Jad Freer Sisma Mega Thread.

[Jeff Scott]

I'd love to try the Sisma that's going around the US at the moment but it would just be to get to know what it's like as I think it would be ideal for my needs. However, I haven't been playing in a band in almost 10 years with nothing on the horizon, so it's not like I would be buying one, unfortunately.

I was in the same situation when Andy created the Subway series, just after I was done gigging; as much as I'd love to try that gear, too, I am not in buying mode.

 

[Andrea Lo]

I'd love to try the Sisma that's going around the US at the moment but it would just be to get to know what it's like as I think it would be ideal for my needs. However, I haven't been playing in a band in almost 10 years with nothing on the horizon, so it's not like I would be buying one, unfortunately.

I was in the same situation when Andy created the Subway series, just after I was done gigging; as much as I'd love to try that gear, too, I am not in buying mode.

No problem, I'm perfectly ok to send it just for the sake of trying it. JF is (and will stay) a small brand not willing to compete with industrial products. I'm happy that players around the globe are interested in hearing it. Just DM if you wish getting in the list.

 

[Jeff Scott]

No problem, I'm perfectly ok to send it just for the sake of trying it. JF is (and will stay) a small brand not willing to compete with industrial products. I'm happy that players around the globe are interested in hearing it. Just DM if you wish getting in the list.

Thanks Andrea, that is very generous of you to do that.

DM will be coming your way.

 

[gtirard]

Andrea will probably not like this comment, but I think European bassists who want to buy a great hybrid amp should consider Sisma, and Americans should try the Mesa WD800 and TT800 first, because IMO it's better to buy as local as possible for environmental reasons and ease of support.

Except if:

• You already have a Mesa amp and like to have more choices like Danny C
• You already tried Mesa amp but it didn't quite make it for you
• You want to support innovation from a small company
• You love what Capo brings to your sound and you want to see the same magic in your main amp

 

[Andrea Lo]

Andrea will probably not like this comment, but I think European bassists who want to buy a great hybrid amp should consider Sisma, and Americans should try the Mesa WD800 and TT800 first, because IMO it's better to buy as local as possible for environmental reasons and ease of support.

Except if:

• You already have a Mesa amp and like to have more choices like Danny C
• You already tried Mesa amp but it didn't quite make it for you
• You want to support innovation from a small company
• You love what Capo brings to your sound and you want to see the same magic in your main amp

[/QUOTE

I'm perfectly fine but I would not put those two heads in the same ballpark beside both being black and compact.

 

[Coot]

Listen, you're overthinking this, really. If you read carefully, it's written "Tube preamp based on the iconic B15 sound", so that could mean… anything. Same for class G power section, you can't draw conclusions by analogy with other class-G amps. Don't try to imagine how a preamp based on the B15 + a class G power section sound like, it's lost in advance.

It's a new product, from a relatively new brand. Relax.

All you have is a Youtube demo and our first reviews (from myself and the other early buyers who cared sharing their experience). You really have to learn patience young man, what's the point being aggressive with the most respected member of this community?

Yes .gtirard is correct in this. I have learned more from agedhorse in the time I've been in this community than almost 55 years of picking things up on my own. So much so that I've spent my hard earned money on gear he designed. Gear that is among the best I've ever owned. He's a straight shooter and his information is always spot on. Take a breath and enjoy the free tutorials mon ami .

 

[Coot]

Je ne suis pas spécialement agressif j'essaie plutôt de comprendre. Dans ma dernière question je voulais savoir ce qui faisait qu'un préampli de B15 était spécial et comment était un ampli de Classe G de façon générale par rapport aux autres technologie d'ampli.

Ayant parlé à d'autres fabricants d'amplis ici, je ne pense pas que cette personne soit la plus respecté du forum, car à part des calculs et de la théorie il ne m'a pas spécialement éclairé sur ce que je savais déjà.

Maintenant en ayant entendu un 300W à lampes en comparaison d'un 300W class D avec la même basse dans le même baffle, même si il y a des différences de "couleurs" et de dynamique, etc... je ne vois pas comment l'un pourrait envoyer du lourd et l'autre à peine faire vibrer une canette de soda alors que "1W c'est 1W un point c'est tout".

Surtout que les personnes qui m'ont fait la démo des deux amplis fabriquent aussi des amplis, savent de quoi elles parlent et m'ont bien expliquées qu'il y avait une grosse/énorme différence entre un Class D et un ampli tout lampes, même s'ils sont de même puissance, par rapport au fait que l'un puisse déplacer bien plus d'air que l'autre.

ancay ouyay aysay at thay ah engay?

 

[Dave Hill]

I'm just being quiet and learning. All I have to say is I own and use Mesa 800+, Mesa WD800, Sisma and Capo.
All my cabs, 210 112 and 115 are Mesa. I work a lot both live and studio. This ain't no home cowboy. I love all of this gear. Both companies hit the mark with me on every aspect. I will not be getting rid of any of these. All 3 heads are different and fabulous. I'm not well voiced enough to give any explanation as to why but I'm extremely happy with zero regrets.
Now back to our regular scheduled program.

But for whom, those looking for facts or myths?

Well for everyone, who should, by now, understand the difference between the two.

 

[Danny C]

Well for everyone, who should, by now, understand the difference between the two.

Haaa...yeah, I'm not too much help for sure.

 

[DELACIUS]

It’s a shame that this thread has derailed in such a way, and continues to do so, despite the pleading of others. Out of respect for the OP, and for Jad Freer, please….if you’re not sharing experience or interest with the Sisma….take it elsewhere. There are plenty of threads where such debates would be on-topic.

I HAVE tried the Sisma back to back with a D800 and GK MBF 800. It does have a different, authoritative voice, and I agree with @DELACIUS; it’s pretty surprising. If I were in the market for a new head, it would DEFINITELY be the one.

I also own and LOVE a Capo, and I’m really glad there are small companies like Jad Freer who are doing different, if not innovative designs

Thank you for understanding, I also have Capo and I think it's the best preamp out there with out tube, but sounds like a tube... And here we go again, someone will say, can't sound like a tube if it doesn't have a tube...
Man I just love it.

 

[tombowlus]

I just received some lovely Jad Freer gear in for review, and I am really looking forward to seeing what it all can do! So far, I've had one practice with the Sisma going through a pair of Glockenklang cabs which I know very well, and I was very pleased. It does have a character of its own - definitely full and authoritative - but my bandmates pointed out how clear and balanced it sounded. I also really liked the ability to push the front end a bit and get some additional harmonic content. It has a total of three fans, but even so, the fan noise is not very noticeable. It also seems dead quiet in terms of any added noise/hiss. I also noted that the mute function completely shuts off the signal (I have experienced some other products where the mute definitely quiets things down a lot, but does not entirely eliminate all signal). The size and weight are quite manageable, and so far, the controls all behave in predictable and very usable fashion. I am really looking forward to doing more comparisons, and eventually, we do plan to do full bench testing in BGM.

In addition, they also sent me two of their Venere cabs (16-ohm 1x10 and an 8-ohm 2x10), and while I have had less time with them (and not in a band setting), they also certainly seem like quality products with something unique to offer. Can't wait to try them in a band setting!

Pics or it didn't happen, right?

I also have a Capo preamp in for review, but I have not had a chance to dive into it yet.

 

[Danny C]

Very much looking forward to your review.

 

[gtirard]

I just received some lovely Jad Freer gear in for review, and I am really looking forward to seeing what it all can do! So far, I've had one practice with the Sisma going through a pair of Glockenklang cabs which I know very well, and I was very pleased. It does have a character of its own - definitely full and authoritative - but my bandmates pointed out how clear and balanced it sounded. I also really liked the ability to push the front end a bit and get some additional harmonic content. It has a total of three fans, but even so, the fan noise is not very noticeable. It also seems dead quiet in terms of any added noise/hiss. I also noted that the mute function completely shuts off the signal (I have experienced some other products where the mute definitely quiets things down a lot, but does not entirely eliminate all signal). The size and weight are quite manageable, and so far, the controls all behave in predictable and very usable fashion. I am really looking forward to doing more comparisons, and eventually, we do plan to do full bench testing in BGM.

In addition, they also sent me two of their Venere cabs (16-ohm 1x10 and an 8-ohm 2x10), and while I have had less time with them (and not in a band setting), they also certainly seem like quality products with something unique to offer. Can't wait to try them in a band setting!

Pics or it didn't happen, right?

I also have a Capo preamp in for review, but I have not had a chance to dive into it yet.

Great! Is it going to be a "full review"?

 

[DJ Bebop]

I just received some lovely Jad Freer gear in for review, and I am really looking forward to seeing what it all can do! So far, I've had one practice with the Sisma going through a pair of Glockenklang cabs which I know very well, and I was very pleased. It does have a character of its own - definitely full and authoritative - but my bandmates pointed out how clear and balanced it sounded. I also really liked the ability to push the front end a bit and get some additional harmonic content. It has a total of three fans, but even so, the fan noise is not very noticeable. It also seems dead quiet in terms of any added noise/hiss. I also noted that the mute function completely shuts off the signal (I have experienced some other products where the mute definitely quiets things down a lot, but does not entirely eliminate all signal). The size and weight are quite manageable, and so far, the controls all behave in predictable and very usable fashion. I am really looking forward to doing more comparisons, and eventually, we do plan to do full bench testing in BGM.

In addition, they also sent me two of their Venere cabs (16-ohm 1x10 and an 8-ohm 2x10), and while I have had less time with them (and not in a band setting), they also certainly seem like quality products with something unique to offer. Can't wait to try them in a band setting!

Pics or it didn't happen, right?

I also have a Capo preamp in for review, but I have not had a chance to dive into it yet.

Hoping to hear your as always, thorough review of this. Might be something to go "on the list" about.

Looks like some sort of coaxial speakers involved in their cabinets?

 

[tombowlus]

Great! Is it going to be a "full review"?

That is the goal! We have been revamping our technical reviews (both Amp Lab and Cab Lab varieties) a bit, and most of them will now include a video component. I am very excited about the updated review format! It will still involve bench testing with our AP system.

 

[tombowlus]

Hoping to hear your as always, thorough review of this. Might be something to go "on the list" about.

Looks like some sort of coaxial speakers involved in their cabinets?

Good eye! The Venere line includes coaxially mounted silk dome tweeters. Those 10's go fairly high, though, so the tweeter's impact seems fairly subtle, so far.

 

[Andrea Lo]

Good eye! The Venere line includes coaxially mounted silk dome tweeters. Those 10's go fairly high, though, so the tweeter's impact seems fairly subtle, so far.

Yes, that driver drops after 6.5K so we could use that tweeter. If you play a musical track in the Sisma's aux-in you can better experience where it's working.

 

[MarkA]

...they also sent me two of their Venere cabs (16-ohm 1x10 and an 8-ohm 2x10)...

I've always liked the idea (even though I don't have such a rig at the moment) of a (properly impedance matched) big cab/small cab (or, in this case, smallish cab/smaller cab) modular rig - you get the 1x, 2x, and 3x options all covered with two cabs and you don't have to grab two cabs for the 2x option.

Usually, this takes the form of a 4 ohm bigger cab and an 8 ohm smaller cab, but, given the size of the cabs and the power levels of the SISMA (per the website: 350W @ 8Ohm / 700W @ 4Ohm / 950w @2ohm), that 16 Ohm 1x10 makes sense.

It would also let you use the stack (and maintain proper power distribution between the drivers) with a 4 Ohm minimum amp. (The more common 8 ohm 210/4 Ohm 410 configuration would still be available with the SISMA and other 2 and 2.7 ohm capable amps - I like that the SISMA has a little more juice at 2 ohms than at 4, too - I like the idea of it, anyway!)

You don't see a lot of 16 Ohm bass cabs, but it makes sense to me in this case.

 

[gtirard]

I've always liked the idea (even though I don't have such a rig at the moment) of a (properly impedance matched) big cab/small cab (or, in this case, smallish cab/smaller cab) modular rig - you get the 1x, 2x, and 3x options all covered with two cabs and you don't have to grab two cabs for the 2x option.

Usually, this takes the form of a 4 ohm bigger cab and an 8 ohm smaller cab, but, given the size of the cabs and the power levels of the SISMA (per the website: 350W @ 8Ohm / 700W @ 4Ohm / 950w @2ohm), that 16 Ohm 1x10 makes sense.

It would also let you use the stack (and maintain proper power distribution between the drivers) with a 4 Ohm minimum amp. (The more common 8 ohm 210/4 Ohm 410 configuration would still be available with the SISMA and other 2 and 2.7 ohm capable amps - I like that the SISMA has a little more juice at 2 ohms than at 4, too - I like the idea of it, anyway!)

You don't see a lot of 16 Ohm bass cabs, but it makes sense to me in this case.

Exactly what I thought when I saw the JF Venere cabs. I think it's the only brand I know who offers a complete modular cabs solution from 1x10 @16 ohm to 8x10 @2 ohm, and everything in between, with a consistent impedence for each driver.

 

[tombowlus]

I've always liked the idea (even though I don't have such a rig at the moment) of a (properly impedance matched) big cab/small cab (or, in this case, smallish cab/smaller cab) modular rig - you get the 1x, 2x, and 3x options all covered with two cabs and you don't have to grab two cabs for the 2x option.

Usually, this takes the form of a 4 ohm bigger cab and an 8 ohm smaller cab, but, given the size of the cabs and the power levels of the SISMA (per the website: 350W @ 8Ohm / 700W @ 4Ohm / 950w @2ohm), that 16 Ohm 1x10 makes sense.

It would also let you use the stack (and maintain proper power distribution between the drivers) with a 4 Ohm minimum amp. (The more common 8 ohm 210/4 Ohm 410 configuration would still be available with the SISMA and other 2 and 2.7 ohm capable amps - I like that the SISMA has a little more juice at 2 ohms than at 4, too - I like the idea of it, anyway!)

You don't see a lot of 16 Ohm bass cabs, but it makes sense to me in this case.

+1 I like this approach, as well. I was initially a little worried about not getting enough volume out of a 16-ohm 1x10, but at least as a "3x10" (which is the only way I've tried them, thus far), I am getting as much volume as I would expect/want from three 10" drivers. These cabs look even better in person, too. Really, really nice looking gear! They are quite lightweight, too, considering that they use ceramic drivers.