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Tronographic Rusty Box Soundclips

#181
It can't even be compared with the BDDI, I have both.
Rusty wins however you put it. A better EQ section, BEAUTIFUL gain structure (sounds even better when being pushed by a sparkle drive :D).

That preamp is better than the BDDI and the Ashdown ABM500 I have.
The tight low end really made me love this thing. It was an eye opener.

But I really wouldn't use it as an OD. It sure can be used as one, but it's more fun to use it like you would use a tube amp. I was really blown away by this thing.
And it's the live-use dimension that blew me away. The clips I heard were ok, but I took a plunge and didn't regret it.
It's also really responsive to different cabs. My ABM makes it sound round, while a MAG makes it sound sharp. It's interesting.

Ofc, YMMV, we all have different ears after all :)
 
#182
Thanks for the reply Alexa, that's the kind of info I'm looking for! :)

It's interesting that you say it's so responsive to different cabs, I wouldn't have thought that. I think part of the reason I'm debating on the RB is because I can't quite wrap my head around it? I mean... I hear/understand the word preamp, but my brain still wants to approach it as an overdrive. It'll probably make sense once I actually get my hands on it and try it out.

Anyone else?

5sg.
 
#183
being a huge nerd (AND geek. i'm a renaissance man!), the idea of a modular setup with a preamp and a power amp so you could upgrade one or the other to fit needs always made a TON of sense. integrating the two into one unit seems... odd.

so i've blundered through a metric butt load of preamps. and the Rusty just speaks to me. it's got so much character that when i've been stuck running it into another head instead of a power amp, it's VERY easy to get the Rusty Tone i want out of it. i keep mine pretty evenly eq'd too. slight bump to bass and mids, i pull the highs back a smidge if they're brand new strings, gain about 1/4 the way up gives a tiny bit of breakup if digging in.

love this thing. HARD.
 
#184
behndy said:
i keep mine pretty evenly eq'd too. slight bump to bass and mids, i pull the highs back a smidge if they're brand new strings, gain about 1/4 the way up gives a tiny bit of breakup if digging in.
Click to expand...

I have mine set about the same. Mids and bass slightly above 50%, treble slightly below. Gain anywhere from a quarter to a half, but usually the former.

It kills in a live setting. I played a few shows with the VT and it was okay, then played one without the VT Deluxe while the Rusty Box was still on the way. Hated my tone that night. Rusty Box comes in time for the next show and I haven't looked back. Sold the VT off and even recently bought a second RB.

It's tricky to explain. I try to use it as a subtle, always on OD. behndy mentioned the "tiny bit of breaking up if digging in" - that aspect is really a treat.
 
#185
More interesting info, thanks guys!

I guess I should've also asked about the VT Bass as well... I switched from the BDDI to that a while back and while I really dig it, I use it more for color than an always on pedal.

I'm definitely interested to see how they all compare in a hands-on setting.

5sg.
 
#186
5sg: In regards to your fEarful question, I'm running a nEarful which is basically LDS's version of Greenboy's design. There are differences, and I don't doubt that a true fEarful sounds marginally better, but my nEarful sounds so good I'm not sure I care. Mine is a 15/6/1 (woofer, midrange and tweeter). Expect volume in the "over-100hz" range to be on par with a quality 4x10, but with MUCH better horizontal dispersion, and the ability to dial in a lot more in the sub-100hz range. Really evenly voiced, takes EQ extremely well, is easy to transport, etc. My cab search is over.

In regards to the Rusty: I run mine similar to most people (apparently). Slight bass and mid boost, slight treble cut, gain around a quarter/9 o'clock. I increase the bass boost to about 3 o'clock when playing with a pick. Controlled, yet aggressive tone with a bit of warmth from the subtle distortion when playing lightly, and a noticeable, but not out of control overdrive when playing more aggressively/digging in.

In regards to a Sansamp comparison: I've owned two BDDI's, a PBDDI, an RBI, and a VT. I really do like Tech21's products. If I need an Ampeg simulator they're the first place I'll look. If I want something that's a little more neutral, but still gives me the ability to add OD to my fairly hi-fi rig, I'll turn to the Rusty every time.
 
#187
silky smoove said:
5sg: In regards to your fEarful question, I'm running a nEarful which is basically LDS's version of Greenboy's design.
Click to expand...

Ahhh! My mistake... I thought "nEarful" was just a typo. :)

silky smoove said:
If I need an Ampeg simulator they're the first place I'll look. If I want something that's a little more neutral, but still gives me the ability to add OD to my fairly hi-fi rig, I'll turn to the Rusty every time.
Click to expand...

That's nice confirmation to have. I feel the same way about my BDDI/VT and really dig the sound, but the Ampeg color isn't always what I'm after (or appropriate).

Thanks to everyone so far for their input! :bassist:

5sg.
 
#188
it sounds like i've had similar experiences to Silky Mooovah. i like the VT and other Tech21 stuff i've had.... until i tried a Rusty. i always thought i was doing something wrong, but within minutes of plugging into the Rusty, i realized that it's just the Ampeg Sim tone, no matter how well done, doesn't suit how i like to play. the Rusty REALLY does.

and i'm jealous of your nEarful homie. i love my Aggie cabs, but i got to play a nEarful (i think it was LDS) at a GTG. WOOF. angry good times.
 
#192
mine's said the 12th. when i bought my first RB off of them, i think they told me a date and it ended up being about a week later they were ready to take orders.

i wouldn't worry. they're a smaller company (i think it's 2 people?), so delays aren't that surprising. it'll happen!
 
#193
The email they sent me said the 12th, didn't have any mention of the 10th.

*shrug

No skin off my teeth really. I haven't bought any gear since January, but my G.A.S struck back in a big way. I've got plenty to play with... a TU-3 (for a complete 2nd board without having to swap anything) and a 3Leaf Fromel Proton, with a 3Leaf PWNZOR and second PF115 on the way.

I did sell a few pedals recently, but I'd be fine with a delay on the RB to "recharge," as it were. Whew. lol

5sg.
 
#195
WOW! i think i need one of these! i've been asking and searching for something to warm up and add grit and growl and grunt to my already much LOVED GK1001RBII!!! i love the tone of the amp!!! it's me. but, i do want to add some of the above characteristics...

so...the Rusty would act like part of the amp, in that it just kinda blends in? use it sorta like amp settings and it becomes one with the amp?

do tell...i need some grit growl grind warmth and just plain awesomeness to my tone...
 

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