The Chroma Console is AWESOME | Secret Weapons Demo & Review

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 29 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 111

  • @JohnWWarrenGuitar
    @JohnWWarrenGuitar 9 місяців тому +3

    Awesome video, Mark. I appreciate how you take a deep dive into each of the individual sounds and secondary controls. While it is a long video- I watched it all- I would have also loved to see more about your favorite combinations of sounds, as I think that’s key to this pedal, and also re-ordering the sounds into dope combinations. (Maybe that’s on your discord?) Perhaps a part two video?
    Do you prefer the Microcosm going into this or vice versa?

  • @steinhalvorsen_
    @steinhalvorsen_ 8 місяців тому +6

    The lag on the pitch makes that effect nearly useless. I really hope they fix this ASAP.

    • @bvrbvs
      @bvrbvs 2 місяці тому +1

      I thought so too!

  • @pashayk
    @pashayk 3 місяці тому

    Hi Mark! Thanks a lot for your videos, i watched it all in one sitting (same for Microcosm one). I really want to get into this territory of Hologram pedals. For some time now. But a bit scarred to pull the plug hahaha. Would you say that Microcosm is the right one to start with? or it's the CC one that you would recommend as the first one? I know they are completely different though... but wanted to hear your opinion on that.

  • @NovakTheEnjoyer
    @NovakTheEnjoyer 7 місяців тому +13

    This is the longest UA-cam video I've ever watched. I didn't know it was this long when I started. It's at the end that I realized how long I'd been sitting for. You're really good at this. You also have beautiful guitars, and I love the way you play. Subbed! Great job. My Chroma Console will be here in 3-4 weeks, and I can't wait!

  • @chrislink73
    @chrislink73 9 місяців тому +38

    Hologram should've sent you the pedal before they released it, this is a way more comprehensive and insightful video about its functionality than any of the other videos they made before releasing it. There was a lot of unnecessary confusion and uncertainty about this pedal at the time of its release, I still got one and am very happy with the purchase though. Once you dive in and learn all the functionality, it is such a versatile and unique pedal -- especially in the way you can fine tune patches, change the arrangement of effects, and add gestures to make the sounds truly your own. It pairs beautifully with other drives and modulation effects, not to mention the MIDI functionality is perfect for getting it all in time with the DAW. It's probably tied with Reverse Mode C as my favorite new pedal of 2023.

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому +17

      To be fair I think mine arrived the day before announcement. So they did kiiiind of send it to me ahead of time but there was no way I was gonna churn a video out that fast. This was easier to dig into and feel like I’d properly learned before making a video than microcosm but it still was always gonna take a few weeks of testing and living with before I’d feel confident with it.

    • @chrislink73
      @chrislink73 9 місяців тому +7

      @@markjohnstonofficial gotcha that makes sense then. Your videos are always so in depth, and this pedal really shines when you get into the secondary functionality and other features -- so I am glad you took your time with it and made such a great video on it. Thank you!

  • @goonfish
    @goonfish 9 місяців тому +6

    As a strictly tape-loops & synths+samplers user who's never owned a guitar in my life...
    *...this is exactly what I needed to reassure I made the right choice.* 🙃

  • @ryndanriley5348
    @ryndanriley5348 9 місяців тому +6

    Random, but I saw you at Lake Tahoe is for Lovers and told my wife, "that's the guy whose video convinced me to buy my Harmony amp." Haha. You make exactly the kind of songs I try to make. Love your videos.

  • @Gabel69201
    @Gabel69201 9 місяців тому +6

    Gesture might be the coolest feature I’ve seen in a pedal.

  • @NSRider24
    @NSRider24 9 місяців тому +4

    Hi Mark 😁! The opening track in this video gave me some wicked Brand New vibes. Reminds me of "Can't get it out" from Science Fiction. 10/10.

  • @heymrguitarman7637
    @heymrguitarman7637 Місяць тому

    LEDs changing colour is always a miss for me. In a still make centric marketplace, 1 in 3 have some form of colourblind-ness. 🙃 Great pedal but I couldn't use it in any way other than totally guess what modes and effects are active

  • @justinhuffman2430
    @justinhuffman2430 Місяць тому +1

    Cool devices

  • @scottutter8262
    @scottutter8262 6 місяців тому +2

    Lord help me I’ve watched this demo three times. I think I want this pedal 😂

  • @popsplace0420
    @popsplace0420 9 місяців тому +3

    This demo and comprehensive deep dive is rivaled by the Raster video. It's a multi watch tutorial reference. Well done Sir.

  • @Guitarwoerke
    @Guitarwoerke 9 місяців тому +6

    And here I was thinking Christmas was next week. Can’t wait to kick back and take all of this in right now, can’t wait to revisit next year when mine arrives. Thank you for always putting in the effort with your work on here 🙏🏼

    • @pongtrometer
      @pongtrometer 9 місяців тому

      Beautiful overview, waiting to explore mine, arriving Jan 2024. Have a healthy new year in advance everyone. 🦾🎸🔈🔉🔊

  • @papapilar3
    @papapilar3 Місяць тому

    This is fantastic. Thank you for this! At 30:41, the sound you’ve got going is so good. Quick question: is any of it added to by the microcosm? I can’t tell if it’s bypassed?

  • @pcurryii
    @pcurryii 20 днів тому

    Is that your go to ruby pedal platform setting? Can you say what cab you you like on the bril channel? How come both red and green lights are on? Great video!

  • @matt9108
    @matt9108 28 днів тому

    Imagine buying this pedal, smoking a doob, and writing Boulevard of Broken Dreams.

  • @MrKiammi
    @MrKiammi 9 місяців тому +4

    Hands down the best demo of this pedal, cant wait to get it january!, thank you so much for this time and effort you clearly spend to this.❤

  • @JohnWWarrenGuitar
    @JohnWWarrenGuitar 9 місяців тому +3

    Mark: Your demos are always more than demos, they are invariably the bible of exploration and deep dives into imaginative uses of the pedal at hand.
    Like you, I appreciate that HE is not just going for a Microcosm redux but a departure from and also complement to their earlier masterpiece.
    I received my Chroma Console last week but because I’m in the midst of some recording I have yet to explore it fully.
    Thank you for your in depth guidance for exploring the CC depths.
    Two hours!!! 🎸🍷🎉

  • @chrisbunchofflowersmusic
    @chrisbunchofflowersmusic 9 місяців тому +2

    Excellent job, simply excellent !!!!! Sincere, logical and understandable.
    I ordered my pedal two weeks ago, and I hope it will arrive at the end of January.
    Many thanks and regards from Chris Bunch of flowers music.

  • @MaTTheWish
    @MaTTheWish 9 місяців тому +2

    Pedal is great, although a little to advanced for me right now, but I really enjoy watching and listening to Mark showcase this technological beauty. ASMR!

  • @JAmes-ui9bq
    @JAmes-ui9bq 9 місяців тому +3

    Fantastic video I'll definitely re watch this for reference when mine comes!

  • @Savvier
    @Savvier 2 місяці тому

    it's a shame that you are not able to set Collage after Reverb or Delay

  • @theau61
    @theau61 9 місяців тому +2

    excellent review... Five stars. So many thanks

  • @eternalvernal1286
    @eternalvernal1286 8 місяців тому +1

    I've got Chroma coming and I can't wait, but if you really want killer swells, try the EHX Attack Decay. Although this sounds great at what it's doing the EHX does Poly mode (chords) and tracks exceptionally at all times. Just incase this helps someone. 👊👍😎

  • @neve4020
    @neve4020 9 місяців тому +3

    Just got one! Thanks for the vid, man ❤

  • @Harshtian
    @Harshtian 2 місяці тому

    TRS cable or TS cable for input and output?

  • @kevinp_25
    @kevinp_25 9 місяців тому +4

    These awesome intro jams really remind me of Brutus, who I'm new to. Great stuff. ❤

    • @neve4020
      @neve4020 9 місяців тому +2

      Great Band 🎉

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому +4

      I haven't heard of them; will have to give them a listen today

    • @kevinp_25
      @kevinp_25 9 місяців тому

      @@markjohnstonofficial Try their newest album Unison Life.

    • @davidwilliamson8029
      @davidwilliamson8029 9 місяців тому +1

      Amazing band

  • @superkracer2903
    @superkracer2903 Місяць тому

    2 hours of a demo...impressive

  • @stratos1975
    @stratos1975 6 місяців тому +1

    Fantastic video. Ordered with great excitement. Great pacing and explanations. I appreciate the effort and time.

  • @jtf2dan
    @jtf2dan 9 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for the detailed review....it will save me some time finding things! Much appreciated! Liked!

  • @jerrycharles66
    @jerrycharles66 9 місяців тому +2

    The texture settings seem comparable to the Gen Loss Mk2, though I haven't heard enough from demos to really tell. The Gen Loss is obviously deeper but this pedal seems to get you there too. Thanks for the awesome video! Oh dang, I just also realized ... midi-controllable fuzz.

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому +3

      MIDI / expression / gesture controllable fuzz. it's a wild device.

  • @morganwebster6636
    @morganwebster6636 9 місяців тому +1

    Good video. I purchased mine off of Reverb. It was about a hundred bucks than it’s list but that’s fine. I’m a synth and drum machine dude and for a very long time and I gotta say, super fun pedal with all sorts of interesting explanations. So far it’s taken me a bit of patience to get holy crap results but I finally after a few days of messing about gotta some really interesting results. Super rad pedal.

  • @haveafuzzyday
    @haveafuzzyday 9 місяців тому +2

    Thank God I found this channel

  • @theouterplanet
    @theouterplanet Місяць тому

    You think it’s good enough to use without an amp/cab sim? That is- straight to chroma

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  Місяць тому

      I personally wouldn’t use anything without some amount of amp and cab processing for guitar.

  • @CaidicusProductions
    @CaidicusProductions 9 місяців тому +2

    I have a Microcosm which, while really enjoyable to sonically explore with, I often find difficult to incorporate into my music.
    It is VERY quirky.
    Would you say this pedal is equally quirky, in a similar regard?

    • @nickreesyt
      @nickreesyt 9 місяців тому +8

      Have you tried midi syncing it? That was a game changed for me in incorporating it to music

    • @redminus
      @redminus 9 місяців тому +4

      As someone who has also had both I'd say that the CC is a LOT less quirky than the MC. Which isn't to say there's less going on... it definitely has a lot of its own character, but the things it offers are a lot more "under control" and less unpredictable than some of the MC's wilder settings.
      100% agreeing with the midi sync comment too btw. Microcosm is what convinced me to get a midi controller, being able to tempo-sync settings like mosaic/sequence/interrupt/blocks/arp took them from being merely weird and interesting to actually usable.

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому +8

      This is more predictable and much more straightforward, imo, than the microcosm.
      BUT. I implore you to watch my video on the microcosm in a MIDI clocked environment if you feel like it's hard to wrangle. I am a fierce advocate that the MC is actually super predictable and controllable when you properly tether it to your DAW

    • @CaidicusProductions
      @CaidicusProductions 9 місяців тому

      @@markjohnstonofficial Your reply got me out of bed at 6:30 in the morning, just to check if I've been using it with a midi connection or not. :P
      I have been, it is midi connected, though I don't actually use a DAW, I just use an MPC Live at the heart of my setup, so... Like a DAW.
      You're insistence that it's much better than I perhaps think it is is making me think I need to give it another go.
      By default, whenever I turn on my gear and MPC Live, and start playing anything, it's on by default, and immediately starts triggering, the moment I make any sound with any device. (due to where it is at the end of the chain)
      So, by default, I am just used to turning it off (bypass), and doing stuff without it.
      I'm going to go back to it and give it another go, this time in earnest. I have watched your video on it, it may or may not have been the video that got me to buy it in the first play. ;P
      However, I think I need to watch the video again, so here I go.
      Thank you for the fire you've relit about it. Before I bought it, I was SO taken by the sounds I'd heard others make with it, and I think I developed a little deep down disappointment with it after buying it, because I the sounds I made with it weren't what I had hoped.
      I just need to work on it more.
      Out of curiousity, which presets are your favourite?

    • @matthewdavis473
      @matthewdavis473 5 місяців тому

      Agree with the above. Whether you are using it with guitar or synths, the Microcosm loves having clock sent to it

  • @MartinStromer85
    @MartinStromer85 9 місяців тому +1

    Hi, do you think you can use the CC effects in normal ways in a band?
    I mean, not for sound experiments, but using the CC as a "normal" modulations and ambient multi-effect pedal in a band with a second guitarist?
    A real, pragmatic and sound enjoyable use, without a quirk digital feeling?

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому +3

      I think that’ll depend on how you felt about the intro song. I’d argue that, especially after the turn from the washier part to the more focused section with less reverb and no microcosm parts, it works pretty well in a context with a couple different guitar parts, drums, and bass.

  • @ptrckc
    @ptrckc 8 місяців тому

    is your microcosm before your chroma? or vice versa? I've been using my microcosm after my CC, but maybe i'm DOING IT ALL WRONG!!

  • @purpl3882
    @purpl3882 20 днів тому

    THANK YOU FOR UPLOADING THIS IN 21 9

  • @SeattleGenXDude
    @SeattleGenXDude 9 місяців тому +1

    I guess you need MIDI to use this pedal live....Not sure I can bend over hit two keys and turn a dial to change to a preset

    • @tannerdowning-mcadams110
      @tannerdowning-mcadams110 9 місяців тому +1

      You can also change presets by holding the preset button for a second to enter the preset menu, then the footswitches act as preset up/down. You dont have to use the knob.

  • @JewelzFin
    @JewelzFin 6 місяців тому

    I currently own a Elektron Analog Heat. I have a Warm Audio WA273-EQ on the main outs of my mixer, and the Analog Heat on the WA273-EQ's insert. And all of that goes into my Audio interface. So basically I have a solid mic preamp and stereo compressor (as the Analog Heat is a cheap price to getting high quality Master Bus/Out compression) for all my synths and drum machines. So I barely have to do much mixing in my DAW after I've tracked...
    My question is, do you think the Chroma Console compresses the audio on the same level as the Elektron Analog Heat? Or does it just offer solid effects and preamp capabilities?

  • @bjornhaakestad
    @bjornhaakestad 2 місяці тому

    i will buy this pedal and the microcosm bc of you one day
    i will know how to to use them back to front before even owning them

  • @punkster36
    @punkster36 4 місяці тому

    Hey so it seems like this pedal wouldn't work in a live setting coz changing patches is a longer process, it's not possible to change it on the fly with your feet, would you agree?

  • @andrew_franz_noise5903
    @andrew_franz_noise5903 9 місяців тому +1

    As always, you've made the definitive video for this pedal! Am I the only one who's mildly annoyed at the form factor of CC?? I had it in my mind that it was the same height of MC, and the fact that it's taller (and taller than most other pedals, for that matter) is a little off-putting. Not enough to kick CC off the "need to sell other stuff so I can buy this" list, but still...

    • @benz.mp3
      @benz.mp3 9 місяців тому

      I think one of the primary intended uses for this pedal was table-top use (for use w/ synths/grooveboxes/etc). I think this is why it has such an angle/height to its design. But I agree - I'm going to put it on my pedalboard and I expect it'll look a little odd next to my tiny stompboxes :D

    • @andrew_franz_noise5903
      @andrew_franz_noise5903 9 місяців тому +1

      @@benz.mp3 yeah it definitely seems built to be used as a multi effect for synths, or like a hardware plugin. Most of my pedals live on a desk but they're still wired together on a board and I'm kind of vain about how it all looks haha. No matter, I'll have to wait on this one anyway because of OBNE's limited run announcement this morning...

  • @WillaimT
    @WillaimT 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for the demo! Do you happen to know if the L+R inputs can work as two separate mono inputs? Basically like a 2-channel line mixer, in case one wants to have two different instruments connected at once?

  • @VinylOcelot
    @VinylOcelot 8 місяців тому +1

    Question: If you were to plug the Chroma console into an amp that has an FX loop. Would you opt to plug it in direct to the amp input or into your Amps FX loop?

    • @sooperheep
      @sooperheep 7 місяців тому +1

      I'd go fx loop since you'd want the preamp of your amp to boost your guitar level into the pedal, you could also try guitar into the pedal then into the return of your fx loop and using the sweeten setting as your preamp to get a different preamp sound since this will bypass your amp's preamp and go straight to the power amp

    • @VinylOcelot
      @VinylOcelot 7 місяців тому +1

      ​@@sooperheep Thank you! I'll give it a try.
      Initially, I was concerned about the drive aspects of the chroma console. as I was told that you shouldn't put a drive or distortion through an fx loop; and should route only wet/dry fx like reverb/delay. given That chroma console is a multi fx pedal, Instructions were unclear. lol

    • @sooperheep
      @sooperheep 7 місяців тому

      What amp do you have? I tend to think a preamp or boost of some kind should come before distortion anyway. I use a compressor first usually @@VinylOcelot

    • @VinylOcelot
      @VinylOcelot 7 місяців тому

      @@sooperheep I use a Marshall DSL 40C, And have my pedal board set up in the 4 cable method . ( FX loop send and return routed to my reverb, delay and looper only, then I have my guitar going into my compressor and drive pedals and then going into the amp’s input. )

  • @shawnbrumagin
    @shawnbrumagin 5 місяців тому

    Incredibly helpful video. This is what sold it for me. Then, once I bought it, I came back here to figure out how to use it. 😂

  • @ReddenDoom
    @ReddenDoom 8 місяців тому

    The gesture examples you give are super helpful here! I'm hoping they add a way to get the pitch shifter less chorusey/phasey. Was happy to see you explained an issue I had with vibrato giving me chorus, I'll be sure to try full wet instead there. Would be nice if it was possible to adjust that a different way if I didn't want chorusing but needed the mix down. The vibrato and pitch are my only gripes with it so far, I suppose the biggest reverb is a bit dark too and it would be nice to have a brighter option. Some really wild sounds in this thing and it almost gives you extreme levels of control to counter where the Microcosm can feel automatic a lot of times.

  • @sirrobert23
    @sirrobert23 9 місяців тому +2

    I would get this just for the modulation and loss effects

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому +3

      a totally fair approach. Even just those two banks are lousy with great sounds. The rest of it just gets to be gravy (and you'd find that you'll never turn sweeten off and that the verb is a beautiful subtle addition)

    • @sirrobert23
      @sirrobert23 9 місяців тому +1

      @@markjohnstonofficial oh yeah, that reverb is special…
      I’m honestly surprised it’s just $399

  • @RobertNolan
    @RobertNolan 3 місяці тому

    Now all i need to do is wait for the black edition to match my microcosm.

  • @benz.mp3
    @benz.mp3 8 місяців тому

    If you turn the top right output level control all the way down, is the pedal completely muted?

  • @SeattleGenXDude
    @SeattleGenXDude 8 місяців тому

    My only question is, can secondary controls, be automated using using gesture

  • @jeffbrown897
    @jeffbrown897 5 місяців тому

    Can you get a decent glitch or stuttering effect out of this ?

  • @mattcwatson
    @mattcwatson 9 місяців тому +1

    Love the intro song. The slow bend at 1:02 gave me all the feels.

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому

      throw that reverb block ahead of the fuzz block and let it wash

  • @joewatmough2348
    @joewatmough2348 8 місяців тому

    this was fucking awesome, thank you.

  • @joewatmough2348
    @joewatmough2348 5 місяців тому

    at around 55:00 you get an amazing Fugazi tone. love it

  • @Nathan-d7t
    @Nathan-d7t 9 місяців тому

    Great Video. Was the Tube amp miced or direct? If so what mic?

  • @TimHeerebout
    @TimHeerebout 9 місяців тому

    How, with all of the link here, is there not one to Hologram's website?

  • @jessemaes1990
    @jessemaes1990 9 місяців тому

    Scrolling through preset slots is easier with the footswitches instead of the red amount knob in my opinion. Great demo!

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому +1

      true; the myriad ways of navigating presets in this thing is pretty nice,

  • @Godders1
    @Godders1 9 місяців тому +2

    Wow, I'll definitely be coming back to this vid when mine arrives in Jan!

  • @dimensionstomorrow
    @dimensionstomorrow 9 місяців тому +8

    I had high hopes, but this one is not doing it for me. The effects all feel a bit bland to me. It looks really great though, visually speaking.
    You did sell me on the Benson Delay recently though. I must have watched your video a dozen times. lol.

    • @AmbientMelancholy
      @AmbientMelancholy 9 місяців тому +1

      I bought the Benson Germanium boost because of his channel. 😎

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому +7

      Not all pedals are for all people and thats fine.
      Except the Benson Germanium Boost. That pedal deserves to be on every single board and I judge harshly those who dont like it.

    • @AmbientMelancholy
      @AmbientMelancholy 9 місяців тому +1

      @@markjohnstonofficial Mark, after watching your videos for awhile, I had to get one and it's an instant always on pedal for me. I absolutely love it. I got the gold edition from Sonic Coast.

    • @phladjki
      @phladjki 9 місяців тому

      I know what you mean; was hoping for something more imaginative. Still, I think there’s something here; each effect may be bland-ish, but combinations of 4 effects can be pretty interesting, and the ability to quickly play with effect order + add gestures feels like you’d get pretty unique sounds and quickly.

  • @davidkittmusic
    @davidkittmusic 9 місяців тому

    does it mess with your clean tone like microcosm? that was a dealbreaker for me on the microcosm. really sucks the vibe out of guitar on the dry signal side in my opinion once engaged. never seems to get mentioned in any reviews

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  9 місяців тому +1

      Are you confusing the microcosm with Benn Jordan’s review of the Infinite Jets because I’ve never once noticed that issue and I have used the microcosm more than almost anyone

    • @davidkittmusic
      @davidkittmusic 9 місяців тому

      no, I really noticed on the microcosm too. I bought two x-blenders for a stereo send and return to get around it but it was way too much real estate on my board for the gains@@markjohnstonofficial

    • @JohnWWarrenGuitar
      @JohnWWarrenGuitar 9 місяців тому

      Have not experienced that issue with the Microcosm. I keep guitar mostly dry with some wet and sounds great (for my purposes).

    • @czechplastik
      @czechplastik 6 місяців тому

      Are you THE David Kitt?

    • @davidkittmusic
      @davidkittmusic 2 місяці тому

      @@markjohnstonofficial hi mark, I 100% noticed something with the microcosm, I even bought two of those fancy x-blender things to around it and keep my clean tone but it all took up too much room and I got bit fed up with the microcosm anyway. I got this to try it and I think it's a great device and super useful and has a lot of sweet spots and doesn't appear to messing up my tone at all and the wet side really enhances it in surprising subtle ways I wasn't expecting as well as all the more wacky and creative stuff I was expecting. it's genuinely is an awesome device and will get a lot of use here :)

  • @samueljosephkim-
    @samueljosephkim- 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for this thoughtful demo. Question: Can you have several of the same module in the same preset? Eg. 3 Textures with filter, squash and cassette in a row with one Movement.

  • @mchest7000
    @mchest7000 7 місяців тому

    Great deep dive thanks. No mention of 'capture' feature tho?

  • @John-e4p1x
    @John-e4p1x 9 місяців тому +1

    Just... No.

  • @peternorth6782
    @peternorth6782 8 місяців тому

    All that lovely gear and yet the most slapped ass digital drum sound. And krk monitors. No no no.

    • @markjohnstonofficial
      @markjohnstonofficial  8 місяців тому +6

      I would never have be so bold as to assume I have the MOST slapped ass digital drums but I’m glad you, the slapped ass expert, are here to let me know.

    • @jaydee-j6d
      @jaydee-j6d 8 місяців тому

      To be fair he has a point. If you think you have enough of a bar to give an opinion of influence, or from financial gain, you will be judged on where you set that bar.@@markjohnstonofficial