Showing posts with label effects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label effects. Show all posts

Source Audio Soundblox Pro Multiwave Bass Distortion Effects Pedal Review

Source Audio Soundblox Pro Multiwave Bass Distortion Effects Pedal
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I'm giving this 5-stars YET I ended up returning it. In the final analysis, an amazing pedal but it just wasn't a fit for me and my style. That said, many players will find this a welcome addition to their pedalboard for home, gigs and the studio.
Source has given us bass players a truly novel pedal. Well thought out and executed. Quite honestly, it is unlike every other distortion pedal for bass. Really. It has the ability to produce an incredibly wide range of sounds and tones like no other single pedal. Here is my bottom-line...
- Most importantly, know upfront that if you are looking for "traditional" OD, boost and/or fuzz capabilities this pedal doesn't go there. It doesn't replace those pedals.
- It's real strength - and what it excels at - is in producing a very wide-array of synth-like tones. I've NEVER heard anything like it. Truly amazing range. You won't believe what you will hear. Sounds you've never imagined in your wildest dreams. And I might add...Very, VERY funky! Could potentially replace envelope filters and the like that you may be using.
- The ability to seamlessly morph from one sound setting to another (pro model only via an expression pedal) is incredible.
- Pick playing just doesn't do the pedal justice. This is a big one...Sounds much, much better if you are primarily a finger-style or slap player rather than a pick player like me. The pedal really shines and is at its best when you play finger/slap style. Pick playing seems to mute and alter the intended sound dynamics - for me, in a negative way. Not sure why this occurs.
- I've never seen a pedal with so many ways to adjust and fine-tune every setting - especially on the pro model. The settings are very sensitive and you can really tailor every setting to suit you, your bass, your amp and your style - and then save it to one of 6 locations.
- Made just for bass. Their proprietary technology really works as promised. It does an amazing job of handling and not losing any bass tone. You can readily hear each string (individually and in chords) even when highly distorted. Far from the usual undifferentiated, muddy mess of sound that most distortion pedal produce.
All in all, Source offers the bass player a pedal like no other. In a world of me-too products they have broken the mold and the rules. But, you need to determine if the sounds it produces are a fit with your style and musical tastes. Only you can do that. I suggest you go to their site - sourceaudio - and check out their sound sample videos and audios, which are very well-done incidentally.
As always.....YMMV.........

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Boss ME-50B Bass Multiple Effects with COSM Review

Boss ME-50B Bass Multiple Effects with COSM
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I've used this for about 6 years now. the COSM Compressor/Limiter works amazingly well. Also there is a noise supressor, which works very well. All the effects sound great, and you can highly customize and save them. This unit is great for gigs. The base unit is very solid, the expression pedal is very solid also. Nothing about this unit feels cheap, it is heavy! It also has grips on the bottom to keep it from sliding around.
My only con is that "Octave Up" and "Octave Down" effect have a noticable delay, a few milliseconds max, but you can hear it if you are playing. Not sure if a listener would notice.

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Pedaltrain Pro With Hard Case Review

Pedaltrain Pro With Hard Case
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The Pedaltrain Pro is a great design, and it comes with a real tough case.
Minor cosmetic damage on the case from shipment. It can handle the road for sure.
Depending on how many pedals you have, this board is perfect. Mine is full, and I wish I had more of a place for all my power, but it's easier than trusting the electronics on other pedal boards.


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Pedalboard for guitar products with carrying case

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Line 6 POD X3 Review

Line 6 POD X3
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Geez, where to start. This thing is unreal. For the gigging musician you only need to plug your Mic into the XLR input and your guitar/bass into the guitar input, dial up your favorite patches (you can create your own "User" patches), and run your output into the house PA. No amp or other gear to lug around!!
This thing has truly great guitar/bass sounds and great vocal sounds both out of this one unit. What I really like about it is that the key parameters (gain, EQ, presence, volume, reverb) ALL have their own dedicated knobs on top of the unit...no fumbling thru a bunch of confusing and dimly lit menus. And when you are at the gig there is a way to get the patch number to take up the whole LED (in BIG letters) so you can actually see what patch you are using. And did I mention the sound....I have Boss 600 digital recorder with amp/bass models which until I got the Pod, I thought were pretty good. Well I no longer use the Boss for guitar sounds. Instead, now I run the Pod into the 600 (which is a great digital multitrack recorder with so/so effects).
And now lets talk about the studio. This IS your computer audio interface. The Pod interfaces with your computer (Logic, Cubase, Gband, etc.) via a USB interface. You get simultaneous wet and dry outputs over the USB so you can get all the inspiration the Pod gives you but if you choose, record dry while your DAW is tracking. You can also use your DAW to cycle the Pod thru patch changes if that is the direction you want to go. The Line 6 website has updates/drivers and you will want to plug your Pod into your computer and follow the update instructions on the LIne 6 download page.
When I got this thing I plugged in my guitar (Takamine acoustic first, then Epiphone Casino elec) and some headphones and read just enough in the manual (5 min) to audition the thing. I ended up playing guitar for 2 hours. I was in heaven. Yea, there are a lot of high gain "thrasher/shredder" sounds but there are also a lot of clean sounds that I prefer. The next day I plugged in my Mic, set the Mic gain pot to max and got a great guitar/vocal thing going. However, the MIc input defaults to "mute" so I had to spend about 10 minutes to figure out that I had to play with both the input and output menus to get the MIc working. I played/sang for 3 hours straight after that. It was very inspiring. The next day I figured out how to get the sound to come out of the two 1/4 outputs into a Fender Princeton amp. It sounded great too.
The only "bad" thing is that for each patch you have to have to setup the inputs, outputs, and vocals. Otherwise, the Mic input will not work nor will the outputs work as they default to "Mute". What you want to do is setup user patches that have all these switches set the way that YOU want them so you don't have to tweak each patch every time you turn the thing on. Also the manual is a bit weak and some of the controls are a bit confusing at first. But it is not as difficult as the 600 as the 600 has about 4 levels of menus while the Pod X3 only has 2 levels of menus.
Oh yea, and if you want you can buy a footswitch controller if you are gigging. My friend has the Pod XT and I was just about ready to buy one when I stumbled across the X3....I am so glad I got the X3 as having the capability to do BOTH guitar and vocals at the same time (with their own controls) is huge for me. As a singer/songwriter I could setup all my user patches, show up at the gig with just my guitar, Mic, and Mic stand, and run my feed directly into the house board.
Best money I ever spent on a piece of gear. If you just want a stomp box for your guitar try the pocket Pod or the Pod 2.0. But if you want vocals, guitar, and a computer audio interface, this is your baby.

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The POD X3 will inspire and amaze you with the most complete collection of POD-quality guitar amp, cab, stompbox and studio effect models ever. This arsenal of rare vintage treasures, modern boutiques, and perennial classics offers nearly unlimited creative possibilities. Create your own tones or instantly play through any of the 250+ professionally dialed-in presets. For those in search of greater tonal possibilities, POD X3 gives you more power than ever before to create entirely new sounds. Split your guitar signal and play it through two guitar amp and effect signal chains at once. Add bass or vocals using the bass amp and high-end mic preamp models now included in POD X3.You can even plug in two instruments at once, each with its own independent tone processing. Whatever your music calls for, POD X3 has the power and flexibility to deliver. Whether you choose to recreate the sounds of the past or turn tradition on its ear, POD X3 comes fully-loaded with most inspiring collection of POD-quality amps and effects to let your sound break free. Most powerful POD EVER!Line 6 POD X3 Features and Benefits Electric Guitar POD X3 offers a whole new level of control over your guitar tone. Plug straight into any one of the 78 ear-shattering guitar amp models for pure, unadulterated guitar tone. Combine amp and cab models with the mouth-watering collection of 98 stompbox and studio effect models to build out your rig. Take your sound to the next level by blasting your guitar through two guitar rigs at once to create a massive wall of sound that even guitar heroes of the past would respect. Or plug POD X3 in front of your favorite stack or combo to pile on up to nine simultaneous effects, including

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Line 6 Floorboard - Guitar Pedal Board Foot Contr Review

Line 6 Floorboard - Guitar Pedal Board Foot Contr
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I use the Floorboard with the Pod Pro, though it is also designed to work with Line 6's Flextone series of amplifiers too. It's really easy to use, although you can either have it in "select the patches" mode, or "manual mode" though you need to be en garde at all times, as the same buttons do different things in the different modes. It has some great - amazing, really - flexibility in the manual edit mode, and brilliantly clever little touches like "boost" functions for EQ, overdrive and distortion. You want to hit that solo? Step on it, and it goes a little louder, a little brighter, or a little nastier depending on what you step on.
However, unless you trained as an organist, in a live session you don't want to be jumping around like Michael Flatley jabbing your toes at various buttons in the manual edit mode, clicking delays in or out, and then switching modes (another button) when you want to change patches - realistically you will just have a patch *with* delay set up next to an identical patch *without* delay. But if you're in patch mode, you don't have access to the boosters - which really would be useful. But it's such a great thing I think, dammit, I'll just get comfortable training to be an organist.
Its construction is as hard as nails, but - and it's a big but - the patch switches kick in a split second after you stamp on them, not immediately, as you'd expect with a stomp box. This is a major weakness. Since I use it with the Pod, and only really in the home studio environment, I can live with this. But I don't think it would fly in a live envinronment. When you want to switch from Fender Tweed to loud JCM for that face melting solo, you want to do it *now* and not some time between now and the next beat. I don't know if this can be fixed in future models, but it needs to be.
Olly Buxton

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DigiTech RP500 Integrated-Effects Switching System Review

DigiTech RP500 Integrated-Effects Switching System
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I play quite frequently in a church setting, where it's not feasible to hook up my amp, and I need to get a wide array of sounds, so I wanted something I plug in directly to the PA and get a great sound. I narrowed it down to this model, the BOSS ME-70, and the Line 6 POD 2.0 + foot controller. Here's why I went DigiTech:
1. Build Quality - This thing is a tank. It has a cast-metal chassis and vacuum-style footswitches, like on a stompbox. The BOSS unit has a metal chassis as well, but the footswitches are plastic.
2. Cost - $245 shipped for the Digitech, which comes with a power supply and Cubase LE4 recording suite for your computer. Pretty sweet! The BOSS unit is $300 and doesn't come with a power supply. I call shenanigans on that.
3. Customizability - While I liked the ease of use on the BOSS model, the thing I liked about the Digitech better is the preset system. You get 200 presets (100 factory and 100 user). The factory presets have some good sounds dialed in (though in no particular order it seems). You can also hook this up to your PC and adjust your presets from the provided X-Edit Software (which is quicker than using the menus on the unit). You can also download and save other patches, there are over 400 available on the Digitech site for free.
4. Stompbox-mode - Both units have modes to make them function like stompboxes.
5. Sound Quality - Don't get me wrong. Both of these units sound great, but I did not like the distortions I was getting out of the BOSS unit as much as the Digitech.
6. Ease of Use - It is very easy to use, pretty intuitive controls that are easy enough to figure out. After about a half-hour with the product and the manual I have it pretty much under control.

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The DigiTech RP500 delivers easy control over your tone on stage! The DigiTech RP500 guitar multi-effect processor gives you the ability to control program changes, complete signal chains and allows you to turn all amplifier and cabinet sounds off in the exclusive Pedalboard mode. When in Pedalboard mode the RP500 acts like 5 separate stompboxes and effects. Save each combo in a preset for a uniquely switchable pedal setup not found anywhere else but pro rigs. Free Version 2.0 Upgrade is Now Available for Download at digitech.com!! The Version 2.0 upgrade adds a 20-second looper to your RP500 so you can now lay down a track, loop it, add another track with a different preset to help when creating songs or just build a song live on stage! DigiTech RP500 Modeling Guitar Processor Features Pedalboard mode changes switching to emulate 5 selectable stompboxes or effects Amp and Cabinet Bypass defeats internal amp and cabinet effects in all programs Heavy-duty vacuum switches for: Program changes Effect On and Off changes Bank up and down Tap tempo and tuner Bright LEDs display program status and effect On and Off Large 10 character LED display for program name, bank name and tuner Stereo XLR and 1/4-inch Outputs with ground lift Built-in expression pedal to controls internal effects including Wah Volume Whammy Other effect parameters All metal construction The RP500's stage control allows you to quickly and easily change your tone mid-song and eliminates the tap dance of individual e

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G-System Integrated Guitar Effects & Controller Review

G-System Integrated Guitar Effects and Controller
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If you're looking for professional guitar effects, look no further! The TC Electronic G-System provides the best of TC's digital effects and adds ease of use and functionality all in one package.
There's a LOT that this processor can do. Here's how I use it, and that's just one of many ways you can configure your G-System:
I Have the G-System split into the rack and controller. I plug my guitar into the G-System, and use the G-System insert loop for my preamp. then plug the output of the G-System into my power amp. Then, there's only one cable going to the controller from the G-System rack. It's a clean and quick setup for gigs or rehearsal.
As far as the effects that are included, I haven't even begun to tap into all of them, but I have used quite a few. Currently, I'm using the Advanced Chorus, Advanced Flanger, Single Delay, Dynamic Delay, Pitch Shifter and the Boost function. There's a bunch more effects like the basic versions of the Chorus and Flanger, Wah-wah effects, whammy, a compressor, filter, phaser, and each of those effects is super configurable. The G-System also does relay switching. For instance, if you want to change the channel of your amplifier from Clean to Dirty, all it takes is the right cable for the job whether it's a MIDI cable, or a 1/4" plug. There are loops that you can put your favorite distortion boxes into and play with your analog effects also.
For the price, you're getting WAY more than you could by piecing together all sorts of MIDI and rack gear to do the same thing.
This is a superb product and I recommend it for ANY pro or semi-pro guitarist.

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DigiTech RP1000 Integrated-Effects Switching System Review

DigiTech RP1000  Integrated-Effects Switching System
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Here is my review of this Multi-effects/amp-modeling/integrated switching system. I have been playing guitar for well over 10 years and have a decent amount of experience with Multi-effects units. I own the Digitech GNX4 and an earlier model BOSS unit with the COSM modeling. I have provided my rating for each individual aspect of the unit and also some comparison with the Boss GT 10, which I think is the only real competitor for this kind of unit and price point.
Effects: Almost all of the effects range from good to excellent. The only one that's actually bad is the harmonizer. Its almost useless. I have GNX4 from 5 years ago and the harmonizer on that is excellent. So this is definitely a step backwards. There is a way to get around it by adding a harmonizer pedal ($200+) into the stomp loop. But come on Digitech, why should I have spend that extra $200? FIX THE DAMN HARMONIZER PLEASE. Also, in the GNX4, you could run Whammy/Harmonizer and effects like chorus/flanger etc together. In the RP1000, you will have to chose between Whammy/Harmonizer and effects. I wish they kept this functionality from GNX4. From what I have seen/heard on You tube, Boss GT10 has better and more effects. I haven't tried the GT10 in person, but to me, quality of RP1000 effects is excellent. I doubt I am missing much (except the Harmonizer of course) (3.5 Stars)
Amp Modeling: This is where this unit shines. I have the GNX4 with the MFX Supermodels CD which is excellent. But I think the quality of the modeling is better in the RP1000. The models are more responsive to touch and sound great to excellent. I went through almost all the amp models. I can really hear the difference between a Fender, Marshall, Vox AC, Mesa etc. Really hard to fault. However, for all you tube amp fanatics out there, I don't think this will satisfy your ears 100%. Also, Boss COSM modeling is not that great compared to RP1000 modeling (4 stars)
Switching system: I have to give kudos to Digitech folks here. They have REALLY done their homework on this one. The 4CM method is pretty useful and allows you to integrate this unit in your existing setup. The stomp loop capability is great. I wonder why Digitech didn't put the amp channel change capability (like GT10)? That would have made this unit a God-send for me. I don't like the fact that if I want to use different channels on my amp, I have to use a different foot switch. Also, having 10 foot switches is way more convenient: 5 for Stompboxes, 5 for presents. Patch changes are quick (slight delay, not too noticeable) and stomp box on/off is instant. Boss GT10 switching system has the same features, but its just not as well laid-out/organized as the RP1000(4 stars if you use 4CM method, 5 stars otherwise)
Ease of use: I have been using the GNX4 for a few years and that was somewhat daunting in the beginning. With that experience, RP1000 is actually easier for me use. I think Digitech took out some of the complexities from the GNX4 and made it lot more user friendly and easily tweak-able in a live situation. I really like how easily you can bypass amp modeling, add in stomp loop, modify effects etc. on the go. X-edit is a decent piece of software as well, but you really don't need it as much as you did for GNX4. RP1000 is a lot easier to use in person. Overall, very well done indeed. Boss GT 10 seems very complicated to me, but again, for folks who have used GT-8 in the past might not be too concerned with that. For someone starting out fresh, you cant beat RP1000 for ease-of-use (5 stars)
Overall: 4.5 Stars. If you are in the market for a Multi-effects/Amp-Modeler unit, just close your eyes and get the RP1000. I don't think you can buy anything better at this price point. Sure, every one is raving about the Axe-FX, but I don't wanna spend 1.5k on an amp modeler. Besides, I like floor unit, not the rack mountable ones. Also, do your homework. Definitely check out Boss GT 10 and then make up your mind.


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Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 - Kontrol Version Review

Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 - Kontrol Version
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There's not much I can say that isn't already covered by professional testimonials, video reviews, and product demos.
In short, Guitar Rig 3 is an extremely versatile, powerful effects system. The hardware is extremely solid-- I've carried this thing around to live gigs, stuffed it in a backpack as carry-on for a plane ride, even spilled a little bit of beer on it (not recommended). The worst I've done is dinged it with a falling mic stand. It put a small scratch on it (similar to scratching the paint on a car door), but that's about it.
There's definitely a slight learning curve for the software itself, but you can download the demo from their website to see if it's too much for you to handle. All the help and tooltips are plenty to keep you moving along-- and spending more time playing music and less time twiddling knobs. However, the cool part is that if you like twiddling knobs and settings, you can spend countless hours dialing in all kinds of vintage, modern, or never-heard-before sounds. My friend, (a lead guitarist who owns an analog guitar pedal company), despite being a bit of a sound purist, was really impressed with the sheer number of tones I can emulate. Sometimes, the sounds have a tendency to be a little bit 'digital' sounding if you don't adjust them properly, but the software upgrade to Guitar Rig 4 supposedly improves some of this. (I haven't tried it yet myself). My solution was to add an analog pedal (Philosopher's Tone) to the front of my effects chain.
I use an Intel-based Macbook Pro and a Peavy KB3 amplifier.
PRO TIP: a keyboard amp is the way to go since they have a higher frequency range that allows you to get the full range of tones out of the software. If you go with a specific guitar amp, you may severely limit the variety of tones the software can produce. The software itself effectively mimics all kinds of vintage amps--more than most people could ever afford to own. This may seem unintuitive, but if you spend a little time on the Guitar Rig forums, you'll find this out from others' experience too.

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Digidesign Eleven Rack Guitar Multi Effects Processor Review

Digidesign Eleven Rack Guitar Multi Effects Processor
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To qualify this review, I must first inform you:
I have no affiliation with Pro Tools or Avid, so if I say something positive you can trust it.
As a professional studio musician ( since the 1970's) I have had experience using every original amp and effect this ( or any other) modeling preamp claims to emulate. If you ever listened to the radio in the 80's and 90's, you have heard me playing most of these real amps on real records. There's a good chance you might have seen me on TV with some of these amps too.
Good features: KNOBS
The front panel has large rotary encoders with smooth-operating silent knobs. That's great, because they lay these out to provide tone and volume adjustments in real time... "On-the-fly" as they say. This feature is not new or unique, but it demonstrates that they consulted with real players during the design. This means you can use it like the front panel of whatever amp you are modeling and that the controls operate very much like the real thing. A+ !
TONE: very good for a modeling amp... one of the best. Because I have owned and toured with all the famous amps, I know not only how they sound, but how they react to different guitars / pickups... how they "Feel" to the player. "Feel" is a subjective term because it includes so many variables. One of the most important variables that most reviewers forget is VOLUME. It is impossible to describe the experience of playing to 17,000 people at full volume on a large stage. The whole point of using modeling amps is to recreate all the nuances of of tone and response that a REAL amp has at REAL stage volumes, yet do that at low volumes for smaller gigs, sessions or home recording. In that area, this is one of the best sounding and feeling preamps I have used.
Versatility:
It is designed to work either as a recording front-end, a direct out to a mixer / PA... AND a front end to any professional amp you currently have. I'll explain all three of those briefly:
If you already have a good amp, (or two for stereo) you hook this up for live playing easily. Three button presses get you to the cab-sim defeat function, so you can turn OFF the internal cabinet simulation. That is also not new or unique, (Much less expensive modelers have that) but it is absolutely necessary for any professional with a REAL amp. You don't want the artificial simulations in addition to the natural variables of your amp and speakers. Once you learn how to navigate this machine, it only takes a few seconds to set that function ON or OFF. So, that's a A grade in this sub-category, but not A+. Why? Because they should have made it possible with a single press of a dedicated button.
Interface with a live PA or mixer to power-amp: Many working guitarists love the sound of their real amps, but have discovered that for amplifying modeled sounds, nothing beats a professional power amp. I won't discuss the relative merits between Class A, AB, or class-D topologies here. The bottom line is you get more clean raw power in a smaller, lighter package with professional power amps. They do not "color" the sound as much, which is desirable when you have a modeling preamp. Also, professional solid state power amps are far more reliable and require far less maintenance.
This thing works perfect well with either powered speakers or your own power-amp / passive speaker combo. (my preferred rig). Not only that, but you can operate it in two modes at once. That is: you can use a real amp for your stage-monitors and simultaneously run a direct out to the FOH mixer. That makes a sound-tech's job easier. That's especially important if YOU are the sound-tech. I just wish they used dedicated outs for each "mode" and had balanced lines for everything. This has balanced-outs for the direct out and buffered un-balanced outs for everything else. You'd think for the price their asking, they could include two-extra balancing transformers!
Recording and re-amping. Many hobbyists and home recording studio owners will want this because it excels here; especially if you already use any version of pro-tools on a MAC. If you use any other recording software environment it still works, and you can still use its internal processing to relieve your computer form all the heavy number-crunching. That's great. This also allows you to "re-amp." That is when you devote a separate track to recording a dry, unprocessed guitar signal. That way you are not "locked-in" to a preamp sound during mix-down. You can choose a different amp-model, effects, EQ... anything, AFTER the recording is done. This feature is of no use to me, however tweaky amateurs love to play with tones without having to perform. Producer-types like to stamp their talentless imprimatur on other people's labor. So this feature is a big hit among inexperienced geeks and pretentious producers too. This category therefore deserves a special two-pole rating: for Tweaky geeks who can't play and have endless time to play with toys, or for egotistical yet talentless engineering nerds, this is an A+ feature. For any professional with decades of hard-won experience the rating is "who cares?" Well, sorry... I take some of that back. I suppose an up-and-coming studio cat MIGHT get more calls if the producers knows he can screw with the player's tones AFTER the session. Producers universally enjoy wrecking decent tracks with their imbecilic post-prod voodoo. This thing allows them to do that in spades!
EASE of operation: Manufacturers are stupid. They want to create a hot product, but they forget they must sell to musicians, not computer geeks. True, some of us are actual engineers who can operate computers, graphing calculators, know math and how to use slide rules. ( I'm giving away my age here.) But as musicians, we do not enjoy tweaking when we are playing. We need the instantaneous adjustments of real knobs and dedicated buttons. So why do so many manufacturers, including this one, make the same mistake? Because they are cheap and stupid. They are so worried about making profit that they refuse to put simple buttons with clear labels like; Chorus, reverb, delay, boost, distortion, overdrive, leslie, etc.. Instead, they group effects under "categories" based on the type of processing algorithm that makes that effects. Reverbs are different than delays. Those are different from other time-based modulating effects like chorus or flanging. They are basically just putting their software into a metal box so that it LOOKS like a real machine.
OK... so I have exposed my prejudice here... I despise software driven commands, menus and scrolling. I prefer dedicated buttons for every function. Also, I know enough about engineering and product design that I see why they are ripping us off. They claim to give maximum flexibility, and they do, sort of. But it is at the expense of intuitive control.
NOTE TO ALL MODELING preamp DESIGNERS:
WE NEED BUTTONS. ANY PRODUCT YOU MAKE SHOULD BE SO SIMPLE THAT IT REQUIRES NO MANUAL.
Finally, the few amp models and effects this thing has are very good. Not the best for every guitarist or situation though, but certainly one of the best. The original GP100 by Roland is still as great today as it was before it was discontinued. Mine still works and sounds as good as this for the BIG THREE models: Marshalls, Twins and AC30's. In fact the GP100 is BETTER than this much newer device at the Marshall plexi tone. For that matter, the sansamp GT2 ($160) does that single thing as well as any preamp on the market. The ROCKTRON PROPHESY got the "buttons plus knobs" thing right. Why can't AVID?
EVEN CHEAP modelers (

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Zoom G9.2tt Twin Tube Guitar Effects Console Review

Zoom G9.2tt Twin Tube Guitar Effects Console
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I would like to share with other guitar players my first impressions and usage experience owning this product by describing it the best way I can because the product really deserves respect.
Here is my review. I tried to organize in topics for fast reading.
Review Summary:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Amazed and surprised by Zoom build quality and equally about sounds you get out of this tone factory.
Absolutely convinced that is the best bang for buck guitar pedal.
Twin valves combined with the solid state circuit and fast 32bit processor delivers to your physical amp/headphones vivid and professional tones.
USB Interface works great. You can use it as recording interface with any sound application that supports ASIO (low latency sound drivers)
Buy with confidence. Build Quality and Finish:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Solid body / All metal construction;
Heavy duty foot switches;
Average quality connectors on the back of the unit;
Even if you fight with this pedal you may lose because it is strong and a bit heavy.
The unit plus power supply weights about 9 kilograms / 20 pounds.Usability:
^^^^^^^^^^
Before plugging it on the wall and your axe on the Input take some relaxed time to read the small manual that comes with the unit.
The way you choose banks and patches or edit/store the variables are comfortably smart and very logic after you understand it.
For example. If you edit a preset, the led inside "Store Preset" switch and "Exit" switch will turn on so you know which options you have easily.
You don't have to be a tech guy or a sound engineer. Goodwill and enthusiasm will do the job.
Even in low light environments you can operate the unit because of it's design and leds.
I have friends that got Boss GT-10 and says that he create a tone in a couple of minutes with EZ-Tone feature.
But I believe the following:
- Every effect or function have at least 3 or 4 sub-settings for fine tuning.
- Stacking up to 10 FX;
- Select over dozens of amps and mics setups.
I really don't care if it will take a minute or ten because "any tone" is fast on both units.
But the tone you really want for sure is a tailoring job. You have to bring a sound straight out of your head and save it as patch when satisfied. This take time at least for me.
Small LCD seems to be a con but I'm satisfied.
It's equipped with a small two lines classic blue/white screen but the info you get is useful.
So if you see what you need is just fine. Sometimes less is more ;)
For live action the patch selection is easy, instant and smooth.
There are UP/DOWN bank foot-switches and for each bank you may choose 5 patches using the lower five foot-switches.
So it's easy to memorize and recall.
All small buttons are translucent and have leds inside that goes from green to orange or fade off.
I like that because you know just by looking the pedal if the delay, reverb, pre-amp, etc are enabled or disabled.
All small buttons act the same way.
For sure it's easier to spot a "Green Led" near your right foot while stand-up playing than trying to read a big LCD screen with lot's of info on it. It's just a guess because I don't have any other pedal with huge screen.
G9.2tt is simple to use but powerful and the most important. Works.
There are dozens of patches ready to use as read-only.
The same patches are available to be changed on the user area of the internal memory. This is good because you can use the variety of built-in tones as base for yours.
Never edited the patches using Midi cable. But specs says it's possible.
Price:
^^^^^^
It's a fair price for what you get. No fancy stuff but good equipment.
This unit have dual valve that just freak you out even using a training 20watt cube. (BTW I use a Roland 20-X Cube)
Zoom G9.2TT is affordable on the price tag but does not have a fragile construction neither a work as noise generator machine.
Some guys I know says that old Zoom products were bad quality but the same people and also they really changed the product quality for better now.
Sound Quality:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'm not a sound engineer or audiophile but really love hi-fi audio and this unit delivers that.
The solid state circuit mixed with analog valves create great pre-amp output and pleasant sounds.
Also never noticed any kind of delay between input/output sound like we have when doing DSP using computers.
My opionion is that you still get a pretty a warm sounds even digitally processed. Maybe because of the Accelerator/Energizer twin valves.
I just cannot compare the digital processing of Zoom unit to software DSP like Guitar Rig or Amplitube.
Even using high quality sound card I just don't feel the same.
Overall conclusion:
I feel great using this product daily while practicing. No problems at all since I bought.
Also the built-in patches are enough to entertain yourself playing and playing for hours. P.s.: If you love guitars or classic rock you must watch the movie "It might get Loud";
Where The Edge from U2, the legend Jimmy Page (Led) and Jack White from White Stripes talk about their first music experiences and influences; How they started loving this great instrument. The electric guitar.
It's really deep and moving. Rent, buy or borrow!!
Appreciate your time!
Bruno Ratnieks

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zoom G9.2tt Twin Tube Guitar Effects Console

The G9.2tt is a multi-effects powerhouse. With sophisticated amplifier and stompbox modeling, 120 different effects, a built-in tuner, the ability to optimize for particular amps, and plenty more, it's ideal for studio and stage alike. The Z-pedal officially takes it to the next level, allowing you to control up to four parameters by moving your foot on two different axis (up and down or side to side).

Energizer using 12AX7 tube Giving body to the guitar sound and adding supple power and intensity--that is the task of the Energizer. Turning up the TUBE control to drive the 12AX7 produces warm crunch with rich harmonics. The BOOST control spruces up highs and lows, resulting in more transparency. Enjoy a powerful tone also when recording directly to a line input or via USB on a computer.
ZFX-3--a 32-bit DSP designed by ZOOM The heart of any multi-effect device is its processor and decoder section. ZOOM has started a fresh chapter with its new ZFX-3 chip. The 32-bit architecture ensures outstanding performance and allows smooth and detailed signal processing. Accuracy and speed ensure that even delicate picking and fingering work come across with impressive clarity.
DSP sound modeling plus tube circuitry create the ultimate in distortion 96 kHz sampling and 24-bit A/D/A conversion assure super high resolution sound. An abundance of signal processing power allows accurate recreation of the complex upper-range harmonics that are the hallmark of tube amplifiers. Analog circuitry using a 12AX7 tube then adds that classic warmth and sonic impact to the DSP sound. The result combines the best of the digital and analog worlds: distortion so advanced and sophisticated it elevates your guitar playing to the next level.
Preamp section with two channels The preamp section, comprised of the amp/drive-modeling, and EQ modules offers two channels per patch. You can easily select a channel by simple foot switch operation. Toggle between a Fender clean sound for rhythm and a Marshall drive sound for lead, while keeping modulation and spatial effect settings the same. The user interface with analog knobs lets you shape the sound with the same facility as on a guitar amp.
Great for stage work or direct recording The amp/drive-modeling blocks have two dedicated algorithms for each amp/drive type, designed for live playing and direct recording. The CABINET effect simulates amp and mic recording characteristics as well, and the algorithm is automatically switched according to the CABINET on/off setting.This lets you bring the same guitar sound that you used during practice or recording right on to the stage. Alternatively, sound settings that were determined during a session with the band can be used seamlessly in the studio as well.
Amp select feature This function optimizes frequency response to match the amp that you are using. Settings are available to get the best out of popular models such as Roland JC-120, a Fender combo, and a Marshall stack. The -10 dBm/+4 dBm output level switch allows the G9.2tt to be used as a preamp, directly connected to the power amp input of a guitar amplifier.
6-band graphic equalizer The built-in EQ module has six frequency bands optimized for electric guitar. Peaking type filters in the crucial middle range (400 Hz, 800 Hz, 3. 2 kHz, 6.4 kHz) are augmented by shelving type filters at the low and high end (160 Hz and 12 kHz). This ensures the shortest possible route from inspiration to actual sound.
Guitar amplifier/stomp box modeling Analog devices such as tubes and diodes have unique clipping characteristics. Sophisticated digital simulation finally makes it possible to recreate the sound of vintage tube amps and effect devices with astonishing realism. From popular names such as Fender, Marshall, and VOX to modern amps including MESA BOOGIE, Hughes & Kettner, and Diezel--the list of choices is extensive. The cabinet simulator even has settings for mic position, to achieve totally natural sounding performance.
32-bit processing for a wide choice of high-quality guitar sound effects Ranging from trusty old standards to advanced choices for specialized needs, the effect collection of the G9.2tt comprises 120 effects in 10 modules. Pick an MXR Dynacomp, famous for its unusual compression action, or select wah pedal simulations such as VOX and CRYBABY. Choose from three types of chorus for creating a solid, wide sound stage. Access seven types of reverb with transparent, unblurred sound. And the list goes on: tremolo with selectable modulation waveform, bend chorus with individual pitch bending, harmonized pitch shifter, multi-tap delay even reverse delay. These professional quality effects will fuel the creativity of every guitarist. The preamp section and wah/filter effects allow changing the module insert position for even more advanced tonal control.
Preset patches ready to use for recording or live performance Whether you are after a true-blue vintage tone or fat high-gain sound, you will find a choice here. There are settings that accurately simulate well-known amps and stomp boxes, settings that are modeled on the signature sound of famous guitarists, as well as totally original ZOOM effect sounds. The past and the future of guitar sound is right there at your fingertips. The G9.2tt comes preprogrammed with a total of 80 preset patches. For creative leeway, a user area capable of storing the same number of patches is also provided.
Intuitive interface great for stage use Each of the four analog style rotary knobs let you directly edit parameters on-the-fly, a total of four simultaneously. The LCD panel clearly shows patch and parameter names. Direct access keys are provided for each module. The advanced user interface is designed to ensure hassle-free operation, while not getting in the way of your creativity. On stage, the foot switches allows easy effect bank selection, module and hold delay on/off switching or tap tempo input. The self-lit switches show module status at a glance.
Real-time modulation for 4 simultaneous parameters fosters lively playing The built-in expression pedal allows control over effect parameters in realtime. Common pedal effects such as wah, pitch, and volume control are ofcourse supported, but you can also opt to adjust drive gain, modulationrate, delay/reverb mix level, and other parameters. Up to four parameterscan be assigned to a single pedal, allowing dramatic techniques such asraising the chorus, delay, and reverb at the same time. Create a rotary speaker style sound by varying tremolo, chorus, and auto-panning rate. Also,the ARRM (Auto Repeat Real-time Modulation) function is capable of producingrhythmical tone changes, opening up a wealth of possibilities.
World's fastest patch change speed: 7 ms Switching patches has never been smoother or less noticeable. With its record-setting speed of 0.007 seconds (7ms), the G series never miss a beat.When changing to a lead preset in the middle a song, you no longer need to press the switch in advance, simply push the foot switch and start playing your solo.
Built-in tuner supports special tuning requirements The guitar tuner can be called up instantly by pushing a dedicated footswitch. In addition to the standard auto-chromatic tuner, various othertuning methods for guitar and bass are possible, and open tunings are alsosupported. High-brightness LED indicators make the note readout easy to seeon a dark stage. The calibration range is A 435 to 445 Hz, and muted tuning(without sound output) is also possible. Tuning your guitar has never been easier or more convenient
ZNR keeps playing pauses really quiet The built-in ZOOM Noise Reduction (ZNR) provides optimized signal performance for guitar. While minimizing any alteration of the original sound, ZNR cuts unwanted noise during pauses. Tails of sustained notes remain unaffected, with a long natural release.
Ultra low noise design with 120 dB S/N ratio and -100 dB noise floor With an amazing rated signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB and a -100 dB noise floor, background noise ceases to be a problem, leaving only superbly clean, transparent sound.
Sturdy metal chassis and rubber damping for superior toughness and durability The combination of a solid metal chassis with shock-absorbant rubber damping ensures that the unit can stand up to the rigors of on stage use. Take it on the road or bring it into the studio, the G9.2tt will not let you down. And it looks great, too, the stylish two-tone coloring using silver and black, rounded shape, and chrome-plated parts give the unit a high-class, futuristic appearance.
USB based audio interface functions The USB port allows the unit to function as an audio interface for a computer. Simply plug the unit in to your computer with a USB cable to use the high-quality sound of the G9.2tt in a computer-based recording system. The high-performance DAW application "Cubase LE 4" comes bundled with the unit, so you can start creating sophisticated music straight away. Because playback from the DAW application can be monitored at the unit itself, there are no latency problems during recording.
MIDI IN/OUT jacks allow linking to other equipment The ability to exchange MIDI data with other devices opens up a wealth of possibilities. You can switch patches in conjunction with a MIDI enabled preamp, or use the unit as a real-time controller for other MIDI equipment. By connecting the MIDI interface to a computer, you may use a dedicated editor/librarian application to edit and store patch data.
AUX IN jacks accommodate external sources The playback signal from external sources can be plugged-into the AUX input. Jam along with a rhythm machine, external CD or mp3 player. You may also utilize the connectors as a stereo line input to record audio into your computer via the USB interface.
Accelerator blends tube and solid state sound The analog input section incorporates an Accelerator that can amplify the signal in a tube or a solid-state based circuit. The 12AX7 tube produces fat, sturdy sound that can be mixed with the clear and transparent sound from the solid-state circuit. Blending natural compression with typical tube saturation characteristics creates a rich, organic tone.
Z-pedal takes pedal performance to the next level The pedal on the right side of the G9.2tt supports 3D action by sensing not only conventional up/down but also sideways movement. The Z-pedal lets you build highly complex sound control patterns by allowing you to assign up to four parameters in each axis of pedal movement (vertical and horizontal). There are also effects specifically designed for use with the Z-pedal. Get creative in ways never imagined before, and explore a whole new realm of pedal performance.
External send/return loop connectors A separate stomp box, rack-mount effect or other device can be connected to the G9.2tt's effects loop and used as part of a patch. Send/return level as well as on/off status are stored as part of the patch. Find new uses for your favorite pedals and spark your creativity in a variety of unexpected ways.
What's in the Box G9.2tt Unit, AC adapter, Cubase LE 4 Install Disc, User's Manual

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