The live RoD needs FX...Opinions?

[Mattfig]

I have simple needs for the most part...I am perfectly happy with my Lexi MX200 in the studio rack...I typically just use reverb and delay...But now I read all about speaker impulses and such and wonder if I should broaden my horizons...I once owned a GSP1101 and was trying to use it as a POD basically and didn't dig it....But now I read about its other features such as these kooky speaker impulses and I just want to know what the standard is...

I have an ADA Microcab II that I use and LOVE...I don't want something that will take too long to learn....But wouldn't mind expanding my horizons a bit either....

Any ideas?

Oh yeah, and amp modeling is not at all important to me....I'd rather avoid that altogether as it won't get used...I still have my trusty PODxt if I have to bite the bullet for a client...

 

[SacredGroove]

Using Impulse Responses for speaker simulation is a great tool for direct and "silent" recording. Some players have used them live, as well, as a means blending the IR with their mic'ed cab, or going direct altogether. Don't get them confused with being a means of FX to use for recording, unless it's reverb.

Impulse Responses also need a convolution plugin, in order to be used. A lot DAWs now come with these plugins. The convolution plugin is used to load the IR (wave file), and presents you with an interface to manipulate the sound (or effect), like any other plugin.

If you're happy with the Lexi, I would stick with it. If you want silent recording, or the ability to add additional speaker cab choices to your recorded tones, using IRs for speaker simulation is a good way to go.

I have an old Boss SX-700 in my rack. I've always loved Roland delays, and modulation. I also loved the original Quadraverb for reverb, and modulation because it was clear, but still somewhat analog sounding. The Quadraverb modulation is fat, like some pedals, compared to a lot of todays FX units.

I have no idea if this helps you, but I had a minute and felt like being social...LOL...

 

[disk11]

If you just want impulses:

Ripped from http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/gear-equipment/144355-dar-amplifaction-future-breed-machines-linup-fredrik-thordendal-content.html

FBM-X

The FBM-X is the first product in its class that allows guitarists, bassists, and engineers to run the industry?s highest resolution Impulse Responses without the need for computers and their associated latency issues. No more inconsistent live sound, stage mics, or having to mic multiple cabinets in a recording session.

The FBM-X is also an ideal companion to the many modellers/fx processors available today, as it adds tremendous flexibility in tone shaping and addresses one of the most noted complaints with existing products, the limitation of their cabinet simulations.

Industry?s highest resolution (10,000 point) custom impulse responses (IR?s) created by Jocke Skog, which include power amp, cabinet, and mic combinations
Adaptive Dynamics on IR?s to address the changing behavior of power amps and cabinets when pushed
Full stereo operation
Black powder coated chassis
2 line - 20 character illuminated display for IR management
Full midi control with locking MIDI and DIN thru
USB interface and PC/MAC editor for management of IR?s
Pre-IR outputs for interfacing to power amps in parallel to IR?s
Post IR balanced outputs for interfacing to mixers/monitors/PA
Hand built in California, USA


FBM-XL
The FBM-XL contains all the features of the FBM-X and adds a powerful load box which allows for the running of high power tube heads without the need for cabinets, drastically reducing the overall amount of gear musicians need to take to gigs.

The FBM-XL is also a very useful tool for the studio, where it is commonplace to have multiple amplifier heads in the control room, by allowing them to run silently and safely without attached cabinets.

Same features as FBM-X with the additon of a Load box that supports up to 100 watt amplifiers

It's basically just an impulse box. Page says the first one is $590 and the XL is $890. Very new and very limited, and to get one you have to contact the manufacturer, DAR, directly.

I had hoped for more concrete info in a review or their website, but its been "new site coming soon" for a while now.

If you want anymore info on the GSP or want some poorly played and mastered clips, let me know :lol:

 

[Wookieslayer]

Nice post SacredGroove... and L33T post at that lol.

 

[Mattfig]

Thanks guys! I'm figuring I'll move my Lexi MX200 to my live RoD and get a new one for the RoD...Impulses sound cool but I don't want to have to interface with a computer to use them...I'll check out some of the hardware versions...All the info is appreciated and very helpful!

Any further comments are most welcome...

 

[m0jo]

One comment on using the MX200 live: It doesn't really work too well ..

The switching is not quick enough to have it in the series loop, so then you need to run it parallel .. but there's no killdry, so to avoid phase-crap you need to keep the mix on 100% at all times ..
Yes you can use the parallel mix knop on the RM4 to lower that mix, but you won't be able to set up different fx and really use them.

The GSP1101 rocks for basic setups, it's very transparent and had very good verbs and delays (but no **** reverse delay). With the beta firmware you have a good selection of overdrives too, and the ability to load your own IR's.
So in that way, it rocks.

BUT take a good look at the effects setup in the manual!
There's these blocks:
Wah - Comp - Drive - Loop - Amp/cab - EQ - NS - Mod/FX - Delay - Reverb
With the compression and fx you can choose the position (pre or post amp+loop), but otherwise it is a fixed setup.
Also notice there is one FX block, so no ability to use 2 chorusses (even if those are the only effects you want to use..)
This block is used for modulation, pitch, filter (not wah but autofilters etc.)

This is my big beef with this unit at this moment.
In some ways it's liberating (very transparent, good effects, very good support for the 4 cable method and turning off the internal preamp) ... but the single "mod" effect block .. that just kills it completely for any effects "fun".

 

[Daryl]

If I might pipe up here a bit, I'd like to say that the GMajor2 is a pretty sweet little unit. It plays nicely with the RM100 serial loop if you watch your module levels or use a suck box to keep the input from clipping. Nice feature set and some easily tweakable presets too. There is also a pretty decent EQ section built in that can be programmed. I like it. I don't use gobs of effects, but the verbs and delays are nice.