'80s in a box

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rsm

rsm

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Late to the party, I've only had my ISP Theta Pro Michael Sweet for about a year even though it was released in 2017 or 2018.

I also have a Helix Floor, and Fractal FM9 Mk II Turbo, but I find I'm playing software plugins most, followed by my tube amps, followed by my ISP Theta Pro., and I hardly use my Helix or FM9.


ISP Theta Pro DSP MS.png




I went looking for another ISP Theta Pro for a spare because I'm not sure if they're still making them, not many show up used, and I found the smaller version, ISP Theta MSX that is basically identical to the Pro, but fewer buttons and a smaller size; also few hundred dollars less than the Pro.

I found a new one (last one) for sale with make an offer, so I did, and it was accepted. Arrived today, and it sounds amazing IMO, just like the Pro. Also liking the smaller form factor, still needs a software editor.



ISP Theta MSX.png



If I could have a signature pedal, the MSX would be it :yes:


I may sell the Helix or the FM9 eventually.
 
I forgot these existed, hardly anyone mentions them.
 
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MadAsAHatter said:
I forgot these existed, hardly anyone mentions them.
Click to expand...

yes, They're expensive compared to modelers, but they're not modelers...they're basically a rack preamp and effects in a floorboard form factor.

I got my Pro used at a very good price otherwise I would not have one. I used ADA rack gear back in the day, so this works for me.

With my digital modelers, I get a few clean, crunch, rhythm and lead patches/snapshots and the rest is unused. I don't need that many sounds....three core tones: clean, rhythm and lead tone; dry tones, that I can add/remove effects to/from...and that's what the Theta does.
 
Best chorus effect I've ever heard on those puppies bro'.

Congrats!
 
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I absolutely love the way these sound, I just thought they were way overpriced so I couldn't bring myself to swing it - lets hear some clips!!!

There was one at my local store, and as @Monkey Man says, the chorus is fucking amazing
 
How are you running this @rsm ? In to the mains or into “poweramp” then cabinet? Or monitor onstage and mains.? This has stereo I assume?
 
I’m not sure why I’ve never really given these any hard looks. Congrats.
 
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alund said:
How are you running this @rsm ? In to the mains or into “poweramp” then cabinet? Or monitor onstage and mains.? This has stereo I assume?
Click to expand...

Yes, it has stereo. I usually run it into a pair of powered FRFR (Alto TX308); I've run the stage out to an ISP Stealth power amp into a Mesa Compact 2x12 in mono, but the stereo sounds better to me. I've also run it into my Engl E850/100 power amp, stereo, to a pair of Engl E212VHB cabs when I had more room...

getting a new shelf later this week that will hopefully make more space, so I can get my Engl out of it's unusable corner.
 
DanTravis62 said:
I absolutely love the way these sound, I just thought they were way overpriced so I couldn't bring myself to swing it - lets hear some clips!!!

There was one at my local store, and as @Monkey Man says, the chorus is fucking amazing
Click to expand...


Yes,, they are expensive for what they are; I got a good deal on a like new used ISP Theta Pro Michael Sweet, nearly half the price of a new one...or I wouldn't have bought one. These don't come up often, and even new units are down to the last 1-2. I found a new MSX with make an offer, I did, and it was accepted.

I like the smaller form factor of the MSX, and not being bright yellow is also a plus.
 
stratjacket said:
I’m not sure why I’ve never really given these any hard looks. Congrats.
Click to expand...
it reminds me of my old ADA rack with QuadraVerb, just in a floorboard format - basically a preamp with decent but limited speaker emulation + a set of basic effects (wah, compressor, Envelop Follower, chorus, phaser, flanger, pitch shift, rotary, delay, reverb). I think it sounds great, but tedious to dial in new patches from scratch...just like my old rack gear.
 
rsm said:
it reminds me of my old ADA rack with QuadraVerb, just in a floorboard format - basically a preamp with decent but limited speaker emulation + a set of basic effects (wah, compressor, Envelop Follower, chorus, phaser, flanger, pitch shift, rotary, delay, reverb). I think it sounds great, but tedious to dial in new patches from scratch...just like my old rack gear.
Click to expand...
I was wondering about how easy to build a new preset etc….i have tried fractal and helix etc but i find real amps easier but i like the idea of an all in one unit
 
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