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Darkglass Anagram Multi FX Announced
- Thread starter Elmstreet
- Start date
Keep in mind the SWR amp block is just a tube pre. So...if the images are indicative of anything, there's a lot on the table that is SS power with tube pre...
Would love a block for the DB751. I also really want Darkglass to do their version of a Hiwatt (DR103 or 201) and/or Sunn 300T.
I'd love to see an Ashdown amp block... Even though I know it won't happen hehe.
I'd also love some more choruses and filters. But let's wait
I'd also love some more choruses and filters. But let's wait
This seems like a relevant FYI for this group if anyone is using/trying to use the SA C4 synth with their Anagram and a MIDI controller (maybe skip to the last part unless you want my life story)...
I've committed to the Anagram being the brain/center of my board now that I've had several months to familiarize myself, dial in tones, see the quality/rate of updates, etc. So my next steps are building around it to increase control and whittling away at the analog pedals as I'm able to replicate them other ways. I've picked up a Morningstar MC6 Pro to improve my control options and programming. The key pieces that I wasn't getting from the Anagram include my always-on drive sound, envelope filters/synth sounds, and a wah pedal - which I had other pedals for in the Anagram's FX loop.
The always-on drive tone is something I've solved with NAM captures. I use a Rusty Box with a Bloop, and I was able to get some stunningly accurate captures of my main setting. I need some 'transition' time to really A/B it in band settings the next few weeks and trust it, but I think I can take those off my board soon.
The wah pedal is one I'm not there on yet. Even with expression pedal control and altering the sweep activity, nothing is coming close to the Dunlop MC404 I use. So that's a big one that has to stay.
For synth and filter sound, I'm relying on the Source Audio C4. I've got a couple filter sounds I created and 3-4 key synth sounds. I also have a handful of other sounds that I've used and liked over the years - an octave, multiple synth pads and sequencers, fuzz, bit crusher, phaser, and an assortment of weird/fun things that I just enjoy playing with at home or during downtime at practices.
The issue with the C4 is that I don't have a neural hub or MIDI adapter. Not only did I not want to spend money on these, but they take up added space above or below the board, and I never had a use for those items before. I've read online that some folks had success using USB C (from MIDI controller) to the USB mini input (on the C4). I thought I was SOL after playing around with the C4 commands in my MC6 Pro. Toggling on/off was no problem, but the behavior (and inability to read commands) for preset changes, increment/decrement, etc. had me feeling like it was either adaptor time or I figure out how to go without. Then I started toying with some command changes in the MC6 Pro last night and finally broke through. So if you're having issues with certain commands while using the USB connection on the C4, this might be helpful...
I wanted to use increment & decrement commands to be able to flip through a couple dozen settings as I am playing around and deciding which sounds are key in my setup. When I MIDI-mapped the commands on the C4 and then created basic commands/presets on the MC6 Pro, the increment and decrement commands (for example) were not working. I was getting odd behavior where I could get them to work once after I saved a preset in the Morningstar editor, but the preset/button commands would not move up through the presets after. This was just using a simple 'press' action to send the decrement or increment command with no other commands on that preset/switch. So...a very simple approach to a simple function.
Last night I started toying with delays in the commands, thinking maybe the CC changes were too quick/successive for the C4. No dice. I somehow figured out that the increment and decrement commands seem to default the pedal to an 'off' state as well. So I created a preset for increment where the first command is on the 'press' action, and that sends the increment command to the pedal. Then I set the second command to send on release of the switch, and have that sending the engage/on command to the C4. This works perfectly and allows you to move up/down through presets via a midi controller without Source Audio's proprietary hardware. I'm now working through cleaning up my C4 presets so I can program those with MIDI commands for specific parameters when I need to. Will try to report back if I find any other odd behavior. This is probably as/more relevant in a morningstar or SA thread, but I know I'm not the only one using an actual C4/synth pedal with my Anagram.
I've committed to the Anagram being the brain/center of my board now that I've had several months to familiarize myself, dial in tones, see the quality/rate of updates, etc. So my next steps are building around it to increase control and whittling away at the analog pedals as I'm able to replicate them other ways. I've picked up a Morningstar MC6 Pro to improve my control options and programming. The key pieces that I wasn't getting from the Anagram include my always-on drive sound, envelope filters/synth sounds, and a wah pedal - which I had other pedals for in the Anagram's FX loop.
The always-on drive tone is something I've solved with NAM captures. I use a Rusty Box with a Bloop, and I was able to get some stunningly accurate captures of my main setting. I need some 'transition' time to really A/B it in band settings the next few weeks and trust it, but I think I can take those off my board soon.
The wah pedal is one I'm not there on yet. Even with expression pedal control and altering the sweep activity, nothing is coming close to the Dunlop MC404 I use. So that's a big one that has to stay.
For synth and filter sound, I'm relying on the Source Audio C4. I've got a couple filter sounds I created and 3-4 key synth sounds. I also have a handful of other sounds that I've used and liked over the years - an octave, multiple synth pads and sequencers, fuzz, bit crusher, phaser, and an assortment of weird/fun things that I just enjoy playing with at home or during downtime at practices.
The issue with the C4 is that I don't have a neural hub or MIDI adapter. Not only did I not want to spend money on these, but they take up added space above or below the board, and I never had a use for those items before. I've read online that some folks had success using USB C (from MIDI controller) to the USB mini input (on the C4). I thought I was SOL after playing around with the C4 commands in my MC6 Pro. Toggling on/off was no problem, but the behavior (and inability to read commands) for preset changes, increment/decrement, etc. had me feeling like it was either adaptor time or I figure out how to go without. Then I started toying with some command changes in the MC6 Pro last night and finally broke through. So if you're having issues with certain commands while using the USB connection on the C4, this might be helpful...
I wanted to use increment & decrement commands to be able to flip through a couple dozen settings as I am playing around and deciding which sounds are key in my setup. When I MIDI-mapped the commands on the C4 and then created basic commands/presets on the MC6 Pro, the increment and decrement commands (for example) were not working. I was getting odd behavior where I could get them to work once after I saved a preset in the Morningstar editor, but the preset/button commands would not move up through the presets after. This was just using a simple 'press' action to send the decrement or increment command with no other commands on that preset/switch. So...a very simple approach to a simple function.
Last night I started toying with delays in the commands, thinking maybe the CC changes were too quick/successive for the C4. No dice. I somehow figured out that the increment and decrement commands seem to default the pedal to an 'off' state as well. So I created a preset for increment where the first command is on the 'press' action, and that sends the increment command to the pedal. Then I set the second command to send on release of the switch, and have that sending the engage/on command to the C4. This works perfectly and allows you to move up/down through presets via a midi controller without Source Audio's proprietary hardware. I'm now working through cleaning up my C4 presets so I can program those with MIDI commands for specific parameters when I need to. Will try to report back if I find any other odd behavior. This is probably as/more relevant in a morningstar or SA thread, but I know I'm not the only one using an actual C4/synth pedal with my Anagram.
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Hey guys, quick question... is there a way to switch the envelope filter from "envelope" mode to being manually swept by an expression pedal? I'm trying to replace my 3Leaf Wonderlove and am happy with the envelope triggered sounds but can't figure out how to set up manual sweeps.
I'll also add my two cents for the absolute necessity of having a master input gain, this definitely seems like an oversight, and I would hope should be pretty straightforward to correct.
I'm just starting to dial in a bunch of tones, and see the Anagram replacing the lion's share of my pedal board!
I'll also add my two cents for the absolute necessity of having a master input gain, this definitely seems like an oversight, and I would hope should be pretty straightforward to correct.
I'm just starting to dial in a bunch of tones, and see the Anagram replacing the lion's share of my pedal board!
You need to bind expression to the filter frequency cutoff parameter. That'll allow you to control that, and you can pick the start/endpoint - i.e. You don't necessarily have to make the expression pedal sweep the entire range if you want to pick sweet-spots. IMO, it works fine for kind of a linear 'synthy' filter sweep, but it doesn't have the action/vibe of a good wah pedal for various reasons.
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Thank you, I figured it was something simple! And linear "synthy" sweeps is exactly what I'm after. Gonna mess with that later today
@IvanBassist adding to my previous reply: I tested this again today without the USB cable connected and was still able to repeatedly make it crash in the same manner (no sound, but all UI elements responsive except meters) just by scrolling the NAM model selection knob in either an amp or pedal block. So I think the issue is with the NAM loader.
Still no progress on the recording issue on my side.
@IvanBassist
Dunno if this has been requested or not, but in bindings view, if the parameter being binded is bypass on/off then the display should show the block graphic lighting up or dimming à la signal chain view.
Dunno if this has been requested or not, but in bindings view, if the parameter being binded is bypass on/off then the display should show the block graphic lighting up or dimming à la signal chain view.
Alright,
EBS TD650
Mesa Big Block 750 Clean and OD channels.
Yum
EBS TD650
Mesa Big Block 750 Clean and OD channels.
Yum
IvanBassist
Commercial User
- Jun 8, 2008
- 3,744
- 11,128
- Disclosures
- Content Manager at Darkglass Electronics, Dingwall Guitars Artist
Have fun with them!
Hype! The number of updates for the Anagram thus far has been inspiring and SO awesome. Hope 2026 is more of the same, DG doing awesome stuff out there for bassists relative to their competitors.
Wow, it's like they were trying to convince me specifically to pick up an Anagram. The Big Block was probably the most aggressive rock amp that Mesa put out, but I've shied away from actually buying one since their common point of failure is no longer repairable. The cleans from those EBS amps have always sounded really nice and "expensive", too.
I am SO HYPED for the EBS amp!!!!!! LETS GO!!! Darkglass was cooking with this one! Anagram is hands down my best music gear purchase!
I've owned a Big Block for nearly 20 years now and never had an issue. One of the best purchases I ever made.
IvanBassist
Commercial User
- Jun 8, 2008
- 3,744
- 11,128
- Disclosures
- Content Manager at Darkglass Electronics, Dingwall Guitars Artist
Yep it's pretty much right on point
