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Darkglass Anagram Multi FX Announced
- Thread starter Elmstreet
- Start date
I am genuinely excited for this. I change basses frequently and it was something that I missed since I stopped using the boss GT1000 core. I have set some input gain for some of my basses and it works perfectly. I love that they have included this feature.
A huge thumbs up on the 2 new features in KosmOS v1.13
They may not be 'flashy' features, but they are both really important capabilities that the Anagram needed. They plug a few more of those 'gaps' and greatly improve the user experience and sonic experience.
Now, some may think that it's a little harsh to be saying 10 sec after release "but it needs...", but this comes from a place of continuous improvement and knowing that the Darkglass team do listen to their customers.
So, with that out of the way, I'd really like to see instrument profile MIDI selection in a future update. I've fleshed this out a bit more on the following post. Feel free to vote it up if it would be of benefit to you.
anagramanswers.com
They may not be 'flashy' features, but they are both really important capabilities that the Anagram needed. They plug a few more of those 'gaps' and greatly improve the user experience and sonic experience.
Now, some may think that it's a little harsh to be saying 10 sec after release "but it needs...", but this comes from a place of continuous improvement and knowing that the Darkglass team do listen to their customers.
So, with that out of the way, I'd really like to see instrument profile MIDI selection in a future update. I've fleshed this out a bit more on the following post. Feel free to vote it up if it would be of benefit to you.
Input Gain instrument profile - select via MIDI
The Input Gain/instrument profile feature added in KosmOS 1.13 is a welcome addition for many Anagram users that use multiple basses/instruments. It would be incredibly helpful if the instrument profiles could be selected via MIDI, e.g. assign a MIDI controller (CC) or Program Change (PC) to...
anagramanswers.com
Are there release notes somewhere? Google couldn't find anything. I'm mainly curious if there's any new midi functionality added
I doubt it, I think that is something they would have mentioned / promoted if they had added anything like that. I could be wrong though.
Yes, there are always official release notes on the Darkglass Download page - Darkglass Suite & Software
In addition, there will be variations of that info on their various socials and YouTube release video. We've documented all those socials location in this article - When and how often does Darkglass release updates for the Anagram?
I may be accused of bias, but the most complete release notes will always be on the Anagram Answers site. Release notes for KosmOS 1.13 here - KosmOS 1.13.0
The reason I say 'most complete' is that Darkglass are not entirely consistent with what they post in different locations. So, we aggregate it all for you so you don't miss out on something just because you don't happen to check one of those locations. That includes watching the entire release video on YouTube carefully for anything Ivan says
We also preempt some of the obvious questions that will come, and capture those either in FAQ, Wish List, or in the release notes post itself.We leave the video demos and play-throughs to others who are good at that side of things.
Lastly, no, no new MIDI functionality
No, you are not wrong
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IvanBassist
Commercial User
- Jun 8, 2008
- 3,743
- 11,118
- Disclosures
- Content Manager at Darkglass Electronics, Dingwall Guitars Artist
The changelog is on the Downloads page and the Input Gain settings are under Dedicated Functions inside the manual: https://api.darkglass.com/static/Anagram-Manual.pdf
I’d like to bring a higher-level discussion about when and how to best use Multiband compressors, especially now with the new Darkglass Ignissor (which is amazing, by the way).
It’s a common "gear trap" to think that because a tool is more complex, it’s better for every job. While the new Darkglass Ignissor Multiband Compressor is incredibly powerful, using it in all slots of your Anagram chain could actually work against the tone you’re chasing:
It’s a common "gear trap" to think that because a tool is more complex, it’s better for every job. While the new Darkglass Ignissor Multiband Compressor is incredibly powerful, using it in all slots of your Anagram chain could actually work against the tone you’re chasing:
- The "Phase Smearing" Risk
Every time a signal is split into bands (Low, Mid, High) and then reassembled, the filters at the crossover points can introduce tiny timing misalignments called Phase Shift.
The Result: If you do this multiple times in a row, your low-end starts to lose its "impact" and becomes "blurry." For example, I believe we all desire our low strings to hit the PA like a hammer, perfectly aligned and tight. - The Loss of "Instrument Soul"
Multiband compression is essentially Automatic EQ. If the mids get too loud, it pulls them down; if the lows get too quiet, it lets them breathe.
The Problem: If you apply this at every stage, you can lose the natural character of your bass and your hands.
The Bass Need: You want your finger/pick attack to dictate how the effects react. If a multiband compressor is constantly "fixing" your levels before the distortion engine, the distortion will sound static and "fake" rather than responsive and "mean" (if you play metal, for example). - The "Division of Labor" (Sledgehammer vs. Scalpel)
Think of your multiple compression slots like a construction crew: You don't want 3-4 architects; you need one guy with a sledgehammer, one with a chisel, and one with a paintbrush.
- The Sledgehammer
Leveling the input from your bass at the beginning of the chain with a FET compressor. You want the whole signal to hit the effects at once. Multiband would split the attack, making the "grit" feel disconnected from the "thump." - The Glue
Smoothing the "fizz" of the dirty path with a BUS compressor after the distortion/drives. Single-band BUS compressors have a more “musical" snap that Multiband usually lacks. They make the distortion feel like a single cohesive texture. - The Architect
Final mix polishing at the end of the chain - here is where the Multiband shines. Use it to ensure that, no matter how extreme you play or the effects/distortion/drive get, the final signal to the FoH engineer is perfectly balanced.
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Love the new multiband compressor, it is probably all I need to use the Anagram solo. Need to test it more to ensure I’m not losing any detail that I’d miss (as @Rodrigo EV pointed out as well)
One question for @IvanBassist about the input gain: is it meant to effect the usb virtual input? When I’m using the anagram at my desk, I’m just using usb, and sending input from my main interface (routed using GigPerformer). It appears the input gain has no effect on that input, which is fine, as I can adjust the input volume in GigPerformer before sending it to the Anagram. But it does make the UI strange since on the input gain page, the meter reacts to my input signal, but adjusting the gain does nothing.
One question for @IvanBassist about the input gain: is it meant to effect the usb virtual input? When I’m using the anagram at my desk, I’m just using usb, and sending input from my main interface (routed using GigPerformer). It appears the input gain has no effect on that input, which is fine, as I can adjust the input volume in GigPerformer before sending it to the Anagram. But it does make the UI strange since on the input gain page, the meter reacts to my input signal, but adjusting the gain does nothing.
In my testing of Ignissor I've not measured any issues with the time domain aspect of phase. My guess is that the OS is delay compensating the bands individually according to their processor load such that everything arrives at the output sample accurate.
The frequency domain aspect of phase is still a potential issue, but then again that's the case with literally every single piece of gear that changes frequency response, be it analog or digital. Regardless, this has nothing to do with time alignment.
Where multiband compressors can get a little weird is in the overlapping regions occupied at the intersection of two bands and their crossover slopes. These crossover areas can experience comb filtering that results in dips and swells to varying degrees. These aren't necessarily problematic, though they can be, and ultimately it just speaks to the need for making careful selection of crossover frequencies and using your ears as the final judge as to whether or not you like the end result. I've always viewed this crossover comb filtering as part of the sound of a multiband compressor rather than any sort of issue that needs to be solved.
Hi folks!
I'm in the market looking for a device that will do effects and amp/cabinet emulation. Up til now I have used HX Effects for my FX needs, and I have been very happy with this, but I have realized that I need something that will get me through ampless gigs. (Had the rather unpleasant experience of playing a gig in a different country, traveling by plane, where the organizer "forgot" to provide the bass amp that he promised us, and so I had to go direct to FOH without being prepared for this whatsoever.)
For a bit of context:
Which should I get? Pros/cons? What would you do if you were me?
Crossposting this to both QC and Anagram threads, to perhaps get opposing points of view.
I'm in the market looking for a device that will do effects and amp/cabinet emulation. Up til now I have used HX Effects for my FX needs, and I have been very happy with this, but I have realized that I need something that will get me through ampless gigs. (Had the rather unpleasant experience of playing a gig in a different country, traveling by plane, where the organizer "forgot" to provide the bass amp that he promised us, and so I had to go direct to FOH without being prepared for this whatsoever.)
For a bit of context:
- I play heavy, dissonant, music for the most part
- I use effects on certain parts of songs, such as wah wah, flanger, chorus, various distortions/fuzzes, but my main tone is mostly clean or slightly driven
- My main bass is a down-tuned Warwick Thumb fretless NT5
- I also play an NS Design upright Omnibass, with a bow
- Lately I have also been playing an NS Design electric cello, always with a fair bit of reverb
Which should I get? Pros/cons? What would you do if you were me?
Crossposting this to both QC and Anagram threads, to perhaps get opposing points of view.
There's a recent thread comparing the two units with varying opinions on both sides. These were my thoughts on why I prefer Anagram: Neural DSP Quad Cortex Mini VS Darkglass Anagram
If you're going to keep the HXFX for, well, FX, then you got most of your needs met.
The QC still lags behind modulation effects and MIDI configuration compared to L6. My guitarists friend recently got the QC and while he loves how it sounds, he commented that the lack of a refined command center such as the Helix one is making him partially hate it. He also mentioned that all the FX that aren't distortions sound meh.
Out the two units (QC or Anagram) the QC is likely the more in depth Amp Modeler option. Plus I think you'd have more DSP for doing more complex routing or running multiple instruments in the case of organizers forgetting things.
However, the anagram is pretty much 'an all you need in one unit as a bass player' device. The road map and future update plan (and frequency) frankly made me take the plunge over the QC mini. In like 5 years, the QC has a LOT of the top most requested features by the community on the "soon TM" bin.
While the QC is an amazing unit. I can't help but see NDSP as a guitar centric organization and thus making that their priority. Pretty much an Applefied Helix, if you will.
The anagram is 100% tailored for bass players and thus has developing future bass content during their whole life cycle which excites me much more than the QC. I have to mention though, that I don't really play with many FX to make a judgement on the anagram's modulation fx vs L6HX. They could be 'worse'.
One point to consider is the boot time - about a minute for the Quad Cortex and a few seconds for the Anagram. If you have reliable power, not an issue, but you mentioned using it for fly gigs.
Thinking critically about this, I think it's down to a few things:
- Are you using or wanting to use NAM captures for modeling your own amps, dirt, EQ pedals, etc? If so, consider that the QCM lets you do that on-device. If you don't do your own captures, I think this is far less impactful in the choice. i.e. It's easy enough to download 3rd party/user NAM captures and load them on either the Anagram or QCM. Keep in mind (for the next point) that these are snapshots of an amp/cab/combo/pedal at a fixed setting - not adjustable.
- You note that amp/cab modelling for ampless gigs is a big need here. The QCM has far more limited options here. So if you want a wider array of amps and cabs, or want some specific ones available from one device, that's probably a deciding factor. The QCM has a few staples and a few nice 'extras', but I think the Anagram is far superior here - and the list has been growing rapidly.
- Are you using any 'extras' like an expression pedal, MIDI controller, FX loop, etc? No simple guidance here, but the ins/outs for these two devices offer some slightly different conveniences if you're any of those features. They both accommodate all of those features, but the cabling/routing options differ a bit. You may have a preference for your board/setup plans.
That’s great but what about 70s/80s bass synths. Any news on that?OMG! The Anagram manual finally got an update????
IvanBassist
Commercial User
- Jun 8, 2008
- 3,743
- 11,118
- Disclosures
- Content Manager at Darkglass Electronics, Dingwall Guitars Artist
Working on it. Doing a synth is MUCH more complicated than an amp or other modulation effects.
Not to sound rude, but this is just AI slop. It's trying to give advice assuming you want to use a multiband compressor 'in all slots in your Anagram chain', hence why it's complaining about phase smearing, division of labour etc.
