How To Get the Rockman Sound RIGHT NOW!

[@TheToneWork]

My hair was trying to form a mullet listening to this. I started playing in 85" and my guitar teacher had a Les Paul double cutaway, running straight into a Peavey power amp into a 2x12 box. I was hooked and, of course, thought it was the coolest. Made doubly so because his band practiced in a barn. Good times. Thanks for the video!

[@MrKman5000]

I played in a heavy metal band in the 80s and we played a club called Morehead junction in Charlotte nc. I used a Peavey practice amp running into a Peavey classic to achieve a sound close to what Ratt had. Most guys then used half stack and that just didn't seem to work well. I knew this. A band came through and this guy had the sound I wanted but he had a stack of 4x12s and what looked like Marshall heads. I ask him how was he getting that sound. He showed me the cabs up close. They were empty with cloth behind the speaker holes and the heads were fake! He had them made with wood a knobs,nothing inside. He takes me to the side if the stage and he has a little Rockman there rack mounted and running to a wireless. I was blown away by this. Even after that I still bought a Laney half stack and started to try and get EVH's sound cause I was and still am a tube amp "snob" lol.

[@Rockmanxpr]

Thanks R.J. for putting in the time and work for this vid! I finally got my Rockguy plugin this week for $30 at TH-U, as a rockman owner (I got most of the modules and a XPR) this comes damn close and it makes me happy I don't have to drag out my Rockman Rack to just play those tones. For those who never had the sustainor unit, a common setup was to have a EQ before the distortion\effects loop and another EQ after. Basically Scholz wanted to shape his signal before the amp back in his Marshall tone days. I use my DAW to have an EQ plugin first, followed by the Rockguy plugin, and then another EQ plugin. Seems to work great so give it try! I REALLY hope that TH-U at least can put our two more modules, the Stereo Chorus and the Stereo Delay. The Chorus you get with the Rockguy is really good but the delay part is limited, just like the real Rockman Stereo/Delay combo unit.

[@genenery9315]

I used to have an original Rockman! I just recently re-bought a Digitech GSP1101 and was able to get a pretty close emulation of that Rockman sound. Stereo Chorus and everything. I did it in minutes!

[@danepaulstewart8464]

“Get Both” 🤘😆🤘 Heck yeah! Both companies were smart to not overprice these. Beautiful sounds, man! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@RichBischoff]

Love this video RJ. These plugins sound really close and for people who can't get and original Rockman X100 this is the way to go. Thanks for the vid brother!

[@christiantaylor4027]

It's not that u talk 2 much. It's just that u play so well. I remember the rockman and my feeling was that man! this sound so much better than what I'm using. I had to use my bro's rockman when he was not. And that was not often. But then everyone used it for everything and I got tired of it. I've only recently gone back to pedals from rack stuff. Now the rockmans back. Great I probably can't afford it. Wow that Def Lep sound is amazing! Rock on! R.J. Bye for now. Thanks.

[@WiserInTime]

I always thought the Rockman gear (when there's lots of gain) sounds in the ball park of EVH stuff late in his career. Has a hard attack, sharp cutting tone, compressed, individual notes aren't thick and creamy (like Back in Black and For Those About to Rock era Angus Young and other more classic sounding tones). Both plug-ins together sounded GREAT!

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

Great video! I had the original rock an back in the day. I could never have imagined computers doing this stuff in 1986 back when I was pretending to be in INXS.

[@robinmorris5416]

Yeah man, that's Sholtz' tone for sure, but those clean tones were spectacular. I've been learning purple rain and it's such a great song! So good man!

[@altbouch]

Killer sounds and playing from Ron kill yo. That's what I thought. You're making me like the Rockman sound again.

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

Hi RJ, I bought this plugin and the standalone plugin wasn't working but I realised that I hadn't given permission to access the microphone so try that and it should work fine.

[@krma1970]

Thank you for these videos. Funny because I purchased TH-U Overloud Rockguy 1 week ago and can't leave my laptop playing with this thing. Just for those lucky guys who own a real Sustainor: just use the real box and straight into the chorus module (if you just own the sustainor) and add digital delay. And rather than a overdrive pedal, I use a boost in front of the chorus (from the Neural Cory Wong plugin, amazing boost). You get more full harmonics and gain without tainting the overall sound (of the real unit). But if you don't own a physical rack, this plugin is really a must have. NB: the real box has something more than the plugin, growl, overall gain but deep thanks to Overloud for this amazing release/

[@MiddleTNSirens]

nice review of the two plugins. i actually discovered your channel by the first X100 video you made and have stuck around ever since

[@thornil2231]

OK... I need to post... I watched you video, I love you playing, so fluid and effortless, really enjoyed your Rockman video. I actually posted that I owned an old Rockman and that I would one day check it out. So after watching your video again I got very excited about the Rockman so dug it out of the old pedals crate, and it worked and sounded good. Later I was playing on a loop and was thinking about what to add... "What about the Rockman?" I have an old AC 30 and a Fender tweed, so in stereo that should sound fantastic. The loop is going I check the Rockman with headphones, I found the old connector to go from headphones to two guitare jacks... I take the two jacks from my ABY switch and am about to plug the Rockman... and zap... and it dies. Very smart hey? I didn't turn it off before doing the connection. Then as I put that Epiphone Les Paul Special that I got a few months back iI noticed it had a fractured neck... I don't know how that happened. After that I decided to go to bed, that was enough destruction for one day. So basically I blame you for putting that Rockman idea in my brain. It could still be in the crate, unmolested. And there is one less Rockman on the market, the price keeps on going up. Sorry I needed to vent. And here was the perfect place. At least I can make some people happy by thinking... "at least I am not that idiot."By the way if anybody has an idea that it might not be dead let me know, but I am not at all optimistic.

[@coreyparsons2946]

@R.J. Ronquillo I really love the part you played at 31:17 it sounds like As The World Falls Down by David Bowie from the Labyrinth soundtrack and The Flame by Cheap Trick, with a little more chorus effects and shimmer reverb it would sound a lot more beautiful and emotional.

[@eldyko]

My dad got me into Def Leppard. He listens to the A LOT when I was growing up. Now I need this and a super strat. Haha thanks RJ!!

[@matthewpeterson]

Wow. I didn't even watch all of this and bought the TH-U Rock Guy. It's amazing. That's my judgement after five minutes.

[@christopherwoods6]

DiMarzio Super Distortion, try one with Rockman gear, it’s the pickup used when the products were being developed.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

Wow, both mixed sounds more epic than any 80s rig ever made!

[@TheTheratfarmer]

Cool video. I watched your first video about the "rockman". I've never owned one, but I have repaired a couple of them, amazing compact head phone amp sound. Distortion, sustain, sterio chorus and reverb. If you practice with a rockman (with head phones), your playing ability will increase at least 75%, hand muscles and plucking. Pick up an acoustic, with no effects, and play more aggressive.

[@ELEVATETHESKY]

Awesome video and playing! I love both for different reasons. I think the Overloud one does the clean channel best and the Satch one does the distorted tones best. However, the Overloud one is so tweak-able and can get pretty close to the Satriani version.

[@Particle67]

I own a X100 and this is pretty close to the real thing.

[@sinisterj73]

I have had the RockGuy now for a week or so and can't stop playing the Michael Landau (Landa} preset. THU is great. Also picked up 2 of the BHS rig packs for the Micropitch and the SPX-90 emulations which sound killer as well.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

That Landau preset is amazing. For years I have tried to figure out how to get his sound on Angelia, and looking at the rig, patch it's making wonder if he actually used a Rockman racked with his Soldano X88. Listening to the song it really has that Clean 2 sound, with the same delay, and the crunch of a real tube Amp, so this would make total sense. I know a ton of forums people have been asking this question for years, and this might be the actual answer to Richard Marx era Landau sounds.

[@barryduncan1306]

Great vid bro. First time I've seen your channel. Even through I was an 80s hair metal rocker (I graduated high school in 83) Scholtz was my favorite cause I loved the sound. I used a sustainer for years and don't know why I never bought a X100 as you could buy em for $99. Now a decent one is like $999. Crazy. Love the sounds.

[@HowlingUlf]

Required watching for anybody into Rockman stuff!!! By the way, the ZZ Top song with the heavy delay from the Overloud presets ought to be the lead from "Rough Boy" from Afterburner, right? Man, I'm floating away just thinking about it haha! :D

[@Particle67]

This is right. Rough Boy Lead preset.

[@ShaunStackhouse]

Dude, thank you for this video! I was going to buy a Rockmanx100, but the TH-U Rock Guy has so many more options that sounds amazing!!!

[@onlyrick]

Gonna cheat and use my Rockman X-100 I bought 35 years or so ago. I now have some other options, but sometimes only the Rockman will do. Now if I could just play like R.J.

[@scottpeters4401]

I had all these things in the 80’s….I ended up selling all of them in the early 2000’s…..you couldn’t give them away back then…Anyway,I started thinking about that tone,and how unique and cool it was,So I got a Sustainor 200 model…It’s a great sound…not for everyone,and I wouldn’t want it to be my only tone,but it’s fun to play around with that sound…It was pretty much THE sound of the 80’s…..I have gotten great results blending the Rockman in parallel with an amp….I am definitely gonna try the TH-U version…and the Amplitube version…

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

Your right ...their both nice to have ( I'm on a Line 6 HELIX floor and can get super close to Hesteria [ is what i'm working on rn ] Thx you for a Great in depth Vid on these both PLug-Ins. ! George :)

[@alguitarchristie]

The overloud sounds more like a treble booster to my ears! But some of the presets sounded good.I prefer the Satriani plugin.

[@hendanine]

I've always wondered about pronouncing your name. That was so cool that you explained it real quick. Awesome!

[@grahamburgess1381]

Sounds awesome r.j.

[@thejonathandoan]

Great vid, RJ! I picked up the TH-U RockGuy plugin. Looking forward to rocking out!

[@The68lespaul]

awWOW !! that arturia stereo Delay sounded so fluid and sweet !!, id LOVE TO HAVE ALL THE EFFECTS you had to create all those sounds, it sounded magical, my god, i could envision myself sitting inside the civic center along with 25,000 other people listening to a song with the sound coming from the sounds of all those effects, that stereo Delay was like i imagine Heaven sounding like if I Died and woke up in Heaven, my God, I Loved it !! how much would cost to be able to have all the effects you just used to make this video ?? that clean/stereo Delay was sheer Heavenly sounding, I would Love for my Guitar to sound like that, id never put it down, id want to hear that none stop for days on end !! Thank you so much for posting this video, im so glad you shared these effects on this video, how do i get the effects from my computer connected to my Guitar ?? is there a special cord or plug ? how can i get whats on my computer hooked up to my Guitar ?? or get my Guitar to hook -up to my computer to hear all those sounds ?? Thank you, I Hope to hear back from you explaining how all this is done, I haven't got a clue, all I know at this point, is that id Love to be able to play my Guitar and get access to all those effects !! im sorry, my name is William, R.J. I hope to hear back from you soon, with all the info I need to get all those effects for my Guitar playing,I cant wait to get my Guitar to sound like what yours sounded like !! that was AWESOME !! Thank you R.J. P.S. im obsessed with all those sounds,lol, cant wait to be able to turn up my Guitars vol. and Hear that sound all the time, none stop !! its Great for composing, writing making up melodies for lyrics, just think of the songs you could make uup with all those effects, its endless !!

[@BillDerBerg]

the distortion compression and echo in the real Rockman effect box are fully dynamic - the harder you pick or strum the deeper the distortion level, same with the echo and the compressor really squeezes the sound when you dig in. The only thing that's not dynamic is the chorus effect. Chorus is hard to manipulate with dynamics even with modern effects

[@xairvian]

is this a guitar channel or a Rockman fan channel? By now I am too afraid to ask and also don't care, because...... ROCKMAN

[@PereRevert]

Excellent insight and sound man! Keep up the good work dude! ...and keep doing those kind of videos with 80s/70s sounds/amps or whatever you want to post with that decade in mind!!

[@Turbo-D]

great channel, a little underrated imo! youtube algorythm must be faulty here. by the way the rockman is just about 50€ used here in germany, cheers

[@kreiscrafter9805]

Wait what? I live in Germany as well. Where do you find a Rockman x-100 for such a price!? I would be ver interested :)

[@mananakoa2412]

For 29eu that THU is amazing. Thanks good video!

[@wrallpaul66]

I own a Rockman XP100a and an XPR, I swapped the guts so I could rackmount the"a". Not sure if you or your viewers know about the quieter circuitry and more robust tone from the very rare "a" models. Also great tones from the plug ins and stellar playing, can't wait to hear more.

[@dougjacobson8135]

I have an xp100 and have a xp100A coming next Monday.... is there a huge difference?

[@wrallpaul66]

@@dougjacobson8135 Yes there actually is a fairly noticeable difference in tone, the a models have a better distortion circuit, the EQ seems to have a more detailed response and the non a models seem to have a bit of a hiss when idle, that being said they both have that classic Rockman tone, let me know what you think when you receive them.

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

Love the sound of 10:30.Wonder if the Boss Dimension C can sound better.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

Great video and I love your new studio layout / camera angle.

[@jesseshookman8502]

The RockGuy (to me) sounds more authentic than the Amplitube - it would be great to hear the Rockman as compared to the RockGuy (like you did for the Amplitube), R.J. I'd love to see Neural DSP take a stab at this with the whole original Scholz module rack set-up, including the pre and post eqs, sustainor, separate unit stereo chorus and delay (so you can get the 300/500 ms delay spread) and power amp into full-range monitors. Thanks for the demo R.J.

[@NoahNCopeland]

idk the TH-U dist sounds thin and fizzy to me? the amplitube wins out there. but dang, that TH-U clean is pretty great

[@eldyko]

I really want the rockman x100 in a single pedal with headphone out as well for practice

[@luisvillarreal5262]

Nice demo and comparisons R.J. I think I’ll stick with my Simple Rockman X100 headphone amp that I bought in the 80’s. I love the sound that I get from mine. 🎸🔊🔥👍 by the way, that shimmer effect sounds killer. I reminds me of Judas Priest’s song Fever. (R.J., Have you ever checked out the Boss HA-5 Play Bus headphone amp. It was sold in the early 80’s because of the Rockman craze.

[@onlyrick]

From about '85 to '89 I traveled full-time playing lounge and hotel gigs and never used an amp. I plugged my X-100 into a volume pedal and into the P.A. I still occasionally use it for recording.

[@luisvillarreal5262]

@@onlyrickYeah, it gets you that amazing sound alone. I hooked mine up using my effects loop on the back of my 80’s Fender London Reverb amp and would turn it up. My friend had a Boss HA-5 Play Bus headphone amp that was also sold in the early 80’s because of the Rockman craze.

[@richardlynch5632]

Brings back great memories 😎👍

[@m0j0b0ne]

I was hoping to hear hardware suggestions; I have a few of my own, but I guess I'll save them and do a video of my own...

[@duckie1595]

Got'em Both!!

[@quantumindicesfuturestrade6873]

Great channel. Researching a way to create tracks. I owned the first rockman. Lost it. Wish I could find one

[@ianmiller1000]

Of course this comes out 2 days after I go and buy myself an actual Rockman!!! Steve Lukather was right, every time you buy something, the next day a cheaper and better option comes out.

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

Very cool tones indeed

[@localescomercialesrentaven9542]

Thanks my friend!

[@curiouscatlabincgetsworrie7755]

The way to buy Amplitube if you ask me is to go full on MAX. That is Amplitube MAX 5 ... surprise! You'll get an insane amount of sounds, amp heads, stomp boxes, speaker cabinets, speakers, rooms, presets and also a looper and the list goes on. Never buy IK Multimedia products at list price without checking for Black Friday and Summer deals. Start at a basic version and work your way up and eventually get the MAX version unless you're happy midway through your spending spree because you have what you need at that point. No matter what Amplitube is a guitar lab and sounds insane!!! Bottom line though is you NEED to check the prices or it will get unnecessarily expensive.

[@curiouscatlabincgetsworrie7755]

Oh, sorry. Forgot. The price for Amplitube might seem like a lot, but it's around the price for ONE little amp. And also it's much MUCH cheaper than some hardware simulators and the difference in sound for all that cash out the window ... I dunno, but I ain't hearing it enough? Sorry!

[@Granite165]

Cool to see you review the Rockguy - bought it a few months back. Like the distortion sound a lot, but find the chorus is really heavy on wet signal and sounds like it's kind of jerking in and out of tune, not even a smooth bend in pitch like a regular chorus pedal. Is that a Rockman thing? Thanks as always!

[@psyolent.]

thanks man - legend, love your work. i bought amplitube the other week actually, will grab rock guy too. so good. what module are you using to hook up to your PC /Mac with please if you dont mind sharing?

[@denmar355]

Fun video. Next, maybe duplicate the Boston sound with a few pedals on your board.

[@BillDerBerg]

Ron Keel-io... he used to sing with Yngwie in Steeler.

[@hemmelight]

I must admit, I was indeed wondering why you pronounce your name that way! 😅

[@donmccoy4730]

I just bought the TH-U because I loved the sound you were getting from it. It was my first plug-in. I’m very new to all of this. I know I should have tried the demo, but it was on sale for thirty bucks. On my end the clean presets sound phenomenal but all of the Edge and Distortion presets seem weak. I’m using a Mexican Strat without mods and an Indonesian Schecter Diamond Series with Seymour Duncan 59’s. Both guitars don’t have that *Punch* and hot rod sound you’re getting. Is there something I’m missing about how you’re getting your sound? I’m also just using it as a stand alone through the KRK monitors. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@cybersixx]

Hi thanks for the reviews ,, i have the rockguy and i really like the hysteria patch they have but it s clipping on my side , so i have to lower the sliders, how about you have you tried it ,, it sounds superb otherwise.

[@sheatanner9935]

I have that issue too. I can't tell if it's really clipping or not but Overloud seems to be more sensitive on their inputs then other amp sims I use.

[@davemizrahi6381]

I have hughes and Kettner mark3 set up in stereo with rane mixer with pcm80 for the verbs strymon dig and a El Capistan for delay I take the stereo out into the return of my fender twin II revera made that picks up my h&k tone in stereo. I have a valley arts custom pro all quilt through with gold hardware. I can send you pics. It's a bad ass rig sadly I had to sell it since my accident and I'm paralyzed

[@anon6437]

This is sick but is there a way to get it with actual pedals? I’m not into the world of plug in’s and I’m not really interested in opening that can of worms lol

[@jasonl1942]

That's what I'd love to know too.

[@eldyko]

Same! Please let me know if you find a pedal that can do all of this! Cheers

[@anthonylozano4801]

Hey man. I know DL used the reverb and delay that came with the rock man but I was wondering what reverb and delay plug-in can be used instead.

[@pgbangarang8394]

around 22:34 and 24:08 strong STP 'Plush' vibes

[@luisalextorres]

what were the settings for your landau clean? my preset didnt sound as lush as yours... might be my EJ strat but just curious. ive managed to cover my hysteria/gods of war, is this love, prince di clean, and somewhere in time maiden tones all which made me fall in love with the rockman sound. worth the $30 bucks for sure

[@flyguy-pb5sx]

does anyone know if there are any IRs or patches for pedalboards like Headrush, etc…for the “Boston” sound?

[@richardchandler9734]

Rockman x 100

[@tcanter64]

I have zero experience with "plug ins." I wish I could get those sounds out of my Boss Katana Artist.

[@watcharasathianprasertsang8242]

❤❤❤❤❤/Bangkok Thailand

[@BlackDotPatrick]

I'm 9 minutes in. Does he play any Boston?

[@RobertFisher1969]

Thanks! I’ve tended to want just the simplicity of the X100, but the Rockmodules don’t look as daunting as I always thought they’d be. BTW, you might want to check out what Josh Ledford & company have been doing if you haven’t. Their first thing has been repackaging an X100 as a pedal. And they’re exploring making things more like the Rockmodules in the future. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHSpYqaBZ6d7abs

[@guitardave]

Keep an eye on PastFX too - they’re busy working on a X100 pedal. Can’t wait to hear it!

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

It's a SCAM! PLEASE don't be another sucker.

[@maxmustardman298]

@@CaptainCraigKWMRZ its not, check the facebook out, if you've questions we will gladly answer

[@ronrobins3513]

Does it come with a mullet and an 83’ Camaro with T Tops 😂🤘🏾

[@emgex]

Is there any pedal on the market that nails the rockman x100 sound and effects?

[@spincast01]

DOOD. Yes. Glorious.

[@truescotsman4103]

I bought one for $100 back in the 80s but I lost interest and sold it. Wish I still had it for the tone.

[@bianometal]

Good Morning. do you have the TH-U Rockguy plugin to download and install in reaper, please?

[@RachelAnneAmbrose]

How about doing it with pedals??

[@richardchandler9734]

I wanted one so bad how can I find a Rickman Amp x100

[@kutnersuicide]

My sustainor is anxiously watching the video. I think the IK stuff is a bit closer the real Rockman sound.

[@briancoyne6700]

I just bought the Rock Guy from Overloud. Downloaded it and it doesn't work at all. Tried to contact them through the "contact us" form and that doesn't work. I have emailed them and am awaiting a response on help or a refund. Will keep you posted....

[@RJRonquillo]

Are you using it in a DAW or standalone?

[@briancoyne6700]

@@RJRonquillo Hi RJ. Im using it in Logic. It comes up as a plugin. Opens. Looks great. No presets show up. Nothing works. I authorized it properly and everything.

[@cuttheloop]

Has anyone made a Rockman plugin for the Boss ME-80?

[@serpentsbane9166]

Tony Fuentes shows how to make a preset from scratch on some older Boss units! Maybe that will help. \m/

[@mistrp13331]

Anyone help with how to get the rig lib file into Logic. i have followed instructions to install and authorize but THU does not show up on audio units in logic...thx!

[@RJRonquillo]

Have you restarted your computer?

[@mistrp13331]

@@RJRonquillo hi and thanks for responding so quickly. Yes, I had a signal going thru for a while and as I was still learning-tinkering- I closed out my logic session restarted and now can’t get signal into logic. I’m fairly certain it is something simple🤞, but I am stumped. I have been listening to this video you created all evening yesterday and again this morning. Never heard anyone create such beautiful tones and of course you are a very talented guitarist and that helps. My wife and I listened to Boston non-stop when we first married 46 years ago and these tones you get brings back soo many precious memories. Thank you for sharing your talents and time with us🙏🏻 R, Mike

[@AdrianDMarti]

What's the song at 10:22 mark?

[@RJRonquillo]

HYSTERIA

[@markjohnson1020]

Dear God. Can't someone put this in a programmable foot switchable floor unit? I'd put down a $1000 bucks for that no problem!

[@BlackDotPatrick]

For the love of God, play Rock And Roll Band! Lol.

[@ChrisM541]

SO TELL ME HOW TO GET THE SOUND RIGHT NOW!

[@chrisquinn9104]

Are you going to get a Rockman Tattoo?

[@RJRonquillo]

Don't tempt me

[@chrisquinn9104]

Represent!

[@nightly522]

sounds fantastic. thank you so much for sharing

[@Turboy65]

I survived the 80s and I had a Rockman X100. Frankly I lost interest in it pretty quickly. Truth is it's a pretty mediocre tone, but it was distinctive and different. A modded Marshall Plexi and a Bradshaw rack, or a few essential devices that would be in a Bradshaw rack, makes a much better family of tones. But not everybody can get a modded Plexi.

[@Mskenergy]

The stupidest thing I’ve ever done with guitar was to get rid of my rockman 😭

[@CVV123456]

Ronquilio jj j j

[@alessandrorossini8704]

You're a fine musician, please stop putting those du***ss faces on your videos' thumbnails... please... you don't need that...

[@MMMUpdates]

Mabuhay!!

[@nlumby]

...oh? ok not welcome :(

[@nightly522]

It looks like the RockGuy comes with presents. Does Amplitude Satriani come with Rockman presets?

[@MMMUpdates]

Wish I still had mine,...