm, 2x8 ohm (parallel), and 2x4 ohm (parallel configurations. A USB Software Editor is included, along with a 6' USB Cable, enabling software updates and remote programming.
The front panel controls include an INPUT jack, VOLUME for the Green Galaxy channel, a BRIGHT SWITCH, and TONE for the Green Galaxy channel. The CHANNEL/STORE button selects between the Green, Channel 1, or Channel 2, and a long press stores the current configuration to the selected MIDI program change. GAIN 1 and GAIN 2 adjust the gain for overdrive channels 1 and 2, respectively. The GALAXY control selects between BLUE, PURPLE, and RED galaxies for the selected overdrive channel. BASS, MIDDLE, and TREBLE controls adjust the EQ for both overdrive channels. VOLUME 1 and VOLUME 2 adjust the volume for overdrive channels 1 and 2. MASTER adjusts the power amp volume when a speaker is connected, and should be set to zero in cab-less mode. The DEPTH SWITCH and PRESENCE control further shape the power amp tone. The CABINET/BYPASS switch selects the desired CABINET IR preset, and a long activation bypasses the simulation.
The rear panel features an AC Mains Input for connecting to a grounded outlet, a MAINS FUSE for protection (requiring replacement with the same fuse type and rating), and an AC SELECTION SWITCH to select between 230V and 115V AC line voltage. A POWER/ON SWITCH slowly ramps up the voltage for prolonged tube life, and users are advised to set the master level to zero before powering on. A FOOTSWITCH/MIDI IN connector allows control with an external MIDI device or the provided footswitch, providing 12V 200mA Phantom Power. A USB connector is available for software updates and remote programming. A GROUND LIFT switch enables or disables the ground connection on the BALANCED OUT. The BALANCED OUT provides a power amp and IR XLR balanced output. A HEADPHONES connector with a dedicated HEADPHONES LEVEL control is included, with a warning to lower the volume before wearing headphones. SEND and RETURN jacks are provided for the effects loop. SPEAKERS connections offer various impedance options (1x16 ohm, 2x8 ohm, 2x4 ohm) for different cabinet combinations.
For cab-less operation, all speaker connections must be removed, and the MASTER volume set to zero to prevent damage. The instruction manual emphasizes the importance of fully plugging in speaker cables to avoid malfunctions.
The Soldano Editor software, available for download, allows users to upload their own IRs, program MIDI presets, and manage MIDI functionalities. The software also provides options to customize the visual appearance of the ASTRO-20 with different tolex selections. Firmware updates are automatically checked via an internet connection.
Soldano offers a limited 5-year warranty to the original purchaser, covering defects in material and workmanship, provided a dated sales receipt is available. The warranty is voided by unauthorized modifications. Tubes are covered for 90 days. For service, users are instructed to contact Soldano support via email. Defective products must be shipped freight pre-paid and insured, with a Return Authorization Number obtained beforehand. Products should be shipped in their original packaging. Soldano is not responsible for incidental or consequential damages. Users are encouraged to complete the warranty registration card for safety notifications.
General| Wattage | 20 Watts |
|---|---|
| Channels | Single Channel |
| Tubes | 3x 12AX7 (Preamp), 2x EL84 (Power) |
| Controls | Bass, Middle, Treble, Master |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9.5" (H) |
To Next Page