Nothing is real

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Darth Sabbathi
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Nothing is real

Post by Darth Sabbathi »

So... some of you may know that I am not a huge digital fan. But I like to think I'm an open minded sort of being. Anyway, this happened:

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I've had it for a couple of months now. I started to question my prejudice after hearing Sirvill playing live through a helix. The Quad Cortex appealed as I wanted something floor based, and I liked the look of the interface. So I ordered this from Andertons - around $3500 landed with a case if you're wondering (that's including GST, shipping, exchange - think it was 1500 quid). I figured I probably won't lose too much if I hate it and sell...

The verdict: it's pretty fucking rad. Took me a while to figure out how to replicate my amp sound - the capture was easy as, but I run two amps, and getting the split right took me a while. I had a lot of fun recording with it (see below for a sample) - then last Thursday I finally gave it the final test and used it live. Certainly a lot easier to load in and out! The on stage sound was much clearer than my amps - but I have to say, it was definitely missing something. Not as visceral, I didn't feel the air moving as much. The sound guy (who is very familiar with my tone) was impressed and enjoyed the flexibility.

So yeah. I won't be selling my amps, but will probably use this thing live most of the time.

One thing: I'm not sold on the PowerStage. My perception is that it is a bit harsh and sterile. For live, I used that into a cab for on stage and feedback, then stereo DI for FOH (the cab was also mic'd - not sure what the end mix was). I've tried using the Quad Cortex into the loop of my 5150 iii and that definitely sounds nicer - or feels nicer. But I don't want to rely on having a tube amp handy. Any thoughts? Fryette maybe?

Also, yeah, I know it has a tuner. But I don't like that as I have to hold the footswitch down for it, and I use my tuner extensively as a kill switch. There are probably other ways I could make it work, but this is easy. And while the in-built effects aren't bad, no phaser sounds as good as my Maestro.

Oh, and if you're wondering, no, the capture definitely does not handle fuzz well. Works nicely with my boosts though, including a rangemaster.


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jeremyb
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Re: Nothing is real

Post by jeremyb »

Have we travelled back in time to April 1st?????
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Re: Nothing is real

Post by Danger Mouse »

Sounds cool :thumbup:

However... dude, you're a riff machine!

If I was living in the same city as you (Welly?) I would stalk you and threaten unpleasant consequences if you didn't form a side project band with me.

Ok I wouldn't, but I'd love to spend some time trading riffs with you.
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Re: Nothing is real

Post by RobRoyMcCoy »

Nice sludge in the half time :)

And the vocals are cool too!
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Re: Nothing is real

Post by godgrinder »

Darth Sabbathi wrote: Sat Oct 16, 2021 11:39 amOne thing: I'm not sold on the PowerStage. My perception is that it is a bit harsh and sterile. For live, I used that into a cab for on stage and feedback, then stereo DI for FOH (the cab was also mic'd - not sure what the end mix was). I've tried using the Quad Cortex into the loop of my 5150 iii and that definitely sounds nicer - or feels nicer. But I don't want to rely on having a tube amp handy. Any thoughts? Fryette maybe?
Orange Pedal Baby? It’s class ab instead of class d so might be less harsh.

I wouldn’t use a tube power amp for a gigging modelling rig since you’re basically re-introducing the hassle.
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Re: Nothing is real

Post by KNNZ »

awesome work mate! another winz for digitalz!!

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Darth Sabbathi
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Re: Nothing is real

Post by Darth Sabbathi »

godgrinder wrote: Sat Oct 16, 2021 1:15 pm Orange Pedal Baby? It’s class ab instead of class d so might be less harsh.

I wouldn’t use a tube power amp for a gigging modelling rig since you’re basically re-introducing the hassle.
Exactly. A lot of places might have a house amp I could use. But I don't want to rely on that. I'm an Orange kind of guy, so that sounds like a fine suggestion - I'll check it out! Cheers!

Edit: how did I not know about this? The Pedal Baby looks perfect for me. Anyone looking to buy a Powerstage 200?

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Re: Nothing is real

Post by Zaulkin »

I have tried most of the power amps available. Most of the smaller / pedal sized ones were pretty similar in sound at each price point. The only common one I haven't tried is the pedal baby, and that was because I read some reviews about it being a bit average. But I haven't tried it so I don't know.

The Matrix GT1000FX is where it's at - especially if you think the SD was harsh. The Matrix has more bass and ...girth?

I have two and only need one, PM me if it interests you.

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Re: Nothing is real

Post by sirvill »

Dude... no fucking way hahahaha

We'll have to get together and trade digi-experiences for sure :)

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Re: Nothing is real

Post by GrantB »

Maestro phaser for the win
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Re: Nothing is real

Post by hamo »

Danger Mouse wrote: Sat Oct 16, 2021 12:10 pm Sounds cool :thumbup:

However... dude, you're a riff machine!

If I was living in the same city as you (Welly?) I would stalk you and threaten unpleasant consequences if you didn't form a side project band with me.

Ok I wouldn't, but I'd love to spend some time trading riffs with you.
I started a jam at work for this reason but Darth decided he'd rather leave than play with me... :P
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Re: Nothing is real

Post by Slowy »

Awesome! Every single sound you have is not installed on my rig! :rofl:
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Re: Nothing is real

Post by bluesierra »

How are you finding the onboard effects? I’m really considering one and I’ve heard the onboard effects might be a weak point.

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Re: Nothing is real

Post by Darth Sabbathi »

bluesierra wrote: Mon Oct 18, 2021 5:38 pm How are you finding the onboard effects? I’m really considering one and I’ve heard the onboard effects might be a weak point.
I'm not using a lot. I modelled my own drives and boosts, and as per the photo, I still use a separate phaser pedal. I use a little bit of delay on one preset, and the onboard phaser on another to supplement the Maestro on a 2nd channel (I haven't figured a way to get the loop to work on multiple channels). But yeah, they're nothing special. I'm hoping that will improve over time.

I really bought it for the captures - my main aim was to model my own amps.

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Re: Nothing is real

Post by GrantB »

So, is that my old phaser Mal? I seem to be losing track of the masses of gear I’ve had and sold!! I know Capt has one - but I used to own two.

Fwiw - I’m using the Supro Trem to give that phase vibe…doesn’t have speed unfortunately but the tone is there
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