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Thunkful
Banned
Member
What were the hottest rack effects to buy back then? I can only name stuff like SPX90, Quadraverb, Lexicons. Anything else that i should look into?
crwnedblasphemy
Well-known member
Rocktron
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phil b
Well-known member
tc 1210 and pretty much anything Eventide back then.. dbx comps, Intellifex, Tri Chorus, TC 2290. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few but what you mentioned and these were the bulk of them. Not all Lexicons were created equal but the 41,42,70,80 and 81 were all staples back then. Art also had its answer to the Quadraverb called the Multiverb. Roland GP-8 and GP-16. Those were very sought after when they first came out. Dont really hear of guys using it in their 80s style racks but it did get a lot of attention when it came out. Also the Digitech DHP 33 and 55. Some of these are early 80s late 70s but they are still a staple in guitar rigs today. 
T
Thunkful
Banned
Member
Ah yeah, Intellifex and Repliflex, IIRC Repliflex can actually switch your amp's channels if you have MIDI on your amp!crwnedblasphemy":ubxwdoad said:
Do they have that old school sound in them tho?Awesome post! Checked out some of the ART stuff and holy smokes they sell cheap! For example DR-X goes for under 100 bucks, wtf?phil b":ubxwdoad said:tc 1210 and pretty much anything Eventide back then.. dbx comps, Intellifex, Tri Chorus, TC 2290. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few but what you mentioned and these were the bulk of them. Not all Lexicons were created equal but the 41,42,70,80 and 81 were all staples back then. Art also had its answer to the Quadraverb called the Multiverb. Roland GP-8 and GP-16. Those were very sought after when they first came out. Dont really hear of guys using it in their 80s style racks but it did get a lot of attention when it came out. Also the Digitech DHP 33 and 55. Some of these are early 80s late 70s but they are still a staple in guitar rigs today.
cardinal
Well-known member
Chandler SDE is a killer delay. The Rack Wah was pretty rad.
M
mikey
Active member
No need for midi on your amp, the Replifex uses a standard TRS phono jack and can switch 2 non midi devices, amp channels etc.Thunkful":2iusnpey said:
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flatheads_4ever
Member
Thunkful":36mly8ls said:Ah yeah, Intellifex and Repliflex, IIRC Repliflex can actually switch your amp's channels if you have MIDI on your amp!crwnedblasphemy":36mly8ls said:
Awesome post! Checked out some of the ART stuff and holy smokes they sell cheap! For example DR-X goes for under 100 bucks, wtf?phil b":36mly8ls said:tc 1210 and pretty much anything Eventide back then.. dbx comps, Intellifex, Tri Chorus, TC 2290. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few but what you mentioned and these were the bulk of them. Not all Lexicons were created equal but the 41,42,70,80 and 81 were all staples back then. Art also had its answer to the Quadraverb called the Multiverb. Roland GP-8 and GP-16. Those were very sought after when they first came out. Dont really hear of guys using it in their 80s style racks but it did get a lot of attention when it came out. Also the Digitech DHP 33 and 55. Some of these are early 80s late 70s but they are still a staple in guitar rigs today.
$100..... that's about $99 too much for that ART crap. Bunch of noisy, useless junk. Wasn't good then and definitely isn't now.
Ed
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flatheads_4ever
Member
Yamaha Spx90
Lexicon PCM's
Eventides
Tc 2290 and 1210
Rane Mixers
Tri Stereo Chorus (for the Landau nuts)
Other than those, don't waste your money. Find newer stuff like a Line6 M13 or M9, TC G major or G Force, or a Lexicom MPX unit.
Ed
Lexicon PCM's
Eventides
Tc 2290 and 1210
Rane Mixers
Tri Stereo Chorus (for the Landau nuts)
Other than those, don't waste your money. Find newer stuff like a Line6 M13 or M9, TC G major or G Force, or a Lexicom MPX unit.
Ed
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Thunkful
Banned
Member
I'm actually not looking for a new unit as i'm trying to replicate the sound that guitarists had back in late 80's and early 90's. Also i think that the newer units sound kinda tame unlike those older ones that seem to be kinda over the top.flatheads_4ever":1yfhby12 said:
Zachman
Well-known member
Thunkful":2fvgk6kt said:
Eventide
TC Electronic
Lexicon
Roland
Rocktron
Yamaha
AMS
My madness
romanianreaper
Well-known member
Zachman":21i00yha said:Thunkful":21i00yha said:
Eventide
TC Electronic
Lexicon
Roland
Rocktron
Yamaha
AMS
My madness
LOL! Brah, I was just going to post "If Zachman is still around, you need to ask him".
For some reason I knew you would be in this post. I got to play thru that monster rig at Hot Licks!! 
How are things going on the island dude? Hope all is good man. I need to fly over and get some Malasadas and some sushi - Mike (RR)
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Goat
Banned
New member
Oh, man... the days of rack effects. If I were a touring professional, I'd still be using them on some level, maybe. SInce going back to playing mainly NMV rigs, I don't have need for rack effects. I do however use Rockman analog rack modules with my old Silver Jubilee combo. The only digital rack devices I ever got along with, was the Chandler echo, a couple of Lexicon units, and Rocktron. The TC2290 is a work of art, but is (IMO) too transparent for use with guitar. For digital (guitar) delays, my #1 choice is Lexicon. #2 Chandler. #3 is Rocktron Intellifex.
Rocktron's digital simulation of the old ADA 8 voice analog chorus is a winner as well. Best digital chorus I've ever used.
Rocktron's digital simulation of the old ADA 8 voice analog chorus is a winner as well. Best digital chorus I've ever used.
Shask
Well-known member
I hate how every time I get into something, everyone else does too, and the prices go up.
It seems like rack has been popular lately. I started buying up some older effects units over the last few years just because it is cool to get stuff I could never afford back in the day, and it is much cheaper these days. I was never much into effects, but these older units are making me want to use effects more. I like the way they can be more transparent and subtle than the newer stuff.
It seems like you got the basics covered. Eventide, Lexicon, TC Electronic, Rocktron, Boss SE, Roland, etc.... the main units still worth buying today. Then there was a whole second tier of stuff that was cheaper, and still pretty cool, but a little harder to justify today, like Digitech, Alesis, ART, Yamaha, etc....
I recently bought a Rocktron Intellifex and Replifex. I like how transparent these units are. They have an analog mixer built in. Most of the other units from this era really need an analog mixer to mix in the signal so they don't destroy your base tone. I am still thinking about a Lexicon and a Boss SE.
It seems like rack has been popular lately. I started buying up some older effects units over the last few years just because it is cool to get stuff I could never afford back in the day, and it is much cheaper these days. I was never much into effects, but these older units are making me want to use effects more. I like the way they can be more transparent and subtle than the newer stuff.
It seems like you got the basics covered. Eventide, Lexicon, TC Electronic, Rocktron, Boss SE, Roland, etc.... the main units still worth buying today. Then there was a whole second tier of stuff that was cheaper, and still pretty cool, but a little harder to justify today, like Digitech, Alesis, ART, Yamaha, etc....
I recently bought a Rocktron Intellifex and Replifex. I like how transparent these units are. They have an analog mixer built in. Most of the other units from this era really need an analog mixer to mix in the signal so they don't destroy your base tone. I am still thinking about a Lexicon and a Boss SE.
Shask
Well-known member
Thunkful":fubnkbxq said:
I find I like the older stuff better because it could be more transparent and subtle. I have never been a huge effects person, but have been getting into them more through these old units. I find most newer units want to emulate pedals, which is a totally different sound. Much more dramatic and limited control. I think I didn't use effects at all for years because of Line 6
Not that their effects are bad, but they just tend to be more pedal emulating, where I would prefer 80's rack emulating.I have the Intellifex and Replifex as said above, but I also have a G Major 2. It is a great unit also. Kind of the last of it's kind, lol. Seems like everything went modeling after that. I also have an Axe-FX II, which honestly, is probably better than any of that old stuff except the highest $$ Eventide and Lexicon. The Axe-FX would be a better purchase today, but I still think there is something nice about the older units. They are simpler in some ways, yet sneakily more complex at the same time. I still want a Lexicon MPX unit. However, I know that would also bring a mixer to bring out the best in it....
T
Thunkful
Banned
Member
Zachman":2w1p623k said:My madness
Crazy fucking rig, that's straight rack porn right there!
Those older units do have a sound on their own. The reverbs back then were made for the music on that era, which can be heard especially on the reverbs as they seem to be more powerful and over the top compared to what we have today. Also the technical limitations back then probably affected the sound and imo makes them sound more vintage and old school.Shask":2w1p623k said:I find I like the older stuff better because it could be more transparent and subtle. I have never been a huge effects person, but have been getting into them more through these old units. I find most newer units want to emulate pedals, which is a totally different sound. Much more dramatic and limited control. I think I didn't use effects at all for years because of Line 6
I have the Intellifex and Replifex as said above, but I also have a G Major 2. It is a great unit also. Kind of the last of it's kind, lol. Seems like everything went modeling after that. I also have an Axe-FX II, which honestly, is probably better than any of that old stuff except the highest $$ Eventide and Lexicon. The Axe-FX would be a better purchase today, but I still think there is something nice about the older units. They are simpler in some ways, yet sneakily more complex at the same time. I still want a Lexicon MPX unit. However, I know that would also bring a mixer to bring out the best in it....
I actually asked about these units from a local facebook group and most of the people there praised the Rocktron stuff. Some of the guys there actually have it still in their arsenal. One guy said that Rocktron is especially good if you're looking for that "80's hifi sound".
japetus
Moderator
flatheads_4ever":vm1svdmr said:Thunkful":vm1svdmr said:Ah yeah, Intellifex and Repliflex, IIRC Repliflex can actually switch your amp's channels if you have MIDI on your amp!crwnedblasphemy":vm1svdmr said:
Awesome post! Checked out some of the ART stuff and holy smokes they sell cheap! For example DR-X goes for under 100 bucks, wtf?phil b":vm1svdmr said:tc 1210 and pretty much anything Eventide back then.. dbx comps, Intellifex, Tri Chorus, TC 2290. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few but what you mentioned and these were the bulk of them. Not all Lexicons were created equal but the 41,42,70,80 and 81 were all staples back then. Art also had its answer to the Quadraverb called the Multiverb. Roland GP-8 and GP-16. Those were very sought after when they first came out. Dont really hear of guys using it in their 80s style racks but it did get a lot of attention when it came out. Also the Digitech DHP 33 and 55. Some of these are early 80s late 70s but they are still a staple in guitar rigs today.
$100..... that's about $99 too much for that ART crap. Bunch of noisy, useless junk. Wasn't good then and definitely isn't now.
Ed
Totally agree, about 15 years ago I had an ART SGE Mach 2 that I got from a pawn shop for $50. I don't think I could find one useable sound in the entire box. Goofy sounding crap. I don't even know what happened to it, I think I just gave it away.
Shask
Well-known member
Thunkful":1vhytoja said:
Funny because Rocktron seems very early->mid-90's to me. When I got the Intellifex, it instantly sounded like every mid-90's album, lol... Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Deftones, etc.... Especially that 8-Voice Chorus is very STP and Deftones.
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Goat
Banned
New member
If you get an MPX, you will end-up selling it. It's not that great of a unit, even if you get later updated model. Sub-par effects, preset switching lag, intermittent rebooting... If you get the Lexicon switcher, plan on replacing every switch in the board. I've been there, and it's a PITA!
I don't get this obession with "transparent" guitar effects? The singular aspect that makes the EP1/2/3 tape echo, Roland tape echo, DM-2 delay, CE-1 chorus, Uni-Vibe, Leslie speaker cabinet, etc... sound so great, is the fact that they add a certain level of coloration. Lexicon knew this, which is why they designed the early units with coloration. Transparency (IMO) is best suited for vocals, and acoustic instrumentation.
If I may...
Per my experiance; those who began playing in the era of digital racks and effects loops exist in an alternate reality. Back in the day, building a "tone" was an additive/subtractive process, using a multitude of various devices. Robert Fripp, Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Robin Trower, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Pat Travers, Alex Lifeson, Ted Nugent, Edward Van Halen, Randy Rhoads... were all pioneers of the process. Compare Alex Lifeson's 1st RUSH album tones to his later "rack" tones... Not even close!
Someone recently posted a clip of his band. To my ears, it sounded like every other band I've heard in the last 20 or so years. Not that it wasn't good... it just lacks originality. The "worship" bands all sound like U2! The most impressed I've been in a long time, is with the guy who plays guitar in Greta Van Fleet.
I don't get this obession with "transparent" guitar effects? The singular aspect that makes the EP1/2/3 tape echo, Roland tape echo, DM-2 delay, CE-1 chorus, Uni-Vibe, Leslie speaker cabinet, etc... sound so great, is the fact that they add a certain level of coloration. Lexicon knew this, which is why they designed the early units with coloration. Transparency (IMO) is best suited for vocals, and acoustic instrumentation.
If I may...
Per my experiance; those who began playing in the era of digital racks and effects loops exist in an alternate reality. Back in the day, building a "tone" was an additive/subtractive process, using a multitude of various devices. Robert Fripp, Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Robin Trower, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Pat Travers, Alex Lifeson, Ted Nugent, Edward Van Halen, Randy Rhoads... were all pioneers of the process. Compare Alex Lifeson's 1st RUSH album tones to his later "rack" tones... Not even close!
Someone recently posted a clip of his band. To my ears, it sounded like every other band I've heard in the last 20 or so years. Not that it wasn't good... it just lacks originality. The "worship" bands all sound like U2! The most impressed I've been in a long time, is with the guy who plays guitar in Greta Van Fleet.
R
Racerxrated
Well-known member
I used a Rocktron Intellifex for the last 6 yrs of my gigging. It is a nice unit, very transparent IF that's what you want. Once I got into W/D/W with the Strategy and HH power amps, I started down the rack FX rabbit hole a bit...my findings were:
My favorite setup is what I have now, with 2 Roland SDE 3000s for delay/chorus. Prior to this I had a Lexicon MPX-1, and a PCM 80. Haven't tried the Eventide stuff. All of these units add a bit of color to the sound, but it is slight and adds some warmth if you will. The PCM 80 is a great unit and can be found for 3-400 vs the rest of the PCMs that can run higher. But, for guitar the MPX-1 is a great deal cheaper and is very good sounding, although it pales a bit to the PCMs. But the difference in a high gain guitar rig isn't that noticeable to me. The PCM stuff is great and the tweakability is phenomenal; but the learning curve is steep. I ended up keeping the Rolands because the color they add is more pleasing to my ear, plus they are super easy to adjust.
My favorite setup is what I have now, with 2 Roland SDE 3000s for delay/chorus. Prior to this I had a Lexicon MPX-1, and a PCM 80. Haven't tried the Eventide stuff. All of these units add a bit of color to the sound, but it is slight and adds some warmth if you will. The PCM 80 is a great unit and can be found for 3-400 vs the rest of the PCMs that can run higher. But, for guitar the MPX-1 is a great deal cheaper and is very good sounding, although it pales a bit to the PCMs. But the difference in a high gain guitar rig isn't that noticeable to me. The PCM stuff is great and the tweakability is phenomenal; but the learning curve is steep. I ended up keeping the Rolands because the color they add is more pleasing to my ear, plus they are super easy to adjust.
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Goat
Banned
New member
SDE-3000 is an excellent digital delay. I had a SDE-330 for a short time. It sounded great, but would overheat (sometimes) when racked.