I just started a new band and last time was the first time we played together as a full band.
Carrying my 80 pound Mesa MKIII gets tiresome and hurts my back, but my SFDR couldn't keep up with the band.
I bought a used Badcat Unleash on TGP and UPS lost it in the mail. UPS treated the seller and I like shit for 2 weeks after it was supposed to be delivered before they would admit they lost it. A retailer had offered to sell me a new one at a great price, but they sold out before I could buy one. I finally found one at a good price, it arrived at my apartment when I was out of town. I almost couldn't make it back into town because of the snow, then my car was dead when I got back to Pittsburgh! I don't believe in a higher power, but started to seem like someone didn't want me to have an Unleash ;)
Anyway, this thing is sweet! I managed to stuff it in the back of my DR and it only adds a several pounds, so my DR is still about half the weight of my Mesa and can pump out a wapping 100 watts! It can also bring my DR to bedroom volumes when the DR's volume is cranked to 10 without any loss of treble!
Since my MKIII does a hell of a job on my back sometimes, I was bringing my DR most of the time I was playing out and just cranking the volume to 10 and cleaning up with my guitar's volume knob. Not ideal for jam band kinda stuff, but its still kinda cool to play a 40-year-old Fender with the knobs dimed :D
One of the cool things about the Badcat is that you can set the input trim knob to push the (re)amplifier inside the Unleash. I set it at 12 o'clock, which adds a nice compression without noticeable distortion or loss of treble. This adds some punch and thickness to the Fender that I miss when I'm not using my Mesa. It really makes my guitar jump out a bit more. I just set the volume on my amp at the sweet spot where its mostly clean, with a touch of grit. I had the volume on the Unleash between 1 and 2 o'clock and kept up with my band that includes a hard-hitting drummer, a big PA that was on the edge of clipping with the keyboard and vocals running though it, a Bass Playing who was only using a 210 last night, and another guitarist playing a Mesa Recto.
Just thought this thing was cool! I love the 6V6 DR tone and the 112 form-factor, but most Fender's have such a small sweet spot on the volume. Now I feel like I have a secret weapon and I don't worry about whether I'll be heard in the band mix.
Whoa. I had no idea such a thing existed. I'm no gear head, but I've got a THD UniValve which sounds great at home at what I would say is louder than bedroom volumes. But if I play in a band setting I'm really cranked to even be heard and as such basically have no real cleans. Would you recommend I give this a try?
ETA: obv I know about attenuators owning a THD, but I didn't realize reamplifiers existed.
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Quote from: Jkendrick on March 06, 2014, 03:49:45 PM
Whoa. I had no idea such a thing existed. I'm no gear head, but I've got a THD UniValve which sounds great at home at what I would say is louder than bedroom volumes. But if I play in a band setting I'm really cranked to even be heard and as such basically have no real cleans. Would you recommend I give this a try?
ETA: obv I know about attenuators owning a THD, but I didn't realize reamplifiers existed.
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I'm usually a quick judge whether I like or dislike gear and I really like the Unleash in the short period of time I've had it, but I should state I'm technically still in the honeymoon phase before you take my advice and spend about $400 on one of these.
I got mine for the same reason - I ran out of headroom with my DR... Its tonally transparent, so if you like your amp and just want 'more' of it, its the perfect thing. You just want to make sure the speaker your using can handle 100w if you ever decide to crank the Unleash. Since I prefer my CL80 over my EVM12L with my DR, I ordered a 100w Ceramic Weber Blue Dog with a Hemp cone and Pre-Rola doping.
Also, the Unleash has an Effect Loop, which I haven't tried yet, but I might toss a Bass GEQ in there and use it like a Hi-Pass Filter.
And you can use a footswitch with the Unleash as a clean volume boost.
You know, I don't even remember what I've got in my cab. I mean I know it's a Weber but I'm not sure if it's 100w or something less. I've got a closed cabinet so it's not as easy as just peeking behind. Can you use say a 50w if you never crank it. Again, I'm not a gear head. ;)
ETA: well I opened it up. It's a Weber California. Appears to be 80w. Here's the label:
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/07/a7a7ytyq.jpg)
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Quote from: Jkendrick on March 06, 2014, 09:43:47 PM
You know, I don't even remember what I've got in my cab. I mean I know it's a Weber but I'm not sure if it's 100w or something less. I've got a closed cabinet so it's not as easy as just peeking behind. Can you use say a 50w if you never crank it. Again, I'm not a gear head. ;)
ETA: well I opened it up. It's a Weber California. Appears to be 80w. Here's the label:
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/07/a7a7ytyq.jpg)
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Nice speaker. If you don't crank the unleash, you could use an 80w speaker. That's what my CL80 handles, but I decided to get the 100w Weber so I can be more certain I won't blow the speaker if I need to crank the unleash. Some speaker manufacturers overrate the power handling and you would need something more like a120+w speaker, but Weber is pretty accurate.
Heady, do you still have your VM Pro? I'm interested in seeing how a volume pedal works in the FX loop of the BC as an adjustable master. Thanks!
Quote from: Heady Jam Fan on March 07, 2014, 08:18:57 AMQuote from: Jkendrick on March 06, 2014, 09:43:47 PMYou know, I don't even remember what I've got in my cab. I mean I know it's a Weber but I'm not sure if it's 100w or something less. I've got a closed cabinet so it's not as easy as just peeking behind. Can you use say a 50w if you never crank it. Again, I'm not a gear head. ;)
ETA: well I opened it up. It's a Weber California. Appears to be 80w. Here's the label:
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/07/a7a7ytyq.jpg)
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Nice speaker. If you don't crank the unleash, you could use an 80w speaker. That's what my CL80 handles, but I decided to get the 100w Weber so I can be more certain I won't blow the speaker if I need to crank the unleash. Some speaker manufacturers overrate the power handling and you would need something more like a120+w speaker, but Weber is pretty accurate.
As I said, I don't play in a band. And now with kids, I don't even jam much (and around here it's mostly acoustic jamming anyway). So at most I figure I'd want to just double the output of my current 15w UniValve. I don't know how familiar you are with the UniValve, but it has a high gain input and a low gain input (non-switchable). I vastly prefer the low gain input, but it's just too quiet for a band situation. But as I said, I don't play out much right now so $450 probably isn't in the cards for a while. Glad to know this exists though as I really like my amp. Keep us posted!
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Quote from: Buffered on March 07, 2014, 08:42:43 AM
Heady, do you still have your VM Pro? I'm interested in seeing how a volume pedal works in the FX loop of the BC as an adjustable master. Thanks!
No, I returned it.
I ran my recording gear through the Effect Loop last night because I wanted to try a hi-pass filter, which I really liked, but I also used the recording gear to adjust the volume and it worked just fine. I think a volume pedal would work really well in the loop if you want an adjustable master, but you can always use a footswitch to change between Ch1 and Ch2 on the Badcat. I think a lot of people use Ch2 as a clean boost for leads.
Quote from: Jkendrick on March 07, 2014, 08:51:56 AM
Quote from: Heady Jam Fan on March 07, 2014, 08:18:57 AM
Quote from: Jkendrick on March 06, 2014, 09:43:47 PM
You know, I don't even remember what I've got in my cab. I mean I know it's a Weber but I'm not sure if it's 100w or something less. I've got a closed cabinet so it's not as easy as just peeking behind. Can you use say a 50w if you never crank it. Again, I'm not a gear head. ;)
ETA: well I opened it up. It's a Weber California. Appears to be 80w. Here's the label:
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/07/a7a7ytyq.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice speaker. If you don't crank the unleash, you could use an 80w speaker. That's what my CL80 handles, but I decided to get the 100w Weber so I can be more certain I won't blow the speaker if I need to crank the unleash. Some speaker manufacturers overrate the power handling and you would need something more like a120+w speaker, but Weber is pretty accurate.
As I said, I don't play in a band. And now with kids, I don't even jam much (and around here it's mostly acoustic jamming anyway). So at most I figure I'd want to just double the output of my current 15w UniValve. I don't know how familiar you are with the UniValve, but it has a high gain input and a low gain input (non-switchable). I vastly prefer the low gain input, but it's just too quiet for a band situation. But as I said, I don't play out much right now so $450 probably isn't in the cards for a while. Glad to know this exists though as I really like my amp. Keep us posted!
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Will keep you posted!
I think it would work great for giving you that extra boost to use your amp in a band situation, but I know it costs a pretty penny.
PM if you decide you want one and can't find a used one - I can hook you up with a retailer who will sell them for a fair amount less than $450.
Will do. Thanks.
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Quote from: Buffered on March 07, 2014, 08:42:43 AM
Heady, do you still have your VM Pro? I'm interested in seeing how a volume pedal works in the FX loop of the BC as an adjustable master. Thanks!
Got your PM, but your inbox is full.
Quote from: Heady Jam Fan on March 07, 2014, 09:08:59 AM
Quote from: Buffered on March 07, 2014, 08:42:43 AM
Heady, do you still have your VM Pro? I'm interested in seeing how a volume pedal works in the FX loop of the BC as an adjustable master. Thanks!
Got your PM, but your inbox is full.
Thanks for the updated :) Cleared.
Only one message storage capacity? Damn!
Is there a Tone Tubby or equivalent that is rated 100w?
Quote from: Jkendrick on October 24, 2014, 12:54:18 PM
Is there a Tone Tubby or equivalent that is rated 100w?
Assuming your looking for hemp speakers...
I have a Weber Hemp Cone Ceramic Magnet Blue Dog with Pre-Rola Doping rating 100w. Its very dark, but I like it. You can even get it with a neodymium booster magnet for a little extra volume. I'm also interested in the Weber Axis...
Also, Steamboat amplifiers has a 100w Hemp Cone modified CL80.
And I have a 4ohm 180w Hemp Cone Modified CL80 - the Badcat Unleash puts out 180w with a 4ohm speaker. Its got a much more open treble than the Blue Dog. I've switched back and forth several times and I think I'm gonna stick with the Blue Dog, but I'd sell the 180w speaker if your interested.
EDIT - I also had a hemp EVM12L once that was incredible. Too heavy IMO and can break a baffle on a Fender DR, but I much preferred it to a regular EV. I think I saw a Hemp JBL on eBay too.
On that note - I put the bright cap back in my amp this week. Well, the original bright cap was missing a lead, so I used a film cap for now. I'm gonna put in a push/pull volume pot with a bright cap on it. It adds some upper midrange that I think I like with my DR>Blue Dog for Trey-esque tones.
I'm finally thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these and I see now there is a v2 (is it not out yet?). Also on TGP there seems to be quite a bit of love for the Fryette Power Station. Any thoughts on the Unleash v2 vs the Fryette? Seems both are considerably more expensive than the original Unleash. I was hoping to spend $400 and it now looks like it will be more like $600.
Quote from: Jkendrick on November 29, 2015, 12:20:41 PM
I'm finally thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these and I see now there is a v2 (is it not out yet?). Also on TGP there seems to be quite a bit of love for the Fryette Power Station. Any thoughts on the Unleash v2 vs the Fryette? Seems both are considerably more expensive than the original Unleash. I was hoping to spend $400 and it now looks like it will be more like $600.
I have the Fryette, I'd say it's really worth it. You get a Line In/Out, tube FX loop, tube reamp and attenuator and impedance adapter. If you need all those things, it boils down to about $100 a feature. I paid $550 for mine, with shipping back in May but I'm not sure how much they are now. I'd say it's more transparent than the Alex I had for awhile when attenuating my Express 5:50+. It's a MV amp, so while I don't "need" the attenuation it's great for getting the Mesa's masters really up there while being able to control the overall volume nicely. I haven't used it as a reamper for a low wattage amp, but I bet it works as well as the Bad Cat. However, it's only a 50W power amp whereas the Unleash is much more so you'll get more headroom although the Bad Cat is Solid State where the Power Station is Tube FWIW. I originally bought my Power Station to go with my Carr Slant 6v but I sold it. Now, with my Express (attenuation not totally required, but nice) I still find reason to keep it around even though I could probably get my money back for it on TGP.
For me, having the effects loop after the power amp really opens up the tone of the amp and removes some of the blanket sound one can experience with some loops and pedal impedance.
Cool thanks. I probably can't pull the trigger until the New Year in fears it would be delivered during a time we'd be out of town. Am I right that it can only be ordered directly from Fryette? I'd love to go to a store and buy it in person.
When I bought mine that was the case as they were still new to market, but I think you can order one through a Fryette dealer and they'd be happy to hold onto it for you or they might have one to sell right away. I think they're shipping in less than a week now from order date.
I pulled the trigger. Ordered from the Fryette site. Says three days to process. We're going out of town next week, but we have a dog sitter that can bring it in if its delivered then. I'm excited. I've been recording some things and the tone has been pretty bad because I have to turn it down so low. I'm hoping this will help with this and also allow me to practice with my electric more.
Quote from: Jkendrick on December 01, 2015, 10:59:55 AM
I pulled the trigger. Ordered from the Fryette site. Says three days to process. We're going out of town next week, but we have a dog sitter that can bring it in if its delivered then. I'm excited. I've been recording some things and the tone has been pretty bad because I have to turn it down so low. I'm hoping this will help with this and also allow me to practice with my electric more.
For me it absolutely does - set the amp the way you like then use the PS to control the overall output. Sounds real clear. Also, the line out feature is really nice for running into your DAW.
Fryette mailed mine with a signature required.
Oh cool. So I assume they'll just keep it at the PO until I get back in that case?
Quote from: Jkendrick on December 01, 2015, 03:12:38 PM
Oh cool. So I assume they'll just keep it at the PO until I get back in that case?
I think they keep things for a certain number of days (5?), or a certain number of attempted deliveries (3?) before they return the package to the sender. You also have two other options.
1) Leave a note on the front door asking the delivery person to leave the package. Sign the note.
2) I have an online log-in for the various delivery companies. If the address tied to a tracking number matches my registered address, I can change some of the delivery info. This could include waiving the signature requirement, having the package held at the PO, sending it to another address, etc.
I was able to pick up my Power Station today. Do you guys put your whole effects board through the effects loop?
Quote from: Jkendrick on December 14, 2015, 11:54:17 AM
I was able to pick up my Power Station today. Do you guys put your whole effects board through the effects loop?
When I had the Unleash (which I used with my Deluxe Reverb), I only ran my EQ/Boost and Delay in the loop. The rest went in front of the amp. I bought a cheap single TB Loop Switch to control the two pedals (I switched them on / into the loop for solos).
Right. I read up a bit after posting this and realized you wouldn't want to put OD in the loop. Thanks!
I run my delay through the loop on the PS. Really cool where the placement of the loop in the signal chain and sounds amazingly clear.
I can't wait to mess with it. Tomorrow should be first opportunity.
Got the PS all hooked up. This will definitely lead to more playing electric (and save what's left of my hearing). It sounds great playing at volumes no louder than my acoustic. One thing I noticed is at those volumes is the sustain fades much more quickly. Is this just a fact of the physics of not moving as much air? At full volumes I have pretty much on demand infinite sustain; with the PS engaged it fizzles out pretty quickly.
Quote from: Jkendrick on December 16, 2015, 01:38:16 PM
Got the PS all hooked up. This will definitely lead to more playing electric (and save what's left of my hearing). It sounds great playing at volumes no louder than my acoustic. One thing I noticed is at those volumes is the sustain fades much more quickly. Is this just a fact of the physics of not moving as much air? At full volumes I have pretty much on demand infinite sustain; with the PS engaged it fizzles out pretty quickly.
Could just be physics. Does the sustain seem to end naturally, or does it sound more gated (abrupt, or unnatural)? I'd think with your rig you should still be able to get decent sustain even at low volumes. Maybe tilt the amp so the speaker faces your pickups.
Thanks. I'll keep messing with it.
Next question. What would you guys recommend for direct recording from the line out to an iPad or Mac? iTrack? iLine? iRig? Something else?
Are you running through your Weber Cali still? I'm almost positive those are JBL clones, and really need volume to get in the sweet spot for the speaker - at least the D120s had to. That could be it. Also, while the PS is the most transparent attenuator I tried - any extreme levels of attenuation will affect your sound regardless of the device - I think it's physics.
For tracking, I use a Focusrite 2i2 for home stuff - lets you take a signal from a mic as well and you can pan your sound in your DAW which is kind of cool too. They make may different versions of the Focusrite depending on your needs.
I've heard good things about all those brands. I've always done some recordings that needed a few more inputs, so I haven't personally tried any of those smaller units built mainly for guitarists or solo-musicians. So any advice I have is more general. First, I'd definitely stick to the fastest one with the least lag. This will probably largely have to do with the type of connection. I could be wrong, but I thought USB has more tendency to lag than Firewire, while Apple's Thunderbolt should be the smoothest. I use a Firewire interfact that with an adapter for my Mac's Thunderbolt port - I still get some lag occasionally and have to restart my computer, lock some tracks, or delete some music from iTunes. Second, I'm sure you looking at reviews of sound quality and I think this is largely due to the preamp. Some studios might have a $1000 preamp for each mic, and of course that isn't realistic for people like us. But there is a big difference in sound from my cheapo Behringer mixer's preamp to an old M-Audio interface I had, and finally my current interface is Presonus. The first two have a tendency to be more harsh and metallic. The Presonus is only considered to be decent while I think the other two units I mentioned aren't considered to be good for your tone. So I'd probably be looking at opinions of the preamps for whatever interface you decide on.
Thanks guys. To give you an idea of what I currently do, I have an Apogee MiC (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HHEVL3C/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?qid=1450367758&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX220_SY330_QL65&keywords=imic) that I just plug directly into an iPad and record to GarageBand. Any recordings of mine you've heard have been recorded this way. I'm looking to now record the guitar directly (sometimes) and maybe simultaneously record vocals with the Apogee. It sounds like for this simple application the 2i2 might be the ticket?
I have the same Presonus as Heady and can attest to it being a great unit. You can find them pretty cheap used too (at least here in Toronto), which is how I got mine. One caveat to all of this - if you're going to be recording direct before hitting a speaker, I assume you'll want to re-amp with software? If that's the route you're going then not much else matters, you just need a good amp plugin for your DAW. There are a million options here but Amplitube is tough to beat for the price.
For home recording, nothing beats just plugging into your DAW and using the amp sim there. Honestly the new versions of AmpliTube will make it sound better than almost anything you can do at home.