Soldano X88-IR

[Ed DeGenaro]

For those having issues with too much gain in the crunch should just gain up the altered mode because it is much more like the crunch on the original if that is what you’re after. I can honestly say that no one used that channel originally without a boost. The great thing about the new version is it gets you the tones of the original in a rig pretty much on its own.
Also those thinking there modeller can do it anyway are sadly delusional. The response and interaction is next level. Make sure you try it fully analogue with a great tube power stage.
I find that I can easily get my go to tone out of this unit because the tone controls are fantastically useful and effective. I don’t miss using my axe amp models because they don’t respond like this. I could happily play this in to my VHT power amp and a good cab dry .

I actually like the gain levels where the crunch seems to be at.
If it bugged me I’d solder a 330k resistor in there and be done. Like my amp building buddy Olaf has.

 

[jellodog]

I actually like the gain levels where the crunch seems to be at.
If it bugged me I’d solder a 330k resistor in there and be done. Like my amp building buddy Olaf has.

Yup, it was the same Olaf 330k resistor approach that I took. Totally reversible and no big deal.

I decided that I don't care about a warranty that's not very useful to me anyway :-)

 

[SonicBlue]

Yup, it was the same Olaf 330k resistor approach that I took. Totally reversible and no big deal.

I decided that I don't care about a warranty that's not very useful to me anyway :-)

Did this mod and really like it. Got the info from Olaf and so easily reversible if you dont like it. Also doesn't change any of the other channels or modes.

 

[PBGas]

@Ed DeGenaro Yeah, I've read in more than one place that you need to contact BAD support and ask for "permission to change tubes"; otherwise you void your warranty if they've not granted that permission.

Well...

They can just fuck right off with that bullshit!

Not that the stock tubes sound bad to my ears. I'm not personally interested in swapping them; but what if one fails or starts acting up? You're not gonna ship it back to California for "repairs" from Europe.

100% agree and honestly wouldn't worry about it. There was a gent on TGP that said they had a way of finding out if you opened the unit. Turns out this is just nonsense. They don't. I spoke with Blad about it. The only way they would know is if you had different tubes from factory in there. If one goes bad, change it and go.

 

[jellodog]

There was a doofus on TGP that said they had a way of finding out if you opened the unit. Turns out he is just making this crap up. They don't. I spoke with Blad about it. The only way they would know is if you had different tubes from factory in there. If one goes bad, change it and go.

My observations match exactly what you're saying. I half-expected to see some sort of tamper-evident seal on the top plate screws when I removed it, but there was nothing even remotely suspicious there.

Just regular screws and a simple metal sheet.

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

My observations match exactly what you're saying. I half-expected to see some sort of tamper-evident seal on the top plate screws when I removed it, but there was nothing even remotely suspicious there.

Just regular screws and a simple metal sheet.

That’s what they did on the Ox box. Like hell I’ll be kept from not opening gadgets I paid for.

 

[Ed DeGenaro]

Did this mod and really like it. Got the info from Olaf and so easily reversible if you dont like it. Also doesn't change any of the other channels or modes.

Question does it change channel2, crunch mode or crunch on 2?
I guess I could just ask Olaf lol

 

[jellodog]

@Ed DeGenaro

This is a mod for the purple crunch channel, wherever it is assigned. Crunch can be assigned to the 2nd or 3rd row of the hardware interface. Or both! Same as the overdrive red channel.

 

[SonicBlue]

Question does it change channel2, crunch mode or crunch on 2?
I guess I could just ask Olaf lol

Just the purple channel. Olaf was incredibly helpful and sent me a picture of the added resistor.

 

[Eagle]

Just the purple channel. Olaf was incredibly helpful and sent me a picture of the added resistor.

Can you post it please.

 

[SonicBlue]

Here you go....

 

[jellodog]

Yep. That's what I've got

R13 -> R52

 

[SonicBlue]

Yep. R53 -> R13

r13 to r52....Just looks a bit odd given where the markings are on the board.

 

[jellodog]

r13 to r52....Just looks a bit odd given where the markings are on the board.

Whoops. I'll edit my comment so that someone else isn't confused by it.

You're right about that printing though. I didn't check my notes and was just trying to confirm that I have the same thing as shown in the photo.

 

[Eagle]

Here you go....
View attachment 48235

Thanks for that.

 

[SonicBlue]

Thanks for that.

Happy to help but the real thank you is to Olaf for sharing this...I really like his mod...

 

[hunter]

I couldn’t resist and got one, too. Running it direct in 4cm with a kemper stage and all is seamless and sounds just awesome. Kemper just for switching, tuning, wah, drives and effects.
I don’t think the crunch is too gainy, it’s perfect. Works great with a boost from the Kemper, too. What I find myself using way less effect amounts with the X88 compared to using models to be in my feelgood zone.

Running the IR and power sim in the X88, XLR->TRS adapter in balanced effects return of Kemper. Midi control from Kemper gives me 6 Channels of great great tone. I tried the same IR in Kemper and it sounds a little less good. Not by a mile. I‘d do that to be able to use Imprints/Kabinet on stage.

Absolutely chuffed how great this setup works. Can’t wait to rehearse/gig with it.

 

[hunter]

… by the way, exporting the internal IRs from the Soldano gives me files of 48KHz and 32 bit. Rather unusual to have 32bits on an IR I think.

Loving the York Audio Mesa 2x12 with it. The included ones rock too.

 

[Eagle]

Try it analog in the return of a tube amp if you don’t have a tube power amp it’s killer.

 

[Eagle]

It’s pretty rare that I play dry direct but this is so good on it’s own .