Darkglass Anagram Multi FX Announced

[pfschim]

I'm at the point where I'm ready to gig my new-ish (3 weeks) Anagram. I had it a rehearsal (all clean tones) yesterday and it worked fine. I've got a gig tonight/Fri with a duo where I want some meaningful tone/FX changes (Octave +1 & -1, Light OD, Envelope) to fill up the space in the duo. I'm going to bring the Anagram, but will also have my original pedalboard ready to plug in if it's not working out like I want.

After 3 weeks of intensively digging into the Anagram, I would say that it does sound good, is very tweak-able (perhaps too tweak-able), tons of options, very small footprint, but after spending the time on it, I'm not really sure it will actually be better than my original pedal board. I don't do many fly or road dates anymore, so cartage is not an issue for me at all. My current pedal board (Metro 20) sounds great (Cali76 => OC5 => VT => Noble) and is a very easy schlep.

I acknowledge that part of my outlook right now is that the Anagram is quite new to me and while I have set it up with basic functions, I'm not really super confident that I've set it up the way I would ultimately prefer. All that, and I can use my original pedalboard in my sleep, I know exactly what it does and how to use it. So there's a familiarity issue for me for sure.

Tonights gig is a great opportunity to try the Anagram. Relaxed, easy crowd, low risk, so I'll run it and see how I feel about it afterwards.
It's definitely a WIP for me

 

[bigcupholder]

I'm at the point where I'm ready to gig my new-ish (3 weeks) Anagram. I had it a rehearsal (all clean tones) yesterday and it worked fine. I've got a gig tonight/Fri with a duo where I want some meaningful tone/FX changes (Octave +1 & -1, Light OD, Envelope) to fill up the space in the duo. I'm going to bring the Anagram, but will also have my original pedalboard ready to plug in if it's not working out like I want.

After 3 weeks of intensively digging into the Anagram, I would say that it does sound good, is very tweak-able (perhaps too tweak-able), tons of options, very small footprint, but after spending the time on it, I'm not really sure it will actually be better than my original pedal board. I don't do many fly or road dates anymore, so cartage is not an issue for me at all. My current pedal board (Metro 20) sounds great (Cali76 => OC5 => VT => Noble) and is a very easy schlep.

I acknowledge that part of my outlook right now is that the Anagram is quite new to me and while I have set it up with basic functions, I'm not really super confident that I've set it up the way I would ultimately prefer. All that, and I can use my original pedalboard in my sleep, I know exactly what it does and how to use it. So there's a familiarity issue for me for sure.

Tonights gig is a great opportunity to try the Anagram. Relaxed, easy crowd, low risk, so I'll run it and see how I feel about it afterwards.
It's definitely a WIP for me

Personally, aside from using NAM captures with guitar, the main advantage for the Anagram for me vs. a traditional pedalboard is the scene mode. I guess it doesn't bother some people but I really don't want to have to stomp on multiple switches at a quick transition in a song. Aside from multiple on/off switches per scene change, you can also have different settings for each block, which is huge for getting things dialed in exactly how you want them

 

[Pep]

Okay guys, I’m new to the Anagram and “all-in-one” multi-effects boards in general.
I watched several videos about it how it operates. There was nothing really detailed so I have a few questions. The new unit I purchased only has amps, cabs, effects, etc., that appeared when the unit was originally released.
I was having some problems with my MacBook Pro so my first question is do I need a computer to connect Darkglass Suite to the Anagram and download the newer stuff and upgrades, or is it possible to do it with an iPad?

Intimidation is a word I’m becoming more familiar with.

 

[IvanBassist]

Okay guys, I’m new to the Anagram and “all-in-one” multi-effects boards in general.
I watched several videos about it how it operates. There was nothing really detailed so I have a few questions. The new unit I purchased only has amps, cabs, effects, etc., that appeared when the unit was originally released.
I was having some problems with my MacBook Pro so my first question is do I need a computer to connect Darkglass Suite to the Anagram and download the newer stuff and upgrades, or is it possible to do it with an iPad?

Intimidation is a word I’m becoming more familiar with.

You need a computer with Windows or MacOS. However, installing the Darkglass Suite is not necessary for doing updates.

You can download the update file and perform a manual update.

Both the file and the instructions are here: Darkglass Suite & Software

 

[Pep]

You need a computer with Windows or MacOS. However, installing the Darkglass Suite is not necessary for doing updates.

You can download the update file and perform a manual update.

Both the file and the instructions are here: Darkglass Suite & Software

Thanks!

 

[DenisLM]

So, I just tried this at home several times.

If you save the preset with the volume on 10, even when disconnecting the expression pedal, the preset will boot up with the volume on full.

I just tried here and work sometimes.
Work when you only have one preset with volume pedal. when all your presets have it, when you change back and forth you eventually lose the volume.

That’s really annoying. I had to add a booster to my favorite patches.

Mine too. I had to max the xlr output in the global mixer and it’s fine, but even still the lowest output of all my di’s.

I have a output block to 1/4, then a 20dB gain to the main out.
I try to keep the 1/4 out the same level as if I direct connect the bass to the amp.
The mixer stays at 0dB as this is the one I adjust depending of the venue. One of the places I had to bring it down to -15dB, other one the sound guy was happy with the gain.

There's not really a "problem" with the lower XLR levels, is mainly to be comparable to other devices like the Helix rack/HX Stomp for example. That's how I leveled my Anagram, making it easier when I switch gear for the gigs.

I just think should be a XLR +20dB switch in the configuration. Right by the ground lift. The same way the Headphone have the -10/0/+10dB

 

[Pep]

I just tried here and work sometimes.
Work when you only have one preset with volume pedal. when all your presets have it, when you change back and forth you eventually lose the volume.





I have a output block to 1/4, then a 20dB gain to the main out.
I try to keep the 1/4 out the same level as if I direct connect the bass to the amp.
The mixer stays at 0dB as this is the one I adjust depending of the venue. One of the places I had to bring it down to -15dB, other one the sound guy was happy with the gain.

There's not really a "problem" with the lower XLR levels, is mainly to be comparable to other devices like the Helix rack/HX Stomp for example. That's how I leveled my Anagram, making it easier when I switch gear for the gigs.

I just think should be a XLR +20dB switch in the configuration. Right by the ground lift. The same way the Headphone have the -10/0/+10dB

I might be returning this thing tomorrow. Too many “ifs, ands & buts” for me. I’m not as tech savvy as a lot guys here so this starts as a struggle with some intimidation, and when I look at things like gain problems and such it’s really turning me off.

 

[BrianVengeance]

Kind of want to get a morningstar mc6 pro instead of the Darkglass footswitch (can return that to GC), since I think it'd just barely fit on the board under the anagram vertical-wise, which would let me see the bindings as they change + free up horizontal space. They're out everywhere, so if anyone sees one or wants to sell theirs, please let me know

I have a MC6 Pro in front of my Anagram on a board that is 9" deep - there's maybe 1.5" between the two. Both more or less aligned to the front / back edges. The back of the Morningstar does angle a bit forward, but even with One Control flat plugs it takes up about half of the usable real estate in the gap.

Barefoot V1 minis - they also make taller versions.

I have a few full sized V1s but they were a bit wide and started to cover the LEDs

I use the clear tall ones, can recommend.

Think I've landed on the super California as my favorite amp sim, since there's no Mesa 400+ or strategy 8.88 (my favorites). Kinda surprising since I gravitated to the 750 at first.

Wonder if they'll ever add the drive channel to that sim or make another block like the 750? Moreso for the active mid, since the drive isn't great on that amp imo... but leaving the gain and blend all the way down lets you tweak your tone a bit more. Probably asking for too much there, heh

View attachment 7421353

NAM captures are always an option here. When I get some free time I'll be trying to make some captures of my Bass 800D, Super Bassman, and Bassman 300.

 

[silky smoove]

and when I look at things like gain problems and such it’s really turning me off.

Gain problems are dead simple. It’s digital. If you need more gain, add it. If you need less, lower it. It’s really that simple.

 

[Pep]

Gain problems are dead simple. It’s digital. If you need more gain, add it. If you need less, lower it. It’s really that simple.

The bass was at full volume. I nearly maxed-out the gain/volume on the amp and on the mixer settings. The headphones were maxed out to get useable sound. If it sounds like I’m doing things correctly is it normal for the settings be that high?
What else should be looking at?

 

[silky smoove]

The bass was at full volume. I nearly maxed-out the gain/volume on the amp and on the mixer settings. The headphones were maxed out to get useable sound. If it sounds like I’m doing things correctly is it normal for the settings be that high?
What else should be looking at?

Look at the signal path gain within Anagram. Look at the mixer for the output setting of the physical outputs you’re using. Those will tell you which of the options from my previous post are applicable.

I don’t know what bitrate Anagram operates at internally, be it 16, 24, or 32-float, but even if it’s the lowest at 16 that gives you roughly 96db of headroom above the noise floor and as such you can boost gain anywhere freely without noise penalty. Boost all the way to 0dbfs where it starts clipping and you’ll have more gain on tap than any mixer or amp can tolerate.

 

[BrianVengeance]

Look at the signal path gain within Anagram. Look at the mixer for the output setting of the physical outputs you’re using. Those will tell you which of the options from my previous post are applicable.

I don’t know what bitrate Anagram operates at internally, be it 16, 24, or 32-float, but even if it’s the lowest at 16 that gives you roughly 96db of headroom above the noise floor and as such you can boost gain anywhere freely without noise penalty. Boost all the way to 0dbfs where it starts clipping and you’ll have more gain on tap than any mixer or amp can tolerate.

Anagram is 32 bits... so enough headroom to boil the oceans. /pedantry

 

[silky smoove]

Anagram is 32 bits... so enough headroom to boil the oceans. /pedantry

32 bits of fixed point integers is 192db above the noise floor. 32 bits of floating point integers is… I don’t know… 30 gazillion db

Addendum: I had to look up the actual number. 32 float is theoretically 770db above the noise floor.

 

[Pep]

Anagram is 32 bits... so enough headroom to boil the oceans. /pedantry

Then I’m doing something wrong. Perhaps I should start all over tomorrow with a hotter bass.

 

[Pep]

32 bits of fixed point integers is 192db above the noise floor. 32 bits of floating point integers is… I don’t know… 30 gazillion db

Addendum: I had to look up the actual number. 32 float is theoretically 770db above the noise floor.

So basically it can get very loud. I’m definitely doing something wrong. Also, I was using Westone ear buds only, no physical amps or speaker cabs.

 

[BrianVengeance]

32 bits of fixed point integers is 192db above the noise floor. 32 bits of floating point integers is… I don’t know… 30 gazillion db

Addendum: I had to look up the actual number. 32 float is theoretically 770db above the noise floor.

Lol... I had to look more into this... according to Gemini... "770 dB is a physical impossibility within the known universe."

Level	Physical Reality
0 dB	Threshold of human hearing.
194 dB	The "Wall." Undistorted sound can't exist in Earth's air above this.
310 dB	Krakatoa. Total physical destruction of nearby structures via shockwave.
~480 dB	Supernova. The maximum "energy release" converted to a dB ratio.
1,100 dB	The Universe ends. Gravity takes over from acoustics.

 

[BrianVengeance]

Then I’m doing something wrong. Perhaps I should start all over tomorrow with a hotter bass.

If you can take a video of what's going on, I'm sure we can all put our minds together and get you sorted out!

 

[Pep]

Lol... I had to look more into this... according to Gemini... "770 dB is a physical impossibility within the known universe."

Level	Physical Reality
0 dB	Threshold of human hearing.
194 dB	The "Wall." Undistorted sound can't exist in Earth's air above this.
310 dB	Krakatoa. Total physical destruction of nearby structures via shockwave.
~480 dB	Supernova. The maximum "energy release" converted to a dB ratio.
1,100 dB	The Universe ends. Gravity takes over from acoustics.

That still should be more that enough headroom to destroy my ears.

 

[Pep]

If you can take a video of what's going on, I'm sure we can all put our minds together and get you sorted out!

I’ll start from the beginning again tomorrow and see how it goes. If I continue to have problems I’ll post them here. Thanks for everything. It’s much appreciated.

 

[BrianVengeance]

I’ll start from the beginning again tomorrow and see how it goes. If I continue to have problems I’ll post them here. Thanks for everything. It’s much appreciated.

No worries at all. There's probably something fairly straightforward happening that trying its darndest to remain elusive. Keep us posted!