First, let’s talk hardware. This month I added another 8 slot 500 Series Chassis, expanding the number of channels from eight to sixteen. In doing this, I was able to add both dimension and scalability to the core of the outboard gear.

The reason for the addition of the second chassis was precipitated by the addition of two EXTC ReAmp units from Radial Engineering. (Check out the video below showcasing their ability). These units are just amazing, and really are game changers. What they do, is essentially allow you to create an “amplifier effects loop”, within your existing outboard/analog workflow, allowing you to use guitar pedal effects, in lieu of plugins through your DAW. They accomplish this, using Class A amplifiers that take a line level signal from your DAW, amplify it to the correct level (Hi-Z) for use with pedals, and then bring it back into the DAW at line level. Why would you do this? Easy, you can achieve different unique effects that people spend hundreds of dollars per effect for, in the guitar stompbox world, but apply them to anything and everything. Some of the world’s best, most iconic, and most desired reverbs, delays, and choruses, flangers etc are created via guitar effects pedals. With the addition of the two Radial EXTC ReAmps, I now have the ability to do either a stereo (for true stereo effects) or dual mono effects loops, utilizing our specifically curated pedal library, instead of using plugins. This will allow me to create unique and amazing sounds, that nobody else will be able to do through plugins.

Which is a great segue to one such piece of gear…the Nemesis Delay by Source Audio.

From Souce Audio “Nemesis captures the full spectrum of delay effects, starting with a comprehensive collection of meticulously crafted vintage delay tones. The Source Audio engineering team spent over a year studying numerous iconic and sought after tape and bucket brigade delay units with a staunch dedication to identifying their every nuance and idiosyncrasy. The Nemesis’s Tape, Noise Tape and Slapback delays capture all the characteristic flutter, warmth, and color that give vintage tape delay machines like the Echoplex and Space Echo their classic charm. The Analog delay engine beautifully achieves the resonant peaks combined with high and low frequency decay that typifies classic bucket brigade delay pedals. The pedal’s Digital delay manufactures pristine, high definition repeats with or without filtering effects for a classic rack-system tone.

At the opposite side of the spectrum, you’ll find an advanced collection of sophisticated and specialized delay effects. The Shifter delay generates perfect polyphonic pitch intervals with repeats jumping to either an octave (up or down), major or minor third, 4th, or 5th. Sweeper applies modulating filter effects to repeats for a unique delay/wah hybrid tone. Backwards effects like Helix and Reverse provide a perfect blend of chaos and control with multi-tap reverse patterns and angelic pitch shifting effects. A Rhythmic delay features an engaging and musical collection of non-standard multi-tap delay patterns.”

Well, that's it for this update! Remember to always check the latest equipment list (PDF), and check back frequently for updates! - Ciao, PJ