SoftStep Foot Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This thing is amazing! It's is a huge step beyond what has been available 'til now (FCB-1010, etc).
The Max5 based software still a little buggy (as of Jan-2011, V.1.03) and could be better, and hopefully will be soon if the quality of the pedal is any indication.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SoftStep Foot Controller

The Keith McMillen Softstep USB MIDI Foot Controller represents a huge leap forward in footpedal controllers. Together with the included KeyWorx software (Windows and Mac), it allows you to add feet-on control of your MIDI keyboard, effects units, music software or anything that can be controlled via MIDI or OSC. Its a dream come true for musicians and DJs who could benefit from an extra set of hands, as well as not so obvious applications like video effects, computer gaming, robotics and pyrotechnics.Popular software titles like Pro Tools, Abelton Live, Amplitube, Logic and MainStage as well as hardware from Avid (Eleven Rack), Line 6 (POD) can all be controlled by the SoftStep.The Keith McMillen SoftStep is portable and, while its build is rugged and spill-proof, is extremely compact and lightweight. At just 1.3 lbs and 1 tall when lying flat, it gets its power via the USB connection making it easy to pack up and hit the road. Together with the included KeyWorx software youll be able to set up commands for each of the SoftSteps 11 multi-touch key surfaces. You can select programs, bring a browser window forward, scroll through folders and open documents, control the cursor, send out keystrokes and mouse clicks, zoom in and out, control volume and more! A 4-character LED display, 10 dual-color key LEDs, and EL under-glow give you performance feedback thats easy to read even on dimly lit stages. * About the optional Keith McMillen SoftStep MIDI Expander:The SoftStep MIDI Expander enables you to use the SoftStep USB MIDI Foot Controller to control your MIDI world. The MIDI expander provides a MIDI In and a MIDI Out that shows up on your computer as SoftStep MIDI Port 2. The SoftStep MIDI Expander is easy to set up and use. Just program your SoftStep with our easy-to-use control mapping software, plug in your MIDI rig, and you're ready to send and receive data to external MIDI hardware. The SoftStep MIDI Expander is needed to use the SoftStep without your com...

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about SoftStep Foot Controller

Read More...

Empress Tremolo Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got an Amazon gift card for my birthday with the instructions to buy something fun with it, to splurge a little. This is what I chose. I don't really *need* a tremolo (I'm not a performer), but it sure is fun to play with!
I researched a lot of tremolo pedals before deciding on this one (thanks, ProGuitarShop! I owe you one). I chose it primarily because of what I heard, but also due to the impressive amounts of controls that are available. If there's a certain trem sound you're trying to achieve, I can almost guarantee you can get it with this box! I won't go over all the controls because that's in the product description. I can tell you that tap tempo is *awesome*, almost a must-have. It will spoil you. The tube style trem is great for all-around applications, while the square style is a lot of fun to play with. I haven't used the triangle much yet, but then again I just got the box.
Besides tap tempo, another feature that is unique and awesome is the rhythm settings. Check around on YouTube for some demos of them. It's a nice touch that really sets this product apart from other tremolo effects.
On the negative side, there are a few small things that I don't like, though not deal-breakers. First, the tempo LED will continue to flash as long as the unit has power. That can be annoying for home hobbyists like myself. Second, there is no way to save presets. Finally, this unit does not run on battery power, yet an AC adapter must be purchased separately.
Even with those few minor concerns, I still rate this product as five stars due to sound and features.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Empress Tremolo

Click here for more information about Empress Tremolo

Read More...

Blackout Effectors Twosome Dual Fuzz Effect Pedal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This pedal is pretty fantastic. There is a ton of tone options with the two different sides. You're best checking youtube for reviews where you can hear the pedal. DO NOTE that this near $300 pedal doesn't come with an adapter and can't take a battery, so add an adapter to your order.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Blackout Effectors Twosome Dual Fuzz Effect Pedal

Click here for more information about Blackout Effectors Twosome Dual Fuzz Effect Pedal

Read More...

Digitech Jam Man Delay Looper Bundle w/FS3X Footswitch Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)What can I say The Digitech Jam Man Delay Looper Bundle w/FS3X Footswitch,was a great purchase for me, this pedal is simply awesome,and the deal I got through Amazon is beyound belief,product arrived within 2 days of placing the order,and I haven't had any regrets.This Digitech JamMan ROCKS MY WORLD.Thank You

Click Here to see more reviews about: Digitech Jam Man Delay Looper Bundle w/FS3X Footswitch

Click here for more information about Digitech Jam Man Delay Looper Bundle w/FS3X Footswitch

Read More...

Tech 21 PSA-1.1 SansAmp PSA-1.1 Programmable 1U Rackmount Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is an awesome preamp! great tone, my guitar snarls and squeals like never before. Does it feel like a tube amp? not quite but its close in terms of response to playing dynamics. Missing some of the harmonic nuances of tube tone decay*... but hey, if you have $$ to drop on a triaxis or a real amp (which you probably couldn't use in an apartment), you shouldn't be looking here anyway. Note: the little handles on the side are black, not silver as shown in the picture.
*e.g. ~4:50, comfortably numb on Pulse

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tech 21 PSA-1.1 SansAmp PSA-1.1 Programmable 1U Rackmount

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Tech 21 PSA-1.1 SansAmp PSA-1.1 Programmable 1U Rackmount

Read More...

Mutron III Plus Envelope Filter Pedal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There are many almost as good but none that will capture Jerry's "WOMP" like the pedal he actually uses, the original 1970's Mutron III (not+) His is the original cicuit from the 1970's. This one sounds as close as anything to that likely. Many musicians/guitarists swear the
"Dis-cum-BOB-ulator" by EMMA is nice, Q-Tron better,
If you are lookin' for Jerry's sound, or just a whole lotta FUN this pedal will provide that for you. You will not regret buying it.
I have a Maxon Auto Filter (got it for cheap), which has an analog circuit and is great fun, but the effect is set at the factory too fast/quick in its timing---not enough sustain when clean-relative to my optimum vision, which is largely formed from Jerry's sound.
!!! IF ITS NOT A LIVING BABY, THEN YOU'RE NOT PREGNANT !!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mutron III Plus Envelope Filter Pedal

Get 23% OFF

Click here for more information about Mutron III Plus Envelope Filter Pedal

Read More...

Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive Effect Pedal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great little dynamic overdrive, note though that by itself it is low-gain, great for the blues with touch-sensitive picking response, a lot of clarity and volume boost can be achieved. Great for Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, etc type tones. There's not a whole lot of distortion playing through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amp. I haven't yet experimented using this pedal together with my amp's built-in distortion or "stacking" with other drive pedals, though I have high-gain pedals for that purpose. It is the type of pedal you can leave on for those "in-between" drive tones and just control with your guitar's volume knob and your picking strength.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive Effect Pedal

Click here for more information about Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive Effect Pedal

Read More...

Guyatone Flip Series Tube Echo Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Here's a Delay Pedal with incredible depth that's sure to delight even the most discerning musician. From Ultra Clean Repeats to even the most dirtiest "Tube" Driven Delays this Pedal Has it All!
Only recommendation (and the reason why I gave this pedal 4 stars) replace the 'stock' 12AX7 Tube with a good quality (I used a Mullard) 12AU7.
Tonal Bliss!
Check one out, with the right tube this delay will send you places you have only dreamed a good delay can do.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Guyatone Flip Series Tube Echo

Click here for more information about Guyatone Flip Series Tube Echo

Read More...

Boomerang Boomerang III Phrase Loop Sampler Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm updating this review after updating the firmware. It now is fully functional. If you want a basic easy looper, get one of the simple Boss or Digitech pedals. If you want a POWERFUL and FLEXIBLE looper, get this one. The company is small (this is no mega corporate schtick), the looper sounds fantastic, built like a tank, and it has a surprisingly small footprint. You can read the manual on the company website to read about how many incredible and innovative features this looper has, but I personally love the ability to customize the buttons, play separate loops of different lengths, and set up a master loop (usually one measure "click" track) and then slave other loops to it. You can set it up to do about whatever you want. The only drawback is that it won't record loops within the unit, but thats isn't what it is designed for; its designed for serious live looping and flying without a net. I laugh in the face of danger! Ha! Ha! Ha!
This is a pedal designed by guitarists for guitarists. But I use it for guitar, sax, and vocal (you can use the Rang's stereo as two mono split channels!).
Five stars!!
Highly recommended!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boomerang Boomerang III Phrase Loop Sampler

Get 16% OFF

Click here for more information about Boomerang Boomerang III Phrase Loop Sampler

Read More...

Line 6 HD 147 300-Watt Digital Modeling Amp Head Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been playing hard rock and metal for 29 years (love Dream Theater, OLD Metallica, Vai, Satch, etc.). Wow, has it been that long? I have done more recording and gigging than I can remember. Anyway, I was skeptical when I first heard about this, read the reviews, and listened to some of the digital deniers/naysayers. I, too, have always preferred tube sound to digital. However, I quickly found that, if you understand and know how to properly adjust this amp, the distortion blows the others away... in depth, in styles, in selections, in sheer amount of leeway with which to experiment and create your own, signature sound (instead of being staying in the flock of sheep... you really want to sound like everyone else anyway? You can if you want with this amp... but, this amp allows for SO MUCH MORE. No one ever was cited as being innovative for sounding like others... But, I digress.) And, good GOD, when you click the STEREO switch and hear this thing through true, 2 sided stereo... THE distortion is absolutely beautiful, smooth, creamy, and just MAJESTIC-sounding. Doesn't sound compressed and like you're listening to it through a can... or has been compressed down to a few frequencies. Fills the entire room with a symphony of brutality. THAT, my friends, is where you get HEADROOM... STEREO SOUND. The clean sounds you can produce are without equal. Like playing crystal strings... shimmering, clear, and really brings out the different characteristics of adjustments to your guitar... volume, tone, pickup selections... where you pick on the fretboard, all of it. Amazingly responsive to different styles. It really shows off your instrument and your brand of music.
The ease of use, the bone-crushing distortions that go way beyond what anyone would ever use, the crystal cleans, and the effects are all incredible. Speaking of effects, how many amps have a pre-set noise gate that you don't even have to really adjust for loud volumes? Just hit the button on your amp! Also, built in compression... again, just hit the button on your amp.
You know what, at the end of the day, all of these people who dribble on and on incessantly about that type of tube distortion and this type of tube distortion... Satriani, Vai, and Petrucci all use the Boss DS-1 distortion pedal to get their distortion sound. Yep, lol, that's right. Look at their racks and their rigs... Lynch used ProCo (Rat) stomp box for his distortion. MANY players use Ibanez TS-1, etc, etc. Well, here's an amp that you don't have to go buy a pedal for... Ever.
Get this and enjoy the freedom. Throw your effects away. GET THE FBV SHORTBOARD, however... Have fun and make music, people!!! Enjoy!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Line 6 HD 147 300-Watt Digital Modeling Amp Head

When we introduced our Insane custom model in 1996, we redefined how much distortion you could squeeze out of a single piece of gear. Now we've got HD147 with 14 custom models like Smash, Big Bottom, Octone, Purge, and Agro that will send you into high-gain overload. But, we didn't stop there. We added models based on boutique heads like the Diezel VH4 and Herbert, Peavey� 5150, Cornford mk50h, Marshall� Silver Jubilee and JCM2000, and Bogner Extacy and Ubershall.

Get 29% OFF

Click here for more information about Line 6 HD 147 300-Watt Digital Modeling Amp Head

Read More...

DigiTech Jamman Looper and Phrase-Sampler Pedal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Sorry folks...the JamMan just isn't quite ready as a reliable, live performance tool. Using a high-capacity compact flash card (1GB), my loops were consistently corrupted after about the 4th or 5th overdub (especially on loops of faster tempos). I tried several brand new cards and even exchanged the JamMan for another one. Same problem. The thing is built like a tank. Unfortunately, the problem with corrupted loops means that it's just not dependable enough to use in live performances. Believe me, you don't want to find yourself in the middle of a live performance and suddenly have an extra 1 or 2 beats magically show up in the middle of your loop. Probably not a good impression on your audience. :-) I've been in contact with DigiTech but no fix yet. Let's hope they find a fix to this problem soon.
You can check out the discussion on Yahoo's JamMan discussion group, for more details and examples of the problem. I would strongly recommend holding off on getting a JamMan right now. Give DigiTech some time to work out the bugs first. I realize not many people have reported this problem but it's there. As more people experiment with it, the glitch is making itself known.
I give it 2 stars for effort. If you don't intend to loop more than 3 or 4 layers, on smaller-capacity compact flash cards, you're probably okay. Even so, I wouldn't risk it in a live performance though.


Click Here to see more reviews about: DigiTech Jamman Looper and Phrase-Sampler Pedal

The DigiTech JamMan Looper - The Return of a Legend!Nearly 20 years later and 6 hours, 29 minutes, 52 seconds longer, DigiTech does it again with the JamMan Looper. When DigiTech developed the PDS 8000 looper pedal almost twenty years ago, it stored eight seconds of audio. Now theyve reinvented it using removable CompactFlash® memory to store up to 6.5 hours (with optional 2GB card)! A wide range of features combined with ease of use make the DigiTech JamMan the perfect looper/phrase sampler for practicing, composing, and performing.DigiTech JamMan FeaturesSave up to 99 independent loops.Store over 24 minutes of looping time on the included CompactFlash card. Upgrade to a 2GB card to store up to 6.5 hours of audio!Connect to your computer via USB and never lose another loop ever again!Record rhythm loops and solo over them on the fly, completely Hands-Free.Load up the JamMan with bass lines, drums, harmonies, and more; create an entire backup band, take it with you, and perform anywhere!Slow down or speed up any song without changing pitch.Removable CompactFlash Type I memory card with over 24 minutes of capacity included (up to 2GB of storage or 6.5 hour* capacity)USB port to transfer loops to and from your computer. Create a library of all your loopsBalanced XLR mic input with professional-grade, low impedance input with dedicated gain control. Perfect for dynamic and self powered microphonesCD quality 44.1kHz sampling rateMetronome with multiple rhythm sounds and time signaturesRugged metal chassisAutomatic recordingPower supply includedOptional footswitch adds addidtional Hands-Free functionalityThe JamMan opens up new horizons to your musical explorations. The possibilities are literally endless, endless, endless.!DigiTech JamMan DetailsBALANCED XLR MIC INPUT:Professi

Click here for more information about DigiTech Jamman Looper and Phrase-Sampler Pedal

Read More...

Maxon AD-9 Analog Delay Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Maxon AD-9 Delay
A++ on this one. A bit pricey $$$$ - yes, but this is a super nice analog delay pedal for the money. One of the best I've ever played to date. Gets those great full, spacey and lush sounding delay and echo sounds so common in older recordings. There are few TRUE analog pedals left on the market these days and this one takes the cake. I play through an old Fender Princeton amplifier and the tone and sounds I can dial in are nothing short of awesome! Pedal is solid, with a nice diecast chassis and will last a lifetime if taken care of. Maxon pedals are made in Japan too, so you know this is a quality effects pedal with top notch components and circuitry. This unit allows for up to 450 milliseconds of delay time, possesses true bypass wiring and again is the best value on the market today for a legitimate, real and true sounding analog delay!! Get one and you'll be a fan too.
Product link:
[...]

Click Here to see more reviews about: Maxon AD-9 Analog Delay

Click here for more information about Maxon AD-9 Analog Delay

Read More...

Source Audio Soundblox Pro Classic Distortion Effects Pedal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Being a pedal junkie I have relied on a variety of stompboxes over the years to get "my' tone. Thou my sound and style have changed over the years there are a couple of boxes that have been under my feet for decades.
My MXR Distortion+ has been on my board since the early eighties. Many pedals have sat next to it, my Chandler Tube Driver, DOD 250 Overdrive, a BBE Freq Boost, a BOSS Mega Distortion and most recently a Systech Harmonic Energizer clone.
It has been a headache switching and swapping out those pedals on my board depending on the application, until now.
Source Audio's Soundblox Pro Classic Distortion is the answer for most of my tonal demands and frees up valuble pedal board real estate.
At first I thought this was yet another amp modeler. Most DSP modelers have a thin and sterile sound to my ear. My other concern was if the Classic Distortion could capture my modern and nu metal distortion tones, usually delivered via my BOSS Mega Distortion.
Five minutes with Source Audio's Soundblox Pro Classic Distortion and all of my concerns were put to rest. The Fuzz settings are natural, warm and gritty. I can dial in Jack White, Blue Cheer or Hendrix with ease. Names like Big Pi and Fuzz Facade are clear indications of my tonal starting point. There is also a midrange control on the box for quick live tweaks and the ability to adjust the distortion pre and post midrange boost/cut.
The built in EQ is a dream come true allowing me to add a little bottom to my Tony Iommi Laney Amp tones or add midrange scoops to create Scholz SR&D Rockman like tones.
The Metal setting on this pedal is no joke. It is a paint peeling aural assault. I can easily punch up a bit of Dimebag or Kerry King with ease. The built in noise gate allows me to push the distortion to the limit with absolutely no line noise. This box delivers warm, powerful Marshall/Mesa Boogie like heat.
This guitar pedal is a must buy for any tweaker. Studio musicians and cover band guitars will find this to be indispensable. Those of you guitar players that tend to stick to one distortion tone will also get a lot of use out of the box. The EQ and Midrange controls will help any guitarist cut through the mix.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Source Audio Soundblox Pro Classic Distortion Effects Pedal

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Source Audio Soundblox Pro Classic Distortion Effects Pedal

Read More...

Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer Processor Pedal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm not a sound guru or anything close to that, but have been playing music for many years now and have learned a thing or two along the way.
I play the guitars and do back vocals on a copy band. We are all some sort of "retired" musicians from the 80's, and are now playing again since 2005 while we have other careers during the day.
This means we don't have much time to deal with complex issues, and will like to use any available time playing and performing instead.
Our rehearsals are carried out in our own studio (similar to a recording Studio), were we have all type of equipments such as PA's, speakers, monitors, mixers, effects, mics, crossovers, floor monitors, basically everything that may be needed. In any given day you'll get pretty decent sound from such kind of equipment but you'll also find yourself spending most of your time trying to be a sound engineer instead of a musician (unless you can afford a specific and qualified person for that task).
Those who have played in these type of studios, will know that even considering there is a pretty decent live sound, the vocals are sometimes affected by echo or too much or too low reverberation, delay, among other things, depending on the mixer setup as well as other aspects such as room dimensions, acoustics, etc.
Any detail will have an influence on the final sound mix and the end result.
Before I purchased the Boss VE-20 processor, the quality of vour vocals was good, but there were ocassional problems like feedbacks or hiss, sometimes noise or wrong delay rate, reverb or too much signal decay during rehearsals. The problem magnitude depended on how much our singer moved across the room or due to mixer parameter changes in certain songs, patches, etc, and these issues affected our performance consistency.
With the Boss VE-20 we are very satisfied because it features pretty decent settings for different singing styles (Rock, Blues, R&B, etc) and some of the effects are just amazing. Despite having a lot of other equipment at our disposal we are now only using the Boss VE-20 effects for the vocals and leaving all other parameters on the mixer at "flat" (0) position, just amplifying the signal through the PA. All the previous issues are now gone.
The quality of the VE-20 preamp has proven to be very good for us (Well our singer is very talented wich obviously helps pretty much)but all the effects are excellent as well.
The unit is very "user friendly" and easy to customize your own settings. As any other Boss pedal it is very robust and intuitive to use.
Effects such as harmonizer and multiple voices are just smashing and sound very realistic. It is amazing how different factory presets will perfectly adapt to different venues or scenarios (ie, Hall, Large Room, Small Room, Arena, Cathedral, etc). At Boss they have really done their homework by having professional sound mix parameters on each preset with perfect balance, and you can even adjust those and save them in a customizable patch.
To be honest we did not tried any other option before this one, as there are similar products in the market today, and therfore cannot stablish a fair comparison, but this one was very useful right out of the box and we feel like it was really worth the price paid.
In our case it has really helped solve a lot of complicated back vocals (those difficult to perform while playing an instrument) as our main singer is now doing most of these back vocals herself. This has also improved our overall vocal sound and now we spend more time playing and less time solving mixing problems on the sound console.
I won't be surprised if in the future Boss develops a bigger version of the VE-20, with more features, just like they have done with many other effects.
But for the moment I will highly recommend this Boss VE-20 Vocal Processor to any amateur and semi-pro band that want's to improve the vocal sound quality, inestead of having a band member becoming a part-time sound technician.
We are a couple of months away from using this on a live performace but for what we've seen so far, are pretty sure we'll be a success.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer Processor Pedal

Click here for more information about Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer Processor Pedal

Read More...

Boss ME-50B Bass Multiple Effects with COSM Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boss ME-50B Bass Multiple Effects with COSM

Get 1% OFF

Click here for more information about Boss ME-50B Bass Multiple Effects with COSM

Read More...

Radial Tonebone Plexitube Tube Distortion Pedal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I really like this pedal. I bought this thinking I could get a tube sound while doing home recording without and amp. It'd didn't work well that way, but this thing rages when sent through an amp. I was using a basic 2X12" 100W fender and it sounded amazing. It even sounds great through my 25W 10" practice amp.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Radial Tonebone Plexitube Tube Distortion Pedal

Click here for more information about Radial Tonebone Plexitube Tube Distortion Pedal

Read More...

T-Rex Mark Tremonti Phaser Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Really like it, sounds great and all of that, but I discovered this other company called Fret 12 sells it for a cheaper price after I bought it so I'm a little frustrated about that, otherwise its sounds great, better if you are using a PRS because I think it was created using Tremonti's real sound and he only plays PRS guitars. Definitely one of the best. Great buy!

Click Here to see more reviews about: T-Rex Mark Tremonti Phaser

Get 24% OFF

Click here for more information about T-Rex Mark Tremonti Phaser

Read More...