Hughes and Kettner Warp X Review
January 30, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Hughes and Kettner – With its depraved infernal glow of eight blazing red-hot tubes says it all; Hughes and Kettner Warp X is amongst the undisputed heavyweight champions of the Nu Metal arena. Look no further for brutal riffing power. The amp boasts a Clean channel with bold, big and crisp tones and a brilliant “Warp” channel to put a smirk on the face of any metal riff-monster.
Warp X’s distinctive name accurately describes the amplifiers’ massive tone and thick sound forced pumped from it’s powerful 120-watt, 6L6 tube-driven-power amp. The Warp X was clearly designed to produce pure dark energy.
In addition to the aforementioned wealth of features, the Warp X employs a top-notch Clean channel tweaked specifically for thick tones and a Warp channel that brings new meaning to the term “warped,” Warp X offers a ferocious wide-range of features that you won’t find on any other amp. Check out the Lube button, a sonic lubricant for fluid leads and riffs. Press it to alter the dynamics of the amp’s distortion.
Wait!, There’s more: Warp X sports Effects Loop Assign, a remarkable FX management tool for allocating external devices to one or both channels on the amp. For example, stomp on a single switch to go from the clean with chorus, delay to its illustrious Warp sounds without any effects getting in the way of your sonic assault. Adding the optional MSM-1 MIDI Module will give you even more flexibility. The MSMS-1 allows you to sync up your amp and external effect devices and switch them simultaneously via a separate MIDI pedal. Gear up for the 21st Century, rockers – Get Warped!
Features of the Warp X include:
- Preamp: All-tube: 12AX7/ECC83
- Channels: Clean & Warp
- Preamp Controls: Clean Section: Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Lube, Presence, Sub Warp: Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble. Presence, Master
- FX Loop: Parallel/Serial/-10dB
- Connectors: Input, FX Send, FX Return, Footswitch, Speaker: 1×4, 1×8/2×16, 1×16 Ohm
- Power Amp: All-tube: 4 x 6L6
- Power Output: 120 watts
- Stageboard: included
- Stageboard Controls: Channel Switching
- Weight in kg: 20.5
- Dimensions in mm: 650 x 250 x 250
- Special Features: MIDI Option, MIDI switchable Serial/Parallel FX Loop, MIDI switchable Push Controls, MIDI Learn, FX On for each Channel Optional Accessories: MSM-1 MIDI Module
For more information, visit Hughes and Kettner’s official webpage at www.hughes-and-kettner.com
MXR Announces M-288 Bass Octave Deluxe Pedal
January 30, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
NAMM – MXR Bass Innovations announced, yet, another phenomenal bass pedal, the M-288 Bass Octave Deluxe. This pedal offers bass players true analog tone, pure bypass, and a large array of tone-shaping options. A single 9 volt battery powers this insanely phenomenal pedal. MXR’s 18-volt Constant Headroom Technology provides studio-performance headroom and superior tracking.
Utilize the “Dry” knob to mix your direct bass signal with the octave effect, or hit the “Mid+” switch to add up to +15dB of internally adjustable low-mid punch and midrange pop, all this helps produce your killer sound.
Bass players will be enthralled with its two separately processed and individually voiced octave controls, deep growls, throaty lows, midrange below-tone and a girthy smooth octave sound. The MXR Bass Octave Deluxe comes a rugged aluminum casting and, as all MXR pedals, you can expect the same high-quality jacks and switches that the company is renown for over 30 years. The Bass Octave Deluxe is totally gig-ready and should be a standard on any bass players pedal-board.
For more information, visit jimdunlop’s official website at www.jimdunlop.com.
Audacity Updated To v1.3.7 (Beta)
January 30, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
The Audacity Team is pleased to announce the release of Audacity 1.3.7 (Beta) for Windows, Mac and Linux/Unix.
This is primarily a bug-fix release which significantly improves stability and usability, especially on Mac OS X. It incorporates some new features too, including DirectSound device support for Windows. Read more
Michael Kelly Patriot Supreme Guitar
January 30, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Michael Kelly Guitar Company is happy to announce it’s all new Patriot Supreme guitar. The best way to describe the Michael Kelly Patriot Supreme is a modern classic. Modern in its structure, yet timeless in its design thanks to its polished single cutaway devise. This axe can not disappoint! Read more
Line 6 Pocket POD review
January 29, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
The world has never been the same since Line 6 unleashed the original POD in 1997. During that time just walking into a guitar shop, recording studio, or early adopter’s home resulted in one or more of the red, bean shaped eccentric pieces being thrown at you followed by an immediate response of “Sounds like a killer amp.” Read more
Tech 21 Releases Boost D.L.A. with Tap Tempo
January 28, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
NAMM – Tech 21’s popular Boost D.L.A now features Tap Tempo, Trails and Triplets. The pedal offers an abundance of useful features with easy-to-use, intuitive controls in an incredibly rugged compact pedal chassis— battery operable as well.
There’s an individual footswitch dedicated exclusively for the Tap Tempo function (this helps avoid confusion during your performance). The pedal also gives you the ability to set it, even when the unit is in bypass, which aids coordination with your drummer.
Triplets works in conjunction with the Tap Tempo. When engaged, it shifts the timing so triplets play in sync with the actual tempo. Trails works in conjunction with bypass and allows the natural decay of the delay signal rather than cutting off instantly. The Feedback control has much greater sensitivity and can be thrown into a state of self-vacillation.
Other features include Boost, for up to 9dB of additional volume when it’s time for your blazing solo. 100% analog Mix, Tone, Feedback and Level controls to produce a more warm and organic sounds. Mix control ranges from 100% wet to 100% dry. A single, continuously-variable Time control provides a full sweep of delay, (up to 1,000 milliseconds). Flutter introduces modulation which adds a slight shimmering/chorus-type effect of a vintage tape echo.
User-tweakable “lo-fi”analog technology infuses degrees of warmth and life characteristic of vintage delays. This circuitry intentionally injects the inherent imperfections of vintage units, which is what makes this pedal so thoughtful yet so seductive. The Boost D.L.A.controls are designed so that you can explore and custom tailor such delay styles as digital, bucket brigade and vintage tape.
For additional information, visit TECH 21’s official website at www.tech21nyc.com.
Lace Helix “L” Bass Guitar at Winter NAMM
January 28, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Lace Debute Helix Bass Guitars at NAMM
An all new classic inspired version of the earth quaking Helix bass line was shown by Lace Music at this year’s 2009 NAMM.
Hats off to the previous models, the new “L” style is loaded with Lace Aluma split pickups in chrome color. With the new add-ons the Alumitoneline of the original pickup equipment, which are only available through Lace is the highest quality of pickup design.
The amazing “L” model also includes a beautiful sunburst finish and a vintage gloss neck. This particular version has a maple fingerboard.
With this innovative Alumintone technology, the new “L” allows a feather weight cutting edge tone along with an easy cross over to suit any player’s style. The new “L” stills holds the original sensation.
The Helix “L” is available now and it‘s ready to ship! It’s suggested retail price is $799.99. The gig bag (Lave Red Label) is included as standard equipment. Go check this bass out today!
For more information, visit their web site at www.lacemusic.com. Also revealed at NAMM was Lace’s Helix 6-string electric guitars, found here on GEAR-VAULT.
Ibanez JS2PRM Chromeboy Guitar
January 26, 2009 by NAMM · 4 Comments
The Ibanez JS2PRM electric guitar is a custom guitar, designed in conjunction with guitar master Joe Satriani. The JS2PRM is based on Satch’s previous (and famous) ‘Chromeboy’ design, which features a mirrored chrome finish. The most striking feature of the JS2PRM is that it is designed to look as though the guitar was fashioned from a block of metal, rather than wood.
The limited edition Ibanez JS2PRM is essentially the third design in the Chromeboy family of guitars, with only 60 pieces made, 38 of which are available here in the United States. As with all other Ibanez guitars co-designed by Joe Satriani, the quality of the JS2PRM is exceptional. Read more
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth Interviewed by Dave Navarro – SpreadTV
January 25, 2009 by NAMM · Leave a Comment
Legendary guitarist, Dave Mustaine of Megadeth was interviewed and gave a guitar lesson on Dave Navarro’s SpreadTV. In it, Mustaine spoke of his drug addictions, Metallica, the music business and some of his guitar influences. In the second half of the show, Mustaine gave a guitar ‘lesson’ to Navarro. Read more
Guitar Amp Health and Repair Checkups – Tech Education
January 25, 2009 by NAMM · 3 Comments
By nature, humans aren’t pro-active. Expending energy to avoid potentially impending doom just isn’t our way. So it’s no surprise that guitarists typically won’t take an amplifier in for service until it makes fart noises, shoots sparks from its backside or fails to deliver the slightest whisper of sound. That’s when we park our workhorse into the car, drive it to the nearest repair shop and demand that they have it up and running in time for the 8 p.m. soundcheck. Read more
