I just received the brand-new Vintage-Revolution Acoustic Box II Preamp from Max De Iulis in the Netherlands. I'm going to play with it for a while (spending some time with the manual - https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/efefd6_33930facd38c4896b2a86e3dea8b5b61.pdf ) and will then be sending it on to our ALL-STAR group of reviewers, including: Chris Fitzgerald Adam Booker Mike Arnopol Tom Bowlus, and Ric Vice I'm going to include the Chuck Israels Signature Mic along with the 'Abox' so these reviewers can check them both out, individually and together. Much more to follow on this as I (and we) explore the many features of this new Pre-amp.
Well, I made Rick wait forever (sorry, Rick!), but I just uploaded a new series spinoff called "Review Desk" where I played the Abox together with both the LaScala and the new Kolstein Busetto, and A/B'd it against the Sansamp Para Driver DI for comparison. Some may be disappointed that I ran both units flat except for the HP filter in this video, but that's basically how I test new gear these days. I'm taking both the Busetto and the Abox out to the "proving ground" (i.e. - Nachbar, a primal scream chordless trio with two aggressive monster musicians), and looking forward to the fun! Rest assured that on the gig I will use more of the EQ options the Abox has to offer. Here is the index for the video: 0:00 Series Introduction 0:46 Kolstein Busetto Travel Bass 1:53 Vintage Revolution Acoustic Box II 2:35 New Standard LaScala Hybrid 3:26 Sansamp Para Driver DI 4:05 Review parameters for comparison 5:43 Sound Clip: LaScala plus Sansamp 7:20 Sound Clip: LaScala plus Abox II 8:56 Sound Clip: Kolstein Busetto plus Sansamp 10:35 Sound Clip: Kolstein Busetto plus Abox II 12:13 Conclusions and discussion 22:16 Links I will copy a link to the video in the Kolstein thread as well. Don't rat me out to the mods!
Chris, Wow, nice bass, great playing, susinct explanations. and that CM3 works dandy dosen't it. Just got mine.
Thanks Ric(k). The CM3 mics are my current go to for a stereo pair, and also perfect for a dual mono application like this. My only regret is that I haven’t figured out a way to demonstrate the true blended sound in the room. I think that mixing an acoustic and amplified sound is an art form. The amplified sound should be a little too thick and wooly and slightly compressed, and the acoustic sound provides the air on top - just like mixing a mic and pickup live. I guess live gig recordings are as close as I’m ever going to get!
Geez... Vintage much? This looks like it was last used during the filming of "Das Boot"! Sorry to torpedo this thread. Subbed. Thanks.
Well Don, some of us prefer analog-type knobs vs menu-driven (menu-hidden) functions. And by the way, the designer is a scientist with the European Space Agency so it's probably more ''das rocket'.
Hey!..Is that a Metronome built into Das Gizmo????? ("Tempo", "+,-") Please Gear-'Splain this portion of the panel, Please. Thanks.
Come on, Don. You know you want to try it. Just say the word and I'll send it out to you. (I bet J.B. has one. 'ENOUGH')
Nice work! Thanks for taking the time to make the video. The bass and both pedals sound great. I agree with your final assessment. I would love, however, to hear some Arco through these boxes. Lol. Last thing you probably want to hear after putting in all of that hard work. Just a suggestion, not a criticism. BTW- Your tone, touch and feel are fantastic! Thanks, Chris.
Michael - Thanks! I promise you that you don't want me to play arco through any preamp or amp, ever. With a bow in my hand I can make any bass, preamp, or amp sound like . It's a gift! @Ric Vice - I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking at in that pic. Should I be scared?
Aww man, if I didn’t have a meeting to attend, I’d be all over this. Thanks, Chris! Looking forward to sitting down later and checking this out!