Darkglass Anagram Multi FX Announced

[Franciscus]

I’ve seen the simulator that the Darkglass Suite has with other devices (Element). They know perfectly well how to create a powerful, beautiful, and functional interface. If they need to prioritize resources, since the Anagram can be controlled very well directly from the device, the Suite will have to wait.
But I’m sure they’ll make the Suite better pretty soon

 

[ga_edwards]

I finally was able to gig with the Anagram after having it for a couple of weeks or so (I chickened out on the last gig as I wasn't confident it was dialled in quite right). The gig was at a local pub, about 5 minutes from home, so I elected to leave the Helix at home and rely on the Anagram for the night.

I prepared by A/B'ing it with my Helix to ensure my core tone slotted into the same frequency points, and the presets were similar in volume to the Helix. I run the XLR on my Helix at mic level and full volume (big volume knob disabled), so I wanted to ensure I was outputting similar volume.

I recorded a snippet using my core tone from each device and then asked ChatGPT to analyse and compare them, which then offered EQ points to pull the anagram into line with the helix. I also compared the output level from each using meters in Logic helped me get the core presets to the same level - so in theory, the XLR level to the mixer should be close.

This worked out really well. I only had to increase the XLR output by 2-3db to reach the same level as the Helix, and the low end sat just in the right place in the mix.

I still have some work to do to adjust the higher mids and my main drive (VMT) and fuzz (muff) tones, as it did't sounds quite as articulate through my IEMs as it did with my headphones at home, and the drives just didn't cut through - I though I didn't realise my tone knob was rolled nearly all the way off until nearly the end of the first set - I thought it was he anagram and hastily dialled in some upper mids in the global eq. Doh!. Still, though, even after rectifying this, its need a little more to cut through. Luckily, I only needed a couple of presets for this gig and none of the song specific presets, so I know what I need to do to address the eq curve before building any more presets.

What I did realise is that using two footswitces simultaneously to change preset is a PITA. I will get midi switching from Bandhelper up and running this week to address that, then it won't be an issue.

Overall though, I was very happy with the Anagram. It sounded nice and punchy, still amp-like as my Helix and so much easier to carry and doesn't take up as much space on the floor.

 

[Scott McArron]

I think a better editing will come in the Darkglass Suite, they just need time to get there.

Yeah, I mean, NDSP took what, ~3 years to release Cortex Control after the QC release?

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Are the amps modeled or are they a collection of NAM models? What made me wonder is that if you use the Peggy model and switchUltra Low on, it seems like it's an entirely different amp.

 

[AnthonyBe]

What I did realise is that using two footswitces simultaneously to change preset is a PITA. I will get midi switching from Bandhelper up and running this week to address that, then it won't be an issue.

Yeah, that was always something I was pretty sure I would not like before I bought it, and at home as I'm setting it up it is confirming my dislike. Once I have my Presets and Scenes locked down, I'll be MIDI automating (already have my CME WIDI Jack ready to go I already use Stage Traxx with my band) ASAP.

 

[IvanBassist]

Are the amps modeled or are they a collection of NAM models? What made me wonder is that if you use the Peggy model and switchUltra Low on, it seems like it's an entirely different amp.

The ultra lo boosts 40 hz and cuts 500hz (quite drastically), which leads to the amp sounding very different

 

[ga_edwards]

Yeah, that was always something I was pretty sure I would not like before I bought it, and at home as I'm setting it up it is confirming my dislike. Once I have my Presets and Scenes locked down, I'll be MIDI automating (already have my CME WIDI Jack ready to go I already use Stage Traxx with my band) ASAP.

I got midi up and running through bandhelper last night. Quite straightforward once I worked out how to automatically push midi data on song selection. It's still not perfect - sometimes CC data doesn't get pushed through, so I might need to separate these. But generally, it works fine.

Only one major kink in my plan. Whilst it works fine from bandhelper running from my macbook, ipad or iphone, it doesn't work from my Kindle Fire that I tend to use for gigs (I'd rather risk a cheap tablet getting stolen or broken than my ipad). I understand this is to do with FireOS usb midi implementation, or rather lack of. I'm looking into patching FireOS to rectify this.

 

[Scott McArron]

You guys who own both a QC and Anagram (like me), I just got my Anagram and am working through it methodically. A couple things…

1. I noticed with both units at default, that is input and output levels and a blank preset, the Anagram is about 20db quieter. Like REALLY quiet. To match output volumes approximately, I added a Gain block and maxed it out to +20db. That’s a lot.

I should note that on both units, my input and output levels look normal around 50% mostly, though it would be nice on the Anagram to have some kind of Db metering for more accurate assessments like on the QC.

2. I tried out the Entropia because I was planning to A/B it with Parallax. All settings default except I changed the mid drive to B3K Turbo. I got ZERO distortion from it. Zero. Some hair if I cranked the distortion and volume to max, but also some weird warbling sounds, almost like a subtle envelope filter trying to trigger. I have nothing else in my chain.

Yes, I’ve tried a gain block before the Entropia to no avail.

Have you noticed anything similar with yours? I’m trying to work out what’s normal that maybe I need to become accustomed to and find workarounds for, and what may be a technical issue that I need to contact DG about. I’m leaning technical issue at this point.

Cheers!

 

[Murph_Orpheus]

You guys who own both a QC and Anagram (like me), I just got my Anagram and am working through it methodically. A couple things…

1. I noticed with both units at default, that is input and output levels and a blank preset, the Anagram is about 20db quieter. Like REALLY quiet. To match output volumes approximately, I added a Gain block and maxed it out to +20db. That’s a lot.

I should note that on both units, my input and output levels look normal around 50% mostly, though it would be nice on the Anagram to have some kind of Db metering for more accurate assessments like on the QC.

2. I tried out the Entropia because I was planning to A/B it with Parallax. All settings default except I changed the mid drive to B3K Turbo. I got ZERO distortion from it. Zero. Some hair if I cranked the distortion and volume to max, but also some weird warbling sounds, almost like a subtle envelope filter trying to trigger. I have nothing else in my chain.

Yes, I’ve tried a gain block before the Entropia to no avail.

Have you noticed anything similar with yours? I’m trying to work out what’s normal that maybe I need to become accustomed to and find workarounds for, and what may be a technical issue that I need to contact DG about. I’m leaning technical issue at this point.

Cheers!

Entropia has never given me that issue before so I would say a bug in the system somewhere. Worth reaching out to Darkglass support and see what they say.

As for overall volume on the Anagram, I think it is less than the QC. It takes a bit of tweaking depending on what you're running in a preset. A lot of the blocks have their own output volume so that will help in terms of getting things turned up. Reaching desired levels for live shows isn't a problem. It will just take you some time to get things right for your own preference. All part of the fun currently! I wager they will address this in the future.

Out of interest, what are your levels at in the mixer of the Anagram?

 

[Scott McArron]

Entropia has never given me that issue before so I would say a bug in the system somewhere. Worth reaching out to Darkglass support and see what they say.

As for overall volume on the Anagram, I think it is less than the QC. It takes a bit of tweaking depending on what you're running in a preset. A lot of the blocks have their own output volume so that will help in terms of getting things turned up. Reaching desired levels for live shows isn't a problem. It will just take you some time to get things right for your own preference. All part of the fun currently! I wager they will address this in the future.

Out of interest, what are your levels at in the mixer of the Anagram?

I raised a support ticket. This is definitely not right.

I appreciate the response. I’ve tried adding Gain blocks. It doesn’t help. The output is way too low to compensate. And anything above an additional 5db just clips the output. I’ve tried maxing the outputs and master. Not much luck. Super low volume.

Alrighty. I’ll leave it in the hands of DG support from here out.

 

[Zbysek]

 

[Diegombass]

Hi,
Did any of you Anagram owners notice differences in immediacy and dynamics between an analog octaver vs Anagram?
Thnx

 

[jjo161]

2. I tried out the Entropia because I was planning to A/B it with Parallax. All settings default except I changed the mid drive to B3K Turbo. I got ZERO distortion from it. Zero. Some hair if I cranked the distortion and volume to max, but also some weird warbling sounds, almost like a subtle envelope filter trying to trigger. I have nothing else in my chain.

I think I am experiencing the same. Have to try again later, but I can already say that at least the mid drive did not react to any changes. Also, not sure if that's related, the templates sound kind of numb.

 

[jjo161]

Couldn't confirm it when trying today. Might have been the headphones

 

[hitman9696]

Sorry for another question: anyone notice the USB Audio is more buggy/unstable after the 1.6 release?

While I'm playing along a backing track, there's a big pause in the audio when I switch presets. Also, the unit completely crashed a few times while jumping around. This didn't happen on the previous firmware.

 

[Scott McArron]

Couldn't confirm it when trying today. Might have been the headphones

I’ve tried my headphones as well as into my DAW through UA Apollo interface. Same thing.

Also, for the headphones (industry standard Audio Technica ath-m50x), just to be able to get enough volume to hear anything louder than my strings, I have to go to Device Settings and give it a +10db bump, then max out the headphone volume. Now it’s finally louder than the strings WITH the over-ear headphones on and somewhat useable. But zero room to spare and still not near as loud as I’d like.

And I can’t get any usable tones from any distortion unit. I’m a long time X7 user and it just sounds choked, muddled, and fizzy at same setting as my pedal which is raging, face melting, chest pounding distortion. Cannot be working right.

I’ll also note that when I first turned it on I got a blank screen for several minutes until I decided to power cycle it. Then it came on as normal.

 

[Norwegian_Wood]

Is anyone using a tube DI (Nobel, Nobel Clone, Khan, Etc etc) after the Anagram? I have a Nobelium on the way for a different project but was wondering if anyone is using something similar.

 

[IvanBassist]

Is anyone using a tube DI (Nobel, Nobel Clone, Khan, Etc etc) after the Anagram? I have a Nobelium on the way for a different project but was wondering if anyone is using something similar.

I’ve used a Sushibox Finally as a DI. Mainly to get some more warmth on my In-Ears

 

[S_Okon]

1. I noticed with both units at default, that is input and output levels and a blank preset, the Anagram is about 20db quieter. Like REALLY quiet. To match output volumes approximately, I added a Gain block and maxed it out to +20db. That’s a lot.

I had the same problem. Solution was to go into device settings, audio and exp and set volume there from -10 db to +10 db. Problem solved, at least for me.

 

[Scott McArron]

I had the same problem. Solution was to go into device settings, audio and exp and set volume there from -10 db to +10 db. Problem solved, at least for me.

No mate, not the issue here. In my later post I mentioned already doing this. But is not limited to the headphones. It’s so much more. But thanks for the input!