Connect with us

Gear Reviews

Product Review With Damian Erskine: Peavey | “AmpKit + Link”

Published

on

Meet Reviewer Damian Erskine ~

Peavey Ampkit & Ampkit Link

(www.peavey.com/ampkitlink)

While I don’t normally tend to do product reviews, I’ve come across a new piece of software for the iPhone & iPad that is pretty darned impressive and I wanted to let you know about it.  The Peavey AmpKit software is, essentially, an amp modeling app for the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad which gives you access to a large number of amp, microphone & stomp-box combinations, allowing for a huge array of tones.  Combined with the AmpKit link (a piece of hardware sold separately, which allows you to plug your bass or guitar into the phone and listen via an 1/8″ mini-jack (for headphones, but you could also send the signal to some powered speakers or a PA)), this software will prove to be very useful for many situations!

Personally, I’ve found this to be great for traveling.  I normally bring a practice headphone unit I bought for far more money than you could spend on this (even with all of the optional in app purchases of different effects, amps & mics).  Hands down, the ease of use, flexibility and quality of sound makes this AmpKit a no-brainer for me.  This has officially replaced my travel friendly practice headphone amp.

Once you’ve decided on a rig to use and a microphone (which you can place freely in front of the speaker) you have the option of adding different combinations of stomp-boxes (effect pedals) to dial in whatever kind of tone you’re looking for.  Honestly, these effects are the best sounding effects I’ve heard in any app of this kind.

In addition, you can record yourself (the app records both the dry signal as well as the effected signal so you can later go back and try different effects, etc…).  Once you’ve recorded a track, you can upload it to your computer, upload it to soundcloud or just keep it on the device and use it as a backing track to play against!  (great for setting up loops for yourself to practice over, etc..).

One feature that would really set this over the top is a multi-track recorder.  We are limited to one recording to play against and cannot (yet) record separate tracks and layer them.

You can, however, re-amp your recordings, which is very hip.

We are also given a tuner and simple metronome (so this could also replace you’re tuner and metronome apps, if you choose).

One thing I really dig is that the Ampkit Link seems to work better than other 1/4″ – 1/8″ connectors I’ve bought to connect my bass to my iPhone.  This is possibly due to the need of 2-AAA batteries to power the device, although I plugged it in without the batteries and was still able to tune my bass with my other tuning apps.  It actually, STILL worked better than my other cable without the batteries (which I paid $15 for).

You will need the batteries however to really use the app.  The output is just too low to be functional without them, so there will be some added battery needs while using this on the road.

In addition, you can upload your own backing tracks into the app via your web browser if both your computer and phone are on the same wireless network.  VERY cool for practicing tunes away from home!!

The app comes in two versions:

FREE AmpKit – includes the Peavey ValveKing amp with clean and high-gain lead channels, two ValveKing cabs, two pedals, two mics and the built in Noise and Feedback filter.

AmpKit+ – will run you $19.99 and includes more amps, cabs, pedals, etc..

In either version of the app, you can buy more gear through the in-app gear store.  There are currently 49 components available on the store with more on the way.

You will also want to buy the AmpKit LINK to plug run your instrument through the software.  Again, there are alternatives but I found the Peavey AmpKit Link to work far better than any other that I’ve tried.  It does feel a little plastic-y and I don’t think it could take a lot of abuse, but it does work beautifully, so just be careful with it.

The AmpKit Link will run you $39.99.

So, with the premium version of the software and the Link, we’re talking about $60 (plus any additional in-app purchases).  This may seem like a lot for the whole package, but if you compare it to other headphone amps and other amp modelers on the market, this is less than half of what you’d pay for the functionality in any other box.  Additionally, it lives in your phone, which means it’s one less thing to carry on a trip or gig.

All in all, I loved this thing.  It’s VERY intuitive to use, sounds great and just simply works like you’d hope it would.  The additional ability to record and play over tracks is just great for the traveling musician or anyone who wants to be able to practice with headphones on anywhere they want to!  I’m very impressed with this initial version of the software and can’t wait to see what kind of additional functionality may be down the road!

Check out the website link and watch the youtube videos.  You’ll immediately see what it can do.

Here are a few screenshots to check out.

Bass Videos

Reviews: Phil Jones Bass Compact Plus 450 and Bass Engine 17

Published

on

Reviews Phil Jones Bass Compact Plus 450 and Bass Engine 17

Phil Jones Bass Compact Plus 450 and Bass Engine 17 Reviews…

In this issue, we take an in-depth look at two new amps from Phil Jones Bass, the Compact Plus 450 and Bass Engine 17.

For more information, visit online at pjbworld.com

Continue Reading

Bass Videos

Review: BITE Custom Bass – The Black Knight PP Bass

Published

on

Review - BITE Custom Bass - The Black Knight PP Bass

BITE Custom Bass – The Black Knight PP Bass Review…

I am sure many of you saw my review of the Snobby Steampunk Bass from BITE Guitars back in February of 2021 and will remember what a remarkable bass it was. BITE has been building custom basses since 2019 and has a unique custom approach where you can configure your bass to your specs.

I am very excited to have another Bass From BITE Guitars in my hands, The Black Knight PP Bass! 

The need for a P-Bass in one’s armamentarium is pretty standard for bass players and I recall chatting about this with Marty O’Brien about a year ago. It turns out that Marty and BITE Guitars got together and came up with this excellent configuration that gives you a P-Bass with a whole lot more.  Marty even played his own Black Knight PP bass at the 2024 NAMM show. You can see his review here.

Join me as I take an in-depth look at this very cool instrument and share all the details.

Here is The Black Knight Bass from BITE Guitars!

For more information, visit online at bite.guitars/product/black-knight-pp

Continue Reading

Gear Reviews

Gear Review: Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

Published

on

Gear Review: Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass Review…

Throughout the evolution of music, bass players have sought tools to sculpt and enhance their sonic landscapes, and one indispensable ally in this pursuit has been compression. Origin Effects, a name synonymous with premium audio craftsmanship, introduces the Cali76 Compact Bass Compressor, a pedal that pays homage to the legacy of compression and brings forth a new chapter in bass sonic mastery.

As we delve into the world of the Cali76 Compact Bass Compressor, we’ll explore how Origin Effects seamlessly weaves together the heritage of compression and contemporary bass demands, promising a pedal that not only honors the past but propels your bass playing into the future. Join us on this sonic expedition as we dissect the nuances of the Cali76 Compact and uncover the secrets it holds for bass players seeking the perfect blend of vintage warmth and modern versatility.

For Starters, the Cali76 is a studio-grade FET compressor pedal, based on the classic Urei 1176, but with some features optimized for bass guitar. For those of you who are not familiar with it, a FET (Field Effect Transistor) compressor is essentially a solid-state tube compressor emulation that allows for fast and precise control over the attack and the release parameters; allows for extreme compression ratios; and finally adds the typical 1176 color and character to the sound.

Together with the common controls we see in most compressor pedals – Ratio, Attack/Release, input (just like the original 1176, the threshold in this pedal is fixed), and output (makeup gain). The Cali76 offers two more controls dedicated to us bass players.

A Dry control – This allows us to mix in our dry, uncompressed signal to the pedal output. This is great for when we want to add back some of our playing dynamics to the compressed sound or for when you want some volume back in situations where the compression starts taking away the volume.

A High Pass Filter control – Low frequencies on a bass guitar signal normally overwhelm compressors. This high pass filter allows the compressor to only react to higher frequencies, which helps preserve the natural dynamics of our playing while keeping the low end intact.

Metering on this pedal can be a bit hard to get used to at first. There’s a single LED light on the pedal, that not only serves as an On/Off light, but it’s also our meter. It glows red when no compression is applied and orange for active compression. The brighter the light, the greater the amount of gain reduction. Yellow signifies that the gain reduction reached 27dB and maximum reduction occurs around 38 dB.

In practical terms, it’s all about working with the input and the LED to find the sweet spot (turn the input to zero, start playing and slowly increase the input level until you start seeing the LED glowing orange, which means there’s reduction going on).

With 6 highly interactive knob controls, this pedal implies some degree of compressor knowledge and also some amount of tweaking and experimentation to find the perfect settings. The good news is that it is very hard to make this pedal sound bad…

It can go from very subtle compression settings to very extreme, and it can do everything in between. Also, the team at Origin has been kind enough to add a couple of sample settings in the manual to get players started and to help us understand better how the pedal works.

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

Dynamic Control is a setting that provides natural compression, balancing dynamics between various playing techniques. It is a subtle compression that will work almost out of the box almost all the time. Having a medium setting for the High Pass Filter ensures an honest translation of the lower string dynamics.

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

Parallel compression is a popular studio technique, where both compressed and natural signals are blended. We get the sound and feel of hard compression while retaining the natural playing dynamics.

Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass

Percussive, lively & Fat is a setting that uses a slower attack time to accentuate the start of any note. Then using a fast release allows the compressor to recover between notes so that the phrases sound more percussive. Ideal for slapping and other percussive techniques.

Finally, I would like to mention the classic 1176 tonal coloration. It’s not a secret that engineers all around would sometimes use the 1176 compressor, without applying any compression, just to get the tonal coloration into the instrument sound.

And the Cali76 compressor is no different, it has such a rich, warm, and full coloration that’s super pleasing to the ear and makes you want to have it ON all the time. So be aware, that if you want a transparent compressor, this pedal is not for you!

All in all, it is easy to understand why this pedal became a favorite of so many bass players around the world. The Cali76 Compact stands as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering that Origin Effects is renowned for. It seamlessly navigates through the rich history of compression, offering bass players a gateway to the soulful resonance of the past while empowering them to sculpt a contemporary sonic future.

Whether you’re a seasoned bass maestro or a budding virtuoso, the Cali76 Compact invites you to embark on a sonic journey where every note is held in a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. As we bid farewell to our exploration, we do so with the realization that the Cali76 Compact is more than just a pedal; it’s a sonic companion that elevates the artistry of bass playing

For more information, visit online at origineffects.com

Continue Reading

Gear Reviews

Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass Review

Published

on

Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass Review

Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass Review…

Not long ago, I did a review of the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass and I have just been given the honor and privilege of reviewing the Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass. I have to say, another great bass from Spector that is hard to put down! While there are some similarities between both basses, there are also some noticeable differences which is why I believe having both is essential to any bass arsenal.

Spector, widely used by many rock and metal bassists like Ian Hill, Alex Webster, Colin Edwin, Doug Wimbish, and many more, just to name a few, has a long-standing in these genres. Well, that’s about to change! The bass I used for the review, didn’t see any of those genres, matter of fact, I used it on a few classic country gigs and at church too! However, when at home in the studio, I let the funk out. The NS Ethos HP 4 Bass is an all-around great bass for any genre and will not disappoint.

Let’s get into the specs about the bass, and here we will find the differences between the HP 5 Bass and the HP 4.

Forget that one is a 5 string, while the other is a 4, while that is a difference, that’s not one that I feel needs to be noted as both models are available as 4 and 5 strings. The Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass has a 34” scale, 24 fret, 3 piece maple neck through construction with solid alder wings, ebony fingerboard along with centered and side dots and the 12th fret Spector logo inlay with a brass nut.

While the pickups are different as the NS Dimension HP 5 Bass uses the EMG 45DC and the NS Ethos HP 4 Bass sports the EMG 35DC pickups, they are the same pickup configurations, the difference being, one for 4 string, the other for 5 string. The electronics are the same, consisting of a Darkglass Tone Capsule preamp which consists of +-12dB @70Hz for Bass, +-12dB @500Hz for Mids, and +-12dB @2.8kHz for Hi Mids. Controls for Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass consist of Master Volume, Blend, Bass, Mid, and Hi Mid controls. The electronics are powered by a 9-volt battery.

The bridge is a Hi-Mass locking bridge with intonation screws and the tuners are sealed die-cast. All hardware is black. Same as the Spector NS Dimension HP 5 Bass, the HP 4 Bass is available in 4 different finishes, White Sparkle Gloss, Gunmetal Gloss, Plum Crazy Gloss & Black Gloss. The bass also comes with a very nice and well-padded gig bag.

Check out the Spector NS Ethos HP 4 Bass at a Spector Music Retailer today near you or visit online at spectorbass.com/product/ns-ethos-hp-4/

Continue Reading

Gear Reviews

Review: Italia Leather Straps

Published

on

Review: Italia Leather Straps

Italia Leather Straps…

Whenever I get a new bass, I like to get a new strap to christen it and I also like to find one that is “color coordinated” to my new instrument. I recently had a 6-string fretless bass created by a local luthier named Frank Brocklehurst, which started my search for a new strap.

There are a few points that I always look for when searching for a new strap. 

1-Comfort 
2-Width
3-Great color
4-Price

My most recent quest put me in touch with “Italia Leather Straps.” Italia has been in business in California for about 20 years and has been selling factory direct for the past 18 years.

When you order your strap it begins its “made to order” build process and after shipping more than 50,000 straps they certainly have it well in hand!

To answer my 4 questions regarding comfort, Italia uses some of the most comfortable and luxurious leather in a wide variety of colors. I was able to match almost perfectly the color of my bass and the color of the leather.

You can order it in either a 2.5” or 4” width as well as a standard and long model for tall players. I prefer the 4” for all of my basses. 

I received my strap and I must tell you, the leather was soft, supple, and truly comfortable when I attached it to my bass.

I must commend Italia Leather Straps for their attention to detail and beautiful selection of leather. I would say that when you go looking for a new strap, these guys should be on your shortlist.

Call or visit Italia Leather Straps online:
831-324-4277
www.italiastraps.com

Continue Reading

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Facebook

Trending