Sansamp RPM versus the best of OD pedals?

bongomania · #1 06-17-2009, 09:36 AM

I found a nice price on an RPM, and I've read all the threads about it I can find, but one thing nags me: none of the posts about it compare its tone to the creme of the pedal world. Has anyone here used both the RPM and such pedals as the Blueberry, Angler, Holy Fire, GeminiDrive, or any other premium OD pedal? I'm chiefly interested in the low gain tones (from fat to gritty), not the extremes of distortion.

FreaqyFrequency · #2 06-17-2009, 09:24 PM

I get the impression that the Holy Fire is a different animal from most other OD pedals on the market. There was a video explanation of it that was somewhat ambiguous, but what I got out of it is that they used some sort of analog computing device to match the waveform perfectly to that of a tube found in vintage gear. It's not changing the waveform, it's shaping it differently.

I've successfully confused myself. I'll just let this dude tell you.

As for the RPM itself, I've tried the RBI before which I'm told is generally darker as a preamp than the RPM, I wasn't too impressed with it. Then again, it was a while back and I didn't have as much appreciation for effects or overdrive back then.

I am interested in trying an AGRO, though.

Chronicle · #3 06-17-2009, 09:32 PM

I had the RPM at one point and it sounds AWESOME...on it's own. I was trying to get it to sound good in my amp's efx loop and it sounded awful. But on it's own, it's grit was so win. I would compare it to a tube-like overdrive pedal.

I need to grab an RPM if i ever make a real studio

bongomania · #4 06-17-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreaqyFrequency

I get the impression that the Holy Fire is a different animal from most other OD pedals on the market. There was a video explanation of it that was somewhat ambiguous, but what I got out of it is that they used some sort of analog computing device to match the waveform perfectly to that of a tube found in vintage gear. It's not changing the waveform, it's shaping it differently.

Yes, I have just received one, with some info about all that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreaqyFrequency

As for the RPM itself, I've tried the RBI before which I'm told is generally darker as a preamp than the RPM, I wasn't too impressed with it.

Interesting--the threads I've read spun it the other way, with the RPM as the darker one.

FreaqyFrequency · #5 06-17-2009, 11:34 PM

It might well be that way, I haven't tried it in forever. The very same preamp is still sitting in the store, maybe I should go back and give it a spin again.

Chronicle · #6 06-18-2009, 09:27 AM

No, I believe the RPM is darker sounding.

bongomania · #7 06-18-2009, 11:12 PM

Anyone else?

dannybuoy · #8 06-19-2009, 12:40 AM

Is the RPM pretty much the same as the Paradriver?

tigerbass · #9 06-19-2009, 05:44 AM

I like my RPM alot. I had a RBI but found it a little hissy with OD/gain/fuzz/dist. pedals. The RPM is much darker,warmer sounding and WAY more quiet. Hope that helps!

bongomania · #10 06-19-2009, 09:22 AM

Have you compared its OD tone with the OD tone of any really good pedals?

Chronicle · #11 06-19-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Anyone else?

You don't trust me?! D:

searn the forum, you'll see a lot of people saying it's darker sounding too

RCCollins · #12 06-19-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybuoy

Is the RPM pretty much the same as the Paradriver?

yep

Nikoubis · #13 06-19-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Have you compared its OD tone with the OD tone of any really good pedals?

I've thought of going with a Tubescreamer type OD -> JDI setup to replace my Paradriver and, to that end, I've tried a number of TS clones (some more extensively than others). I would say that only the Sparkle Drive (OMGCLEANBLEND!!!) and the Bass BB Preamp made me actually consider taking the plunge.

Don't know just how much, if at all, this helps though...

bongomania · #14 06-19-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chronicle

You don't trust me?! D:
searn the forum, you'll see a lot of people saying it's darker sounding too

No no, I was just bumping the thread, not questioning your statement. In fact as I mentioned before, I already knew the RPM was the darker sounding one from having read all those threads... had to bust Freaky's chops a bit since he seems to have thought that trying an RBI once in a Guitar Center sometime last year qualified him to respond to the question of the thread.