MODEL 2024: the "challenger"
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faceplate
Chassis
Inside the Miniature reverb CIRCUIT
The Challenger is the only small-cabinet Hilgen amp that includes a reverb in addition to a tremolo. The circuit itself is unique among Hilgens, using a 6C4 tube in the V1 position as the reverb driver and half of a 12AX7 tube in the V4 position for reverb recovery.
Given the severe size constraints of the cabinet, the reverb tank had to be lilliputian. It is built on a sheet metal frame that is just 6 1/4 inches long and employs a single reverberation spring. The tank itself has no manufacturing information. The tank is housed in a white cardboard box, which is in turn enclosed in a thick paper envelope with a metallic paper lining. The envelope, which was manufactured by the Dobeckmun company and then imprinted with the Hilgen brand, is sealed by metal staples. The envelope floats in mid-air, suspended by four small springs attached by screws to the left cabinet wall and front baffle. The tank is hard-wired to the chassis rather than connected by jacks. The construction is so unique that it deserves close scrutiny:
Given the severe size constraints of the cabinet, the reverb tank had to be lilliputian. It is built on a sheet metal frame that is just 6 1/4 inches long and employs a single reverberation spring. The tank itself has no manufacturing information. The tank is housed in a white cardboard box, which is in turn enclosed in a thick paper envelope with a metallic paper lining. The envelope, which was manufactured by the Dobeckmun company and then imprinted with the Hilgen brand, is sealed by metal staples. The envelope floats in mid-air, suspended by four small springs attached by screws to the left cabinet wall and front baffle. The tank is hard-wired to the chassis rather than connected by jacks. The construction is so unique that it deserves close scrutiny:
As one might expect from such a miniaturized reverb, the decay period is very short: I timed it as being a little over one second with the reverb control knob rotated fully to the right. The tone emphasizes the treble range. Whereas standard tanks are capable of creating a deep watery decay, the Challenger reverb emits more of a "splash" of first reflections and then quickly trails off. The effect is more successful than one might imagine under the circumstances. Although moody sustain is out of the question, individual plucked notes are audibly extended and enlivened. After one adjusts one's expectations and leans how to work with it, the Challenger reverb is quite pleasing to the ear and significantly enhances the sound of this scrappy little amplifier.