Dream ‘65 Reverb Amp Sim Guitar Pedal - Full Review & Demo

The Universal Audio Dream '65 Reverb Amp Sim Pedal is an incredible tool to get those Fender clean guitar tones you dream of. I take a deep look into EVERY feature on this pedal and provide a complete guide to the basics!
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Intro 00:00
Spring Reverb 00:48
Volume vs Output 01:24
Overdriven Tones 02:00
EQ 02:49
Boost! 03:51
Speakers 04:43
Vibrato 09:14
Normal Channel Vs. Vibrato 10:00
Insane Value 10:52
Mod Options 11:19
My Thoughts & Use Cases 15:25
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[@TomButwin]

Dream 65 at Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/q46OBN Zzounds: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673/item--UADDREAM65 Up To 40% OFF at Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/9gdyrE

[@UniversalAudio]

Thanks for taking Dream for a spin Tom!!!

[@TomButwin]

Hey! What an honor @universal audio. I appreciate it.

[@SonicCartography]

Great overview of a great pedal I just picked up! Thank you!

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

Great info Tom, Thanks man!

[@RichardLainegard]

New to your channel, which I found plowing through Dream 65 demos, great and very comprehensive demo. I’ll definitely be using this with the Lead boost always active (barely up for the bright cap mod), as an always on pedal platform. The setup where you then can use the foot switches in different configurations is genius, like the vibrato/boost instead of stock on off. Look forward to getting mine and trying that TR 2x12 😊

[@TomButwin]

Hey Richard! Thank you. Glad you found it helpful. These pedals are so versatile and capable in so many different situations. The barely up for bright cap is where it’s at to tame the brightness, that’s for sure. If you’re looking at buying one still, I’ve got an affiliate link that supports the channel in the description.

[@stephenleal001]

Excellent review, and amazing product! Buying one today!

[@TomButwin]

Thank you! Very much appreciate you watching. I’m still loving mine as well! Hope you’ll consider subscribing, if you haven’t yet.

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

True to your title, that was a superb and thorough overview. 👍🏼🙏

[@TomButwin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gibsoneb3]

I love my tube amps but I have this, have gigged with it and I’m very satisfied - no more 40lb load in/out and worrying about a malfunction - plus it’s consistent venue to venue. IMO.

[@TomButwin]

Those are some serious pros to using modeling, that’s for sure. Are you on in ears or do you use a powered cab of some kind?

[@jjajproj6857]

Have you experienced any difficulty using it with other pedals like OD's or distortions?

[@worshipguitarist2563]

Awesome overview and playing; cheers!

[@TomButwin]

Appreciate it!

[@jamesshaw476]

Great demo of the UA Dream '65 --👌

[@TomButwin]

Thanks, James! Appreciate it. There’s a TON I didn’t even cover. Very capable piece of gear.

[@peterbigblock]

I have this pedal and absolutely love it. I use it every day in my studio. It is versatile, easy to use, and sounds so absolutely excellent I just never use my tube amps anymore. Gonna get a Ruby as well. Imagine having a 65 Reverb and an AC30 that can each be routed to six cabs/speaker combos. Not to mention a ribbon mic, a 57 (ok, everybody has an SM57) and a 414. No leaking caps. No blown tubes. Awesome!

[@ricka47]

Great information - thanks!

[@TomButwin]

You’re welcome!

[@TRUELOUTUBE]

Very helpful !

[@TomButwin]

Glad it was!

[@ericlewis217]

Thank for the overview, have two Super Reverbs and considering this when I dont want to lug one of those with me.

[@TomButwin]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate it. I have a Deluxe Reverb and that's the exact reason I started looking for a pedal option like this (can't imagine carrying two Supers). I would suggest you check out the Strymon Irridium too. I'll link my brief comparison of the two, but bottom line (to me) is this: Strymon takes pedals better and stays out of my way/acts more like an amp in my setup. The Dream is better as a stand alone pedal. Lots more tonal options and I've even taken it to gigs...and nothing else. Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooq3hGCvjNODfZI

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

I may sell my Deluxe Reverb 'Tonemaster' for this... LOL Each pedal has its own cool vibe and original aspects, plus all the extras. Sweet!

[@guestguide2544]

Another review that would be welcomed probably by lots of people would be this pedal with the Fender Tone-Master FR-10 or FR-12 speaker amp. From reading a few reviews people who have used both like the FR-10 better. Also, a comparison to what this will do in comparison to the full Tone-Master Pro multi-effects pedal.

[@JohannesLabusch]

For all of you wondering if the Dream works with headphones: It DOES! You'll need a "Y" (two quarter inch plugs to one mini stereo input jack) adapter cable, available for under 10 bucks. It can drive all headphones I've tried, the volume is limited, but within useable range. Yay!!

[@TomButwin]

Nice! Wasn’t sure if there’d be enough to drive headphones. Good to know. I’m sure a little headphone amp still wouldn’t hurt.

[@zildjianrickenbacker8492]

what headphone amps would you recommend?

[@JohannesLabusch]

@@zildjianrickenbacker8492 I'm using one of the cheaper ones, and it works very well.. It's a Topping L30, which costs around $150.

[@kylecravens6501]

The D-Tex mode almost sounds like a top boost sound for those who need it! Plus you can still get the cleans of a Deluxe Reverb ... which you can't get on a typical top boost circuit!

[@TomButwin]

For sure! Don’t need the Ruby pedal then, I guess lol

[@marcoguitarjournal]

Hey thank you for the video! Would you happen to know if I could switch between (or summon) presets from just the pedal? E.g You are on preset 1 but you set up the right foot switch to pull up Preset 2 with a different volume/output setting. Thus being able to toggle between 2 volume and output configs at any given time. I’ve been able to do this somewhat with the Live/Preset config but “live” isn’t very… savable. If you get what I mean. Thanks in advance!

[@els1f]

I've been playing guitar for way longer than I'd like to admit lol🙃 I've used SO MANY different tube amps (many beloved/coveted), modeling units, plugins etc. I've never heard anything come close to the expression this has without weighing 60 pounds and having tubes! I'm not a purist at all, but there's always some THING missing that I can't put my finger on in other modelers

[@TomButwin]

I agree. There is always some element missing even in the best ones. For me, what makes the Dream ‘65 feel and sound really great is the spring reverb emulation. It’s SO good.

[@luis2arm]

What are your settings for the helpless intro?? Man! what a good review, you have a new subscriber now

[@TomButwin]

Luis! Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. As far as settings, check out 00:09 in the video. You can see all of my settings in that shot.

[@ThatWhatIsNot]

These UAFX pedals sound great. My beef is the footswitch assignments. You can’t have one switch toggling on/off and another switch toggling some effect (e.g., reverb, trem, boost). So, if you want to have a Dream, Ruby, and Woodrow in your rig, you’d have to run them each in separate loops if you want to set the pedal up to use the foot switches for toggling each amp pedal on/off as well as toggling one of the on-pedal effects. UA should add more switch configurations.

[@TomButwin]

There are some limitations, but I have to believe the hardware to do that (or other similar things) exists. It’s just a matter of a software/firmware update. I’m no expert, though. It may be a few years, but I bet they will come out with some v2.0 or something someday after getting feedback from actual players on gigs and in the studio.

[@ThatWhatIsNot]

@@TomButwin As you note, this should just be a matter of a simple software change rather than requiring a new physical version of the pedal. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy all three of my UAFX. I should note that my interest in purchasing these was in part thanks to your in-depth reviews! Good stuff.

[@musiccreation1198]

Great demo...thanks! Any chance you could demo the Ruby next? Sorry for being greedy ;)

[@TomButwin]

Thanks for watching! Absolutely. I’ve got one for the Ruby coming soon. Make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for that.

[@musiccreation1198]

@@TomButwin Awesome...thanks!

[@bobbydonaldson4194]

Do you have any other video's for the UA Dream 65. I can't seem to pair it with my android phone or PC. I want know how to SAVE setting's.

[@TomButwin]

Hey Bobby, I don’t have one that details the app/sync/preset stuff (yet). I’ve been meaning to make one. However, I’ve read that for Android it’s imperative you allow the app to access your device location the first time you install it. Without that permission, there will be no Bluetooth connectivity. To fix it, you’d have to delete the mobile app and reinstall and allow the location sharing. I’ve successfully used the mobile app for iOS, but I’ve not used the desktop version yet (PC or Mac). In the meantime, there’s limited preset saving ability right on the pedal. To store a preset, press and hold the ALT/AMP/STORE switch in the down position until the green PRESET footswitch LED blinks rapidly (about 0.5 seconds). Hopefully some of that helps. Keep me posted. I will try to do a video on the app, so make sure to subscribe if you haven’t yet.

[@TomButwin]

You know, the location thing is really weird. I can’t understand it either. I’ll reach out to some contacts and see if I can get any insight on that. As an update on Irridium vs Dream…right now the Irridium is winning out and has earned the spot on my board. It just takes pedals better and does the “thing” I want. Ultimately, I think this is because it models the Normal channel of the DR, where as the Dream is modeling the brighter Vibrato channel. Even with the bright cap clipped (or that mod turned on in the pedal), it’s just too bright for me.

[@ArminBollig]

Really incredibly good Fender clean sound like no other simulation before. I can only confirm. As another commenter noted, the fact that the Dream cannot be turned off when using other sound pedals, so the other sound is performed unedited, is unforgivable. The fact that the pedal has Bluetooth (even if it is absolutely unstable, ultimately miserable, unworthy of the pedal and has not been updated to date) is not even mentioned here, which is a shame. As I said, sensational Fender sound in the pedal, but unfortunately not thought through. I'm keeping my "Dream" and really hoping for (promised) software updates. It's so often said "update capable" and then nothing happens, only empty advertising promises remain. Even the UA hotline can't say anything about it.

[@poly800rock]

The trem is so good on these.

[@TomButwin]

So is the spring reverb. It’s insanely good all around!

[@poly800rock]

@@TomButwin Agree completely.

[@mkrj2576]

Thanks. If you gig out with this let us know how it goes. To many bedroom and recording guitarist reviews on this pedal. Not enough from gigging players using it live, on stage.

[@TomButwin]

I've done 3 gigs with nothing but this pedal and an electric guitar (solo guitar and vocal gigs). If you don't rely on or use many effects, it can absolutely work great as a mini-rig. I dialed in a little bit of break up and used my volume knob to clean things up when I wanted to. I only used the spring reverb, but if I hadn't been lazy, I could have also dialed in a favorite with the vibrato and used the other footswitch to bring that in. These were 3+ solo, cover gigs, so things got a little stale for me after awhile, but that's more of a comment on the gigs being boring and not having a bunch of pedals to play with lol. Within a band context, if you're on in-ears and are used to going direct, running pedals into this (or the Strymon Irridium) would work wonderfully. It takes some time to set up and it's more of a computer/plug-in in a box than the Iridium, but I think it's worth checking out for a lot of gigging scenarios. It's tough to beat being able to fit this thing in a gig bag with your guitar and not really need anything else.

[@mkrj2576]

Cool, thanks. Good to hear it went well live. As I am the guy who does vocals and brings the PA not having to bring an additional electric guitar amp would be great.

[@bossesg1]

Hello! I'm planning to buy 2 of these UA amp simulation pedals. Can I run them both into the main speakers via daisy chain without having to use 2 channels on the PA? It appears that way in this video? What are your recommended cables and connections for 2 amp sim setup? thx!

[@TomButwin]

You absolutely can. A couple notes, though: You’ll need to reprogram the left button to bypass the amp sim you don’t want to use. By default, it’s function is set to a different parameter. This is easy to do with the UAFX app. Secondly, they aren’t true bypass pedals, if that matters to you. Thirdly, if you’re going direct to a PA, definitely look into a DI/Line Isolator. I’m using the Walrus Audio Canvas. If you feel so inclined, check out the affiliate links in the description. If you purchase through there, there’s no extra cost to you and it supports this channel! Appreciate you commenting and watching. Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to help! I’ve got a couple more UAFX guide videos on the way, too.

[@bossesg1]

@@TomButwin thanks that is incredibly helpful, I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. Great demo! You go a new subscriber!

[@TomButwin]

You’re welcome and welcome to the channel!

[@jibx3439]

Hi Tom, great video! I have a somewhat very beginner issue I just can’t solve. I have the Dream, which is absolutely awesome. I use it through a small mixer to play and listen through headphones. But I’d like to use it without headphones sometimes. Can I simply connect studio monitors to the mixer? Will that not blow out the monitors? Or is the 4 cable method through an amp cab (with fx loop) the only way to hear it without headphones? Btw I don’t have an audio interface. This would be to play and listen only, not record (for now). Thanks!

[@TomButwin]

You can go direct from the Dream to a powered studio monitor! Just start with some conservative volume and output settings and work your way up.

[@jibx3439]

@@TomButwin thanks! 👍

[@TomButwin]

One more thought: Worst case scenario, you may need a DI or line isolator, but I doubt it.

[@leonalexandre1451]

Man seems amazing !! Would you recommend to go straight to audio interface ?? If yes how would you add pedals to this ? Before that pedal ? Or after ? Thanks in advance for your intake !!

[@TomButwin]

You can go right from the Dream ‘65 to your audio interface. You’d want to place pedals before the Dream, since that’s your “amp.” Glad to help!

[@leonalexandre1451]

@@TomButwin thanks very much !!!

[@kostis6]

Do you remember what kind of cables you used from Dream to your audio interface? TRS to TRS Balanced or TS? a lot of people seem to like this Canva DI-LI box (Especially the Line isolator) for this type of amps in a Box. Thanks!!!!

[@TomButwin]

Just standard TS guitar cables right into the HI-Z input of my Apollo x4. I have a Walrus stereo DI with LI that I use in live situations.

[@kostis6]

Thanks for the reply ;)

[@TomButwin]

No problem! Hope you’ll check out my channel and consider subscribing (if you haven’t yet)

[@bdtiger91]

@@TomButwinI am curious about this. I would have thought that the pedal would have line-level output rather than Hi-Z output. Do you know if Iridium works the same way?

[@Altturigo]

Thanks for the Video Tom. So what's the verdict now? do you still own it? cons? thx

[@TomButwin]

So, I didn’t own the one in the video. It was just on loan, BUT the verdict is it’s really great if you like the Fender Blackface sound. It models the Vibrato channel, which is on the brighter side. For me, I don’t like it as much with single coils, but I think it’s great with humbuckers. The Strymon Irridium’s Deluxe Reverb models the Normal channel. You miss out on the spring reverb, but get a much thicker sound, that I like more. I use the normal channel on my real Deluxe Reverb more often than not. Where the Dream ‘65 really excels, in my opinion, is on its own. Show up to a gig where direct input is an option (in ears, for example) and arguably, this could be all you need. Especially if you dial up a boost/overdriven tone with the presets. One other note, I don’t feel like the Dream takes pedals as well as the Strymon Iridium.

[@MatthaeusEbonah]

Um....does anyone know how to turn the buffered bypass on?

[@travelingmusician3135]

Would i notice a sound difference if I would run this and the golden reverb in stereo to my soundcard or mono. I don't know if it is worth it

[@TomButwin]

So, you’ll definitely noticed a difference, especially with headphones. The reverbs will feel much more expansive and “real.” I will say, though, it depends on the application as to whether or not it’s worth it. If you’re using the GR’s Spring setting, I would argue you don’t need stereo. Real amps with spring reverb are generally just a mono amp with a mono spring verb. The hall/plate settings could be super cool in stereo, though!

[@Gumbo72203]

How would I use this to replace an amp in the live setting? Do I need a DI? I’m not seeing an XLR out?

[@TomButwin]

There are a few ways you could use it. One, if you're still looking for stage volume, you could plug this directly into an appropriate powered speaker. 1/4" to 1/4" cable. However, at that point, I think you might as well just have an actual amplified. The real benefit of the pedal is with guitars going direct situations, usually with in ear monitors (doesn't have to be, though). In that situation, you definitely want/need a good DI or line isolator. I'd recommend this one: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673/item--WLRCANVASSTEREO

[@Gumbo72203]

@@TomButwin yeah we have IEM’s and our other guitarist uses….. the Flint, I think. So I’d run this out into a DI and then the DI xlr goes to our rack mixer?

[@noahfella9312]

You gotta use the D65 speaker it’s a two rock extension cab with a ribbon and 57 and it takes you right to John Mayer territory!

[@TomButwin]

Yes!

[@christianlacheze3323]

Re-selling mine. Despite hours of tweaking can’t extract a decent sound out of it.

[@wbae1340]

So do use plug the dream into your Apollo, and Apollo into studio monitors?

[@TomButwin]

Yes! For these videos, the Dream output goes into my UA X4 interface (1/4” input) and then into my computer/studio monitors.

[@wbae1340]

@@TomButwin awesome! If you weren’t recording, could you bypass the audio interface and have it connected directly to studio monitors?

[@TomButwin]

For sure. You could do that with any powered speaker.

[@wbae1340]

@@TomButwin awesome! Just got a 65 Princeton reverb reissue, but I also have Yamaha hs5s and wondering how close of a sound I could get with this pedal for way cheaper than the amp haha

[@TomButwin]

Love those Princetons too. It’ll get pretty close to the vibrato channel on any Fender amp, especially when you have that spring reverb on the pedal. It really nails that sound.

[@endoalley680]

Can this go directly into a speaker?

[@TomButwin]

Technically, yes, as long as the speaker is powered. Depending on the setup, you may want/need to run it into a direct box before the powered speaker, but it’s definitely worth a try!

[@coversjms]

what if you put it in front of an actual amp? would it be sound still good?

[@TomButwin]

You can turn off the speaker/can emulation for situations like that! I’d say experiment. There’s no rules against that lol. The pedal can act like a drive pedal, reverb unit, vibrato pedal, AND amp sim, so if you get creative, it could be pretty versatile.

[@coversjms]

@@TomButwin thanks bro.

[@metalmover]

YOU ARE MISLEADING US! You tell us that it has does the "4-cable method" but you NEGLECT to tell us that it does NOT have an "effects loop"....the truth is that it only has an effects loop when it is in 4-cable method. After seeing videos like this, I sold my helix and started a pedal board. Very saddened to see that half the pedals I have are not available to me. Now you can argue that the original amp does not have an effect loop as well, but lets call it as it is, the original amp had a speaker, and a cabinet, and it didn't have a gain switch or an APP!...the original amp did not have "user settings too". I wish I didn't buy it, it sounds wonderful but it is unable to be a part of my gear. Not looking to put chorus or delay on the amp that often, but it should be an option in a loop for any pedal.....ESPECIALLY ONE WITH 4-channel method and an APP. It is the most disappointing item I have bought in years. I will be selling it soon. Channels like this should stop the hype and be HONEST....he knew it....either that or his information is lacking knowledge. and maybe he should not be doing these videos. If any of you youtubers mentioned "no FX loop" ...even in passing, most guitarists would not buy it. UAFX is very short sighted for doing this. The used market is going to kill them.

[@TomButwin]

Well, I certainly didn’t intentionally mislead you. You’re correct in saying that the DR doesn’t have an FX Loop, as the pedal aims to accurately (as is reasonably possibly) emulate the features/mods available on the actual amp. If you read the UA manual, it describes a “4 Cable Mode,” in which you can take advantage of a real amplifier’s FX loop to utilize the “front end” of the Dream ‘65 as another switchable channel on your real amp, expanding tone options. Perhaps, instead of calling it “4 Cable Mode,” which is very close to “4 Cable Method,” they made a mistake. I misspoke and said “method” instead of “mode,” I believe. However, a quick perusal of the manual available on the UA site clearly describes what they consider a “4 Cable Mode” with these pedals. I don’t work for UA and they don’t pay me to make videos. Sorry to hear it’s not living up to your expectations! Maybe they’ll see this comment. Appreciate you watching.

[@metalmover]

@@TomButwin thanks for the reply….I was ranting that night about my purchases. I sold my entire floor rig and bought these 3 pedals and continued with life while all the parts I ordered have been trickling in for my pedalboard build (around these amps)….I had been playing through them for a month on my desk and didn’t know. They do sound wonderful. I wanted the amp in the box experience but honestly I am disappointed by the entire APP thing. Even registering it to get the extra cabs…boo! I could use the effect loop for sure in 4 cable method….but it puts the color after the reverb and it sounds washy. I own custom shop Gibsons and fenders and I don’t mind spending the cash. I hate buying something “nice” and being locked out. Apology on the attitude as well. You are a cool cat. I did buy the “two tones revolt”….waiting on it still with the mail. Probably gonna break down and reluctantly buy the speaker emulator to go with it. I was trying to avoid as much digital as I can. Especially apps and computer screens. I’ll still run at least the 65 dream I guess at the end of my chain with boost and overdrive options in front of the cab. I think these pedals are like a glass of wine. It goes great with my guitars and having this beau til sounding pedal to play through. I just wanted to take it and drop it in my rig, but it not going down quite the way I envisioned. I’m a fan, thanks for the reply and I will be watching you.

[@TomButwin]

No apology necessary at all! It totally get it. When gear/plans don’t turn out as expected, especially after investing in high end equipment, it’s incredibly frustrating. I hope you can find a new rig and setup that allows you to play in the way you’re aiming for. When it’s all aligned and working right, there’s no better feeling. When you’re working it all out, man it can be frustrating. Appreciate you giving the channel a chance. I’m actually wrapping up a pedal board build that I ran into issues with myself and I plan on making some videos regarding it.

[@nuendo2496]

Uh...PRS ??? Nope.