I wish so bad that Tom had not sold that patent and kept the Rockman company goin. IDK who he sold it to, and maybe other companies have built processors that do the same thing, but I have yet to hear that sound anywhere else. Good demo. I love that sound and your talent is excellent.
Well Dunlop doesn’t have the pats anymore time has run out on them and their about to drop the Rockman ace headphone amps but I believe that he has no more interest in the Rockman brand anymore
Tom Scholz and Tech21 should work together. Tech21 has the so-called fly rigs and a version with the classic rockman sounds (Clean 1 and 2, Edge, Distortion) would be a guaranteed huge success.
Ive got a 200 model, amazing preamps, Dave Mustaine used to run one into his Marshall from 1986-88 for his live rig. Also, John Mayer has quite a few Rockman units in his studio as of late, probably the last person you would expect to but then he is a fan of Hysteria and covered it live once.
A few things: The Rhythm volume is only accessible via a footswitch plugged into the Volume jack on the back. Semi Clean only works on Clean 1 to give it some grit/light overdrive. Auto Clean only works on Edge as it is designed to clean up the sound when you roll back on your guitar's volume knob. The Phase Notcher I don't like the sound of as it has too much of that overly cocked wah tone that's not very pleasing. The manual claims it's emulating the sound of a mic'ed up speaker cab but the Sustainor already has a cab sim so I don't know what it's talking about. Finally a "standard" Rockman Rig in addition to the Sustainor and Stereo Echo usually consists of a Rockman Stereo Chorus, Two EQs (one in the Sustainor effects loop and one immediately after the Sustainor output but before the Chorus) and a Rockman Midi Octopus to control the foot switching functions via midi controller. The general consensus also is that Rockman stuff sounds best when going direct into a recording console/PA system and not a guitar amp as that was what it was designed for. Tom Scholz wanted to get his signature sound without using loud guitar amps and overly complicated rig systems. The Rockman sound is definitely a love it or hate it kind of tone and most will agree it is kind of a one trick pony but I do enjoy that sound from time to time.
The dirty sounds aren't my favorite, but I've always loved the astetics of Rockman gear. Flow charts, sliders, and blinking lights all over the place. And the time based stuff always sounds incredible.
As was mentioned, the Phase Notcher when activated gives it the sound of a mic'd 4x12 and you can adjust the frequency of the "notch". The little slider you were sliding that says Dist Edge EQ Trim has nothing to do with the Phase Notcher. It will add or remove some treble from the Distortion and Edge setting. The Autoclean button is for the Edge and Clean setting (clean with the Semi-Clean on) and will allow you to roll your volume down to clean up the sound, while keeping the same volume you had. Also the Rhythm vol only works with a footswitch to kick in how much of a volume drop you have when it's activated. Also as mentioned these units were really designed to be used with all the pieces (Sustainor, 2 EQs, Stereo Chorus, Stereo Echo). That gives you the most control. Also they were meant to be run into a FRFR or direct to PA. I've owned several and especially with the EQs, you can get a wide range of sounds.
I love the old Rockman stuff. The Satriani Amplitube plugin is another option for those who are looking for the Tom Scholz tone. I've actually got the JHS Rock Box, which was essentially a Rockman clone. Incidentally, it was a Rock Box that was used by Def Leppard and Mutt Lange and not the Rockman, although they were both essentially the same thing. I'm also gassing for an ADA MP1 too. Great video as always mate. Carlo 🎸👍🏼
Nembrini Audio has a new MP1 plugin, if you're interested. Sometimes, you can get their plugins for $29.00 US, which was what I paid for it when it was released. I too have the Satch plugin. Very cool.
I don't think that's true. Phil Collen from Def Leppard was interviewed and showed the actual Rockman they used in the studio. ua-cam.com/video/6pli9XTPHR8/v-deo.html
The Rythm volume is activated by footswitch allowing you to lower volume for rhythm playing and footswitch to louder lead playing. Nice review. I have the 200 model. The auto clean function only works edge mode and allows you to go from Distortion to clean sound with guitar volume without losing volume/ treble. Really works well ,especially on later 200 models
There was one point in the early 2000s, between my Rockman purchase at the end of 2001 (that I mentioned in a previous comment) and when I purchased my first Line 6 modeler (in June ‘02) when I wanted one amp model in particular, the Rockman XP100. If memory serves and I’m not confusing things, that is a stereo amp which includes the XPR module (combining the innards of all the RockModules and the Scholz MIDI Octopus into one unit with patch memory) and a pair of reduced-size cabinets that could be detached from each other for transport. That model would’ve been one sick puppy to own, record and gig with.
Tom Scholz is an engineer from MIT. The dude, from I understanding, invented the attenuator that goes between the amplifier head and speaker cab. A common thing nowadays. I think it was called Power Soak. His gear is awesome.
Awesome find, may I recommend getting the capacitors replaced. Musicians Friend and AMS both sell a rack shelf that those will fit in comfortably. Keep on RAWKn'
I miss my sustainor and chorus echo since I sold them, so regret. Try your new unit with a Marshall Gov'nor out front into almost any tube amp. Glorious
What's really funny is I've never heard ANY of the big name modelers do a really good job at emulating this sound, some of them get kind of in the neighborhood but nothing really gets it. The TC Gakki people in Japan with the GOAT Generator and Sustainor pedals are probably the easiest way to get the sound today since some of the components in the Rockman Rockmodules are old now. I know there are people on the internet that indicate they can keep your old units going but your mileage may vary. I had the sustainor and chorus/delay into a JC120 for my 80s rig and it sounded better than it ever should have. I miss those units!
Very cool gear video man. Thank you for sharing this! Man these things are cool, expensive though! Seems like you may have found a bit of a deal here. Excellent sound, seems like it's working great too. 😎👍🏻
Hey Marty, I just bought the sustainor, EQ and chorus delay modules from Reverb and was wondering what you connected yours to. I have a WDW setup with EVH EL34 gear and a Fryette power statin and stereo power amp. I also have interface and large powered monitors with my computer. I'm wondering do I run stereo to my Fryette power amp into the EL 34 wet cabs or do you run it into your computer interface and use it there or just direct into you the big 100W EL34 amp. I'm just curious on the hows on connecting this rack mount equipment into what I have. What would you suggest?
I have a bunch of Rockman units and have paid nothing but reasonable prices - patience pays! So, the reason the Sustainor 200 model goes for so much, as I understand it, *is due to the Auto Clean actually working*. The concept behind the Auto Clean was that when engaged, instead of operating as a volume control, your volume knob would alternate between the Clean 1/2 and Edge/Distort. It just doesn't work on the 100 model (it does add some more gain, though🤷🏾♂️) Does that justify the 700-900USD asking prices? Not to me!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalkerThanks for the info. I really appreciate it! I just got mine & I'm kinda bummed how Edge & Distortion are so muffled. I guess I'll try & look for an eq & see if I can get something like Tom's blue MXR.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalkerI'm running it into my mixer but I also tried the front end & Return of two amps. The one sounded ok the other not so good. The cleans on the Mixer & one amp are great even in mono. I can't figure why the other amp sounds bad all around.
I bought one of the Goat sustainer models. There pretty darn close to the rockmans imho. And quite a bit cheaper. I think there sold out again tho, they sold out twice on the first two shipments
You ONLY demo'ed the Edge setting with the guitar volume up full, when the *real* purpose was to clean up the tone by turning down, akin to using a germainium fuzz.
Tom was in the PhD program in Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before dropping out to tour with Boston. Still, I don’t know of too many guitarists that have a Masters degree in engineering, most speak like they didn’t graduate high school. Just sayin’
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Hey Marty, I picked up a sustainor last weekend. Sounds good through my JCM 800. Did you try running 10 band eq with the Rockman? I was thinking about running a MXR 10 band eq to it to get some different tones.
I bought the Tom Scholz Rockman X100 when they came out for about $125-$150 brand new. Now they're selling on Reverb for around $600. Ridiculous. The nuts on your Sustainer are rusted out to the max !!!
My first live with a band, a loud distortion through the Rockman! Super sound 🤟🏼
I wish so bad that Tom had not sold that patent and kept the Rockman company goin. IDK who he sold it to, and maybe other companies have built processors that do the same thing, but I have yet to hear that sound anywhere else. Good demo. I love that sound and your talent is excellent.
He sold it to Dunlop
Well Dunlop doesn’t have the pats anymore time has run out on them and their about to drop the Rockman ace headphone amps but I believe that he has no more interest in the Rockman brand anymore
Tom Scholz still has all of the pats
@@joeyhaynes3198that’s nice to hear
Tom Scholz and Tech21 should work together. Tech21 has the so-called fly rigs and a version with the classic rockman sounds (Clean 1 and 2, Edge, Distortion) would be a guaranteed huge success.
Marty picked up these units and can’t stop playing.
Ive got a 200 model, amazing preamps, Dave Mustaine used to run one into his Marshall from 1986-88 for his live rig. Also, John Mayer has quite a few Rockman units in his studio as of late, probably the last person you would expect to but then he is a fan of Hysteria and covered it live once.
I'm not sure what the differences are in the models. Good research project, I need to look up more info. Been in a rockman kick again lately. 😎
A few things: The Rhythm volume is only accessible via a footswitch plugged into the Volume jack on the back.
Semi Clean only works on Clean 1 to give it some grit/light overdrive.
Auto Clean only works on Edge as it is designed to clean up the sound when you roll back on your guitar's volume knob.
The Phase Notcher I don't like the sound of as it has too much of that overly cocked wah tone that's not very pleasing. The manual claims it's emulating the sound of a mic'ed up speaker cab but the Sustainor already has a cab sim so I don't know what it's talking about.
Finally a "standard" Rockman Rig in addition to the Sustainor and Stereo Echo usually consists of a Rockman Stereo Chorus, Two EQs (one in the Sustainor effects loop and one immediately after the Sustainor output but before the Chorus) and a Rockman Midi Octopus to control the foot switching functions via midi controller.
The general consensus also is that Rockman stuff sounds best when going direct into a recording console/PA system and not a guitar amp as that was what it was designed for. Tom Scholz wanted to get his signature sound without using loud guitar amps and overly complicated rig systems.
The Rockman sound is definitely a love it or hate it kind of tone and most will agree it is kind of a one trick pony but I do enjoy that sound from time to time.
The dirty sounds aren't my favorite, but I've always loved the astetics of Rockman gear. Flow charts, sliders, and blinking lights all over the place. And the time based stuff always sounds incredible.
This rock man rig was my rig in the 80,s along with a stereo chorus, cs800 power amp into a couple 412 cabs.
I once had a portable Rockman. Upgraded to the Korg Pandora. The Rockman lives on as a unique device. Thanks for the video!
Iconic. I used to play through this exact setup back in the late '80's! Just a killer sound. ✌😎
Thanks! I totally love the rockman look and sound! It's still versatile after all the years!
As was mentioned, the Phase Notcher when activated gives it the sound of a mic'd 4x12 and you can adjust the frequency of the "notch". The little slider you were sliding that says Dist Edge EQ Trim has nothing to do with the Phase Notcher. It will add or remove some treble from the Distortion and Edge setting. The Autoclean button is for the Edge and Clean setting (clean with the Semi-Clean on) and will allow you to roll your volume down to clean up the sound, while keeping the same volume you had. Also the Rhythm vol only works with a footswitch to kick in how much of a volume drop you have when it's activated. Also as mentioned these units were really designed to be used with all the pieces (Sustainor, 2 EQs, Stereo Chorus, Stereo Echo). That gives you the most control. Also they were meant to be run into a FRFR or direct to PA. I've owned several and especially with the EQs, you can get a wide range of sounds.
I love the old Rockman stuff. The Satriani Amplitube plugin is another option for those who are looking for the Tom Scholz tone. I've actually got the JHS Rock Box, which was essentially a Rockman clone. Incidentally, it was a Rock Box that was used by Def Leppard and Mutt Lange and not the Rockman, although they were both essentially the same thing. I'm also gassing for an ADA MP1 too. Great video as always mate. Carlo 🎸👍🏼
Nembrini Audio has a new MP1 plugin, if you're interested. Sometimes, you can get their plugins for $29.00 US, which was what I paid for it when it was released.
I too have the Satch plugin. Very cool.
@@NothingNowhere-vu5oq Cool. Thank you mate. I'm going to have a look at it now. 👍🏼
I don't think that's true. Phil Collen from Def Leppard was interviewed and showed the actual Rockman they used in the studio. ua-cam.com/video/6pli9XTPHR8/v-deo.html
Let's not forget that echo. Sounds huge!
The Rythm volume is activated by footswitch allowing you to lower volume for rhythm playing and footswitch to louder lead playing. Nice review. I have the 200 model. The auto clean function only works edge mode and allows you to go from Distortion to clean sound with guitar volume without losing volume/ treble. Really works well ,especially on later 200 models
I’ve lent friends my Rockman. They’re always shocked by the sound from a box made in the 80s. Nice grab on the sustainer!
They are incredible! Mid 80's wizardry.
My favourite guitar sound of all time, both clean and distorted! I have to make do with a little guitar ace but it gets me in the ballpark
I have myself a Sustainor and this thing sounds gorgeous to this very day.
You find coolest stuff, thanks for sharing.
You're very welcome Ron!! Thanks man!
There was one point in the early 2000s, between my Rockman purchase at the end of 2001 (that I mentioned in a previous comment) and when I purchased my first Line 6 modeler (in June ‘02) when I wanted one amp model in particular, the Rockman XP100. If memory serves and I’m not confusing things, that is a stereo amp which includes the XPR module (combining the innards of all the RockModules and the Scholz MIDI Octopus into one unit with patch memory) and a pair of reduced-size cabinets that could be detached from each other for transport. That model would’ve been one sick puppy to own, record and gig with.
Damn man! Those are some rad tones. Versatile as hell! Kudos!
I agree Craig. Just amazing even after all these years!
Tom Scholz is an engineer from MIT. The dude, from I understanding, invented the attenuator that goes between the amplifier head and speaker cab. A common thing nowadays. I think it was called Power Soak. His gear is awesome.
Yeh man! Brilliant musician and inventor
Kickass Marty I remember messing with those. Sounds yeah. Score. 💥🔥
They're so cool! And they still sound awesome 😎
Great video! Nice playing! Very inspiring! 🎸🎶
Sounds great Marty! Cool piece.
Thanks Geoffrey!
I love your videos, Marty. Thanks for the content!
Thanks man!! I try to put out a good variety and just hope folks like em! I appreciate the support!
Awesome Sound & Tone Marty. 😉👍
Thanks Rob!! 😎🍺
How are you pedal switching channels on this?
Awesome find, may I recommend getting the capacitors replaced. Musicians Friend and AMS both sell a rack shelf that those will fit in comfortably. Keep on RAWKn'
excellent ! good buy !
Marty I own a sustainer stereo chours delay I'm glad I didn't sell out I love them
Yeh man! Glad you still have it man!!
Some killer tones Marty!!
Tom Scholz genius! invented the Rockman
Yep!!! He is a genius! 😎🎵❤️
I miss my sustainor and chorus echo since I sold them, so regret. Try your new unit with a Marshall Gov'nor out front into almost any tube amp. Glorious
What's really funny is I've never heard ANY of the big name modelers do a really good job at emulating this sound, some of them get kind of in the neighborhood but nothing really gets it. The TC Gakki people in Japan with the GOAT Generator and Sustainor pedals are probably the easiest way to get the sound today since some of the components in the Rockman Rockmodules are old now. I know there are people on the internet that indicate they can keep your old units going but your mileage may vary. I had the sustainor and chorus/delay into a JC120 for my 80s rig and it sounded better than it ever should have. I miss those units!
Very cool gear video man. Thank you for sharing this! Man these things are cool, expensive though! Seems like you may have found a bit of a deal here. Excellent sound, seems like it's working great too. 😎👍🏻
im trying to sell mine it’s in excellent condition lol i need to get rid of it for cheapish
Nice!!!!! Very cool man! Next you’ll have a klon 🤪
Maybe a tumnus!!
Nice Marty!
Thank you! Love the rockman stuff!!
Next purchase: ADA MP-1. 🙂
I would love to check one out!
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker You can get a plug in. ua-cam.com/video/kTes7iVONTA/v-deo.html
I have always wanted the XP100 but they are hard to find and expensive when you do find one.
Yeh, they are super expensive now!! Not sure anyone is paying the price. I would love on too!
Marty! I have a couple of trays. I'll give you one.
Hey Marty, I just bought the sustainor, EQ and chorus delay modules from Reverb and was wondering what you connected yours to. I have a WDW setup with EVH EL34 gear and a Fryette power statin and stereo power amp. I also have interface and large powered monitors with my computer. I'm wondering do I run stereo to my Fryette power amp into the EL 34 wet cabs or do you run it into your computer interface and use it there or just direct into you the big 100W EL34 amp. I'm just curious on the hows on connecting this rack mount equipment into what I have. What would you suggest?
have you ran a bass thru this?
i’ve always wondered how this compared to the bass rockmans…
I have a bunch of Rockman units and have paid nothing but reasonable prices - patience pays!
So, the reason the Sustainor 200 model goes for so much, as I understand it, *is due to the Auto Clean actually working*.
The concept behind the Auto Clean was that when engaged, instead of operating as a volume control, your volume knob would alternate between the Clean 1/2 and Edge/Distort. It just doesn't work on the 100 model (it does add some more gain, though🤷🏾♂️)
Does that justify the 700-900USD asking prices? Not to me!
It's a law you have to play Pour some Sugar on Me , when demoing a Rockman .I love the tone on a Rockman.. It's Screams 80s
True that! I just got the choirs module! 🎵🎵🤟🏻
I have the Distortion Generator. I'm not sure what the "Auto Clean" is supposed to do. When I hit it, nothing changes.
I'm surprised you don't get more Rockman stuff as plug-ins. Amplitube offers the satch /rockman /distortion but that's it.
Awesome 💯
Thanks bro 😎
+
what do the 'Auto CLN' and 'Semi CLN' do? Apparently the Auto-Cln ' gives you guitar volume clean up, but it doesn't seem to do anything??
I remember when they were selling this stuff!
I would to get one of the Xp100s.!
How does the sound of the Sustainor compare to the X100? Is it as muffled on Edge & Distortion?
Very similar. There's more to the sustainor so I personally think it's a bit cleaner and has more tone options. Just my thoughts.
@@Ranch5150SkinWalkerThanks for the info. I really appreciate it! I just got mine & I'm kinda bummed how Edge & Distortion are so muffled. I guess I'll try & look for an eq & see if I can get something like Tom's blue MXR.
@@TheCleaner6969 yeh eq will liven that thing up. What are you running it through ?
@@Ranch5150SkinWalkerI'm running it into my mixer but I also tried the front end & Return of two amps. The one sounded ok the other not so good. The cleans on the Mixer & one amp are great even in mono. I can't figure why the other amp sounds bad all around.
Yes, that’s Scholz in a box. I would love to buy these myself, but at our country’s exchange rates, it’s virtually impossible. Enjoy!
I bought one of the Goat sustainer models. There pretty darn close to the rockmans imho. And quite a bit cheaper. I think there sold out again tho, they sold out twice on the first two shipments
The cleans are a little digital sounding but there are some great OD sounds in there !
You ONLY demo'ed the Edge setting with the guitar volume up full, when the *real* purpose was to clean up the tone by turning down, akin to using a germainium fuzz.
Tom was in the PhD program in Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before dropping out to tour with Boston. Still, I don’t know of too many guitarists that have a Masters degree in engineering, most speak like they didn’t graduate high school. Just sayin’
pls. check Frank Gambale's rack effects too.
Will do 🤟🏻
I thought Mutt was a guitar genius but it looks like this pedal did the heavy lifting on Hysteria
Nice
Thanks bro!!! 😎🎵. Happy Friday
I set mine where the arrows are
Probably the best plan! 😎🎵
Rock module
Watching you Rockman videos makes me want to get one 👍🤘🎸
They are really cool! Lots of fun and also they look awesome. 😎
@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Hey Marty, I picked up a sustainor last weekend.
Sounds good through my JCM 800. Did you try running 10 band eq with the Rockman? I was thinking about running a MXR 10 band eq to it to get some different tones.
I bought the Tom Scholz Rockman X100 when they came out for about $125-$150 brand new. Now they're selling on Reverb for around $600. Ridiculous.
The nuts on your Sustainer are rusted out to the max !!!
too much echo!
Don’t sound good at all
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