TEST: Dean Guitars ML Select Quilt Top OB

 As is well known, the beauty or ugliness of an object is in the eye of the beholder. It is not for me to judge for the general public how far the Dean Guitars ML Select Quilt Top OB belongs to one or the other camp. I can only say that if there should be a ranking of the most polarizing guitar shapes and colors, then the model presented for testing, together with the squeaky duck finishes of the Ibanez RG series and possibly some B.C.Rich shapes along with Massacre finishes would be the most hopeful candidates for first place.

From the tragic legend status

Perhaps apart from the status of a Les Paul, there is probably no guitar shape in the world that is so closely associated with an artist as the ML series, which was designed by Dean Zelinsky in 1976. We're talking about Darrell Lance Abbott, who made it to world fame in metal circles with his band Pantera until 1992 under the name "Diamond Darrell", then later under "Dimebag Darrell". The phrase often used by musicians, "I want to drop dead on stage during a show," was unfortunately actually put into practice for DD under tragic circumstances, when he was shot dead with at least four shots by Nathan Gale of Marysville, Ohio on December 8, 2004 at a concert of his then band Damageplan at the "Alrosa Villa Club" in Columbus.

Even if Abbott with Pantera was outwardly perceived by the inclined metal fan primarily through excessive drinking bouts, crazy tour videos and drug-filled performances, the guitarist distinguished himself not only through some world-famous metal riffs, but beyond the metal Punch and Judy show also through an excellent playing technique, which went far beyond the musically fixed limitation of his house band. Legendary is also his treble-heavy, scratchy transistor amp guitar sound, which he produced in collaboration with Randall Warhead tops and which rightly counts among the most terrible guitar sounds ever let loose on the human ear. A prime example is the disc "Cowboys From Hell", where outstanding metal arrangements and excellent guitar work meet a guitar sound that can't be surpassed in terms of undynamic scratching. Never before have craftsmanship and atrocious sound been so diametrically opposed.

The construction of the Dean Guitars ML Select Quilt Top OB

Detached from the visual component, the guitar shape of the Dean Guitars ML Select Quilt Top OB must truly be called unique. During DD's lifetime, the rights to the body shape, which looks like a backyard romp between a Flying V and an Explorer, changed hands between Dean and Washburn, depending on which company could generate the best revenue for the artist. Currently, the rights are once again with Dean Guitars, which the company documents with a rich selection on its website.

In addition to the significantly more expensive USA models, the company also offers a moderate price version, which is once again manufactured in Indonesia. One has the impression anyway that Indonesia is the new China in instrument manufacturing, probably because labor costs in China have also risen steadily in recent years and they are now switching to the next lower wage level.

Taking the instrument on the case for the first time, one can't help but check whether Dean might not have accidentally packed an electric bass in the cardboard box. The guitar is not big, the guitar is huge! If you put the guitar on the floor, the total measurement of the guitar measures 116 (!) cm. For comparison, a standard Strat brings it just to 99 cm. I dare to say that only my Doublenecks have even more wood on the same square footage than the Dean Guitars ML Select Quilt Top OB, which is not only due to the body, but also to the oversized, striking headstock. The matching case, which can be purchased separately, then also leaves more of an impression of a portable pool table than a guitar case.


Once you have peeled the block out of the packaging, the second hammer follows in the form of the finish. You can't help but get the impression that Dean Guitars wants to see how far it can go in terms of customer acceptance. The "oceanburst" finish, which according to a colleague "has something of a swimming pool", is the eye-catcher par excellence and, in combination with the already unusual body shape, puts the crown on the whole thing in terms of polarization. The maple top, however, only has veneer character and thus cannot actively contribute to the vibration behavior. By the way, the top is not curved, but absolutely flat.

Despite the huge dimensions, the instrument weighs just under 3.3 kg, which indicates that the mahogany used for the neck and body is a very light one. From the very first notes I struck on the instrument, in terms of sustain, I was led to believe that it had a continuous neck with glued-on sides, which turned out to be correct. Interestingly, the huge instrument has only a short scale length of 629 mm, maybe because DD preferred this scale length, but maybe also to not add another 2 cm of length on top ;-)

The ebony fingerboard is equipped with 22 jumbo frets and has a white binding. Speaking of binding, despite the comparatively low price, the instrument was provided with a 5-ply W/B/W/B/W binding, a job that can't be done by a robot and therefore puts a decent pressure on the manufacturing costs.

All hardware is finished in black, and the tuners are by Grover. As a tasteful (yes, the instrument has visually also very homogeneous features) continuation of the white binding and the black hardware, one has a Seymour Duncan APH1 Custom Zebra on the neck and a Seymour Duncan SH-5 Custom Zebra on the bridge installed, which with their respective differently colored coils reminds of the glorious Gibson past of the late fifties and continues the black / white alignment. The electrical system is relatively simple, 2x Volume, 1x Tone and a three-way switch, ready.


The Dean Guitars ML Select Quilt Top OB in practice

Actually, one should have the fun of playing this guitar at the local old men's blues band. The horror in the rehearsal room would be palpable ;-) Who runs up with such a shaping, makes immediately clear, what it is about. If this guitar is played clean at all at some point, then only for an intro or a C-part, otherwise the half-waves are likely to be cut off at right angles here. No crunch, not even a lead sound is aimed for here, just high gain.

Although, one does the guitar wrong with this prejudice. The continuous neck offers a very good vibration behavior and also the Seymour Duncan pickups can by all means do other than just full carrot, but probably no one will be interested. Eyes hear more and so the Dean Guitars ML Select Quilt Top OB must be measured primarily in the high gain range and so much is taken away from the front, it does not disappoint.

Once again, the Indonesian manufacture manages to bring an instrument to the market, which is significantly better processed and also sounds better than the retail price would suggest. If you like high gain with passive pickups, this is the instrument for you, especially when it comes to a powerful treble. As is well known, passive pickups like to sound a bit "rougher" and "less linear" in high gain than their active competitors, which among other things leads to a completely different sound.

Although the Alnico representative on the neck lacks a bit of character, the bridge variant can completely convince in terms of bite and pressure. The instrument resonates very well just because of the sheer mass and the continuous neck and will make many metalheads happy, provided they are 180 cm or taller. Just the idea of Angus Young strapping such a guitar around his neck will cause a massive laughing fit.

Conclusion

With the Dean Guitars ML Select Quilt Top OB, the Pantera house brand has an affordable model with a very good price / performance ratio at the start. The instrument convinces with a very good workmanship, an excellent vibration behavior and an assertive high gain sound, as you need it for this body shape.

P.S. The personal preferences of the author regarding the shape and color scheme should have no influence on the choice of the customer ;-)

Additional informations:

- Dean Guitars is a well-known manufacturer of guitars and other stringed instruments. The company was founded in 1977 by Dean Zelinsky in Chicago, Illinois, and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality guitars that were both innovative and affordable.

Today, Dean Guitars is a major player in the music industry and has a wide range of products that cater to different genres of music. The company's guitars are known for their distinctive shapes and designs, and they are used by some of the biggest names in music, including Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, Michael Amott of Arch Enemy, and Dimebag Darrell of Pantera.

Dean Guitars offers a variety of guitar models to suit different playing styles and preferences. The company's most famous model is the Dean ML, which has a distinctive double-cutaway design and is often associated with heavy metal music. The Dean Razorback is another popular model that is designed for heavy metal and has a unique "V" shape.

In addition to its electric guitars, Dean Guitars also produces acoustic guitars, bass guitars, and other stringed instruments. The company's acoustic guitars are made from high-quality materials such as solid spruce and mahogany, and they are designed to produce a warm and rich tone.
Dean Guitars is also known for its innovative designs and features. The company's Dimebag Darrell signature models, for example, feature a Floyd Rose tremolo system and a "Bill Lawrence L-500XL" humbucking pickup that was specially designed for Dimebag. The company's Dean Vendetta XM model is another example of an innovative design that features a lightweight body and a slim neck for ease of playability.

In recent years, Dean Guitars has also expanded its product line to include accessories such as guitar cases, strings, and pedals. The company's pedals, in particular, have gained a reputation for their high quality and innovative features.

One of the unique aspects of Dean Guitars is its commitment to sustainability. The company uses environmentally friendly materials whenever possible, and it has also implemented recycling programs to reduce waste. In addition, Dean Guitars has partnered with organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative to promote sustainable forestry practices.

In conclusion, Dean Guitars is a well-respected manufacturer of guitars and other stringed instruments that has been in business for over four decades. The company is known for its innovative designs, high-quality materials, and commitment to sustainability. Whether you're a beginner or a professional musician, there is a Dean guitar that will suit your playing style and preferences.

- Pantera was a heavy metal band that formed in Arlington, Texas, in 1981. The band consisted of vocalist Phil Anselmo, guitarist Dimebag Darrell, bassist Rex Brown, and drummer Vinnie Paul. Pantera was known for their heavy and aggressive music, and they were a major influence on the metal scene in the 1990s.

Pantera's early music was heavily influenced by glam and thrash metal. Their first three albums, "Metal Magic" (1983), "Projects in the Jungle" (1984), and "I Am the Night" (1985), were all released independently and received little attention outside of their local area.

It wasn't until the release of their fourth album, "Power Metal" (1988), that Pantera began to gain national recognition. The album was more focused and aggressive than their previous work, and it showcased Dimebag Darrell's impressive guitar skills.

However, it was their next album, "Cowboys from Hell" (1990), that truly put Pantera on the map. The album was a massive success and featured hit singles such as "Cowboys from Hell" and "Cemetery Gates." The album's heavy and groove-based sound became a defining characteristic of Pantera's music.

Pantera's next album, "Vulgar Display of Power" (1992), solidified their status as one of the most important bands in the metal scene. The album featured some of the band's most famous songs, including "Walk" and "Mouth for War." The album's aggressive and intense sound, combined with Anselmo's powerful vocals, made it an instant classic.

In 1994, Pantera released "Far Beyond Driven," which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was even more aggressive than their previous work, and it featured some of the band's most intense songs, such as "Becoming" and „Slaughtered."

Pantera continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s, including "The Great Southern Trendkill" (1996) and "Reinventing the Steel" (2000). However, the band's success was cut short in 2003 when Dimebag Darrell was tragically killed while performing on stage with his band Damageplan.

Despite their relatively short career, Pantera had a significant impact on the metal scene and continues to be an influential band today. Their aggressive and intense sound, combined with their impressive musicianship, inspired countless metal bands and helped to define the genre in the 1990s.

TEST: Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue

Rob Chapman polarizes. I don't know if I've ever met a manufacturer in the instrument trade whose personality, combined with his YouTube presence, attracts even more attention from his critics and disciples than his instruments. In terms of advertising, this is a good thing, because similar to YouTuber Ola Englund, who promotes his company Solar Guitars with his informative, but also sometimes exhausting manner, Rob Chapman captivates many people with his, let's say, discreetly condescending manner, otherwise the more than 737,000 followers can probably not be explained. However, what interests us in this test, apart from his person and how he got the money to found his company, is the Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue, an instrument whose supreme father was chiseled on its body at first glance.

The construction of the Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue

Has anyone bothered to count how many Les Paul copies there are currently on the market and once were? I think the only higher number is for Strat copies, but I'm sure the Les Paul is in second place. Compared to the first decades of Gibson, copyists have a much harder time nowadays, because many details are protected by trademark and patent law and are monitored worldwide. Therefore, we also find a lot of details on the Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue, which deviate from the original Les Paul, sometimes even with interesting side effects, but more on that later.

Even if at first glance you automatically think of an LP, if you go into detail, you immediately notice that only the single cut shape of the body and the combination of mahogany body with maple top was taken from the original, the rest of the construction is indeed very unique. Many guitarists like the sustain-laden, voluminous sound of a (good) Les Paul, but also complain in the same breath about the sometimes heavy weight of the protagonists. You won't find this construction trait with the Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue, so the body has just a thickness of 35 mm and brings as a complete instrument a flyweight of just 3 kg on the scale. That is Ibanez RG level!

Who comes from the Les Paul, especially if it is a vintage instrument, knows of course the "angular" environment of the instrument, especially in the area of the neck transition and the armrest and the associated struggle against the wood. Chapman takes a much more modern approach to this area, giving the instrument pronounced shaping in both the cutaway and rib areas, making it easier to play, especially when standing up.

The neck construction of the Korean-made instrument also differs from the original in several respects. Already at the first grip around the neck you feel that especially the first frets are comparatively far away from the body, which is due to the long scale length of 648 mm, while the majority of the Gibson portfolio has the short scale length of 625 mm. Due to the 24 frets (Gibson 22 frets), the neck pickup slips a bit to the back and unfortunately leaves what I consider the vibration optimal point below the 24th fret, but that's a matter of taste.

Another difference is the neck wood used, which turns out to be roasted maple and thus a classic antithesis to the mahogany otherwise used in the LP range. Here, too, you can feel the very pronounced sustain of the Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue already at the first, still unamplified notes, which can hold a candle to many sustain monsters with a continuous neck. To what extent one likes the natural colored finish of the back of the neck, including the slanted heel of the body, is up to each individual to decide. The profile of the neck is described as a C profile from the factory, but it would still pass for a hefty "D" depending on how you interpret it. A medium-dark Macassar Ebony was used as the fingerboard, which only features an Infinity inlay at the 12th fret. Very nice also the use of the glow-in-the-dark side dots on the side of the fingerboard, which already start glowing at slight darkening.

In terms of hardware, Chapman uses the quite rarely used open Hipshot Grip-Lock with an 18:1 ratio, which come across very fancy with their locking wheel below the open machine heads. Nevertheless, they do a very good job in cooperation with the Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL Nut saddle. In order to generate the maximum of vibration behavior in terms of sustain with the bridge construction as well, a hard tail was used, which guides the strings through the body at a 90 degree angle. To what extent this comparatively strong bend weakens the strings in their structure depends on the personal playing style and must be found out by everyone himself.

As strap buttons Chapman names products of own production, but it is the well-known Schaller system and should therefore also be compatible with the corresponding strap counterparts. The three-way switch used goes pleasantly smoothly, but has a comparatively short switching travel, so you have to be a bit more sensitive when trying to hit the center position. The controls are designed as a speed dome variant and have 2x Volume and once Mastertone, which uses the respective outer coil of the pickups in split mode via push / pull.

Speaking of pickups, in some of my previous reviews of Chapman Guitars, besides the mostly convincing construction of the instrument, the in-house pickups were my biggest point of criticism, which with a comparatively thin and sharp sound significantly diminished the overall sound of the respective instruments. Apparently Chapman Guitars seem to have taken this point to heart, as the Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue is now equipped with pickups from Seymour Duncan. These are a Seymour Duncan Sentient humbucker on Alnico 5 basis with a DC resistance of 7.8 kohm at the neck and a Seymour Duncan Pegasus humbucker, also on Alnico 5 basis with a DC resistance of 12.5 kohm.

In practice

Perhaps one thing up front, I personally like to have the neck pickup below the 24th fret, as mentioned earlier, because the vibration characteristics are captured better here than when the pickup is shifted slightly towards the bridge. However, this is only possible with a maximum of 22 frets and thus cannot be implemented on the Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue. To what extent this meets the personal taste or not, everyone must decide for themselves, I for my part am of the opinion that especially with a clean guitar the middle position loses a little character, but as I said, matter of taste.

Apart from this point, one has to give the entire guitar and especially the pickups a top grade over the entire test parameters. Chapman Guitars has done the only right thing and handed over a very important part of the overall sound to a specialist company, in this case the change in the pickup area to Seymour Duncan. The instrument does indeed offer a very wide range of tonal variation and is also very easy to play in terms of feel. The sustain is excellent, the playability is exemplary and the Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue is one of the few guitars that I recently got to test where both the humbucker and single coil pickup settings are convincing.

In combination with the test setup Hughes & Kettner Triamp MK III, Marshall 412 with Celestion G12 75T and 2 pcs. Shure SM 57 the instrument offers from clean over crunch up to high gain a consistently characterful basic tone, which always asserts itself well in the band context and leaves a very good qualitative impression. Anyone who appreciates the Les Paul shape, but does not want to close himself off to modern style elements, should definitely take the instrument into closer consideration.

Conclusion

With the Chapman Guitars ML2 Pro Azure Blue, the British manufacturer with Asian manufacturing introduces a high-quality single cut variant in its portfolio. The instrument impresses with very good components, impeccable workmanship, a fusion of traditional elements with modern enhancements and has also responded to the criticism regarding the earlier pickup choice and raised the instrument to a new level of quality with two pickups from the house of Seymour Duncan.

A very good instrument that deserves a closer look.

Additional Informations:

- Chapman Guitars is a UK-based guitar manufacturer that has gained a reputation for producing high-quality, affordable guitars that are beloved by both professional musicians and hobbyists alike. Founded in 2009 by Rob Chapman, a well-known YouTube guitarist and guitar enthusiast, the company has grown rapidly over the past decade and is now considered one of the top guitar brands in the world.

One of the key selling points of Chapman Guitars is their commitment to producing guitars that are both high-quality and affordable. The company has achieved this by partnering with manufacturing facilities in Asia, which allows them to keep production costs low while still maintaining a high level of quality control. The result is a range of guitars that are both reliable and affordable, making them an excellent choice for guitar players of all skill levels.

Chapman Guitars offers a wide range of guitar models, including both electric and acoustic guitars. Their electric guitars are known for their versatility, with models ranging from classic designs like the ML1 and ML3 to more modern designs like the Ghost Fret and the ML2 Pro Modern. The company also offers a range of signature models, designed in collaboration with well-known guitarists like Rabea Massaad and Lee Anderton.

In addition to their electric guitars, Chapman Guitars also produces a range of acoustic guitars. These guitars are built to the same high standards as their electric models and are designed to appeal to a range of players, from beginners to professionals. The company's acoustic lineup includes models like the ML1 CAP10, the ML1 Modern Baritone, and the ML3 Traditional.
One of the things that sets Chapman Guitars apart from other guitar manufacturers is their commitment to engaging with their community of fans and customers. The company has a large following on social media, and regularly interacts with fans and customers through their YouTube channel, Instagram, and other platforms. This community engagement has helped the company to build a loyal following of customers who feel connected to the brand and its values.

Another key aspect of Chapman Guitars' success is their dedication to innovation. The company is constantly experimenting with new designs and features, and is not afraid to take risks and try new things. This willingness to innovate has led to the development of unique features like the Chapman Guitars' "Infinity" pickup system, which offers a high level of tonal flexibility and versatility.

Overall, Chapman Guitars is a company that has built a reputation for producing high-quality, affordable guitars that are designed to appeal to a wide range of players. With their commitment to innovation, community engagement, and quality control, it's no wonder that the company has become one of the top guitar brands in the world.


- Les Paul was an American musician, inventor, and pioneer of the electric guitar who revolutionized the music industry in the 20th century. Born Lester William Polsfuss in 1915 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Paul began playing guitar at a young age and was quickly recognized for his exceptional talent. He went on to become one of the most influential guitarists of all time, and his innovations in guitar design and sound continue to shape the music industry to this day.

One of Les Paul's most significant contributions to music was the invention of the solid-body electric guitar. In the 1930s and 1940s, electric guitars were typically hollow-bodied, which meant that they were prone to feedback and had limited sustain. Les Paul recognized the potential of the electric guitar, but knew that it needed to be redesigned in order to reach its full potential. In the 1940s, he began experimenting with solid-body guitar designs, and eventually developed a prototype that would become the first Gibson Les Paul guitar. The solid-body design allowed for better sustain, reduced feedback, and a wider range of tonal possibilities, which helped to establish the electric guitar as a viable instrument in its own right.

In addition to his contributions to guitar design, Les Paul was also a talented musician and performer. He was known for his virtuosic playing style, which combined elements of jazz, country, and blues. He had a successful career as a solo artist, releasing numerous albums and hit songs throughout the 1940s and 1950s. He also collaborated with many other musicians, including Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Chet Atkins.

Les Paul was also an inventor and innovator outside of the music world. He developed many groundbreaking technologies, including the first multi-track recording system, which allowed for the creation of layered recordings that were previously impossible. He was also involved in the development of tape delay effects, which are still widely used in modern music production.


Despite his many achievements, Les Paul remained humble throughout his life and always attributed his success to hard work and dedication. He was a tireless performer and continued to play music well into his 90s, earning numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the music industry.

Today, Les Paul's legacy continues to live on through his music, his inventions, and his impact on the guitar industry. His contributions to the development of the electric guitar have had a profound impact on the music world, and his name is synonymous with innovation, creativity, and excellence. Les Paul was truly a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and his influence on music will continue to be felt for generations to come.

TEST: Carl Martin Panama Pedal

It's the eighties (again), the decade that on the one hand brought rock music a plethora of sometimes borderline technical poser bands, guitar finishes with guaranteed blindness and the most uniform hair and outfit of all time, but on the other hand also a guitar solo in every song, the possibility of boundless fame with just one playback appearance on "Wetten dass" and the biggest record contract advances of all time along with gigantic profits for the same. Along with this once fertile ground of the entertainment industry, the market for modifications of all kinds exploded, especially when it came to one's own amp. Just this history would like to pack the Danish Redalschmiede Carl Martin in a pedal and has with the Carl Martin Panama a "British Hot Modded Overdrive" at the start.

"British Hot Modded"? What'n that'n?

We are once again in the depths of the typical rock and metal guitarist of the eighties, which somewhere between the burgeoning New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, the American Bay Area Gekloppe and the all-consuming Hair Metal (the favorite music of all women, ask your mother ...) wave towards the end of the decade trying to find his style. Although there are already one or the other multi-channel, say better 2-channel from the U.S., which can deliver more gain than usual, but the classic variant for rock and metal is still called Marshall 2203 or 2204 (master volume) plus pedal.

This comparatively simple setup, if handled well, still offers almost 4 sounds, i.e. Crunch 1 (preamp fully cranked up, master to taste), Clean (well, a saturated clean by turning down the volume knob), Lead (Crunch 1 plus overdrive / distortion pedal) and Crunch 2 (lead setup with volume knob turned down). All quite nice, but many of the pedals of the time had a strong "fuzz" character, the smooth, creamy thing you heard in Carlos Santana's solo tone just wouldn't settle. This was the birth of the so-called modders, of which there were, for example, Manfred Reckmeyer or Dirk Baldringer, a few real experts in the German-speaking world. Besides the addition of FX loops, possibly a second master volume or second channel, it was mainly the desire for more tube gain that drove the author of this article, among others, to the above-mentioned names.

If one had known, what one still gets some years later for an old Marshall in original condition, one would have renounced certainly one or other tinkering, however I must also say that still 3 of my Marshall Heads, which were partly only slightly modified at its time, or were rebuilt from scratch, perform a very good work in my studio. The final breakthrough was the legendary "Brown" sound of Eddie van Halen on the first VH disc, where a Variac industrial light dimmer took over the "modification" of a 68' Plexi and served as a very extravagant volume control.

This band is probably also responsible for the name of the Carl Martin pedal, as the title is considered one of the most successful of the band. Well then, does the Carl Martin Panama manage to pack a modified Marshall Head from the eighties in a pedal?

The construction of the Carl Martin Panama

The pedal, which is manufactured in China, is not a pedal from one of the countless mini series of other manufacturers in terms of size, but with the dimensions of 5.9 cm x 11.3 cm x 4.8 cm (WxDxH) can definitely be called very compact. However, the massive construction ensures a comparatively hefty weight and suggests a long service life. The pedal has four included stick-on rubber feet and without this attachment, it slides around very easily on any surface without motivation. Battery operation is also not provided for the pedal, from therefore you should directly think about a place on your pedalboard.

Pleasantly, the Carl Martin Panama has its connectors on the front of the housing, which accommodates most patch cord wiring on the pedalboard. In between sits the connector for the 9V power supply. Things get a little tight here and a power supply wlnkelstecker can only be routed away up or down, but with a straight plug there should be no problems. As with the Carl Martin Plexitone, the voltage is internally set high to 12 V, which guarantees better headroom and higher resolution of the signal. The power supply should deliver at least 65 mA, so with a standard 100 mA output you are on the safe side. The On / Off switch is designed in true bypass.

In addition to the standards such as Gain, Level and Tone, the Carl Martin Panama has a fourth, special control called "Damping" on the control surface. Anyone who has ever worked with a prof. engineer will know the problem. With increasing distortion, some amps tend to become a bit "boomy", i.e. their bass content increases, which at first makes the sound seem even more voluminous, but then the amp also tends to "choke", respectively the assertiveness in the band mix suffers massively and must be made up for with excessive volume. You can of course do this in the mix with an EQ, but it is better if the amp does not get into excessive "pumping" in the first place.

This is where the Damping control comes in, which takes the bass part back a bit with increasing clockwise rotation and makes the sound tighter. A very practical effect, as you will hear later in the practical part. This control also makes it possible to rein in the "jazz" aspect of the inherently somewhat bassier sounding semi-acoustic guitars, such as the 300 series from Gibson or similar, and to move them towards a real rock'n'roll guitar.

The Carl Martin Panama in practice

To send it right up front, the Carl Martin Panama, like the Plexitone, has very strong booster ambitions, i.e. the pedal pushes the amp really hard when needed. So it is advisable to be careful with the level control. 12 o'clock corresponds approximately to the in = out level, above that the output level is to be enjoyed with caution.

To appreciate the pedal in its entirety, it is recommended to use as old as possible vintage all-tube amp in the style of a Bassman, Plexi or VOX AC whatever, that is, amps that have a very good basic sound with little gain. In this case, the Carl Martin Panama sort of takes over the part that a modder took over in the eighties. So you can mod your amp without tinkering with it forever. To ensure the same, I took my old 77 Marshall Mod. 1987 with a Marshall 412 cabinet with Celestion Vintage 65 speaker from about 1982 and set it up so that it just doesn't go into saturation.

The first thing that stands out very positively is how incredibly well the pedal hangs on the guitar's volume control. It is actually possible to drive the sound only with the volume control back to almost completely clean and to control the gain factor completely with it. Furthermore, the pedal truly has a very high headroom, however, I would call the pedal more of a distortion than an overdrive pedal. The gain factor goes well beyond a pure overdrive and manages to move even completely clean amps to a powerful lead sound.

The sound of the Carl Martin Panama is really excellent, provided that you like a treble-emphasized sound. Although you can keep the treble quite well in check with the Tone control, the Carl Martin Panama finds its strengths in the assertiveness. Although the product name suggests it, for the original VH sound, the basic sound of the pedal is a bit too tight, the classic EVH sound is a bit softer in the approach, however, the pedal sounds indeed excellent and the excellent dynamics is indeed equal to the VH sound. Especially if you are looking for classic lead sounds, the Carl Martin Panama leaves a very good figure, for typical high gain Geboller recommend other pedals.

Conclusion

With the Carl Martin Panama, the Danish manufacturer has an excellent pedal in its ranks, which is based on the modder work of the eighties. The goal of making a vintage tube amp sound like after a visit to an amp tuner is achieved over long distances and leaves a very good impression in all areas.

Additional Informations:

- Carl Martin Pedals is a Danish-based company that has been producing high-quality guitar effects pedals since 1990. The company was founded by Carl Martin, a talented guitarist who was dissatisfied with the effects pedals available on the market at the time. He set out to design and create his own pedals, which quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional sound quality and durability.
Over the years, Carl Martin Pedals has become a leading name in the world of guitar effects pedals, thanks to their innovative designs and commitment to quality. The company's pedals are used by some of the world's most renowned guitarists, including Joe Bonamassa, Peter Frampton, and Steve Stevens, among others.

One of the things that sets Carl Martin Pedals apart from its competitors is the company's dedication to using only the highest-quality components in its pedals. Each pedal is hand-built using carefully selected components that are rigorously tested for quality and performance. This attention to detail ensures that every pedal that leaves the Carl Martin workshop is of the highest possible quality and will provide exceptional performance for years to come.

Another key feature of Carl Martin Pedals is the company's commitment to innovation. The company's pedals are constantly evolving, with new designs and features being introduced on a regular basis. This commitment to innovation has resulted in some of the most unique and groundbreaking effects pedals on the market today, such as the Octa-Switch MKIII and the Surf Trem.

Despite its success, Carl Martin Pedals remains a small, family-owned company that is committed to providing personalized service to its customers. The company's pedals are sold through a network of authorized dealers and distributors around the world, with each dealer providing expert advice and support to customers looking to purchase a Carl Martin pedal.

In conclusion, Carl Martin Pedals is a company that has earned a reputation for producing some of the best guitar effects pedals on the market today. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and personalized service, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry and a go-to choice for discerning guitarists around the world. If you're looking for a pedal that will.


- Van Halen's "Panama" is a classic rock anthem that has become a staple of the band's live shows and a favorite of rock fans around the world. The song, which was released on Van Halen's 1984 album, features the band's signature blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and pop sensibilities, along with Eddie Van Halen's iconic guitar riffs and David Lee Roth's charismatic vocals.

The song's lyrics are inspired by Roth's love of fast cars and the thrill of driving at high speeds. The opening lines of the song, "Jump in, let's go / Lay back, enjoy the show," set the tone for the high-energy ride that is "Panama." The chorus, which features Roth's soaring vocals and Eddie Van Halen's searing guitar riffs, is a celebration of the freedom and excitement of the open road.
One of the most memorable aspects of "Panama" is Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. The solo is a masterclass in rock guitar playing, with Eddie Van Halen effortlessly shifting between lightning-fast runs and soaring melodic lines. The solo also features Eddie Van Halen's signature "tapping" technique, which he popularized in the 1980s and has since become a standard technique in rock guitar playing.
Another notable feature of "Panama" is the song's driving rhythm section. Bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Alex Van Halen provide a relentless groove that propels the song forward and gives it its unmistakable energy. The band's tight musicianship and chemistry are on full display in "Panama," making it one of the band's most beloved and enduring songs.
In addition to its musical excellence, "Panama" has also had a lasting impact on popular culture. The song has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and video games, and has been covered by countless bands and musicians. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song's timeless appeal and the enduring legacy of Van Halen as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

In conclusion, "Panama" is a high-energy rock anthem that showcases Van Halen at the height of their powers. From its memorable guitar riffs and soaring vocals to its driving rhythm section and iconic guitar solo, the song is a masterclass in rock music and a testament to the enduring legacy of Van Halen. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of rock music, "Panama" is a must-listen track that is sure to get your blood pumping and your heart racing.

TEST: Boss HM-2w

 How do you manage to scare off as many readers as possible already with the first sentence so far that he hardly dares to read the next lines further. Well then, the word of the day is "Swedish Chainsaw Metal"! Now it's out and I can literally feel how not only all guitarists from the field of jazz, pop and country turn away in disgust, but also the majority of rock, even metal guitarists show a rather pinched facial expression. Only a small selection of extreme metal guitarists listens expectantly and rushes excitedly to the following lines. Well then, it's time for the resurrection of the Boss HM-2, but in its newly reissued Waza version called Boss HM-2w.

History lesson

One thing up front, discussing sounds is strictly speaking totally pointless, especially when it comes to distorted sounds in the realm of metal. The sometimes completely overdistorted noise, which is expected from the listener in some extreme areas of this genre, is more to be seen as an art project than as a serious form of music, which follows at least rudimentary areas such as rhythm, chord progression and melody. But it is what it is, while Elvis still scared our grandmothers to death with his hip swing, nowadays the only thing left to do is to flee into the total dissolution of any harmonic sound sequences, combined with "vocals" that have more to do with digestive noises of any kind than with any kind of human sounds, in order to provide at least a hint of shock effect.

In order to find a suitable companion in terms of guitar sound here, one was at the right address at the Boss company almost three decades ago. While the overdrive pedals in the form of the OD-1 or SD-1 are still used today as an alternative to the TS9 for the purpose of blowing the amp, the distortion pedals from Boss have always polarized, so that until today at the "most terrible of all distortion pedals" not only the legendary Metal Zone, but also the predecessor of our test pedal Boss HM-2w is mentioned. Launched in the late eighties, the pedal did not even begin to gain a foothold in the hype of hair metal / tail rock, so the pedal was taken off the market again in 1991.

However, with the increasing popularity of the extreme metal faction, the pedals, which were first manufactured in Japan and later in Taiwan, became increasingly popular, so that a worldwide petition was started in which fans of extreme metal asked Boss to reissue the pedal. In particular, Scandinavian bands, which were always ahead in the harmonic cluster area and against which even bands like Slayer musically had a touch of Backstreet Boys, defined with their "Swedish Chainsaw Metal" a "musical" area that was economically negligible, but in terms of attention always caused a furor. Well then, you wanted the extreme, you got the extreme.


Structure and conception of the Boss HM-2w

The Boss HM-2w comes as already for decades almost all other Boss pedals in the classic layout. The dimensions have not changed and also the ingenious battery compartment along with the easiest access has remained. What has changed, however, is the so-called Waza version, in which a small switch on the front of the pedal can be varied between two basic sounds. In the S for Standard mode, the Boss HM-2w imitates the typical HM-2 sound of the eighties, in the C for Custom mode, the same sound gets a kind of "loudness" function, where the bass and treble range is pushed more in combination with an additional increase in the degree of distortion. For those who actually still place their pedals on the floor in free-flight wiring (are there still guitarists who work without a floorboard?), the Boss HM-2w has a rubber pad on the bottom that covers about 50% of the bottom and gives a better grip.

As always, you can choose between battery or power supply operation, whereby the Boss HM-2w turns out to be very frugal in terms of power consumption and can easily cope with a simple 9V / 100 mA power supply. As control options, the Boss HM-2w offers an output control, a bass and treble control and a distortion control. Two special features are immediately noticeable, which should cause confusion for one or the other user. First, there is the 12 o'clock position of the volume control. With almost all pedals, 12 o'clock is roughly +/- 0 dB, meaning that what goes into the pedal in terms of level, comes out again. However, this is different with the Boss HM-2w, here the 12 o'clock position is accompanied by a significant volume drop. Although a clear booster effect can still be heard at right stop, but for a 1:1 level setting you have to go to about 3 - 4 o'clock. Very unusual.

Furthermore, the frequency range of the treble control also clearly captures the midrange, so that depending on the position and the equipment used, you can also create a scoop sound. Here it is necessary to test the respective area of application, whether this type of sound management works.


The Boss HM-2w in practice

As already mentioned, the Boss HM-2w can actually only one sound, but in different versions, depending on whether you switch the pedal in front of a clean or a distorted amp. One thing up front, who wants to operate the pedal in his ancestral sound, comes around a Noisegate after the pedal not around, unless he wants to deactivate the pedal immediately in every break in the game. As with many other high-gain pedals, the amount of ambient noise is extremely high, regardless of whether you turn up the guitar's volume knob or not. Many will criticize that a hard-set noise gate likes to cut off a decaying tone harshly once in a while, but believe me, in the genres of music where this pedal is used, this fact simply doesn't matter.

It is interesting that the Boss HM-2w is operated by its fans with pleasure once like the eternal cliché of the Plexis, speak all controls on right stop. The result is an extremely pumping and scratchy high-gain sound, which allows a maximum of two-tone sounds, which must also be played extremely clean, so that everything does not suffocate in a single mush. The best way to work, in my opinion, is with single notes, which provide the greatest definition.

If you're looking for the warmth or dynamic of an all-tube snare, you're completely wrong with the Boss HM-2w. Here it is exclusively about the brutal and brute force of the half-wave cut, without any consideration for pleasant, pleasing sounds. The Boss HM-2w has from the basic sound indeed a very own tone, which immediately animates to a way of playing, which one had not yet discovered at all in itself, which makes the pedal very interesting in several respects. This does not have to mean that one now automatically falls into the laughing stock of corpse painting and lyrics about slaughtered virgins, but the personal, artistic horizon could indeed be expanded. Death metal riffs with country lyrics in the style of "the woman comes back", "the dog returns home" and "the car starts again", would perhaps also be an interesting variation.

However, the pedal with its partly "Fuzz Pedal Meets Broken Amp" reminiscent sound will scare off many classic pedal operators who have become accustomed to more pleasing tones from their pedals. The sound is really nasty, mean, unsettling, with the subtlety of a chainsaw, but that's exactly the pedal's specialty. I dare to doubt whether the Japanese really had this field of application in mind for their pedal at the end of the eighties, but the terry towel is now also created by a mistake in the loom and you could dry your hands afterwards super on it, from therefore.

The sound files were recorded with my Sound Ciry Master One Hundred, an amp that is great for distortion pedals of any kind and from the setting goes a touch into the saturation.



Conclusion

With the Boss HM-2w, the Japanese manufacturer once again brings a legend to the market, which will polarize like hardly any other. On the one hand, the extreme sound of the pedal will scare off many users, on the other hand, the sound shows you a side of you that you did not know until now. To what extent the musician finds this development interesting or disturbing is in the eye of the beholder.

But the fact is, 90% of all users will hate this sound, 10% will love it, but 100% will talk about it, which is always the basis for a legend in the end.

Additional informations:


- Distortion pedals, also known as "overdrive" or "fuzz" pedals, are a type of effect pedal used by guitarists and bassists to create a distorted, crunchy sound. These pedals are a staple in the rock and metal genres, but can be used in a variety of musical styles.

Distortion pedals work by clipping the signal of an instrument, which causes it to distort and produce harmonics that give it a gritty, aggressive sound. The amount of distortion can be controlled with the gain knob on the pedal, allowing the player to achieve everything from a light overdrive to a heavy, saturated tone.

There are three main types of distortion pedals: overdrive, distortion, and fuzz. Overdrive pedals are designed to simulate the sound of a tube amplifier being pushed to its limits. They typically produce a warm, smooth sound with a moderate amount of distortion. Distortion pedals, on the other hand, produce a more aggressive sound with a higher level of distortion. Fuzz pedals produce an even more extreme, almost "broken" sound that is popular in genres like garage rock and psychedelic rock.

Distortion pedals can be used in a variety of ways. Some players use them to add a little bit of grit to their sound, while others use them to completely transform their tone. They can be used to create a solo boost, to add sustain, or to create a more complex, layered sound. Some players even use multiple distortion pedals in a chain to achieve a unique sound.

When selecting a distortion pedal, there are a few things to consider. First, players should consider the type of music they play and the tone they are trying to achieve. Different pedals will produce different types of distortion, so it's important to choose one that matches the desired sound. Players should also consider the quality of the pedal, as well as its durability and reliability.
Some popular distortion pedals on the market include the Boss DS-1, the Pro Co Rat, and the Ibanez Tube Screamer. Each of these pedals has its own unique sound and character, and players should experiment with different pedals to find the one that works best for them.

In conclusion, distortion pedals are an essential tool for any guitarist or bassist looking to create a distorted, crunchy sound. These pedals come in a variety of types and styles, and can be used in a variety of ways to achieve different tones and effects. When selecting a distortion pedal, players should consider the type of music they play, the sound they are trying to achieve, and the quality and reliability of the pedal.

Boss Pedals is a Japanese company that manufactures guitar and bass effects pedals. Founded in 1973, Boss has become one of the most well-known and respected names in the music industry. The company's pedals are used by countless professional musicians in a variety of genres, and are renowned for their high-quality sound and durability.

Boss Pedals has a wide range of effects pedals, including distortion, overdrive, chorus, delay, and many more. Each pedal is designed to produce a specific effect, allowing musicians to tailor their sound to their exact preferences. The company is known for its innovation in the field of guitar effects, and has introduced many groundbreaking products over the years.

One of Boss Pedals' most iconic products is the DS-1 Distortion pedal. This pedal, introduced in 1978, quickly became popular among guitarists and is still in production today. The DS-1 is known for its versatile sound and rugged construction, and has been used by countless artists in a variety of genres.

Another popular Boss Pedals product is the TU-3 Chromatic Tuner. This pedal is used by many guitarists to ensure that their instrument is in tune at all times. The TU-3 is known for its accuracy and ease of use, and has become a staple on many pedalboards.

Boss Pedals is also known for its compact pedal design. The company's pedals are built to withstand the rigors of touring and live performance, and are often much smaller than their competitors' products. This makes it easier for musicians to fit multiple pedals on their pedalboard without taking up too much space.

In addition to its effects pedals, Boss Pedals also manufactures other music-related products, including amplifiers, multi-effects processors, and drum machines. The company has always been dedicated to creating high-quality, innovative products that musicians can rely on, and this dedication has helped them to remain a leader in the music industry for nearly 50 years.
Overall, Boss Pedals is a company that has had a significant impact on the music industry. Its effects pedals are used by musicians all over the world, and its commitment to quality and innovation has helped it to maintain its position as one of the most respected names in the business. Whether you're a professional musician or just getting started, a Boss Pedal is a great investment for anyone looking to create a unique and innovative sound.

TEST: Black Lion Audio B172 MKII

And once again Neve, or should we say "Inspired By Neve", because the American company Black Lion attaches great importance not to be called a clone. With the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII, the company now presents the update of the MKI version, which differs in only a few, but crucial points.

MKI versus MKII

As always with an update, the user is of course primarily interested in what has changed compared to the previous model. Apart from a different color scheme, I couldn't find any differences at first glance. I admit, I also had to contact the German distributor first to find the exact differences between the MKI and MKII versions, especially since I had not yet had the MKI version in my fingers. Here is the result of the research:

1.) First, the layout of the product has obviously been changed from the really "borderline" blue / black to a uniform black, which puts the device in the new uniform appearance of the Black Lion preamps.

2) An additional output transformer was integrated, so that the preamplification could be raised up to 70 dB and the noise component could be lowered again.

3) Probably the most important point of the update, which many users have been waiting for, the retail price has been reduced from 626 € to 539 €.

All in all, there are several good reasons to take a closer look at the MKII version.

The concept of the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII

As already mentioned, the company with its headquarters in Chicago leans with the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII strongly on the concept of the Neve 1073, which is probably the most copied preamplifier par excellence. The product is built in a half rack unit, a format that has recently gained significant acceptance in the recording studio sector. However, for those who would like to use the product in standalone mode outside of rack operation, an appropriate base is recommended. Although the bottom of the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII has no sharp edges or screws, the product does not come with rubber feet or similar coasters.

The entire presentation of the product is extremely massive, which is also reflected in the comparatively high weight of the product of just under 1.4 kg. The likewise "spatially expansive" power supply is unfortunately installed externally, which leads us to the usual "where-with-the-bump" department and is probably owed to the comparatively low selling price. Yes, there are two drill holes in the PSU's plastic casing to screw the hulk under the tabletop or similar, but practicality is unfortunately different.

Of course, there is the assessment that the available budget has been shifted in favor of high-quality components and the red pencil has been better applied to the power supply, but be that as it may, anyone who uses several sound components with external power supplies in their studio knows the eternal search for the appropriate storage location. At least the plug on the back of the case, which rests against the case, grips properly and cannot be pulled out of the case so easily by mistake.

Otherwise, the preamp presents itself like its predecessor, i.e. the front panel is dominated by a large gain control with 5 dB steps and a smaller, non-gridded output control. A mini-switch acts as an On / Off switch, while three small pushbuttons can be used to switch on 48 V phantom power, rotate the phase or activate the high-impedance input on the front panel. The On / Off mode, the phantom power and the Hi-Z input have been provided with an LED control light for status checking. Despite the sleek layout, the product exudes a touch of vintage character, which is due in particular to the control knobs, they take on the vintage charm of past eras and could therefore easily come from a military movie of the sixties, good grip and solid feel included.

The three LEDs really have it going on in terms of luminosity. All three shine in a brilliant white, whereby "brilliant" is still to be described as discreet. Personally, the indicators "bite" a bit too hard in direct visual contact, but this is by no means meant to be a rating, but merely describes my personal taste. Different colors would do the clarity good, but would probably reduce the visually uniform image in their homogeneity somewhat.

On the rear, the product has an XLR input, as well as a balanced TRS output. Likewise, there is an internal chassis ground in case of occurring ground hum, as well as the plug for the external power supply. The aforementioned high-quality internal components include a CineMag input transformer and an Edcor output transformer, with the discrete design operating in Class A mode.

The Black Lion Audio B173 MKII in practice

First of all, let's move on to one of my favorite topics, the haptics. Here, in addition to its already mentioned solid construction, the product also shines with well-fitting push switches, high-quality potentiometers and firmly gripping sockets. It is simply fun to touch the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII.

Regarding the operation, there is not really much to do wrong with only 2 controls, but both have a massive impact on the final sound material, depending on the control settings. As sound examples I have deliberately chosen sparsely structured sound material to be able to present the compression of the source material as intensively as possible.

Now then, how does the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII sound. Simply put, it sounds as you'd expect it to sound, and in the best sense of the word. Entirely rooted in the Neve empire, the product colors the adjacent sound material very intensively, but without copying the Neve sound 1:1. The Black Lion Audio B173 MKII has, despite the Neve cuddling course, a clearly independent sound behavior, which is reflected in particular in the saturation. But everything nicely one after the other.

The first thing that catches the ear is the soft basic sound of the preamp. As with its forefather, the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII manages an optimal symbiosis of subtle compression and a tasteful lowering of the high mids, which flatters the human ear in more ways than one. If you listen to the original recordings of the sound samples and compare them with a linear recording via the preamp, the sonic differences are eminent. The product succeeds in making almost every applied sound material sound a tad "finer", "softer" and "more expensive".

In this regard, the B173's treble in particular makes it a good choice for adding a bit more "brightness" to dull signals or recording instruments that often need a top-end boost.

However, the real bonus point of the product reveals itself when you leave the "clean" paths and you move into saturation. Here, the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII can show a strength that makes the analog signal processing area really interesting. Especially impulsive signals such as drums or percussion instruments benefit from the mixture of compression, overtone enrichment and general sound compression, which comes close to an overdrive pedal, as long as you don't overdo it, or if you are in the experimental area, really overdo it.

The result is a rich sound, which of course polarizes, but in the mix significantly reduces the need for a compressor, or its efficiency, especially in the threshold due to the compacted sound material can be set significantly higher. Especially in the analog range, for example with drum machines or vintage drums, such a sound is almost obvious. Here it becomes clear once again that the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII is not a pure clone of a 1073, but generates an independent sound image.

Of course, this sound effect is old hat, but between the audiophile design are partly worlds. Depending on the circuit and component quality, you can choose between scratchy, undynamic half-wave cut or a smooth transition that allows a range from magnetic tape saturation to tube-like overdrive to tangible distortion. The Black Lion Audio B173 MKII definitely belongs to the second guard, but it convinces with a very musical, practical saturation process, which is convincing in many instrument genres.

Conclusion

With the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII, the American manufacturer has a Neve homage in its ranks that has it all. The preamp, which is oriented on the 1073, convinces with a high-quality workmanship, an excellent sound and an excellent saturation effect, which also conveys wacky sound ideas in high-quality.

In addition, the MKII version has a more visually appealing appearance, an additional output transformer and has been reduced in price by about 15% compared to the MKI version.

A truly attractive offer, definitely test once.

Additional informations:

- Black Lion Audio is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 2006 by owner and chief designer Nate Bierdeman, Black Lion Audio has quickly become a respected name in the pro audio industry, with a reputation for producing some of the finest analog gear on the market.

One of the company's core missions is to provide affordable upgrades to existing equipment, allowing musicians and producers to achieve better sound quality without breaking the bank. This philosophy is reflected in many of Black Lion Audio's most popular products, including the B12A MkII and B173 preamps, which are based on classic Neve and API designs but are available at a fraction of the cost of the originals.

Black Lion Audio also offers a range of other analog equipment, including compressors, equalizers, and A/D and D/A converters. Many of these products are designed to complement each other, allowing users to build a complete signal chain that delivers superior sound quality from start to finish.

One of the things that sets Black Lion Audio apart from other pro audio companies is its commitment to customer service. The company's website features a wealth of information on all of its products, including detailed specifications, user manuals, and frequently asked questions. In addition, Black Lion Audio's customer service team is available to answer questions and provide technical support via phone or email.

Another thing that sets Black Lion Audio apart is its dedication to innovation. The company is constantly working on new designs and concepts, with a focus on improving sound quality and increasing functionality. For example, the company's recently released PG-XLM mastering compressor features a unique "variable mu" design that allows users to adjust the amount of compression applied to different frequency ranges, providing more precise control over the final sound.

Despite its relatively short history, Black Lion Audio has already earned a loyal following among musicians, producers, and audio engineers. Its products are used by professionals in a wide range of industries, from music production and broadcast to post-production and mastering.

Overall, Black Lion Audio is a company that is dedicated to providing musicians and producers with affordable, high-quality analog gear. With a commitment to innovation and customer service, and a growing reputation for excellence in the pro audio industry, Black Lion Audio is definitely a company to watch in the years ahead.

- The Neve 1073 is a legendary analog preamplifier and equalizer that has become an industry standard in the world of professional audio recording. Originally designed by Rupert Neve in the early 1970s, the 1073 was featured in Neve's A88 console and quickly became a favorite among recording engineers due to its warm, musical sound and versatile EQ.

The 1073's preamp section features a Class-A design with a discrete transistor circuit, which contributes to its rich and creamy sound. The preamp has switchable mic/line inputs, as well as a high-pass filter and a switchable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones. The preamp can add up to 80 dB of gain, which makes it suitable for recording a wide range of sources, from quiet acoustic instruments to loud rock bands.

The 1073's EQ section is also highly regarded, with three bands of equalization that allow for precise tonal shaping. The low-frequency band has a selectable frequency of 35 Hz, 60 Hz, 110 Hz, and 220 Hz, and can boost or cut up to 18 dB. The mid-frequency band has a selectable frequency of 360 Hz, 700 Hz, 1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 4.8 kHz, and 7.2 kHz, and can boost or cut up to 16 dB. Finally, the high-frequency band has a selectable frequency of 10 kHz and 12 kHz, and can boost or cut up to 18 dB. The EQ section can also be bypassed entirely if desired.

One of the key features of the 1073 is its ability to impart a desirable coloration to the sound. The preamp and EQ circuits are designed to add subtle harmonic distortion and saturation, which can help to warm up and thicken the sound of recorded instruments and vocals. This character has become a signature sound of the 1073, and many modern emulations and clones seek to replicate this sonic character.

In addition to its sound quality, the 1073 has become famous for its build quality and reliability. Neve's original units were built to withstand the rigors of professional studio use, and many vintage 1073s are still in use today. Neve's modern reissues and clones continue this tradition, with high-quality components and meticulous attention to detail in the manufacturing process.

Over the years, the 1073 has been used on countless classic recordings by artists such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Nirvana, among many others. Its warm, musical sound and versatile EQ have made it a favorite among recording engineers across genres, from rock and pop to jazz and classical. Today, the 1073 remains a highly sought-after piece of studio gear, and its legacy continues to influence the sound of modern recordings.

TEST: Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head

Large, sensitive and above all heavy, almost all all-tube amplifiers in the world have been presenting themselves for almost 6 decades now, not forgetting that they were and are the icing on the cake of the sonic phallic symbol of every full-stack. However, as is generally known, times are changing and hardly any guitarist today is still willing, for sound reasons, to heave a corresponding head, possibly still packed in a flight case for transport reasons, to the next club gig, only to hear both from colleagues and the FOH repeatedly that he was once again much too loud on stage. Those who would still like to know the ultimate look of rock'n'roll on stage, but without having to lift the corresponding weight, definitely belong to the target group of the Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head, which sonically prepares to emulate the familiar as well as possible and present modern.

The construction of the Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head

The Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head is sometimes touted as a single-channel hybrid amplifier, which is misleading in several respects. On the one hand, with the combination of digital preamplifier and analog power amplifier, a tube often used in the hybrid range is looked for in vain in the signal path and the so-called single-channel on the other hand has up to 128 memory locations, which can be managed via the optionally available FS-10 footswitch, or a MIDI bar. The weight of just under 23 kg is, as expected, primarily based on the wooden construction of the housing, the internally installed transistor technology is, in contrast to the weight-driving components of the all-tube amplifiers, especially in the form of input, output and power transformers, only responsible for a minimum weight and could easily be accommodated in a fraction of the housing dimensions.

Visually, the Chinese-built Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head presents itself in a vintage-like look of gray and silver, which goes a little in the direction of the current Sound City amps. It does not lack a certain charm to lay out optics and technology as diametrically as possible. In terms of dimensions, the head is slightly smaller than the classic Marshall briquette and is in the range of the Rectifier Heads. In terms of workmanship, there are no points of criticism, although the knobs and push buttons have a touch of play and indirectness, which lack the classic "massive" of an all-tube head, although this should be the target audience probably quite "latte". The head brings a power of 100 watts at 4 ohms, which decreases as with all transistor amplifiers with increasing number of ohms, so that the amp at 8 ohms still has about 50 watts and at 16 ohms just under 25 watts of power. From there, with a large stage and the use of 412er Cabinets is to be made certain that the box has a 4 ohm input, old Mershall Mono Cabinets could make one with their 16 ohms a line through the acoustic calculation.

Interesting is the choice of words of the modeler, which avoids the association to the blueprints of the classic sounds and only falls back on already established terms for some innocuous details. For example, the digital preamp is called "Voicings", which are divided into Warm Clean, Bright Clean, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1 and OD 2. To be honest, I personally like these names much better than the sometimes rather embarrassing names of some competing products, which for example come up with "Fander", "Saldona" or "Marhall".

In addition to the typical 3-band tone control in the preamp and the resonance and presence controls in the power amp, Blackstar relies on two additional tone controls that go beyond the usual level of sound management. First, the Brits have built their ISF circuit into the Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head, which is supposed to allow seamless blending between an "American sound" (designed to be more scoop-heavy) and a "British sound" (mid-peak). Of course, it's not possible to crossfade between a Twin Reverb and a JMP using a single knob, but you can set your preferences in advance.

As a special feature, however, the amp has a selector switch, which emulates the sound and resonance behavior of the most common power tubes (EL84, KT66, 6V6, 6L6, EL34 and KT88) and should thus provide more tonal variety. In order to be able to offer at least a rudimentary stand-alone solution in terms of FX, the amp has a simple internally installed multi-effects unit, similar to the Grandmeister and BS200 series from H&K, which pre-selects modulation, delay and reverb using a rotary control and then adjusts the intensity with a level control. If one wants to use appropriate effects, this is unfortunately the only possibility selbige to use, over a serial FX loop, which permits it to place straight room effects such as delay or reverb between preamp and output stage, does not exist. Perhaps a useful addition for the MKII version.

The rear panel of the Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head is simple and appropriate to the concept of the head. In addition to the two footswitch inputs, the amp offers a TRS input for feeding external sound sources such as an MP3 player and it offers a frequency-corrected output for demo recordings or for all users who want / need to do without a miked pickup of the guitar, a direct feed into the P.A..

In practice

Despite the many setting options, you can quickly find your way around the front panel of the Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head. First a basic sound selected and then roughly with the ISF controller its preferred alignment selected. One point is already noticeable with the first tones that flow out of the speaker, the amp was not primarily designed for clean sounds. The sound files were recorded with a Les Paul Standard, whose burstbucker pickups have a truly moderate output and yet the gain control had to be turned down to near zero to achieve a more or less clean sound. Despite this setting, the one or other saturation occurred under hard attack, but ultimately all not bad, older JCM have not managed this and in a pinch there is always the volume control on the instrument.

The focus of the Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head is of course on the power tube simulations, which makes the amp in this price range clearly stand out from the field of competitors. I therefore recorded all sound files with the different power amp simulations one after the other to demonstrate the sonic differences. The amp was connected to a H&K Oversize 412 Cabinet with Celestion Lead 80 speakers, recorded with a Fame MS57.


If you take the 6 different voicings and combine them with the 6 different power tube emulations, the whole thing still in combination with the ISF control, results in a very high sound yield for the amp indeed. Thereby everything is present from cutting sharp to pumping fat, which one would like to call on the plan at sounds. Especially in the high gain range, which basically starts at Super Crunch, the amp offers many possibilities to determine your preferred sound. However, all sounds seem to derive their diversity from different EQ settings in the presets, less from the complex interaction of the individual components, as is the case with a tube power amp. Of course, at a retail price of less than €500, no one will have expected a perfect representation of the individual tube parameters, and in some combinations you can also very nicely make out the different characteristics of the individual tube emulations in direct comparison, but it remains an emulation, albeit an ambitious one.

Only one point makes me think, although it is well thought out by the designers. The respective power tube emulations are programmed in the comparison in the approximate volume, which they also deliver in the original, that is, the EL84 simulation is for example many times quieter than a KT88 simulation. Well thought, but there is with the personal programming of the sounds this accordingly to consider. One can also understand the different volumes well in the sound files.

Sonically, the amp is quite convincing, especially at lower volumes, although with a slightly busy basic sound, it sometimes has some problems to assert itself in the band context. But if you keep your drummer on a tight leash and hide the 8x10 cabinet from the bass player, you should be able to handle it ;-)

Conclusion

With the Blackstar Silverline Deluxe Head, the British manufacturer has a sonically flexible and visually appealing head on the market. The amp offers a wide range of sounds through 6 different voicings, 6 power tube emulations and Blackstar's own ISF circuit, which score especially in gain and high gain. If you want to shine visually on stage without having to transport an all-tube head, you should test the head once.

Additional Infos:

- Blackstar Amplification is a British guitar amplifier manufacturer that has been making waves in the industry since their inception in 2007. Founded by a group of former Marshall Amplification employees, Blackstar has quickly become known for their innovative designs and high-quality sound.

The company's philosophy is to create amplifiers that inspire musicians to play better and make great music. To achieve this, Blackstar has focused on incorporating cutting-edge technology and features into their amplifiers while maintaining a classic sound that guitar players love.

One of Blackstar's most notable innovations is their patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) technology. ISF allows players to adjust the EQ of their amplifier to achieve a wider range of tonal possibilities. By rotating the ISF knob, players can dial in a more American-style sound with a tighter mid-range or a more British-style sound with a fuller mid-range. This feature has been widely praised by guitarists for its versatility and ability to achieve a variety of tones.

Blackstar's product line includes a range of amps suitable for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Their entry-level series, the Fly 3, is a compact and portable amp that is perfect for practicing at home or on the go. The Fly 3 also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing players to easily stream music from their phone or tablet and play along with their favorite tracks.
For intermediate players, Blackstar offers the ID: Core series, which features programmable presets and advanced tone shaping capabilities. The ID: Core amps also come equipped with a built-in tuner and USB connectivity for recording and editing.

Blackstar's flagship series is the HT (High-Tension) series, which is designed for professional players and studio use. The HT amps feature all-tube designs and a range of advanced features, including multiple channels, footswitchable boost and reverb, and power reduction technology for playing at lower volumes.

In addition to their amplifiers, Blackstar also offers a range of effects pedals designed to complement their amp lineup. The pedals include overdrive, distortion, and modulation effects, as well as a versatile delay pedal.

Blackstar has received numerous accolades over the years, including the Music Industry Association (MIA) award for Best Amplifier in 2012 and the Guitar World Platinum Award for the HT Club 40 in 2013. The company has also been endorsed by a range of notable guitarists, including Gus G, Neal Schon, and Phil X.

Overall, Blackstar Amplification has established itself as a leading innovator in the guitar amplifier industry. Their focus on technology and tone has resonated with guitar players of all levels and has helped them to build a loyal following. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Blackstar is poised to continue making waves in the world of guitar amplification for years to come.

- Guitar amplifier heads, or topteile in German, are an essential component of any electric guitar setup. They are responsible for amplifying the signal from the guitar and shaping the sound to the player's liking. In this article, we'll take a closer look at guitar amplifier heads, their features, and why they are such an important piece of gear for guitar players.

First, let's define what a guitar amplifier head is. It is essentially the main component of a guitar amplifier, consisting of the preamp, power amp, and sometimes the effects loop. The head is connected to a separate speaker cabinet that contains the speakers and provides the sound projection.

One of the main advantages of using a guitar amplifier head is the flexibility it offers. Players can mix and match different heads and cabinets to achieve a variety of tonal possibilities. For example, a player may choose a vintage-style head paired with a modern speaker cabinet to create a unique sound.

Guitar amplifier heads come in a range of sizes and power ratings, with options available for everyone from bedroom players to professional musicians playing large stages. The power rating of an amplifier head is measured in watts and determines the volume and headroom of the amplifier. Higher wattage heads are capable of producing louder volumes and can handle larger speaker cabinets.

Many guitar amplifier heads also come equipped with features such as multiple channels, built-in effects, and EQ controls. These features allow players to dial in a variety of tones and customize their sound to their liking. Some heads also feature built-in attenuators, which allow players to reduce the volume of the amplifier without sacrificing tone.

When choosing a guitar amplifier head, it's important to consider the type of music you'll be playing and the venues you'll be performing in. If you're a bedroom player or only play small gigs, a lower wattage head may be suitable. For professional musicians playing larger venues, a higher wattage head may be necessary to achieve the desired volume.

There are many reputable guitar amplifier head manufacturers to choose from, each with their own unique sound and features. Some of the most popular brands include Marshall, Fender, Mesa/Boogie, Orange, and Peavey.

In conclusion, guitar amplifier heads are an essential component of any electric guitar setup. They offer flexibility and customization options, allowing players to achieve a variety of tones and sounds. When choosing a head, it's important to consider factors such as wattage, features, and your specific needs as a player. With the right head and speaker cabinet combination, guitar players can achieve the sound they've been searching for.

TEST: Beyerdynamic T1

 There are no longer many traditional German companies, which had and have the staying power within the music business against the mostly Asian competition. The "Made in Germany" label, which was actually intended as a devaluation when it was introduced and is now obligatory in terms of quality, is unfortunately always accompanied by corresponding manufacturing and ancillary wage costs, so that many manufacturers have gone over to developing in Germany but having it completely manufactured in China. One of the few exceptions is the Beyerdynamics company from Heilbronn, which, with very few exceptions, has everything from development to final production done in Germany and has a real battleship in terms of headphones on offer with the Beyerdynamic T1.

A retail price of just under 1,000 Euros then also addresses the targeted clientele right away. It's unlikely that a budget or home studio owner will spend such an amount on a product that experience has shown to be indispensable for work, but which can only be operated in conjunction with one or more monitor systems. Do I hear the first voices that mix only through headphones? Or are there even some who, in cooperation with the SPL Phonitor, have consciously decided against near-field monitors? The same should read the following lines very meticulously, it could pay off economically.

Concept

We all know headphones and earphones from various fields of application. Primarily, everyone will have the classic image of the acting musician in the recording room in front of him, while the sound engineer together with the producer sits in the control room in front of the monitor. In times of flexibility and mobility, however, the trend towards high-end headphones is clearly on the rise. Whether for a silent session, while traveling, or as a second or third monitor, the importance of a serious alternative to a near-field monitor has grown steadily in recent years, not to mention the loyal community of hi-fi enthusiasts.

With the Beyerdynamic T1, the Heilbronn-based company presents the top model of its Tesla series, which are newly developed transducers with a drive power of over one Tesla (unit of measurement for magnetic flux density) for higher efficiency.


Design

The Beyerdynamic T1 uses a semi-open design, as found on its sister model, the DT 880 Pro. It is a dynamic headphone where the ear cups are completely enclosed. The overall appearance of the Beyerdynamic T1 can be considered downright classy. The color combination, which ranges from matte silver to classic black, combined with solid-looking speaker mounts and absolutely impeccable workmanship flash German engineering skills not only at first glance.

Compared to many competitors, the included cable has the rather rare double cable routing, which leads to a more even pull on both halves of the head, if one can speak of pull at all. Both earpiece cable plugs are pluggable and gold-plated, on the other side there is a likewise gold-plated 6.35 mm plug, which can also be reduced to 3.5 mm minister stereo jack by means of a screw connection. In order to protect the cable ends during transport or generally in the unplugged state, there are a total of 3 plastic sleeves over the cable, which can be pulled over the plug ends if necessary.

Even though the mini-jack operation would be ideal for mobile devices, the comparatively high impedance of 600 ohms restricts the direct use considerably due to the significantly lower maximum volume. In order to be able to feed the headphone in high quality according to its design, a serious headphone amplifier has to be used. On the other hand, those who are willing to spend a four-digit amount for a top headphone will almost certainly also own a corresponding amplifier. The Beyerdynamic T1 is transported in a sturdy yet very light hard case, which fits the headphones and cables perfectly.



Open, semi-open, closed

According to the product description, the Beyerdynamic T1 is described as semi-open headphones, which implies a reduction of sound in both directions (inside out, outside in). I honestly cannot comprehend this designation, as there was in fact no reduction of ambient noise once the headphones were put on. The headphones are rather to be understood as open headphones, but this does not negatively affect their use on the desk in any way. Only for use in the recording room is this design a disadvantage, but the Beyerdynamic T1 was not designed for this purpose.


Wearing comfort

Once the earpieces have been optimized for the shape of the head, it's only the headband and the ear pads that can reduce the wearing comfort of the headphones. Here, the Beyerdynamic T1 positively stands out from the list of competitors. The headband, covered in protein-coated leatherette, rests very softly on the head, with the large velour ear pads clinging to the sides of the head in an almost impalpable way. The result is a headphone that, despite weighing 356 grams (without cable), feels seemingly weightless and yet fits securely on the head. Highest perfection in wearing comfort.

Even after several hours of wearing, no fatigue of the head could be determined. The effect of the massive, but also comparatively heavy cable is debatable. Some colleagues complained about a certain tensile load if you let the cable slide to the floor in its entire length, which only decreases as soon as you move the cable relatively close to the headphones, for example as a relief over the work desk. I can't share this assessment. In my opinion, the stiffness of the cable provides a cushioning of the tensile load more like a flexible stick when it is placed on the floor. However, everyone should form their own opinion here, especially since the demands on one's own workstation vary greatly from person to person.


Sound behavior

If you look inside the ear pads, you can see that the respective sound transducers have been positioned slightly slanted towards the front. Whether this is due to the natural shape of the ear or to prevent the extreme stereo image of headphones remains a secret of the engineers, but the fact is that the Beyerdynamic T1 delivers excellent performance in terms of spatial imaging. The depth gradation is impressive for a headphone, which increases even more with a special headphone amplifier with crossfeed setting, such as the SPL Phonitor series.

At the same time, the coloration of the sonic material remains very subtle. The bass range remains tight, dry and transparent even with strong impulses, the midrange linear and analytical, far from the scoop characteristic of those products that want to offer the ear a still non-existent euphony. Only the treble reproduction shows a discreet overemphasis, which should be considered especially in high-gain guitar-heavy productions.

The Beyerdynamic T1 also sets new standards in terms of impulse response. The aforementioned Tesla technology with its ultra-fine voice coil contributes significantly to this sound behavior. The material used is extremely fast in conversion and thus ensures a fine and ultra-compact response.


Conclusion

With the Beyerdynamic T1, the traditional company from Heilbronn has a pair of headphones of the absolute top class on the market. In terms of workmanship, the product scores points across the board in terms of design, construction, wearing comfort and especially sound. The high impulse fidelity of the product and its excellent spatial resolution sometimes reveal subtleties in the sound material that can be lost even in a high-quality near-field monitor.

Equipped with tight and dry basses, linear mids and a clear treble definition, the Beyerdynamic T1 allows for fatigue-free work, which also invites for expansive sessions due to an outstanding fit. The delivered sound material sounds extremely lively over its entire frequency spectrum without coloring nicely.

An absolute top product in every respect, which leaves only the highest mark!


Additional informations:

- Beyerdynamic: A Legacy of Excellence in Audio Technology

Beyerdynamic is a German-based company that has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment for over 90 years. Founded in 1924 by Eugen Beyer in Berlin, the company has established a reputation for producing some of the finest headphones, microphones, and other audio equipment in the world.

Early Days

In its early days, Beyerdynamic was primarily focused on creating microphones for use in broadcasting, as well as for public address systems. However, it soon expanded its product line to include headphones and other audio equipment.

One of the company's most significant contributions to the world of audio technology was the introduction of the first dynamic headphone in 1937. This innovation changed the game for music lovers and professionals alike, as it allowed them to experience high-quality sound without the need for bulky and expensive electrostatic headphones.

Post-War Innovations

After World War II, Beyerdynamic continued to innovate and refine its products, introducing new models of headphones and microphones that were widely used in the music, broadcasting, and film industries. One of the most significant achievements during this period was the creation of the M 88 dynamic microphone, which became one of the most popular microphones used in studios and on stages around the world.

In the 1960s, Beyerdynamic released the DT 48 headphones, which were the first open-back headphones designed for studio use. These headphones quickly became popular with recording engineers and musicians due to their accurate sound reproduction and comfortable fit.

Modern Era

Today, Beyerdynamic continues to be at the forefront of audio technology, with a wide range of products that cater to both professional and consumer markets. Its headphones are renowned for their outstanding sound quality, durability, and comfort, and are used by musicians, recording engineers, and audiophiles around the world.

One of the company's most notable recent releases is the DT 1990 PRO headphones, which are widely regarded as some of the best headphones for studio use. They feature an open-back design that allows for a spacious and detailed soundstage, as well as a comfortable and durable build that can withstand the rigors of professional use.

Another notable release from Beyerdynamic is the TG 1000 wireless microphone system, which offers a level of audio quality and reliability that is unmatched in the industry. This system is ideal for use in large venues and events, where high-quality audio is essential.

Conclusion

Throughout its history, Beyerdynamic has been committed to producing audio equipment that delivers the highest level of quality and performance. Its products are renowned for their durability, comfort, and outstanding sound quality, and are used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. With a legacy of excellence that spans over 90 years, Beyerdynamic continues to be a leader in the audio technology industry and a trusted name for those who demand the best.


Headphones: A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Personal Audio

Headphones have become an integral part of our lives, whether we are commuting to work, working out at the gym, or just enjoying our favorite music at home. They provide a personal audio experience that allows us to immerse ourselves in the music and block out the distractions of the outside world. In this article, we will explore the world of headphones, from their history and development to the latest trends and technologies.

History and Development

Headphones were first developed in the late 19th century as a way for telephone operators to listen to calls without disturbing others. Over time, they became more widespread, with early models used primarily in radio communication and broadcasting.

In the 1960s, the introduction of the transistor led to the development of smaller, more portable headphones that could be used with personal music players like the Sony Walkman. This marked the beginning of the modern era of headphones, with companies like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and AKG leading the way in innovation and design.

Types of Headphones

There are several types of headphones available today, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Over-Ear Headphones: Also known as circumaural headphones, these are the largest and most comfortable type of headphones. They fit over the ears and provide excellent sound isolation, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. However, they can be bulky and heavy, making them less portable than other types of headphones.

On-Ear Headphones: Also known as supra-aural headphones, these fit on top of the ears rather than over them. They are generally smaller and more portable than over-ear headphones, but they may not provide as much sound isolation.

In-Ear Headphones: Also known as earbuds or in-ear monitors, these fit directly into the ear canal. They are the most portable and lightweight type of headphones, but they may not provide as much sound quality or comfort as other types.

Wireless Headphones: These are headphones that connect to your device via Bluetooth or other wireless technologies. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and lack of cables.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones: These headphones use active noise cancellation technology to block out external sounds, making them ideal for use in noisy environments like airplanes or public transport.

Choosing the Right Headphones

When choosing headphones, there are several factors to consider, including:
Sound Quality: The sound quality of headphones can vary significantly, so it's important to choose a pair that provides the level of audio fidelity that you require.
Comfort: Since you will be wearing your headphones for extended periods, it's important to choose a pair that is comfortable and doesn't cause fatigue or discomfort.
Portability: If you plan to use your headphones while traveling or on the go, it's important to choose a pair that is lightweight and easy to carry.
Price: Headphones can range in price from a few dollars to several thousand dollars. It's important to choose a pair that fits within your budget but still provides the features and performance that you need.

Conclusion

Headphones have come a long way since their inception, with advances in technology and design leading to a wide range of options for consumers. Whether you are looking for headphones that provide excellent sound quality, portability, or noise cancellation, there is a pair of headphones that will meet your needs. By understanding the different types of headphones and the factors to consider when choosing a pair, you can find the perfect set of headphones to enjoy your favorite music and audio content.