Image Credit: Terrence OBrien/ Engadget
This is where we have to stop lumping the 3 pedals together, though, because they all sound extremely various from each other. No one is better than the other, but your personal preference will dictate which is the finest option for you. Do you desire crisp tidy tones that you can couple with renowned spring reverb and vibrato? The Dream 65 is the ticket. Need incredibly intense chimy sounds that be pressed into timeless blues-rock crunch? Its the Ruby youre looking for. And if you desire darker, dirtier noises, choose the Woodrow.
Personally, Im into the Dream. Its cleans are beautiful and wonderful. And when coupled with the built-in spring reverb emulation it becomes a perfect machine for surf rock or more ambient styles where your pedalboard is doing a great deal of the heavy lifting. Its also an outstanding car for funk and soul where you want something sharp that will cut through the mix without stealing the spotlight.
Terrence OBrien/ Engadget
Even though I have a board complete of elegant reverbs and a tremolo pedal Im head-over-heels for, I really still found myself turning to the built-in versions of the Dream pretty regularly. The spring reverb here is as close to the real thing as youre gon na get.
I likewise believe that the three various increase channel choices and 6 various cab simulations provide you the most tonal versatility of the 3 pedals. Matching the stock increase with the GB25 cab provides exceptional clean tones even at greater volumes. However flip to the lead mod and choose the EV12 taxi and you can rip a pretty searing solo.
The pedal even starts to break up a bit if you hit it with too hot of a signal. It does not clip the method that, state, a digital audio user interface would. Instead, it type of crackles just like a genuine amp might. Its these good little touches that make the UAFX pedals so persuading.
I understand, thats a bit ambiguous, but theres something about the way these pedals react to your playing that feels more genuine and natural than many modelers, even those based on impulse reactions (IRs). My Fuck Overdrive and Part Garden fuzz pedals postured no challenge, and honestly the overdrive most likely sounded better though the UAFX modelers than it does through my Blues Jr
. Even though I have a board complete of fancy reverbs and a tremolo pedal Im head-over-heels for, I really still discovered myself turning to the built-in versions of the Dream pretty often. I likewise think that the three different increase channel alternatives and 6 various cab simulations offer you the most tonal adaptability of the three pedals. The pedal even starts to break up a bit if you strike it with too hot of a signal.
The one thing to note here is that you can only update the pedals firmware using the desktop app over USB. Which is most likely for the much better, since Ive discovered that the Bluetooth connection to the mobile app can be a bit unstable. A recent firmware upgrade improved the circumstance, however it still drops once in awhile.
The last thing to discuss before we proceed to the sounds is the construct quality. The UAFX modelers are simply absolute bricks. While any stompbox worth its salt is going to be pretty rugged and constructed of metal (they have to survive being repeatedly stepped on, after all), these are in a class of their own. Theyre a fair bit much heavier than your typical pedal, are cast from very dense aluminum and would certainly cause some severe damage if dropped on an exposed toe– barefoot gamers beware.
Terrence OBrien/ Engadget
Alright, so weve established that theyre well constructed, function excellent connectivity options (all 3 are stereo also) and sound excellent, however what is it about the sound that sets them apart from the rest of the amp modelers out there? Well, the short response is, the feel.
I know, thats a bit ambiguous, however theres something about the way these pedals react to your playing that feels more genuine and natural than numerous modelers, even those based on impulse reactions (IRs). An IR can get you a terrific sounding amp or cab sim, but because theyre based on audio files, they tend to be less dynamic than the real deal. The UAFX pedals tidy up significantly if you turn down the volume on your guitar, or play very delicately. And they creep into separate as you begin playing harder.
They likewise take result pedals exceptionally well, which isnt something you can assume in my experience, particularly when it comes to dirt. My Fuck Overdrive and Part Garden fuzz pedals presented no difficulty, and truthfully the overdrive probably sounded better though the UAFX modelers than it does through my Blues Jr
. This demonstration features a couple of sounds from the Ruby 63 Top Boost Amplifier with only minor EQing performed in post. The last portion of the clip adds a hold-up pedal to the mix.