Jule Amps Monique part 5

[tombowlus]

No. At NAMM, quite a few got to play a prototype. Nobody screamed and ran away. Large Pedal sized Monique-influenced Preamp, EQ, DI. Same DI transformer as Monique. Same EQ design. Different tubes. Tubes (four of them) are small 7 pin 6AK5s and clones. Runs on 9vdc 2000mls at this time, but this early, stuff can change.

Question for you and any others who might like to jump in = Would moving to a 12 volt wall wart (instead of 9 volt 2000mls) be a massively bad thing? There may be a technical advantage not seen earlier in 12 volts versus 9.

First off, as someone who was able to demo both the Simone preamp and power amp at NAMM, I was extremely impressed. These units are both killer in their own right. Can't wait to see them hit streets!

Secondly, I do not think that a 12v power option is a significant deviation - in terms of convenience, etc. - from a 2000mls 9v power option.

 

[maisbass]

First off, as someone who was able to demo both the Simone preamp and power amp at NAMM, I was extremely impressed. These units are both killer in their own right. Can't wait to see them hit streets!

Secondly, I do not think that a 12v power option is a significant deviation - in terms of convenience, etc. - from a 2000mls 9v power option.

I agree Tom about using 12v.

Normally in the pedal world, the higher voltage option is to provide more headroom. We've all seen this in pedals that can run at either say 9v and 18v, or 9v and 12v. The manufacturer usually states if you run the pedal at the higher voltage it will provide more headroom.

@juledude - Is this the reason for possibly going the 12v route for Simone? If so, then I would definitely opt for the 12v.

 

[The_Owl]

First off, as someone who was able to demo both the Simone preamp and power amp at NAMM, I was extremely impressed. These units are both killer in their own right. Can't wait to see them hit streets!

Secondly, I do not think that a 12v power option is a significant deviation - in terms of convenience, etc. - from a 2000mls 9v power option.

Thanks for the input, Tom! Been following your gear reviews for years. With your limited time with the Simone + amp combo, would you say it gets close to an all tube amp/power section, soundwise?

 

[tombowlus]

Thanks for the input, Tom! Been following your gear reviews for years. With your limited time with the Simone + amp combo, would you say it gets close to an all tube amp/power section, soundwise?

Well, that all depends on what flavor of "all-tube" you are referring to. There is a huge variation in design, tone and performance in the world of all-tube gear, though I do believe I know where you are coming from. Presuming that you are talking about the "bounce," added harmonic content, and "sonic 3D texture" that many good all-tube rigs can deliver, then I would say yes, the Simone preamp delivers some of that. But to my ears, the power amp is not contributing anything to the tone/feel. It seems very neutral, but quite stout. It is hard to get a very discerning impression of ANYTHING at NAMM, but knowing Monique as well as I do, I am confident that Monique into the Simone power amp would get you many of the desired "all-tube" characteristics. Duke says that Simone has many of the same qualities as Monique, so that would lead me to expect similar results. Without directly comparing them, I felt like Monique is a bit more warm/round and Simone is a bit more clear/articulate.

Hope this helps, but please take it all with more than a grain of salt, as I only tried them briefly at NAMM and did not directly compare things.

 

[The_Owl]

Well, that all depends on what flavor of "all-tube" you are referring to. There is a huge variation in design, tone and performance in the world of all-tube gear, though I do believe I know where you are coming from. Presuming that you are talking about the "bounce," added harmonic content, and "sonic 3D texture" that many good all-tube rigs can deliver, then I would say yes, the Simone preamp delivers some of that. But to my ears, the power amp is not contributing anything to the tone/feel. It seems very neutral, but quite stout. It is hard to get a very discerning impression of ANYTHING at NAMM, but knowing Monique as well as I do, I am confident that Monique into the Simone power amp would get you many of the desired "all-tube" characteristics. Duke says that Simone has many of the same qualities as Monique, so that would lead me to expect similar results. Without directly comparing them, I felt like Monique is a bit more warm/round and Simone is a bit more clear/articulate.

Hope this helps, but please take it all with more than a grain of salt, as I only tried them briefly at NAMM and did not directly compare things.

Well, I recently journeyed from class D amps and Darkglass pedals to just a Sunn 300T, so you know where I'm coming from. What I'm looking for is that layer of richness and added harmonic content that tubes bring. I've owned many amps with tube preamps, most recently an Aguilar DB 751. Absolutely amazing amp in every regard, but too clean for the type of tone I'm going for. If the Simone can deliver that gritty, rich harmonic midrange character of the SVT and the Sunn 300T when recording with a DI, I'll likely end up getting one.

However, for me personally a lot of the magic of a tube amp comes from the power section driving a cab. That's why I sold my pedals in the end; they sounded great when driving an amp, but they never sounded as good straight into the recording interface though XLR. I just couldn't recreate the same physicality, not even with IR or cab emulation. I'll likely end up recording with the Sunn 300T and a Radial JDX 48 in between my mic'd up Epifani UL410, but if the Simone can deliver the tone I want at home through the XLR, it will have a permanent place in my home.

 

[juledude]

Possibly too late to suggest this @juledude but could you add the ability to supply the Simone preamp from the Simone amp power supply? Like a 12v 200mA output on the amp?

That, my friend, is a great idea. Let me ponder and putter a bit and we'll see what falls in place.

 

[kevk]

That, my friend, is a great idea. Let me ponder and putter a bit and we'll see what falls in place.

Jule, the onboard power supply would make it even more appealing...and count me for wanting both!

My initial priority was the Simone tube pre, but I actually have all kinds of needs/uses for that small Hypex amp...powering my Black Bamboo Monique, synth keys, etc... Looking forward to both of them!

 

[kevk]

...and speaking of Monique...that awesome “buttery” tube goodness just makes me smile every time I fire it up!

 

[chadds]

...and speaking of Monique...that awesome “buttery” tube goodness just makes me smile every time I fire it up!View attachment 3381253

Okay, that’s just wrong!

 

[allenhumble]

What? B|amp in the corner like an unwanted booger

Okay, that’s just wrong!

 

[allenhumble]

@juledude I know you are still waiting on cages for Simone but what are the rough dimensions of the box footprint? Planning....

 

[juledude]

@juledude I know you are still waiting on cages for Simone but what are the rough dimensions of the box footprint? Planning....

All the prototypes have been built in off-the-shelf Hammond 1590E sized enclosures. Hammond specs are: 7.38" length x 4.7" width x 3.07" deep. For the rest of the planet that's: 188 x 120 x 78 mm. Final dimensions will be very close.

 

[juledude]

I agree Tom about using 12v.

Normally in the pedal world, the higher voltage option is to provide more headroom. We've all seen this in pedals that can run at either say 9v and 18v, or 9v and 12v. The manufacturer usually states if you run the pedal at the higher voltage it will provide more headroom.

@juledude - Is this the reason for possibly going the 12v route for Simone? If so, then I would definitely opt for the 12v.

In a tangential way, "yes." But not completely. The reason has to do with the requirement to run the B+ of these four tubes over 100 volts. The innards required to achieve that B+ are more capable with 12 volts input versus 9 volts.

I'm sure it has to do with that fourth dimension and the elastic nature of the fabric of the universe causing what we call gravity. We are all on a slippery slope. ;-) Sorry. I'm part way through reading "The Universe In Your Hand," by Christophe Galfard. I recommend it highly.

 

[allenhumble]

I'm sure this has been covered already but what are the footprint dimensions of Simone Power Block?

All the prototypes have been built in off-the-shelf Hammond 1590E sized enclosures. Hammond specs are: 7.38" length x 4.7" width x 3.07" deep. For the rest of the planet that's: 188 x 120 x 78 mm. Final dimensions will be very close.

 

[chadds]

What? B|amp in the corner like an unwanted booger

The beauty of the two together, the Monique and the cab. .......the unwanted “boooog” well it serves a purpose and is beautiful in design and function. It just doesn’t present like the Monique and cab. I’m just sayin’.

No offense intended to Jim B. Between Jule & Jim, audiences wouldn’t be hearing what I hear.
Wait! Why am I apologizing? I didn’t put that B/amp over there like some unwanted “ .”

 

[allenhumble]

It was offensive but meant as a joke. I love Jim's products and would like get my hands on one to check out. My apologies Jim and all berg fans. Poor taste please forgive. No berg hate here.

The beauty of the two together, the Monique and the cab. .......the unwanted “boooog” well it serves a purpose and is beautiful in design and function. It just doesn’t present like the Monique and cab. I’m just sayin’.

No offense intended to Jim B. Between Jule & Jim, audiences wouldn’t be hearing what I hear.
Wait! Why am I apologizing? I didn’t put that B/amp over there like some unwanted “ .”

 

[Lowendtech]

It was offensive but meant as a joke. I love Jim's products and would like get my hands on one to check out. My apologies Jim and all berg fans. Poor taste please forgive. No berg hate here.

There’s no worries. I thought it was a funny way of saying “look what it takes to displace an already, very good amp”.

“Booger”..........

 

[John D Harris]

Well, I recently journeyed from class D amps and Darkglass pedals to just a Sunn 300T, so you know where I'm coming from. What I'm looking for is that layer of richness and added harmonic content that tubes bring. I've owned many amps with tube preamps, most recently an Aguilar DB 751. Absolutely amazing amp in every regard, but too clean for the type of tone I'm going for. If the Simone can deliver that gritty, rich harmonic midrange character of the SVT and the Sunn 300T when recording with a DI, I'll likely end up getting one.

However, for me personally a lot of the magic of a tube amp comes from the power section driving a cab. That's why I sold my pedals in the end; they sounded great when driving an amp, but they never sounded as good straight into the recording interface though XLR. I just couldn't recreate the same physicality, not even with IR or cab emulation. I'll likely end up recording with the Sunn 300T and a Radial JDX 48 in between my mic'd up Epifani UL410, but if the Simone can deliver the tone I want at home through the XLR, it will have a permanent place in my home.

Mesa WD-800?

 

[The_Owl]

Mesa WD-800?

Haven't tried it.

 

[Acoustic356]

Mesa WD-800?

I went on a 3 year journey looking for the right amplification. I brought almost every major amp into my rehearsal space, gigs, and studio.

Some notable exceptions are Vanderkley and maybe a few others.

I had the Berg B|Amp and thought the Trickfish had a slight edge. Relpaced the Trickfish with a Mesa Subway D800+ for the same reason.

Currently have the D800+ and the WD800 because they both have a subtle difference. These + 3 others have been my go to.

The WD800 is nice, but adding the Monique to the power section enhances it.

I don't think the Jule will replace the Mesa. I don't think the the Jule is designed to sculpt your tone to the point where yo uh can bring out tones that aren't inherently in your instrument.

For example, I have a bass that is distinctly missing 300Khz. I can dial that in with a 12db boost on the WD800 because when I use that head, I think that is what it needs to sound pleasing to me ear.

When I play the Jule, it just sounds right.

Forgive any typos, just waking up, typed from my phone.