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Z.Vex Mastotron Review

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by Chronicle, Jul 24, 2009.

  1. Jul 24, 2009 #1
    Chronicle

    Chronicle

    Sep 13, 2006
    NY
    So I got this on a whim since I just saw it at work. GC carries them now so if you like the review...go grab one ;)

    IMO, it sounds like a tamed Fuzz Factory. Like a Devi Ever pedal. It was only a matter of time when Zach made a Devi-Like pedal. They go pretty far back ;)

    There's 6 controls. Volume, Subs, Tone, Wave, Fuzz and Push/Relex. It's a silicon based fuzz btw.

    Subs will take away or add bass. I like #3 for the most bass friendly sound. #1 sounds like a Nintendo. The Wave control will make it into a Square wave, narrow wave, or in between. The Push/Relax control controls the impedance input. So this is a nice option for active/passive instruments.

    It sounds like the Devi Ever BIT a little...but with more control.

    I'm not a fan of Z.Vex only because most of their effects are over priced and I don't like some of their sounds. But this one priced at 150$ is a pretty good buy.

    DSCN1894.jpg


    DI Clip (Mic clip coming when I get my full Avatar stack ;))
    http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7875234
     
  2. Jul 25, 2009 #2
    tigerbass

    tigerbass

    Jul 28, 2006
    Crown Point, IN
    I just got one a week or 2 ago, and when I played it thru my 100 watt combo practice amp in my living room I was kinda like...meh :meh:
    I was ready to dump it but then played it thru my GK stack downstairs and was like...WHOA! :eek:
    I love this pedal! It is going nowhere! Finally a heavy fuzz that didn't somehow disappoint! Hallelujah!
    I have been wanting to try a Devi pedal forever, but now I just might not have to...although I still probably will if one comes up! :D
     
  3. Jul 25, 2009 #3
    john turner

    john turner You don't want to do that. Trust me. Staff Member

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    is the sample with this one an active or passive instrument?
     
  4. Jul 25, 2009 #4
    Chronicle

    Chronicle

    Sep 13, 2006
    NY
    Rickenbacker
     
  5. Jul 25, 2009 #5
    RCCollins

    RCCollins

    Mar 23, 2008
    San Diego, California
    sounds good. i want one
     
  6. Jul 25, 2009 #6
    bobbass4k

    bobbass4k

    Jan 27, 2005
    York/Canterbury (UK)
    Not trying to undercut you chron, but I've got a load of clips of this up, all recorded with with an active: http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=48041 Clips are near the bottom of the first page
     
  7. Jul 25, 2009 #7
    john turner

    john turner You don't want to do that. Trust me. Staff Member

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    ty sir. since all my basses are primarily active, i look for as many samples w/actives that i can find. especially with pedals i'm sorta interested in, like this one :).
     
  8. Jul 25, 2009 #8
    CrispyDelicious

    CrispyDelicious

    Oct 21, 2008
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Dammit. I really wish this didn't sound so cool. :atoz:
     
  9. Jul 25, 2009 #9
    Valerus

    Valerus

    Aug 4, 2005
    Austin, Texas
    It really is a fun pedal. I just don't know if it will make my board cut.

    Considering my Battering Ram is coming in and whatnot.
    we'll see.
     
  10. Jul 25, 2009 #10
    takfar

    takfar

    Dec 21, 2008
    "sounds like a nintendo" and "devi BIT with more control" make me want this... sound samples are pretty cool, too. And it does sound significantly different from my BBM... damn.

    would you be so kind as to give us the pedal's exact size? I need to know if it this would fit in a little spot I have left on the board (damn I wish I didnt have that little spot open)
     
  11. Jul 25, 2009 #11
    Valerus

    Valerus

    Aug 4, 2005
    Austin, Texas
    4 in x 2 in, it's smaller than boss pedals and i'm pretty sure its close to the size of an EHX nano pedal
     
  12. Jul 25, 2009 #12
    bobbass4k

    bobbass4k

    Jan 27, 2005
    York/Canterbury (UK)
    It's an MXR size pedal, about 4.25" x 2.25"
     
  13. Jul 25, 2009 #13
    rcubed

    rcubed

    May 8, 2008
    San Diego, CA
    No gut shots? This thread is a failure. :p
     
  14. Jul 25, 2009 #14
    6jase5

    6jase5 Mammogram is down but I'm working manually

    Dec 17, 2007
    San Diego/LA
    I can't think of any practical use for that sound beyond scaring the neighbors cats. I love effects....but that one I just can't quite get the point of. Not a slant against those that love it one bit, I'm just not digging in.
     
  15. Jul 25, 2009 #15
    takfar

    takfar

    Dec 21, 2008
    aand, I got exactly 2.3 inches free on top of the board, right besides the power supply. Considering all cables go on either side, it will fit perfectly. :(

    DAMMIT. :bawl:
     
  16. Jul 25, 2009 #16
    Jared Lash

    Jared Lash Born under punches

    Aug 21, 2006
    Denver, CO
    I don't know about a "tamed Fuzz Factory" but it definitely sounds like the FF set for "velcro fuzz" but with more control, plus it works with actives. I don't really have a need for that kind of sound right now, but I'll keep this one in mind if I do. I dig it.
     
  17. Jul 25, 2009 #17
    Chronicle

    Chronicle

    Sep 13, 2006
    NY
    Yeah not a bad sound. I have to try some different pedals with it for interesting sound combos. Square wave through Prometheus? 3Leaf? BIT? :D
     
  18. Aug 3, 2009 #18
    takfar

    takfar

    Dec 21, 2008
    Mine just arrived (quickest international mail service I've ever experienced, btw. posted in the US thursday, arrived at my house in Brazil today. Go mail service!)

    hot damn... this thing sounds awesome. And I haven't even tested it on bass yet (my bass leaves the repair shop on wednesday)!.

    Bass Big Muff, my good old friend... You're gonna need to sweat a little bit to justify your staying in the board...