NAD: BluGuitar Amp1 Iridium

[Baba]

Question, if I want to set a CC in HX for the 2nd master volume, (CC007), how do I control the LEVEL of that 2nd master volume?

 

[laxu]

Question, if I want to set a CC in HX for the 2nd master volume, (CC007), how do I control the LEVEL of that 2nd master volume?

With the value you send. MIDI channel 1, CC 7, value 0-127. Value 64 would be halfway. Not sure if 0 or 127 is "2nd master off", I assume zero.

If you are using footswitching to toggle it, then it would be best to set a toggle between 0 and your desired level.

If you want to tie it to snapshots, then you'd want snapshot #1 (rhythm sound) to send CC7 value 0, and snapshot #2 (lead sound) to send CC7 value 64 for example. This way it's automated just by switching snapshots.

 

[laxu]

Also, if you don't want to use MIDI, BluGuitar recommends using a "minus booster" as a 2nd master volume. My understanding is that this would be just a footswitchable potentiometer. Basically you set your lead volume with the main master, then use the pedal to toggle to a reduced rhythm level. Now you can control it with a pot.

Second master volume / solo volume without REMOTE1 or MIDI

Minus booster or volume pedal The 2ND MASTER VOLUME function of the AMP1, which can be called up using the REMOTE1 or MIDI, is suitable for a sound-neutral

support.bluguitar.com

 

[Baba]

With the value you send. MIDI channel 1, CC 7, value 0-127. Value 64 would be halfway. Not sure if 0 or 127 is "2nd master off", I assume zero.

If you are using footswitching to toggle it, then it would be best to set a toggle between 0 and your desired level.

If you want to tie it to snapshots, then you'd want snapshot #1 (rhythm sound) to send CC7 value 0, and snapshot #2 (lead sound) to send CC7 value 64 for example. This way it's automated just by switching snapshots.

Got it, thanks! Working like a charm.

I thought CC's were just on and off, I didn't know they were "variable".

Man, the more I dig into this thing, the more I realize it can do. It's ridiculous. Where a preset in my Stomp XL used to be at 8 blocks, for volume boosts, gain boosts and whatnot, because of how much is in the Amp 1, I'm only using like 5 blocks now for a preset.

 

[laxu]

Got it, thanks! Working like a charm.

I thought CC's were just on and off, I didn't know they were "variable".

Man, the more I dig into this thing, the more I realize it can do. It's ridiculous. Where a preset in my Stomp XL used to be at 8 blocks, for volume boosts, gain boosts and whatnot, because of how much is in the Amp 1, I'm only using like 5 blocks now for a preset.

Yeah I've pretty much dropped overdrives and boosts from my boards because I don't need them with either Amp 1. Either use the built-in one or none at all. The noise gate is a similar convenience.

If these things had a half-decent delay and a bit better reverb it might be all I need.

 

[timbuck3]

Well, you guys who love the blue amp just jump on board when the new x is out? Or will you give it some time like a few months after release at least to see how it pans out

 

[2dor]

Well, you guys who love the blue amp just jump on board when the new x is out? Or will you give it some time like a few months after release at least to see how it pans out

Good question for sure..

I'm really tempted to jump on it straight away given the fact that if I grab it from Thomann, I have a 30 day return window.

That said, I always prefer to see as many reviews as possible before a purchase.

 

[laxu]

Well, you guys who love the blue amp just jump on board when the new x is out? Or will you give it some time like a few months after release at least to see how it pans out

I'll have to see more of it in action first. I have zero doubts it will sound great for amps, cabs and fx. I trust Blug on that.

I have doubts it will be as user friendly as the Amp 1 range.

From what I've seen, the Amp X might have the worst of "pedals with presets" issues - that no knob ever points at the correct value after loading a preset, because they went with 0-10 knobs rather than infinite encoders and displays. Even for the "X controls" that do have displays and are therefore ideal for infinite encoders.

With the Amp 1, the only values you don't know are the ones behind MIDI/Remote1 control. Gain range (basically "max gain possible"), Powersoak (attenuation), and 2nd master. That's all "set and forget" stuff.

The other thing will be how they handle the EQ. It seems the Amp X might have traditional tone stack control. The Amp 1 range has a very unique setup where the EQ on the Mercury is like a post-EQ and the tone stack is fixed. It has tons of range and the 3 knobs don't interact with each other. The Iridium goes one step further where the Bass/Treble knobs seem to control both tone stack bass/treble and depth/presence in one knob. It works extremely well and has tons of range, and makes it quick to dial your sound for a different guitar or a different room.

Finally I don't know if I care too much about having the ME and IR sounds in one box that is about 1.5x the size of the Amp 1. That loses some of the portability factor and I don't mind too much that each Amp 1 has its own flavor and feel. It's not a "oh man I wish the ME had this channel of the IR" thing. Since the two amps feel quite different to play, it might be just jarring to switch them like that.

For effects, I already got top tier stuff, enough pedals to build setups for two different rigs.

It's still very likely I'll buy an Amp X anyway, even if it's just to try it.

 

[Count_Drugula]

Well, you guys who love the blue amp just jump on board when the new x is out? Or will you give it some time like a few months after release at least to see how it pans out

Not me, I’m perfectly happy with the ME for everything I need. I can’t imagine a better analog version of a portable amp.