Darkglass Anagram Multi FX Announced

[silky smoove]

Impulse purchased the Morningstar MC4 Pro this morning, with the intention of mounting on a small board with the Anagram. Intending to pair that with a Dunlop MVP4 Mini for MIDI CC expression control. Same thing I do on my bigger board with an MC6 Pro, HX Stomp, and SA C4. Should be fun!

This is the same basic form factor and layout as the Judahs Kedem 4. I like that this has taller footswitches in the back compared to the Kedem. Where I think the Kedem shines is that you can access all of its functions directly through the onboard touchscreen, whereas the MC4, reportedly, requires connection to a computer. I'm not sure to what degree the MC4 needs a computer connection, and hopefully all of the Anagram-focused needs can be covered on the touchscreen. The lack of computer connection requirement is what drove me to the Kedem initially. I wanted both the DSP and the MIDI to be fully tweakable without ever touching a computer for road and fly dates.

 

[Chace90]

This is the same basic form factor and layout as the Judahs Kedem 4. I like that this has taller footswitches in the back compared to the Kedem. Where I think the Kedem shines is that you can access all of its functions directly through the onboard touchscreen, whereas the MC4, reportedly, requires connection to a computer. I'm not sure to what degree the MC4 needs a computer connection, and hopefully all of the Anagram-focused needs can be covered on the touchscreen. The lack of computer connection requirement is what drove me to the Kedem initially. I wanted both the DSP and the MIDI to be fully tweakable without ever touching a computer for road and fly dates.

I can't speak for the MC4 Pro since I don't have it yet. But I know, at least on the MC6 Pro, you can do programming on the unit directly. But it's clunky and definitely more of a "shoot, I need to change this command and don't have time to connect to a computer/ipad." At least, that's my experience. I can't even remember how to get into edit mode on the unit ATM.

I'd like to add though, with the inclusion of bluetooth MIDI on the MC4 and the MC8, you can edit the Morningstar settings and programming via bluetooth with any device that can run a browser. Phones, ipads, laptops, etc. I do occasionally do that with the MC6 Pro (since I added a CME WIDI). The editing interface is the same, USB or Bluetooth.

I digress, probably a topic better suited for a different thread since we're here to talk about the Anagram! I actually haven't dived into MIDI on the Anagram yet. The MC4 will certainly be my excuse.

 

[silky smoove]

I can't speak for the MC4 Pro since I don't have it yet. But I know, at least on the MC6 Pro, you can do programming on the unit directly. But it's clunky and definitely more of a "shoot, I need to change this command and don't have time to connect to a computer/ipad."

In that case, I imagine that for most of us the on-screen will suffice. My suspicion is that Anagram users are mostly not doing massively intense deep diving MIDI stuff with their footswitches, and generally just want more stomps, or more scenes, or a dedicated tuner button, preset changes, etc.

I'd like to add though, with the inclusion of bluetooth MIDI on the MC4 and the MC8, you can edit the Morningstar settings and programming via bluetooth with any device that can run a browser.

That's a nice addition to solve the deeper diving requirements if you're out on the road somewhere.

 

[Grahams Groove]

I digress, probably a topic better suited for a different thread since we're here to talk about the Anagram! I actually haven't dived into MIDI on the Anagram yet. The MC4 will certainly be my excuse.

If you stumble across cool function, tips, etc. I say feel free to share them here and leave it up to the mods to redirect if they feel strongly. I've shared a few MIDI tips here since getting the MC6 Pro for the Anagram, and I got some great info from @silky smoove via this thread, which helped me decide on the controller I wanted. Point being, I think it's relevant here if it's Anagram related...

 

[Chrishi87]

Has anyone figured out how the Anagram works as an Interface on Mac with the Neural Plugins? I can´t get a sound without the Dry Signal through my Headphones. When I record - no Problem, but I like to Jam to Spotify or Drum Machines with my Rabea Plugin, and I always get a Dry Guitar Signal too. Sucks.

and QC Mini. I was really tempted. Had the QC for 4 years. But for Bass, no... No Updates in the last years with new Amps or Drives. Yeah I know, Captures, but... And definitely not for 1400 €

 

[Rodrigo EV]

As a newbie to the Anagram and multiFX in general, I'm going to ask some newb type questions.
I have played around with the Anagram for the past week or so. I have read the manual (not sure I really absorbed it, but I tried). I also went to the TB Wiki and signed on to AnagramAnswers.

So, I like many of the sounds I have heard while just paging though all the Factory and User settings (my unit was used and the prior owner definitely populated the User settings). I can definitely see using the elements (assets?) to make a good signal chain. All of it is kind of overwhelming TBH, b1ut I'm determined to try to set it up for use in my live work.

I did appreciate @IvanBassists video about keeping things simple. I generally play 90% clean (but with a Cali76 comp and a Noble in my non-Anagram signal chain), so simple settings should work for me for the most part.

For FX, I'd like to have a Octave (-1 and +1 .. I use an OC5 now) , light/med OD, Envelope Filter/Wah (I use an MXR Bass Envelope Filter for this on my old board). These would replicate my current board options. Longer term I'd like to add the MXR Bass Synth via FX loop, but I'd like to start by just replicating what I can do today with my pedal board.

For Anagram options, I'm just not clear on how to set up a signal chain where I can use the 3 foot switches to use the Octave, OD, Envelope.
Which mode would be the best way to go ? Scene?, Stomp? or Preset ? And is there a clear "How-To" step by step thing that I can reference (I have not seen one other than something I generated with Google AI and I'm not sure that's accurate).

Can any of you experienced Anagram/MultiFX folks help a brother out ?

thanks!

Take a look at a preset called "EV: Start Here (v2)", it can help with some initial ideas.

 

[bigcupholder]

Has anyone figured out how the Anagram works as an Interface on Mac with the Neural Plugins? I can´t get a sound without the Dry Signal through my Headphones. When I record - no Problem, but I like to Jam to Spotify or Drum Machines with my Rabea Plugin, and I always get a Dry Guitar Signal too. Sucks.

and QC Mini. I was really tempted. Had the QC for 4 years. But for Bass, no... No Updates in the last years with new Amps or Drives. Yeah I know, Captures, but... And definitely not for 1400 €

I use Windows but I assume this is the same: you're always getting direct monitoring with the Anagram as your USB interface, which means you're always hearing your signal through the current preset. Presumably if you're hearing the DI, you have an empty preset loaded.

If you want to only hear the plugin, go into the volume mixer on the Anagram (long press the right-most knob) and turn the volume all the way down. If that doesn't work for some reason or you don't want to lose your volume settings, another way to do it is to put a gain block in your empty preset and turn it all the way down.

Disclaimer: I haven't tried this so don't be overly concerned if this doesn't work, but I'm pretty sure I understand what's happening.

 

[Chrishi87]

Thanks man. But does not work
But you made me think of a workaround. Not using the Anagram as an Output, but plug my Headphones in my Mac.
Works.

 

[trigger_happy]

Testing my Studio P - A preset I made for my recording projects.

My signal chain is very simple:
-An always on subtle FET compression to clean up my signal and let my notes breathe.

-An octaver for sections that need a thick bass tone that I can stack with my drive.

-Alpha Omicron, my current fave mid to hi gain drive.

-A toggable clean tone from Gentle(Noble) and tubey saturated tone from IsoBrick750(Mesa BigBlock Dirt channel) in one footswitch.

Dialled in for my Yamaha BB434 or any Precision bass with flats.

Here's a quick Levitating jam by Dua Lipa.

 

[Snake101st]

Just joined the party! After some quick testing and haphazardly putting this board together with a DC7 + crux powering it, I'm much happier with it so far than the QC I tried before, and I'm hoping it'll get dialed in enough to use this vs my giant analog board for shows with quick load ins.


Waiting for a Jad Freer Luce, which will go on the left side, and a darkglass midi that will sit below the board.

 

[pfschim]

Take a look at a preset called "EV: Start Here (v2)", it can help with some initial ideas.

View attachment 7415770

thanks, I can find the EV Start Here V2 preset on the Darkglass Suite, and it says I downloaded it, but I do not see it on my Anagram.
kind of adds to my frustration with the Anagram. Downloading a preset should be pretty straight forward, and yet .....

 

[AnthonyBe]

thanks, I can find the EV Start Here V2 preset on the Darkglass Suite, and it says I downloaded it, but I do not see it on my Anagram.

In the Preset Hub, when you click 'Save' on a Public Preset, that doesn't automatically load it into your Anagram.
You then need to:

1. Go back to the Presets Dashboard
2. Find an empty Preset slot and press "+" which will open the Preset Switcher dialog
3. In Preset Switcher, Click the 'Downloaded' menu button
4. You will see any Presets you have Saved (downloaded) from the Public Presets Hub. Click to add it to the slot on your Anagram

 

[pfschim]

In the Preset Hub, when you click 'Save' on a Public Preset, that doesn't automatically load it into your Anagram.
You then need to:

1. Go back to the Presets Dashboard
2. Find an empty Preset slot and press "+" which will open the Preset Switcher dialog
3. In Preset Switcher, Click the 'Downloaded' menu button
4. You will see any Presets you have Saved (downloaded) from the Public Presets Hub. Click to add it to the slot on your Anagram

thanks AnthonyBE ... that worked. Am I just missing all of this in the manual somewhere ? I mean, I am not totally technically stupid, I can program, I can set all kinds of tech devices up without a lot of assistance.

 

[AnthonyBe]

Manual? Darkglass? Darkglass Suite? Muahahahaha

No, you just have to click and poke around everywhere. Thankfully the DG Suite is pretty simple (currently) so there aren't that many places to go looking. When Darkglass update it to fully support editing of all aspects of Anagram, they will definitely need to do a bit better with manuals/documentation/tutorial videos, etc.

If the Anagram manual, let alone DG Suite or DG website, was any good I wouldn't have compiled this to date - Darkglass Anagram Frequently Asked Questions

I work on the philosophy of "if 1 person asks it, and it isn't in the manual, then it should be documented because it won't be the last time someone asks the same question"

 

[pfschim]

Manual? Darkglass? Darkglass Suite? Muahahahaha

No, you just have to click and poke around everywhere. Thankfully the DG Suite is pretty simple (currently) so there aren't that many places to go looking. When Darkglass update it to fully support editing of all aspects of Anagram, they will definitely need to do a bit better with manuals/documentation/tutorial videos, etc.

If the Anagram manual, let alone DG Suite or DG website, was any good I wouldn't have compiled this to date - Darkglass Anagram Frequently Asked Questions

I work on the philosophy of "if 1 person asks it, and it isn't in the manual, then it should be documented because it won't be the last time someone asks the same question"

thanks so much, I appreciate the help you and others here have offered me.
I know I can make this box work for me, just need to figure out the how's

 

[jjo161]

In the Preset Hub, when you click 'Save' on a Public Preset, that doesn't automatically load it into your Anagram.
You then need to:

1. Go back to the Presets Dashboard
2. Find an empty Preset slot and press "+" which will open the Preset Switcher dialog
3. In Preset Switcher, Click the 'Downloaded' menu button
4. You will see any Presets you have Saved (downloaded) from the Public Presets Hub. Click to add it to the slot on your Anagram

I always use "try this preset" which directly loads it onto the anagram and if I like it I save it.

 

[AnthonyBe]

Yeah, there's a number of ways to achieve the outcome.

I've just written a more comprehensive article here that covers these other permutations.

In Darkglass Suite, how do I get Public Presets onto my Anagram?

Issue How do I get other people's Presets on to my Anagram? How do I get Public Presets on to my Anagram? Description The Darkglass Anagram manual doesn't cover how to use the Darkglass Suite software, so it does involve a bit of 'discovery sleuthing'! Within the Darkglass Suite, any Presets...

anagramanswers.com

 

[warptheory]

Yeah, there's a number of ways to achieve the outcome.

I've just written a more comprehensive article here that covers these other permutations.

In Darkglass Suite, how do I get Public Presets onto my Anagram?

Issue How do I get other people's Presets on to my Anagram? How do I get Public Presets on to my Anagram? Description The Darkglass Anagram manual doesn't cover how to use the Darkglass Suite software, so it does involve a bit of 'discovery sleuthing'! Within the Darkglass Suite, any Presets...

anagramanswers.com

Nice. I knew this was out there, but I haven't stumbled upon it on the darkglass suite before. Honestly without editing, there's not a whole lot of reason to go in there other than firmware updates. The presets are pretty cool though.

Would those presets contain NAM blocks with any modeled pedals/amps or would it only be the non-modeled blocks?

 

[warptheory]

Also, just got an MC6 Pro, and wanting to set it up as just plain stomps/quicknobs, but I want access to more than 6. I only know how to assign MIDI CCs to quick knobs, but there are only 6 in the manual. It seems like I should be able to control more than 6.

Am I missing something? Should I be able to toggle a block off and on with any (supported) CC command?

 

[Chrishi87]

3 Blocks + 6 of the Bindings. Should be 9.