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NPD DSM Noisemaker OmniCabSim
- Thread starter Darkglass
- Start date
@Dsmnoisemaker ,when ready to release a cabsim-only version of the Omnicab, is it likely you will use the same size pedal chassis as previous or will you go smaller and still have room for all 6 knobs?
Also, don't forget to add a clip LED
Thanks!
Also, don't forget to add a clip LED
Thanks!
Dsmnoisemaker
Commercial User
- Jan 2, 2016
- 506
- 1,496
- 49
- Disclosures
- Owner of DSMNOISEMAKER pedals
actually, i´m still not sure about making the lite version. I haven't even sell enough to develop a new product, and even if i did, the lite version could cannibalize the deluxe version..
in fact, i regret calling the new omni "deluxe", since the old version will not be produced anymore (the deluxe is a much better version, why go back?)
I´m currently struggling with sales now..after the successful pre-order exercise, i got stuck with the rest of the stock, even when the early adopters are really happy with their units.
what do you guys think is holding buyers off? too pricey? shipping costs? waiting for the lite version? waiting for more information?
My hunch is that it's a niche product. Maybe that's not the best word, but I suspect it's hard for the majority of bassists to understand how useful it is. I could imagine a (much) younger version of myself thinking "When I play live I always use my speaker cabinet, and the sound guy wants me to use his DI, and recording studios already provide headphones, and no studio I've ever been in has ever asked whether I had a cabinet simulator .... so, I don't know why I would need this pedal".
I love my OCSv1. As I've already mentioned here, I bought it to make some modern bass cabinets I own sound more vintage (which it does beautifully) but I discovered that an equally important benefit is tightening low frequency response in bad acoustic environments. A lot of Talkbassers seem to be familiar with concepts such as high-pass filtering, but Talkbass doesn't represent the average bassist. I love my Sadowsky basses and Bergantino speaker cabs, and these brands are very well known here at TB, but out at my gigs I have met many bassists who have never heard of either.
Maybe I'm missing something, but in a quick google search and at DSM I can't find a video demo of the Deluxe pedal.
I personally put a lot of stock in quality online demos rather than relying on written marketing.
(FYI I already have a OCS V1 and am very happy with it. As it is, I have no immediate need for the XLR in the V1 as I already have 5 other DI's available. And no need for the headphone out. However the Deluxe does look like a great design.)
I personally put a lot of stock in quality online demos rather than relying on written marketing.
(FYI I already have a OCS V1 and am very happy with it. As it is, I have no immediate need for the XLR in the V1 as I already have 5 other DI's available. And no need for the headphone out. However the Deluxe does look like a great design.)
I think the pricing is just right. What is holding buyers might be the lack of videos demonstrating the pedal functionalities in depth, and the variety of sounds that it can produce. But you are already going to send a few units to reviewers, aren't you ?
It's definitely not a pedal for your average "fender into a mic'ed ampeg" bass player ; it caters for a very specific need, and it is essential to find and target that audience. Try advertising on the "Live Sound" forum maybe ?
I'm still going to have to play with the unit some more, but FWIW so far I'm VERY happy I grabbed one ! It already has its spot on my pedalboard.
Difficult to say why Daniel. There might be million of things why a person doesn't buy a certain pedal, as well as it might be one minor ridiculous thing that makes you buy another. I don't think it's necessarily rational behaviour all the time.
Perhaps it is difficult to grasp how extremely useful the pedal is. It can be used in so many ways...
- I have for instance never been able to get as good a bass sound when recording and running direct as I do now. It really makes me question if I need to record a mic'ed cab at all for my projects (I've used mic'ed cab + DI before).
- It can be used as a practice tool. It is small and convenient to bring along when travelling if you want the possibilities to practice while on the road.
- It can be used for monitoring purposes, if you want a more natural sounding bass in your in-ears when playing live. It's not only that you can monitor your bass, it is like monitor a mic'ed amp version of your bass. Instead of running a sterile direct, which I was always doing before.
- It can be used as a DI when playing live. Again, same argument. You can make sure the DI signal does sound more natural. It will make a huge difference when using effects, especially fuzz/distortion.
- And you can always use it in parallell with an amp using the Through output if you want the unafffected signal.
- It (most likely, haven't tried) is a great tool to tailor and tame the bass frequencies to the room you are playing in. I can't think of an amp that has the extremely powerful and logically setup control over bass frequencies that the OCS has with the Cab Size and Resonance.
- It's actually also a great learning tool to understand how tweaking bass frequencies, cutting highs, and cutting mids do affect the mix of the band.
- Use the OCS together with multiple preamps, overdrives, and/or distortions to vary your sound (but with a solid 'speaker' sound foundation). It's like playing a gig and be able to change preamp on the fly, but still use the same cab. You don't have to rely on an always on preamp sound. It could add more versatility and more flexibility to your live sound (without leaving the analog domain).
Compared to products like Ampeg SCR-DI and SansAmp BDDI etc. I definitely think there is a market. For me, the OmniCabSim Deluxe will remove the Ampeg SCR-DI from my board. I bought the SCR-DI initially for headphone practicing, but it's heavy and big, I don't care for the Scrambler side, and the EQ section of the OCS is much more powerful and doesn't enforce mid-scoop
You've got a serious contender for sure Daniel!
And to me, it is also a strong benefit that the preamp/overdrive section isn't included in the pedal. I've got plenty of other pedals handling that duty.
What @ddnidd1 and @XLunacy wrote about online demos is very true! I think that's an excellent way to reach users allover the world. And of course, if you can get local dealers on-board it will probably help with people reluctant to order from a distance. Get a famous bass player to use and talk about it?! I don't know, this really isn't my field of expertise.
But please don't give up Daniel! I think this product is worth fighting for!
Best of luck!
/Kalle
Perhaps it is difficult to grasp how extremely useful the pedal is. It can be used in so many ways...
- I have for instance never been able to get as good a bass sound when recording and running direct as I do now. It really makes me question if I need to record a mic'ed cab at all for my projects (I've used mic'ed cab + DI before).
- It can be used as a practice tool. It is small and convenient to bring along when travelling if you want the possibilities to practice while on the road.
- It can be used for monitoring purposes, if you want a more natural sounding bass in your in-ears when playing live. It's not only that you can monitor your bass, it is like monitor a mic'ed amp version of your bass. Instead of running a sterile direct, which I was always doing before.
- It can be used as a DI when playing live. Again, same argument. You can make sure the DI signal does sound more natural. It will make a huge difference when using effects, especially fuzz/distortion.
- And you can always use it in parallell with an amp using the Through output if you want the unafffected signal.
- It (most likely, haven't tried) is a great tool to tailor and tame the bass frequencies to the room you are playing in. I can't think of an amp that has the extremely powerful and logically setup control over bass frequencies that the OCS has with the Cab Size and Resonance.
- It's actually also a great learning tool to understand how tweaking bass frequencies, cutting highs, and cutting mids do affect the mix of the band.
- Use the OCS together with multiple preamps, overdrives, and/or distortions to vary your sound (but with a solid 'speaker' sound foundation). It's like playing a gig and be able to change preamp on the fly, but still use the same cab. You don't have to rely on an always on preamp sound. It could add more versatility and more flexibility to your live sound (without leaving the analog domain).
Compared to products like Ampeg SCR-DI and SansAmp BDDI etc. I definitely think there is a market. For me, the OmniCabSim Deluxe will remove the Ampeg SCR-DI from my board. I bought the SCR-DI initially for headphone practicing, but it's heavy and big, I don't care for the Scrambler side, and the EQ section of the OCS is much more powerful and doesn't enforce mid-scoop
You've got a serious contender for sure Daniel!And to me, it is also a strong benefit that the preamp/overdrive section isn't included in the pedal. I've got plenty of other pedals handling that duty.
What @ddnidd1 and @XLunacy wrote about online demos is very true! I think that's an excellent way to reach users allover the world. And of course, if you can get local dealers on-board it will probably help with people reluctant to order from a distance. Get a famous bass player to use and talk about it?! I don't know, this really isn't my field of expertise.
But please don't give up Daniel! I think this product is worth fighting for!
Best of luck!
/Kalle
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I agree with it being a niche product and one that would benefit from an official demo video (targeted at bassists.)
In my case, I too, have many other pedals with XLR DI out, and additionally I am not a fan of headphone outs on pro gear. Any cost savings passed along by not having the above functionality would be appreciated in a "lite" version, along with a slightly smaller, standard BOSS-sized form factor (or the now very popular "mini".) Judging by current market trends however, people like and expect headphone outs and XLR outs, so my idea of ideal is likely the minority.
Much like Class D amps and lightweight cabs, I believe FRFR signals, going ampless, IEMs, etc. are the next wave and only feasible with the right tools such as OmniCabSim. Hang in there, @Dsmnoisemaker , and continue to gain success through word-of-mouth, increased product exposure, and hopefully some viral demo videos
Cheers!
In my case, I too, have many other pedals with XLR DI out, and additionally I am not a fan of headphone outs on pro gear. Any cost savings passed along by not having the above functionality would be appreciated in a "lite" version, along with a slightly smaller, standard BOSS-sized form factor (or the now very popular "mini".) Judging by current market trends however, people like and expect headphone outs and XLR outs, so my idea of ideal is likely the minority.
Much like Class D amps and lightweight cabs, I believe FRFR signals, going ampless, IEMs, etc. are the next wave and only feasible with the right tools such as OmniCabSim. Hang in there, @Dsmnoisemaker , and continue to gain success through word-of-mouth, increased product exposure, and hopefully some viral demo videos
Cheers!
Demo, market, Demo, market, Demo
- Do some comparison videos with actual gear Mic'd to show the similarities.
- Go after guitarists and other instruments too. Show them how their favorite pedals sound through this awesome little box.
- So many people haul a stack around, but with this don't need to. It could literally be the only piece of gear I needed at a gig that would satisfy a bunch of needs.
Once I read your manual, it was way easier to dial in the sound I wanted. Try to make a demo that shows the EQ spectrum moving as you tweak the given knob, just like your manual does.
So many people don't really get EQ, so you may have to teach them EQ or how to use the pedal. This is far simpler than an EQ would be to get this sound (to most people anyways).
Make sure you are detailed in what you want to show in a demo if you outsource. And, have them send you the demo first, so you can ensure it shows what you want it to. Check out TC electric official demos, they get to the point. Demo guys like Andy at PGS, Denis K, Just Nick etc would probably do okay with this... You may have to use a pedal or two to do it... also what about "magazines" like Sound On Sound or similar, have them review it.
Price is good for what it does, maybe a bit high once shipping is added to the new price.
You should target the studio users as well as the musicians with pedals.
- Do some comparison videos with actual gear Mic'd to show the similarities.
- Go after guitarists and other instruments too. Show them how their favorite pedals sound through this awesome little box.
- So many people haul a stack around, but with this don't need to. It could literally be the only piece of gear I needed at a gig that would satisfy a bunch of needs.
Once I read your manual, it was way easier to dial in the sound I wanted. Try to make a demo that shows the EQ spectrum moving as you tweak the given knob, just like your manual does.
So many people don't really get EQ, so you may have to teach them EQ or how to use the pedal. This is far simpler than an EQ would be to get this sound (to most people anyways).
Make sure you are detailed in what you want to show in a demo if you outsource. And, have them send you the demo first, so you can ensure it shows what you want it to. Check out TC electric official demos, they get to the point. Demo guys like Andy at PGS, Denis K, Just Nick etc would probably do okay with this... You may have to use a pedal or two to do it... also what about "magazines" like Sound On Sound or similar, have them review it.
Price is good for what it does, maybe a bit high once shipping is added to the new price.
You should target the studio users as well as the musicians with pedals.
I had a period of time in the beginning of having a lot of pedal stock and no sales. I was almost at the point of closing down my pedal business and going back to working as a consultant. But things turned around and now I can't keep any stock. So, I think a slow dry period at the beginning is fairly common.
The one thing I can suggest, is to show how your cab sim is different than what a graphic or parametric EQ can provide. Possibly show freq response plots for what the different knobs do... graphs and charts can give potential customers the extra information that can make a sale.
Good luck!
-Frank
I had a period of time in the beginning of having a lot of pedal stock and no sales. I was almost at the point of closing down my pedal business and going back to working as a consultant. But things turned around and now I can't keep any stock. So, I think a slow dry period at the beginning is fairly common.
The one thing I can suggest, is to show how your cab sim is different than what a graphic or parametric EQ can provide. Possibly show freq response plots for what the different knobs do... graphs and charts can give potential customers the extra information that can make a sale.
Good luck!
-Frank
I think this nails it right there. Seems to be a great product (I would buy one but I am saving up for a bass), but it will probably take some time to build up a brand recognition. A great demo video would really help, especially if you got someone really high profile like Mr. Excane to do it. The price is really fair for the amount of features in the pedal, I think it is just a mater of expanding your marketing. Best of luck, and I hope to own one of these at some point!
I can speak for me, it's a bit expensive for my budget right now, which does not mean I think the price is not fair. It is on my plans to get one but cannot do it right now
Price is excellent, quality and presentation of the unit is excellent. Attitude of the builder is also excellent!
I agree with others, some more pro videos going in detail on how the unit works etc. You don't actually have a video of a deluxe at the moment I don't think; whilst sonically it is the same as the previous pedal, there will be some who will not buy until they here the actual unit they are able to buy. It is a niche pedal and likely something bass players haven't owned before (I hadn't) so you need to give them a reason to buy it.
Oh, and don't flood the market with variations on the product. No mini version, splitting buyers may not work well.
I agree with others, some more pro videos going in detail on how the unit works etc. You don't actually have a video of a deluxe at the moment I don't think; whilst sonically it is the same as the previous pedal, there will be some who will not buy until they here the actual unit they are able to buy. It is a niche pedal and likely something bass players haven't owned before (I hadn't) so you need to give them a reason to buy it.
Oh, and don't flood the market with variations on the product. No mini version, splitting buyers may not work well.
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Dsmnoisemaker
Commercial User
- Jan 2, 2016
- 506
- 1,496
- 49
- Disclosures
- Owner of DSMNOISEMAKER pedals
Hey guys! Thanks for your replies..
It is clear that I'm short of videos..and it could take weeks before i come up with a decent demo video..
But I've got an idea..
How about i set up a demo contest?
The terms would be :
Every user that uploads a demo video of the OCSD on youtube will receive a 25% refund via paypal after reporting the upload.
After a month, the most watched demo will win the 75% remaining refund (so it will be a free OCSD)
Are you up to this?
It is clear that I'm short of videos..and it could take weeks before i come up with a decent demo video..
But I've got an idea..
How about i set up a demo contest?
The terms would be :
Every user that uploads a demo video of the OCSD on youtube will receive a 25% refund via paypal after reporting the upload.
After a month, the most watched demo will win the 75% remaining refund (so it will be a free OCSD)
Are you up to this?
that would be pretty cool.
However i think maybe your current endorser's should put up some posts on social media. bands like beyond creation have a massive following and people into that kind of tech metal are generally gear nerds beyond our comprehension. Also, get more artist involved in your brand, you've got some truly kickass products, get some faces and names attached to your brand and get them to do the foot work for you. Getting your product seen at gigs, on pedalbaords, being pimped to friends, all of that goes a long way.
online reviews help a ton too
no treble
bass-pedals.com | Safe & SOUND Reviews to pedal shoot outs.
Mr Excane video reviews are killer
glen fricker, salty kind of dude but he has a good following.
last, but not least. A go fund me/kickstarter campaign. Another useful method for building a following and some financial assistance.
This is a great idea, and will definitely persuade me to order one. I'll be recording some jazz with it using a very dry fretless p-bass signal with flats, I don't like using amp-sim plug ins so I'm very curious how it will react to a clean and simple signal. Speaking from a UK point of view, I didn't know this pedal existed until yesterday, which may be the reason why it's taking a while to catch on. But I like everything about it, the headphones, the whole 'deluxe' thing, it all sounds good, I think I'll be ordering one in the next few days.
I would find a lot of Youtube bass pedal demo-ers such as pedalsandeffects.com, Mr Excane, etc, and send them one to review. Having one or two of these review it with their thousands of subscribers would be much more beneficial than a dozen videos by people with only a handful of subscribers.
I'm trying to not to press the "buy it"- button before I have paid this months Visa-bill. After that I'm pretty sure I can't resist any more. I play thru Reddi direct to mixer (we use in-ear monitors) and while it sounds very good it does not have any amp-likeliness in it. I really like the way OCS sounds and the added headphone amp is great at home. Only few weaks to wait until placing the order...
This. More presence out there in general.
I only heard about this for the first time a few days ago and it quickly caught my attention, and I've just ordered one today. Demo videos can be tricky... a bad video is worse than no video. I think it has to showcase not just the versatility of the sound, but the versatility of the uses this box can have... so the people watching go:
"oh, so DI into the mixer/PA and you can tweak your sound like... oh, I see... that's a cool DI box... oh, wait, so this means it can sound pretty good for recording? That's awesome. Wait, this soundtrack it's the bass directly from the box into the recording unit? It sounds fantastic... oh, and look how it can be tweaked and make it sit at the back or be more out front... or tighten the low end... That's nice. Oh, I can use it as a headphone amp too? I've tried the headphone outs of a couple of amps and even FX units but they either sound naff or too... processed... it sounds like this could be quite fun. And the aux input allows me to jam along to stuff in my laptop/phone... this is amazing, I can totally use one of these!"
I think the advertising should emphasize how versatile this is, as well as how good it sounds (going by other people's comments, I haven't got mine yet)...
It may be a bit of a niche product... but I can see a lot more people interested in this if they just found out about it.
Used mine today at rehearsal for an hr. Had to adjust the Drive Rack but man did it sound good.
Can't wait to us it live
Can't wait to us it live
