Just got mine today....i was really shocked how good it sounds directly into my pa.... I've been using a helix, but don't need all the bells & whistles.... looks like i can get back to my regular pedal board finally!
For clean sounds, the pedal edged out the amp, for the medium gain, they were indistinguishable from each other. For high gain, the amp had more authority, heft (technical terms, I know) and air in the sound, whereas the pedal sounded thinner. That said, with some tweaking, the pedal could get there. In short, it's a great pedal.
Sounds insane through a PS 100, a 2/12 cab (cab sim switched off of course) and is amazing on the gigs. A versatile and necessary piece of kit. If only Bogner offered a Helios version of this… Great job, Ron 🤜💥🤛
Eventually, (i know this because i started doing this in the 70's) it turns out that none of this matters. Just pick anything. And create something. In 40 years, you'll remember reading this and you'll say, wow that guy was right.
One would argue the point of this video is to help someone who isnt as old as us “pick something” and id rather a kid pick this than software or a digital rig
I didn't get it from the video but I'm assuming that the IR-D and the twin sister are going to different cab IRs, I'd bet that's where the greatest difference comes from!
IRD-D sounded good, but definitely couldn't keep up with the Twin Sister. It is missing the "umph" / "girth" or u could say it sounds a bit "boxy". I had the IR X and when I compared to real amps vs IR-X in the effects return of the same amps - it sounded very thin and also the attibutes I mentioned above regarding the IR-D. So i returned my IR-X unit.
@@MrBurst62that's how I do it. I also have an ox for speaker Sim. Works great! Plus the PS and ox are great for so many other things. Such a great buy
Did I miss it how you were capturing the Twin Sister's sounds? If you used the same IRs and ran the TS into a load box it would be pretty fair A/B. Have a JJ Junior, Dirty Shirley and an IR-X, love them all. The IR-X into the return of amps is fantastic as it is going direct. I liked the Owhnamer classic rock IRs a bit better than stock but of course that is all personal preference. I do plan on getting one of these.
My thought exactly. If he's recording the IR-D direct and micing a cab to capture the Twin Sister, then of course they will sound different! I have a feeling this isn't a true apples-to-apples comparison.
I just received mine, after contemplating a Dirty Shirley for months. I'm totally pleased. Can you imagine the possibilities if you could run Chan 1 and 2 in stereo? Boom
I read your comment that you just received yours. I just ordered mine today. They told me it just became available today however I can’t wait to get it. I am actually going to be using mine mainly to plug into my Marshall studio jubilee I really love the sound of the dirty Shirley and I had considered trading my combo amp in, I just knew I had made a mistake after I bought the amplifier because it wasn’t long after that the Shirley came out it’s been a great practice amp and for rehearsals but I use a Friedman VE 50 normally however I just like the sound of the dirty Shirley and thought that maybe Using this pedal would give me that option. I figure I will give the pedal a try if it doesn’t work for me then I’m just going to trade my VE 50 in and my Marshall and get the twin sister or a dirty Shirley whichever since they have both available still, but the hand wired amplifier surely no matter how good that pedal is and believe me I paid my $500 so I believe it’s good Still cannot beat a hand wired amplifier. I am so hesitant. This is the first electronic gear I’ve ever bought besides petals and two amplifiers have been playing for 37 years so this was a big step for me. I’m looking forward to it but a little worried no doubt Relentlessly and hoping that well that I get the same results I am truly wondering if the speaker in the amplifier matters too my combo is closed but I wonder the greenback be the wrong speaker for it. Thanks. 12:58 14:00
For recording lower gain sounds, I might prefer the pedal, which sounded less muddy/ congested in this comparison. I’m guessing the treble could be raised or the mids/bass lowered on the amp to match? The amp sounded better for higher gain sounds, but even then, in a track, some of that low-mid might need to come out. In any case, without the power tubes, the pedal is going to lack something, no?
Great demo RJ! I love the convenience and versatility that this series of preamps offer. Let's say that they are a tube alternative to digital amp simulators, with pros and cons obviously. I have to thank you (or maybe not 😂) particularly for the comparison with the real amp.
Thanks for the comparison! I really liked a Twin Sister I played once for that darker gain sound bordering on fuzz, which rivaled my dream amp I hope to get one day, a Silver Jubilee. I was wondering with the new IR-D if I could get that same sound and feel running it into a cheaper solid-state power amp and maybe save some money and have a more portable set-up. Your comparison made me a bit skeptical, though I'm still interested in trying out the IR-D in-person at some point. The IR-D sounded significantly thinner/brighter than the Twin Sister to my ear in this comparison.
As someone who a) can’t afford an actual twin sister and b)can’t use it to its full potential because of volume this pedal is so awesome. I can run it into my amps effects loop and eventually buy a power station and cab
I'm away from my amp (Marshall JTM50) on weekends, looking for something portable and weighing my options. Would you say this is closer to an amp than plugins. It sounds decent. I'm old school and have zero experience with amp plugins. Used to haul my amp head with a CaptorX but that's a little impractical.
The recording of the actual amp has a bigger overall sound but the IR-D sounds "Closer" (More In Your Face). In a mix the IR-d might even be better if you tend to have a dense mix. If your track count is lower, maybe the real deal would be best. I don't have the resources to buy several $3000.00 guitar amps so it's a no brainer for me. I have an IR-X (and I LOVE IT!) but I've wanted me summa' dat Dirty Shirls in my life for a while...now I can finally get me some.
Great video but you can"t compare two sim, two ir. The best thing to do would be to compare with the same speaker sim for both. For example, amp into captox with cabsim bypassed and go to an OX stomp and IR-D with ir bypassed goes to OX stomp. In this case you could compare 2amp or 2 sim or 1amp and 1 sim with the SAME speaker emulation ;) My 2 cts
Can you try it with a fuzz face in front of it. I know you have one around there! Lol. All these amps in a pedal sound pretty good until a fuzz is in front. Ive got the Humboldt Mk2, the irridium, the walrus AS 1 or whatever its called, the one from acoustic, tech 21, etc. they all crap the bed when the fuzz is in front. Love your playing btw.
If the amp had a real speaker mic'd then it's comparing two different things. Miking a speaker will add some room ambience and possible phase cancellation, especially if two or more mics were used. It would be interesting to hear both preamps through the same IR by using the effects send from the amp. As far as we know the comparison had different types of speakers, mics, mic placement, etc. However, I do appreciate the video. I preferred the pedal over the amp for all the gain levels.
IR-D sounds a little thinner and crispier but as a back up this would be amazing. My twin sister amp died mid gig the other day so this would have been a life saver.
@@edparker3549 el84's fry themselves pretty quick compared to other output valves. maybe a spare set would have saved the gig. I used to carry a spare set of 6l6's, but never had them fail. but if you don't have them, you might need them. that sucks mid gig, how did you get through gig?
If it’s anything like the IR-X (and I expect it will be), it will be identical. My IR-X on the BE channel through my amp’s effects return sounds and feels identical to the amp’s BE channel. It’s good!
These preamp are really such a great idea. Used with a fryette power station and ua ox stomp they are perfect. And once you have a power station and ox stomp or ox amp box, all you need is to buy the pampa to get new amps. I really hope they keep doing these. That setup is also perfect for the ua amp pedals. The future is here and it's awesome
I like the concept. It is well thought out. Guitarists have never had it better than in these years. Amazing times.
Ain’t that the truth
Couldn't agree more
Best demo of this out of the many many videos out at the same time.
Just got mine today....i was really shocked how good it sounds directly into my pa.... I've been using a helix, but don't need all the bells & whistles.... looks like i can get back to my regular pedal board finally!
For clean sounds, the pedal edged out the amp, for the medium gain, they were indistinguishable from each other. For high gain, the amp had more authority, heft (technical terms, I know) and air in the sound, whereas the pedal sounded thinner. That said, with some tweaking, the pedal could get there. In short, it's a great pedal.
My thoughts also.
Although i doubt if the pedal could get close to the amp on the high gain setting. The amp realy sounded so much better.
+1
Exactly my thoughts as well! I was almost sold on the pedal being better but then the higher gain was just ALL amp for days! lol
Great demo man, thanks. The pedal actually sounded slightly better to me. I'm gonna get one and run it through my KSR tube power amp
Sounds insane through a PS 100, a 2/12 cab (cab sim switched off of course) and is amazing on the gigs. A versatile and necessary piece of kit. If only Bogner offered a Helios version of this… Great job, Ron 🤜💥🤛
Eventually, (i know this because i started doing this in the 70's) it turns out that none of this matters. Just pick anything. And create something. In 40 years, you'll remember reading this and you'll say, wow that guy was right.
One would argue the point of this video is to help someone who isnt as old as us “pick something” and id rather a kid pick this than software or a digital rig
This right here
Music, recording, etc is generally just trying to make a sound work. Can you tame the chaos sort of thing.
I didn't get it from the video but I'm assuming that the IR-D and the twin sister are going to different cab IRs, I'd bet that's where the greatest difference comes from!
I just want this and a power cab and I’m good!😊 in this demo I like the IRD better than the Shirley 🤷🏽♂️🥸
IRD-D sounded good, but definitely couldn't keep up with the Twin Sister. It is missing the "umph" / "girth" or u could say it sounds a bit "boxy". I had the IR X and when I compared to real amps vs IR-X in the effects return of the same amps - it sounded very thin and also the attibutes I mentioned above regarding the IR-D. So i returned my IR-X unit.
I just bought one to try out I'm going to run it through my Fryette power Station and add the thump with that and compare it with my Dirty Shirley.
@@MrBurst62that's how I do it. I also have an ox for speaker Sim. Works great! Plus the PS and ox are great for so many other things. Such a great buy
I had the same issue running into the power section of my amp. Sounded great direct, but thin thru my amps effects return.
slightly tweak the EQ and you have more "umph" / "girth than you ever need.
I’m guessing you didnt use the software. Shame
Did I miss it how you were capturing the Twin Sister's sounds? If you used the same IRs and ran the TS into a load box it would be pretty fair A/B. Have a JJ Junior, Dirty Shirley and an IR-X, love them all. The IR-X into the return of amps is fantastic as it is going direct. I liked the Owhnamer classic rock IRs a bit better than stock but of course that is all personal preference. I do plan on getting one of these.
My thought exactly. If he's recording the IR-D direct and micing a cab to capture the Twin Sister, then of course they will sound different! I have a feeling this isn't a true apples-to-apples comparison.
I love how they effects loop and sound amazing Im sold!
I just received mine, after contemplating a Dirty Shirley for months. I'm totally pleased. Can you imagine the possibilities if you could run Chan 1 and 2 in stereo? Boom
I read your comment that you just received yours. I just ordered mine today. They told me it just became available today however I can’t wait to get it. I am actually going to be using mine mainly to plug into my Marshall studio jubilee I really love the sound of the dirty Shirley and I had considered trading my combo amp in, I just knew I had made a mistake after I bought the amplifier because it wasn’t long after that the Shirley came out it’s been a great practice amp and for rehearsals but I use a Friedman VE 50 normally however I just like the sound of the dirty Shirley and thought that maybe Using this pedal would give me that option. I figure I will give the pedal a try if it doesn’t work for me then I’m just going to trade my VE 50 in and my Marshall and get the twin sister or a dirty Shirley whichever since they have both available still, but the hand wired amplifier surely no matter how good that pedal is and believe me I paid my $500 so I believe it’s good Still cannot beat a hand wired amplifier. I am so hesitant. This is the first electronic gear I’ve ever bought besides petals and two amplifiers have been playing for 37 years so this was a big step for me. I’m looking forward to it but a little worried no doubt Relentlessly and hoping that well that I get the same results I am truly wondering if the speaker in the amplifier matters too my combo is closed but I wonder the greenback be the wrong speaker for it. Thanks. 12:58 14:00
I’ve had one for like 2 weeks. I plan on taking it out of the box next month and figure out how to use it
For recording lower gain sounds, I might prefer the pedal, which sounded less muddy/ congested in this comparison. I’m guessing the treble could be raised or the mids/bass lowered on the amp to match? The amp sounded better for higher gain sounds, but even then, in a track, some of that low-mid might need to come out. In any case, without the power tubes, the pedal is going to lack something, no?
Great demo RJ! I love the convenience and versatility that this series of preamps offer. Let's say that they are a tube alternative to digital amp simulators, with pros and cons obviously. I have to thank you (or maybe not 😂) particularly for the comparison with the real amp.
There’s a certain sizzle to the full amp, I wonder if presence can resolve it
Thanks for the comparison! I really liked a Twin Sister I played once for that darker gain sound bordering on fuzz, which rivaled my dream amp I hope to get one day, a Silver Jubilee. I was wondering with the new IR-D if I could get that same sound and feel running it into a cheaper solid-state power amp and maybe save some money and have a more portable set-up. Your comparison made me a bit skeptical, though I'm still interested in trying out the IR-D in-person at some point. The IR-D sounded significantly thinner/brighter than the Twin Sister to my ear in this comparison.
I just ordered a Twin Sister, so I don't really need a IR-D, thank you very much. 😁
But I'm open to getting a IR-J or a IR-JJ.
As someone who a) can’t afford an actual twin sister and b)can’t use it to its full potential because of volume this pedal is so awesome. I can run it into my amps effects loop and eventually buy a power station and cab
Very nice review and playing on the IR-D! Subbed...
Although close, the amp on higher gain has more low-mid gain to it versus the pedal (to me). I think I prefer the pedal tones on this demo.
I hear a little more heft in the Twin Sister. That would be the power section. A tough thing to replicate. It's why I tend to play 50-100 watters.
Any chance we might see a comparison between this and the ir-j?
Great review
I'm away from my amp (Marshall JTM50) on weekends, looking for something portable and weighing my options. Would you say this is closer to an amp than plugins. It sounds decent. I'm old school and have zero experience with amp plugins. Used to haul my amp head with a CaptorX but that's a little impractical.
Awesome Video!
Can you tell us about your recording signal path for the comparison?
The recording of the actual amp has a bigger overall sound but the IR-D sounds "Closer" (More In Your Face). In a mix the IR-d might even be better if you tend to have a dense mix. If your track count is lower, maybe the real deal would be best. I don't have the resources to buy several $3000.00 guitar amps so it's a no brainer for me. I have an IR-X (and I LOVE IT!) but I've wanted me summa' dat Dirty Shirls in my life for a while...now I can finally get me some.
I have problem with my IR-D, the hum and buzz is so loud, but my other pedals are okay
Nice review
Great video but you can"t compare two sim, two ir. The best thing to do would be to compare with the same speaker sim for both. For example, amp into captox with cabsim bypassed and go to an OX stomp and IR-D with ir bypassed goes to OX stomp. In this case you could compare 2amp or 2 sim or 1amp and 1 sim with the SAME speaker emulation ;) My 2 cts
I prefered the ir-d. Sounded a clearer to me.
Why did you dailed in the IR-D and the Twin Sister so different?
Can you try it with a fuzz face in front of it. I know you have one around there! Lol. All these amps in a pedal sound pretty good until a fuzz is in front. Ive got the Humboldt Mk2, the irridium, the walrus AS 1 or whatever its called, the one from acoustic, tech 21, etc. they all crap the bed when the fuzz is in front. Love your playing btw.
If the amp had a real speaker mic'd then it's comparing two different things. Miking a speaker will add some room ambience and possible phase cancellation, especially if two or more mics were used. It would be interesting to hear both preamps through the same IR by using the effects send from the amp. As far as we know the comparison had different types of speakers, mics, mic placement, etc. However, I do appreciate the video. I preferred the pedal over the amp for all the gain levels.
Yea I see what your saying, So it really wasn’t a fair comparison. I think for the money, that pedal sounds great
IR-D sounds a little thinner and crispier but as a back up this would be amazing. My twin sister amp died mid gig the other day so this would have been a life saver.
Your Friedman died? Sounds you used the wrimg impandancy on your speaker
No it was definitely an output tubes 👍🏻. Always nice to have an emergency backup though
@@edparker3549 el84's fry themselves pretty quick compared to other output valves. maybe a spare set would have saved the gig. I used to carry a spare set of 6l6's, but never had them fail. but if you don't have them, you might need them. that sucks mid gig, how did you get through gig?
@@MRxr400 Pedalboard direct to PA. Sounded awful in comparison but the crowd we're pretty understanding about it and we finished the set
Love the shirt.
Richard Venezuela?
You are really good ❤
Did you use the same IR for the amp.and the pedal?
The pedal sounds great R.J. but how does it feel compared to the real amp?
If it’s anything like the IR-X (and I expect it will be), it will be identical. My IR-X on the BE channel through my amp’s effects return sounds and feels identical to the amp’s BE channel. It’s good!
Compared to my 6505+, the friedmans been to at least a dozen gigs. Feels much lighter in weight haha. But seriously, sounds great
So this cant really do more pristine cleans?
prefer this over the ir-x
I am a gain head. The IRX is perfect
Is that a Jake E. Lee signature model guitar?
I bet!
At higher gain settings the amp had more 'Aunch'.. For lower paying gigs I'd choose the pedal 😁
Need to turn up bass in A/B on the pedal
Agree
These preamp are really such a great idea. Used with a fryette power station and ua ox stomp they are perfect. And once you have a power station and ox stomp or ox amp box, all you need is to buy the pampa to get new amps. I really hope they keep doing these. That setup is also perfect for the ua amp pedals. The future is here and it's awesome
To my ears the amp head sounded warmer. Definitely prefer the amp head.
Amp is much warmer
Great pedal great idea, but not really stackable with real AMP IMHO
Great demo! The device is kinda meh.
Jake E Lee!!
Amp is night and day better.
Depends on how it was recorded. I didn't hear him explain how he was recording the Twin Sister. It may not be apples-to-apples.
Ir-d has the same annoying high end spike all modelers have. Admittedly you can make anything work, it’s just not as ear friendly to my ears.
The IR-D and IR-X sound great but ……… should have a separate XLR for cab sim and 1/4” out to amp.