Demo of ART SGX 2000 Express Preamp

[@functionform]

When I made the move to synth music, I used the sgx as as my effects box. I hated its distortion back in the day. Now that I only make PC music I wish I had all those horrible distortion effects at my disposal. It was classic and I never knew!

[@Baroquemelodie]

Killer sound it's awesome I will buy the SGX 2000 in a short time. Many thanks to you for the sound tests

[@54goldtop]

It's an early Carvin T-100 Tube w/ EL34s. The SGX is a terrific unit...there's just so much gear that one can use at one time.

[@DriftingTricky]

Love my SGX! Been using it since 1990 and still gig with it to this day! Best money I probably ever spent. Never thought much of the distortions, so I use mine primarily as an effect system thru a nice tube amp's effects loops and I have always got compliments on my sound. I set up 4 or 5 user patches with the same base tone, but different effects for different songs throughout a night. Really my only complaint is that it's now nearly impossible to find people to work on it if things go wrong. Fortunately I've not had that happen very often in the 28 years I've owned it. Still occasionally use it for studio work as well, as the direct sound out of it is pretty nice as well with that tube warmth.

[@54goldtop]

I agree that the reverb, modulation, & delays were amazing...they've held up remarkably well over the decades!

[@ROOKTABULA]

I found all the solid state distortions sucked but if you use the tube pre, there's some nice distortions to be created with this thing.

[@lutkedog1]

Can i use two guitar amps into the sgx using Stereo without the hum?

[@lutkedog1]

Can i use two guitar amps into the sgx using Stereo without the hum?

[@CCmidwest]

I came here to checkout what kind of tones i could get with a ART SGX2000..I wanted one real bad back in the late 80's early 90's but could only afford cheap Digitech pedals.I seen one fore sale with foot controller on my local craigslist cheap after watching this i'm going for it........Most of all i would like to say how impressed i was at your playing ability ..Wow i know some very good players but few can skip across genres of music the way you do in this video and still stay spot on..Wow...

[@mindthreatx]

How did this end up working out for you? :)

[@dewycatt2112]

Betcha wish you still had this preamp. I Regret trading mine a while ago. My Marshall JCM 2000 DSL100 is a great amp, but it was still nice to have all the different tones and distortions/effects of the SGX. Home practice/recording, and can still play live too".. Think I'm gonna get another and keep it this time!

[@vincedavies3696]

The left and right pedals of the X-15 Ultrafoot are programmable such that any effect and parameter of the effect can be variable controlled including which pedal it can control it on.

[@U2wild]

That was the best Hendrix I've heard in a while

[@ThamMalaysia]

One of the patches which I used to program in my friend's basic SGX2000 during the 90s was White Lion's Vitto Bratta's sound.

[@glashay]

This guy is a smoker not a joker. Great great gear demo.

[@SaintPaul]

Great playing sir! I have been using the SGX since '90 - It sounds great. Has the tube, and very musical sounds. Add in any foot controller and you're golden. I've used it for modern rock, Reggae, HIp Hop, Electronic... Blues - it's great. Still worth $500. Blows away the Line 6 XT3 - and comp-based units like Guitar Rig & Amplitube for live playing.

[@capellamusic]

The Art SGX 2000 Express is absolutely amazing! I currently have 3 of them, the 1.05 as in this video, the 2nd to final 1.10 version and the very final 1.10 version which has the current ART logo, and I play mainly with my metalic purple Ibanez Prestige guitar. This is my favorite unit and sound :) . Also, great playing and great demo :)

[@spaghettimonsta]

Thanks...I'm glad you like it. Right now, this unit is packed in my household goods. When my house sells and I get things unpacked in the new one, I promise that I'll post the settings (clean and dirty). Until then screw the factory settings...find a recorded sound that really excites you then find something on the SGX that's in the ballpark...I'll often spend weeks/months tweaking and twiddling to dial in what I'm looking for...but trust me, it's there somewhere ;o)

[@kjemradio]

I have the bass version of this. SGX Nightbass Studio Edition. This is the second time I got it and I STUPIDLY sold my original one back in the 90s. The thing I didn't know back then was that it was tube driven in the pre amp section. No wonder why it sounded so warm. My one dislike was the X-15 Ultrafoot MIDI controller. Why? The expression pedals were on the left, and that for me is awkward. I prefer them on the right side. Cool thing is that since the controller is MIDI you don't have to use the one that originally came with it. ANY MIDI pedal board will work.

[@AJCGUITAR1]

Awesome playing!!! thanks for sharing

[@54goldtop]

Very smooth sound...really translates the tone of the preamp w/ just a little warmth. If you're looking for a lot of power tube distortion, this is probably not for you unless you're playing in big venues. I've heard this preamp is highly sought by audiophiles for the warm tube sound for their stereo rigs.

[@SillyWides]

Great vid man. Ive been using these since early 90's. Best processor ever. Truest sounding line out system in the biz. I use a 1974 Peavey "Roadmaster" amp and the -10db output. (no loop in those old babies :) It is a quiet as air. I do a sequenced solo classic rock act and run just the ART and it blends like nothing else I know. It really ticked me off when they stopped making it. There was actually 3 models. Original, Express and a second Express with a darker color scheme and a bit more gain

[@TiagoCostaMusic]

Indeed Artur! The best darn unit I've ever played. Even better than the Rocktron Voodoo Valve. Especially with the right hands "crafting" the presets!

[@spaghettimonsta]

I was using the 90's Carvin T-100 power amp w/ EL34s that you see in the video. I have played directly to a stereo receiver's tape-in RCA jack w/ pretty good results.

[@54goldtop]

@SaintPaul Well I've still got the SGX...I have a hard time parting with gear, even when I'm not using it. I keep thinking maybe I'll get back into the rack thing...and the old SGX does sound "choice" in that environment.

[@skipnelson199]

You play a great guitar man !! -- Mr. Skippers

[@54goldtop]

Sure...I've used it direct to a Mackie SRM450 active speaker as well as direct to mixer. In fact, I think I like the sound better thru a full-range speaker than into a guitar amp.

[@54goldtop]

I was using a 90's Carvin 50-50 power amp w/ EL34s. I'm in the process of selling a house right now and haven't put it on Ebay yet.

[@54goldtop]

Sure, but you'll have to set the amp as clean as possible. It's best if the amp has an effects loop...just bypass the amps preamp stage and go straight to the power amp via the effects loop return.

[@zyxwfish]

Thanks I'm looking for a tube poweramp that doesn't get to much tube saturation so that sounds perfect.

[@nickeeboy]

Wow this is from way back. I think Saigon Kick used this live back then.

[@aliengtr]

thanks for the demo, I looked as I bought one used acouple of days ago to play with...I usually use line 6 pod xt live and this would be an alternative I hope

[@ROOKTABULA]

I got mine, (not the express but the pricier original), in 90. I had to lol that it was good for '80's hair band sounds'! It does waaay more than that. The tube distortion is TITS. And in the "No Fekking way" department: I have my rack in a roadcase like that, installed above? A Carvin Stereo Tube 100 amp. Exactly as you have. What are the odds?! The ultrafoot was kinda sucky. You could hear the steps in the sensor as you pushed the pedals. Fine for live but not for recording.

[@54goldtop]

The thing I've learned about factory settings is that they're designed to impress in the music store, but don't really work in the real world. In my experience, it's better to find a recorded guitar sound that really excites you then find a basic tone (not one with all the bells and whistles) on the SGX that's in the ballpark. It's really just a lot of tweaking and twiddling to dial it in

[@brigmaticLaw]

Thats okay. Thanks for the quick reply!

[@54goldtop]

I'm really surprised at the number of people asking about the "Def Leppard" setting. I was looking for more of a good rock tone that I've used all my life. Actually, my live tone more identifies with Gary Moore, both with Thin Lizzy and his later blues matierial. That said, I promise to set up the camera and unpack this rig (I'm currently using a different setup) and see if I can explain how I go about getting both a nice clean sound and the 80s stuff.

[@ShredSixx80s]

i like and im fan of def leppard and i want to say that most of the effect what they used are from rockman recks but ART SGX is an amazing stuff too i try it in our local guitar store

[@ljjigonzo]

Great skills, great sound. Many complain about ART products but it seems they never take the time to fully tweak settings to their liking, Thank you also for your service. From looking at your wall, you are retired AF, AETC instructor and the steins...Germany?

[@54goldtop]

Thanks...and I agree this is a great preamp.

[@mindthreatx]

Hi Robert, I know you made this in 2008 but man this was such an awesome demo, thanks for making it! Still for sale? ;-) -Clint from the future...

[@54goldtop]

Kind words Clint "from the future"...thanks so much. Wish I still had this set-up for studio work.

[@54goldtop]

I agree that this preamp has a good "inherent" sound and lots of flexibility. People are funny though and sometimes more focused on the optics of what's popular today than getting the best possible sound.

[@spaghettimonsta]

Don't know about 3 12Ax7 tubes...mine has only 1 and runs cool as a cuccumber...so does my Vox ToneLab SE

[@hysteriag]

can you please do a demo of the def leppard setting

[@martialbegue4814]

Hi Robert! Thanks for sûre this demo, i have the ART SGX 2000 express too and it's sound really good for me,i love the 80's sound ,i am searching for the french book on this gear,did somebody can help me please!🙏 Again thanks Robert ,really good play, take care of you✌❤🎸🎶🤘😎🤘from Réunion island indian ocean

[@brigmaticLaw]

Hi! Great playing and great tone! I actually just bought an SGX 2000 Express off of eBay and I have a quick question. What was the # of that first distortion patch you played? It looks like 44 to me but the unit's a little too far away. Thanks a bunch in advance! I appreciate it!

[@maxduran2323]

Can you connect it 2 an amp like a pedal or what?oh yeah great playing!

[@forrestunknown]

what are the settings on the SGX for the tones you are using? I am trying to set mine up similarly but its hard to be sure. Really Awesome sound!!!

[@capellamusic]

He he funny you say that because once a friend of mine brought me a Rocktron Voodoo Valve he had and he wanted to compare it to the ART SGX 2000 Express, and the result was him putting up for sale his Rocktron Voodoo Valve to get rid of it, he really got disappointed with the Voodoo Valve (and I don't blame him), and he loved the SGX 2000 Express. They were compared with the same 12AX7. Still, the Voodoo Valve was the Korean model

[@dangerdong]

Sounds great and I have the SGX 2000 Express as well. Is that a preset your using in the beginning or a custom patch?

[@Claiboren]

Nice Playing Pop!

[@54goldtop]

Thanks Toughlove

[@thenewbikers]

My SGX 2000 came in today. I downloaded the manual off of ART's website but my printer isn't working so I have to read it on my computer. I can't figure out how to use the damn thing!

[@guitarsandwomen]

Dude I own the Art 2000 Express and X-15 Ultra Foot.You should make another video with less playing and let them her more of the effects it has.You play great but this thing has so many effects that when I got mine after 10 hours I still didn't get near all the way thru them all and you can program your own sounds.Let them hear the reverbs and all the chorus,delay,flanger and tons of other sounds like distortions.Let them hear the Play with me Preset.Awesome guitar processor.I wouldn't sell mine

[@utubecenseorstruth]

any thoughts on the art compared to a digitech rp500? I use that right now with a dod yngwie distortion pedal in front? I only really use chorus, delay, reverb, and occasionaly some phaser or flanger

[@54goldtop]

I think rack preamps like this got a bad rap from what once was considered a strength...their flexibility. I think if you focus on the core tone and not how many effects you can string together, having a flexible rig is a great thing. It's just not for the plug 'n play crowd. And thanks for the kind words.

[@MilanMilicevic]

I like that sound, how much cost that preAMP, nice playing

[@fenderfox5080]

Hey everyone I'm hoping you can help me with a question. So I was helping a guy move and he gave me the Art tube amp with the external speaker/ x12 and x15 pedals/ and the sgx 2000 express processor. My question is do these all go together? I can't find any videos on this whole setup but I'm super excited to dive into it and see what this can do. Any info would help, even a link to the manual lol. Thanks

[@54goldtop]

artproaudio.com/framework/uploads/2018/06/om_sgx2000.pdf

[@54goldtop]

Hope this helps...I sold mine over 10 years ago. It was a great processor for 80's rock...if it's in good working order, you'll enjoy it.

[@fenderfox5080]

@@54goldtop thanks so much, I'm gonna set it all up tonight and play around with it. I got the art attack module amp with the external speaker and 2 midi art pedals a few weeks ago not knowing what the pedals were for until yesterday the guy I was helping found the sgx 2000 and once I saw it made more sense on what it was for lol. We're these all intended to be used together with the amp or is it just coincidence that I was given art equipment and can potentially use them together? Either way I appreciate you getting me the information. I'm stoked to try it all out.

[@fenderfox5080]

@@54goldtop sorry I meant to ask if the x-12 midi master control goes along with this or if it's just the x-15 ultra foot? I'm still learning midi stuff so I apologize lol

[@54goldtop]

@@fenderfox5080 I honestly don't remember. I had the X-15 but I seem to remember the X-12 as well.

[@dewycatt2112]

Hi" I notice you have a carvin power amp. Is that a tube or solid state? If tube, could you tell me the model? Looks like it is one of the earlier models. Thanks GOLDTOP! Why are you selling your SGX? its an awesome unit!

[@lordkram]

@utubecenseorstruth this unit has 4 pre amp valves 'tubes' ide say it exceedes with that alone.

[@elliotkcollins]

Can you run a bass through it?

[@SaintPaul]

Thanks for the video, The ART SGX2000 sounds great! I've had one since 93... don't sell it brother. They have alot of mojo - even with the stupid magenta paintjob they had.

[@54goldtop]

I'm in the process of selling a house right now and haven't put it on Ebay yet. What pieces (preamp, power amp, speakers, midi pedal) are you interested in?

[@54goldtop]

Preamp only...needs either a power amp or use line in of guitar amp

[@54goldtop]

Thanks...and I got yer "pop" right here ;o)

[@54goldtop]

To tell you the truth, I don't pay much attention to factory settings...I find something that's in the ballpark and spend time(sometimes weeks/months) tweaking and twiddling to dial it in. It's been years since I programed that patch...memory fails at this point...sorry!

[@zyxwfish]

What do you think of the carvin power amp?

[@crx1vtec]

Great!!!

[@ibanez777vbk]

can anyone tell me how to turn distortion up by way of editing please ??

[@ibanez777vbk]

what power amp are you using please

[@54goldtop]

@DavePerry2012 Thanks Dave...I don't know a R&R guitar player who doesn't idolize Jimi

[@ibanez777vbk]

that sounded great check out digitech gsp 2101 thats a nice unit aswell

[@dewycatt2112]

Solid state power amps dont make great tone! If you dont have a good tube power amp like a carvin TS100 or Marshall 9200/EL34...then you will never know what you are missing! The SGX 2000 is an totally awesome unit that far excedes the price they sell for.

[@TheBunnycult]

Dose anyone know if it has a power button? I can't find one and don't want to have to unplug it every time I'm done using it.

[@lutkedog1]

No power button i use a rack mount power supply with a switch.

[@hysteriag]

how much for it?

[@krelbar]

A little too much reverb on that clean sound...but a great dirty-ish clean sound nonetheless.

[@LFC-Star]

I've got one.. they're ok but I'm thinking of selling mine.

[@Sandro.Congiu]

carvin is on ???

[@2beJT]

power amp for driving speakers

[@ibanez777vbk]

this sounds great,mine sounded like a sack of shit couldnt get much gain out of it,dumped it for a digitech gsp 2101 which is wayyyyyy better.this art unit cost £6000 which it first came out,yours sounds ok but id be annoyed if i was given 1 of these art units for free lol

[@Claiboren]

LOL! Hey, Im probably older than you! LOL! Nice Playing!

[@jonnda]

What did it go for? If it's worth it, I'm selling mine.

[@dewycatt2112]

Its funny to read all the comments from the Idiots out there who dont know how to play guitar or know how to create tone.I have and still own many tube amps Includeing Marshalls-Laneys-5150"s-Carvin etc...I dont even use my DSL 100 that much any more.My SGX 2000 Express does everything I hear in my head and the effects are infinate.The presets are just basics to start with,then you fine tune your tone and feel with the second stage EQ. there is only 1 tube.git yer shit right b4 u start babbl"n!!

[@ibanez777vbk]

This sounds ok but mine sounded like shit,i disposed of it with a much better digitech 2101

[@amazingwomenofsports1464]

no it didnt dick. you were just mad at the design on the unit