3Leaf Audio Club - Episode 2

[Snake101st]

Gotcha, thanks for confirming!

I only saw the quote, not the pics... and tbh I don't know the pedal colors/versions well enough to pick up on that anyways, so the clarity on what people are getting into via the mod is appreciated.

Glad I switched mine back to the non HG, with that being the case.

 

[Admiral Chew]

I have a standard and high gain pedal from both the original runs and the revoiced pedals and, in the hoping of assisting at all, I’ve just spent the last hour with a looper pedal, a jazz bass, a pair of headphones and the world’s least scientific method of pedal assessment. It should be noted that these are my thoughts based on what I heard (or thought I was hearing) through my headphones and others may have difference experiences. It may just be quicker to refer to the review by @Batrachos that @Erithon kindly linked to.

In case it makes any difference, I ran active jazz (on passive mode) > looper > octave > Doom 2 > filter. The Doom 2s were the rolled steel, ghost (high gain), ox blood and jade metallic (high gain) versions.

My main takeaways are:

1. All of the versions are pretty similar and offer the tones that make the Doom 2 special.
2. The original Doom 2 is a little more naturally synthy than the revoiced version, but all versions are capable of copping an excellent synth tone.
3. There is less difference between the standard and high gain versions of the revoiced pedals than between the standard and high gain versions from the earlier runs.
4. The Doom 2 does the synth thing better than my other fuzzes but I wouldn’t use it in place of a muff fuzz.
5. The EQ is extremely powerful so trying to compare units and settings is a challenge.
6. If I didn’t have either unit I would probably buy the standard unit over the high gain version but that’s more because it’s the classic rather than because the high gain model can’t be used to good effect.

My more detailed conclusions are:

1. With everything at noon, the original Doom 2 is a little darker and smoother than the revoiced version but the difference is not significant enough that I would be disappointed to use one over the other (and please see 5 below).
2. There is more of a difference between the original Doom 2 and the revoiced Doom 2 than there is between the original high gain version and the revoiced high gain pedal (but, again, the difference between the standard gain models is slight), with the original high gain model being a little harsher than the revoiced high gain model (and with the latter having a hair more bass).
3. The high gain versions are more abrasive and harsher than the standard gain models at the same settings but all of the units are excellent for producing synth tones.
4. I wouldn’t expect any of the units to replace a muff-style fuzz.
5. The EQ knobs make a massive difference and mean that most people should be able to find a setting that works for them regardless of whether they have the standard or high gain model.
6. The pedals were most similar when both of the switches were down.
7. The biggest differences for me came when pumping mids, backing off the bass and treble and having gain at about 5 o’clock. This resulted in the revoiced standard gain model becoming a lot bassier and boomier than the high gain model but, frankly, the setting is towards the edge of what I would consider usable in a band setting so there should be enough leeway in the dials to find an agreeable tone with either model.
8. The revoiced units are a bit more brutish when the mids are pushed a little and when the Your switch is down and the Bass switch is up but, again, the EQ helps to even things out.

 

[Lowendtech]

I have a standard and high gain pedal from both the original runs and the revoiced pedals and, in the hoping of assisting at all, I’ve just spent the last hour with a looper pedal, a jazz bass, a pair of headphones and the world’s least scientific method of pedal assessment. It should be noted that these are my thoughts based on what I heard (or thought I was hearing) through my headphones and others may have difference experiences. It may just be quicker to refer to the review by @Batrachos that @Erithon kindly linked to.

In case it makes any difference, I ran active jazz (on passive mode) > looper > octave > Doom 2 > filter. The Doom 2s were the black oxide, ghost (high gain), ox blood and jade metallic (high gain) versions.

My main takeaways are:

1. All of the versions are pretty similar and offer the tones that make the Doom 2 special.
2. The original Doom 2 is a little more naturally synthy than the revoiced version, but all versions are capable of copping an excellent synth tone.
3. There is less difference between the standard and high gain versions of the revoiced pedals than between the standard and high gain versions from the earlier runs.
4. The Doom 2 does the synth thing better than my other fuzzes but I wouldn’t use it in place of a muff fuzz.
5. The EQ is extremely powerful so trying to compare units and settings is a challenge.
6. If I didn’t have either unit I would probably buy the standard unit over the high gain version but that’s more because it’s the classic rather than because the high gain model can’t be used to good effect.

My more detailed conclusions are:

1. With everything at noon, the original Doom 2 is a little darker and smoother than the revoiced version but the difference is not significant enough that I would be disappointed to use one over the other (and please see 5 below).
2. There is more of a difference between the original Doom 2 and the revoiced Doom 2 than there is between the original high gain version and the revoiced high gain pedal (but, again, the difference between the standard gain models is slight), with the original high gain model being a little harsher than the revoiced high gain model (and with the latter having a hair more bass).
3. The high gain versions are more abrasive and harsher than the standard gain models at the same settings but all of the units are excellent for producing synth tones.
4. I wouldn’t expect any of the units to replace a muff-style fuzz.
5. The EQ knobs make a massive difference and mean that most people should be able to find a setting that works for them regardless of whether they have the standard or high gain model.
6. The pedals were most similar when both of the switches were down.
7. The biggest differences for me came when pumping mids, backing off the bass and treble and having gain at about 5 o’clock. This resulted in the revoiced standard gain model becoming a lot bassier and boomier than the high gain model but, frankly, the setting is towards the edge of what I would consider usable in a band setting so there should be enough leeway in the dials to find an agreeable tone with either model.
8. The revoiced units are a bit more brutish when the mids are pushed a little and when the Your switch is down and the Bass switch is up but, again, the EQ helps to even things out.

View attachment 5463581

But does it Dòóm?

 

[Admiral Chew]

But does it Dòóm?

Kind of:

I’ve just played with a pick and it dooms much more with a pick! It really wakes things up.

 

[stenomattia]

I have a standard and high gain pedal from both the original runs and the revoiced pedals and, in the hoping of assisting at all, I’ve just spent the last hour with a looper pedal, a jazz bass, a pair of headphones and the world’s least scientific method of pedal assessment. It should be noted that these are my thoughts based on what I heard (or thought I was hearing) through my headphones and others may have difference experiences. It may just be quicker to refer to the review by @Batrachos that @Erithon kindly linked to.

In case it makes any difference, I ran active jazz (on passive mode) > looper > octave > Doom 2 > filter. The Doom 2s were the rolled steel, ghost (high gain), ox blood and jade metallic (high gain) versions.

My main takeaways are:

1. All of the versions are pretty similar and offer the tones that make the Doom 2 special.
2. The original Doom 2 is a little more naturally synthy than the revoiced version, but all versions are capable of copping an excellent synth tone.
3. There is less difference between the standard and high gain versions of the revoiced pedals than between the standard and high gain versions from the earlier runs.
4. The Doom 2 does the synth thing better than my other fuzzes but I wouldn’t use it in place of a muff fuzz.
5. The EQ is extremely powerful so trying to compare units and settings is a challenge.
6. If I didn’t have either unit I would probably buy the standard unit over the high gain version but that’s more because it’s the classic rather than because the high gain model can’t be used to good effect.

My more detailed conclusions are:

1. With everything at noon, the original Doom 2 is a little darker and smoother than the revoiced version but the difference is not significant enough that I would be disappointed to use one over the other (and please see 5 below).
2. There is more of a difference between the original Doom 2 and the revoiced Doom 2 than there is between the original high gain version and the revoiced high gain pedal (but, again, the difference between the standard gain models is slight), with the original high gain model being a little harsher than the revoiced high gain model (and with the latter having a hair more bass).
3. The high gain versions are more abrasive and harsher than the standard gain models at the same settings but all of the units are excellent for producing synth tones.
4. I wouldn’t expect any of the units to replace a muff-style fuzz.
5. The EQ knobs make a massive difference and mean that most people should be able to find a setting that works for them regardless of whether they have the standard or high gain model.
6. The pedals were most similar when both of the switches were down.
7. The biggest differences for me came when pumping mids, backing off the bass and treble and having gain at about 5 o’clock. This resulted in the revoiced standard gain model becoming a lot bassier and boomier than the high gain model but, frankly, the setting is towards the edge of what I would consider usable in a band setting so there should be enough leeway in the dials to find an agreeable tone with either model.
8. The revoiced units are a bit more brutish when the mids are pushed a little and when the Your switch is down and the Bass switch is up but, again, the EQ helps to even things out.

View attachment 5463581

Excellent and very useful review, as usual! Thank you. I was playing yesterday with my revoiced Doom2 and with my Muff style Broughton Calamity (they sound nothing alike), and wondered if the high gain mod would somehow move the Doom2 into Muff territory. You review answered the question

 

[Admiral Chew]

Excellent and very useful review, as usual! Thank you. I was playing yesterday with my revoiced Doom2 and with my Muff style Broughton Calamity (they sound nothing alike), and wondered if the high gain mod would somehow move the Doom2 into Muff territory. You review answered the question

Thanks for the kind comment!

The Doom 2 seems to really like harmonic content so plays well with a pick. With a pick it can get quite heavy and retains its clarity (which I can see being very useful) but it doesn’t sound particularly muff-ish to me either, whether the standard or high gain version. When played with fingers it doesn’t have the bite from the fuzz I look for in a muff circuit but it’s great as part of a synth set up. I’ve had one on each iteration of my main board for the last four years because I think it’s a brilliant pedal, but I’ve always kept a muff-style fuzz on the board too. I may explore it further with a pick though as I was very impressed by the bite and I’ll check how the high gain mod compares (sadly the pick playing was an afterthought in response to @Lowendtech’s question).

Does that tally with your experience of it? I’d be keen to know if anyone does use it primarily as a non-synth fuzz.

 

[Snake101st]

Thanks for that great breakdown, that's super helpful!

Even more reason to go with the standard version (at least for me), if the HG isn't likely to help replace what you'd use a Big Muff style fuzz for and could lose a bit of the magic with the mod.

 

[MisticoRitualista]

After reading this I canceled my order... $344 is too much to try out the revoiced Doom 2 especially when Im happy with the one I have

 

[Snake101st]

Made the mistake of reading about and listening to the Proton 4, GR2, and Chromaton, and now GAS is striking

The only envelope filter-ish pedal I have is a digitech synth wah that I use for a downward synth sweep for one of my band's songs, but I don't dig any of the other sounds and can't help but want to try the octabvre, doom 2, envelope holy trinity. Any of the 3leaf options are in a totally different league from what I've got heh

Shame the Chromatron isn't being remade yet, the loop functionality looks super useful, and the prices used are insane

At least the doom and octabvre prices seem to be settling a bit after these larger drops

 

[Lowendtech]

Made the mistake of reading about and listening to the Proton 4, GR2, and Chromaton, and now GAS is striking

The only envelope filter-ish pedal I have is a digitech synth wah that I use for a downward synth sweep for one of my band's songs, but I don't dig any of the other sounds and can't help but want to try the octabvre, doom 2, envelope holy trinity. Any of the 3leaf options are in a totally different league from what I've got heh

Shame the Chromatron isn't being remade yet, the loop functionality looks super useful, and the prices used are insane

At least the doom and octabvre prices seem to be settling a bit after these larger drops

Don’t forget the WonderLove, which also has a loop.

 

[Snake101st]

Seemed like that was a bit of a different vibe than the others, the chromatron caught my attention the most, then the proton 4 (which apparently has a similar circuit)

Definitely wouldn't say no to one of those though, maybe I just haven't seen the right tone example! Exp pedal as an option would be nice, too.

 

[Admiral Chew]

After reading this I canceled my order... $344 is too much to try out the revoiced Doom 2 especially when Im happy with the one I have

Take note anyone that wanted in on the drop but missed out!

 

[Snake101st]

Don’t forget the WonderLove, which also has a loop.

Ya got me... There was a WL 2 / Deluxe on reverb for $400, so GAS struck and I made an offer that they accepted.

Gonna be sweet!

 

[stenomattia]

Thanks for the kind comment!

The Doom 2 seems to really like harmonic content so plays well with a pick. With a pick it can get quite heavy and retains its clarity (which I can see being very useful) but it doesn’t sound particularly muff-ish to me either, whether the standard or high gain version. When played with fingers it doesn’t have the bite from the fuzz I look for in a muff circuit but it’s great as part of a synth set up. I’ve had one on each iteration of my main board for the last four years because I think it’s a brilliant pedal, but I’ve always kept a muff-style fuzz on the board too. I may explore it further with a pick though as I was very impressed by the bite and I’ll check how the high gain mod compares (sadly the pick playing was an afterthought in response to @Lowendtech’s question).

Does that tally with your experience of it? I’d be keen to know if anyone does use it primarily as a non-synth fuzz.

Your review made me play the Doom 2 with a much more aggressive gain setting and with a pick. To your point not a woolly muff but it sounds to me like a very articulate and tight, very tight fuzz. I think that with a pick and my active Spector I prefer the more classic fuzz down position, crossover up position with a fair amount of bass, 2-3 o’ clock, same with mids and a slight roll back of treble (it seems that treble is cut only). Fuzz from 3 o’ clock to dimed. I’ve always looked for synth tones at low gain settings, but full on fuzz settings are very satisfying, I need to explore this pedal much more with this approach. My passive P bass may sound better with a completely different setting. Certainly the Calamity will stay sitting next to it on the board for fat woolly muff tones.

 

[MisticoRitualista]

Ya got me... There was a WL 2 / Deluxe on reverb for $400, so GAS struck and I made an offer that they accepted.

Gonna be sweet!

For what it's worth I've had both the Wonderlove v2 & Chromatron & the Wonderlove has much more color & is very bubbly & expressive which I preferred whereas the Chromatron is more transparent... they are very different despite almost identical controls (the functions are the same but names were changed) the Wonderlove is meant to expand on the Mu-Tron sound whereas the Chromatron is a perceived improvement & is several degrees removed from the Mu-Tron sound. I ended up keeping the Chromatron because I paid so much for it but in some ways I feel the Wonderlove is superior in terms of a classic funk tone... the GR2 is an excellent filter as well (I kept it longer than the Wonderlove) but imo the fx loop doesn't work as well as the one on the Wonderlove or Chromatron.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the Wonderlove v2, it will definitely take some exploration to land on the tone you're looking for but that's to be expected with how many knobs it's endowed with.

 

[MikoFX]

For what it's worth I've had both the Wonderlove v2 & Chromatron & the Wonderlove has much more color & is very bubbly & expressive which I preferred whereas the Chromatron is more transparent... they are very different despite almost identical controls (the functions are the same but names were changed) the Wonderlove is meant to expand on the Mu-Tron sound whereas the Chromatron is a perceived improvement & is several degrees removed from the Mu-Tron sound. I ended up keeping the Chromatron because I paid so much for it but in some ways I feel the Wonderlove is superior in terms of a classic funk tone... the GR2 is an excellent filter as well (I kept it longer than the Wonderlove) but imo the fx loop doesn't work as well as the one on the Wonderlove or Chromatron.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the Wonderlove v2, it will definitely take some exploration to land on the tone you're looking for but that's to be expected with how many knobs it's endowed with.

I concur. The Wonderlove is far more juicy, while the Chromatron is pretty sterile. IMO, the only reason to keep the Chromatron is if you're a sucker for it's scarcity or plan on using it for sweeps with an expression pedal. For more traditional funk style envelope filter sounds the Wonderlove or GR2 are where it's at.

 

[Batrachos]

Ya got me... There was a WL 2 / Deluxe on reverb for $400, so GAS struck and I made an offer that they accepted.

Gonna be sweet!

FWIW, I prefer WL2 over the chromatron. Personal taste and all, but I think most people drooling over the Chromatron are sleeping on the WL2

You can find some of my thoughts on 3Leaf filters and Octabvres on this previous post if you're curious about other versions

 

[Stubb]

The Wonderlove v1 is also great, and I think in terms of sound I prefer it to the Chromatron. The Chromatron is so clean, but I want juice when I step on a filter.

 

[Snake101st]

Sweeeeet thanks for the input, everyone - feeling pretty good about the decision to jump up on that WL2 vs waiting for a proton v4 (pretty sure I'd miss the loop and ability to use an exp pedal) now

 

[TodaysTomSawyer]

I concur. The Wonderlove is far more juicy, while the Chromatron is pretty sterile. IMO, the only reason to keep the Chromatron is if you're a sucker for it's scarcity or plan on using it for sweeps with an expression pedal. For more traditional funk style envelope filter sounds the Wonderlove or GR2 are where it's at.

Interesting. I liked the Wonderlove, but struggled with it for funk style. It was more thwappy vs quacky. I ended up replacing it with the Micro-Tron III for the "quack" I want. Otherwise, I prefer the Proton v4's responsiveness to playing dynamics and thickness in a band mix. ..Ofc, filters are like anything else and you have to try them to find what works best