The Chainsaw Files - A.I.B. Custom FX Warg Mod (Hyper Metal HM-3) vs Boss HM-2 clone comparison

[@greenman4502]

This is basically what the HM-3 should've always been. Sounds so much better.

[@DomeNightbearer]

True, so much missed potential!

[@AIBCustomFx]

thank you! that's what I had in mind when designing the mod!

[@HM2CULT]

@@AIBCustomFx The HM-3 catches a lot of flack, I like it. Having said this, I also like my A.I.B HM-3 ;)

[@micahj9828]

That's crazy. This is literally what I'm doing to an HM-3 right now. Changing out 4 capacitors and two resistors in the high control gyrators to bring the frequency down to 950-1200hz.

[@AIBCustomFx]

yup! changing the gyrator values gets you closer that's for sure! The warg mod and its noise reduction requires more changes and tweaks though

[@micahj9828]

@@AIBCustomFx I'm thinking about an adjustable low-pass filter on mine (similar to the DOD FX86 low-pass gyrator), but breaking out of the circuit and fitting a perf board to host the low-pass components in the HM-3 case is a hurdle.

[@AIBCustomFx]

@@micahj9828 careful, there's already a low pass on the HM3 (a strong one, cuts above 1.59khz) and cutting the circuit might not be a good idea as HM3's will begin to get higher in price as the HM2 will go lower (waza coming out)...

[@georgetheodor112]

A bit better to my ears than HM-2, due to fuller sound perhaps.

[@AIBCustomFx]

the HM2 is a very "old school" circuitry. The HM3 is next gen in circuit design and the tonal response was different even without mods, more mids and a flatter response across the spectrum hence the "fuller"...plus there's more bass dB output!

[@HM2CULT]

I've noticed with an analog amp the pedal gain should be set at max, or close to max. I think due to the extreme noise reduction of this mod it's necessary for chainsaw ripping tone.

[@DomeNightbearer]

Yeah, the gain can definitely get you more sounds than on the HM2!

[@AIBCustomFx]

It might depend on the amp type though (bright or dark preamps...) I have the best chainsaw results with 50% gain and 50% bass on my rig.

[@mluminoth6379]

Oh shit, dome back with another pedal video. I watch every single one of these.

[@Ancient_Iron]

I've allways liked HM-3, even in its stock form.🤟💪

[@AIBCustomFx]

Not a bad pedal indeed

[@djxxeess]

Fantastic work. Warg mod is insane!!

[@AIBCustomFx]

thank you and the noise floor is down to virtually 0!

[@russianvideovlogguy]

actually sounds pretty good - the hm-3

[@AIBCustomFx]

Thank you! 'm pretty proud of my mod!

[@russianvideovlogguy]

@@AIBCustomFxI cloned the hm-2 using modern monolithic integrated circuits, now I want to clone the hm-3 lol

[@AIBCustomFx]

@@russianvideovlogguy well, it's not a bad circuit base 😁

[@ricksworkbench1386]

It's nice to have options. This is a great one.

[@barrenchainsawgrind5155]

AIB Custom FX makes some of the best pedals ("death") and mods that can be found here in Europe and at reasonable pricing! Huge Fan here!

[@DomeNightbearer]

True

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I stumbled on to the old Rocktron Zombie and I am really impressed you can get about 4 really different and usable sounds. It can be articulate and yet with a massive girth at the same time.

[@bertrandmajorik6589]

The more I watch your channel, the more my urge for an HM-2 waza wanes...........

[@MartinvonBargen]

To my ears there's a big difference in the HM-3 in front of a crunch and dirty amp. More sludge with the clean/crunch and facemelting with the dirty channel. Might just have to send mine off to be modded.

[@AIBCustomFx]

you're right! HM3 and HM2 pedals are internally very different and it shows best on a clean channel. Just like in the video, HM3's have more low mids, more upper higs and more bass. HM2's on the contrary are naturally more focused on high mids and low bass giving this scooped mids impression.

[@spuuuuuz]

The lows on the HM3 are ungodly. It's totally usable and doesn't deserve the hate it got at the time.