How To Use The Universal Audio Ox

[@trushack]

The OX is one of the best upgrades I made to my home studio, no doubt about it. I really like my little stable of amps and the OX makes it super easy to record them without ticking off the family.

[@rocknewton1205]

Good video. I’ve owned an Ox for over 2 years and love it. It will make you fall in love with your amps all over again. In fact, some amps that I had not used in a while have found new life since I can crank them for some amazing power amp distortion. You won’t believe how great an Egnater Rebel or Tweaker can sound through an Ox Box 4x12 cab.

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

It’s good…it’s great….it’s FIFTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS!!! Seriously though, if you look at who uses them, it’s pretty obvious they are worth the money. If I was going to start buying amps and doing a lot of recording this would be on the list.

[@untoldguitarist]

I saw this one, but I couldn't pass up getting a Rivera Rock Crusher Recording attenuator with the 11 band EQ's for way less money pre owned.

[@AASteveo]

Right?? At that price, why not just get a Kemper?

[@untoldguitarist]

@@AASteveo Already have a Randall RM100 head with modded pre amp all tube modules. Essentially what Kemper and Axe FX is trying to replicate all the glorious tube amps in a digital copy. Plus you can't find a used Kemper for $330 shipped for that Rivera Rock Crusher Recording attenuator. Pete Thorn uses it, Slash uses it in the studio. Watch the videos on the Rock Crusher Recording attenuator and see how killer it sounds, and hard to really surpass it, when it has an 11 EQ for recording. Which the Ox box doesn't have.

[@purenonsense7296]

The product videos always feel so professional after coming from the live streams. I’ve eyed the OX for years but decided to go with the Iridium for the additional sounds I wanted on my last record (I have a Princeton and nice pedalboard for many tones I use).

[@ofsoundmind13]

Love the channel! I’ve learned more about guitars and gear than I ever would have imagined while watching you these last few years. A wealth of knowledge great content! Thanks!🤘🤘 Oh and yeah I’ll probably be saving soon for the OX. I was on the fence about it until now. The wet dry idea has me thinking.

[@Chris_R_]

I've had one for a little over two years, and it's been great. Never given me any issues, and makes recording flamethrower amps like the Plexi a lot easier for me. It gets used pretty much every day in my rigs.

[@seanbrooks2583]

that is the best recorded guitar tone ive heard from your channel. I hope you keep this thing for future reviews.

[@anandgarde13]

I just received my Two Notes Torpedo Captor today. got it to tame my amps, and holy crap it made a difference, especially with my Mesa Triple Rec. The other features it has are nice, though I don't really care for them. I would love to see a comparison video between Two Notes's stuff vs Universal Audio's Ox even though I've already made my choice.

[@cullenjames7542]

Rhett Shull did a good comparison video a while ago.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

I've had the original Captor for awhile and it's been really useful for home recording or just jamming with a cranked amp. I've thought about getting the new version so I can have the cabs saved on the Captor instead of having to run through my computer, but just haven't yet. The thing I like about it over the Ox is that I'm not stuck with a set number of cabs. I actually use Captor and run into the cab section of a Neural DSP amp sim a lot because I like the interface.

[@anandgarde13]

@@DadRockAndGuitars I was thinking about getting the Captor X but I mostly wanted the attenuation over the other features which is why I saved the money and just went with the Captor. Figured if I end up wanting a portable IR solution, I can grab the CAB M+ later.

[@acmeyakko]

Good conversation all around. I have the Captor X, but really do mostly use it as an amp DI or attenuator. I like the idea of the included IR if I ever go back to live gigs, but it's been a while.

[@maxmustardman298]

@@anandgarde13 its funny to think that you couldnt use the cab m's predecessor at the power stage output, that little change made such a difference

[@GmanMusicProductions]

Nice demo Phill! A comparison of the OX and the Two-Notes Captor X would be nice. Especially would like to see the comparison of the attenuators of the units. I've been using the Suhr Reactive Load through a Two-Notes CAB with my amps and love being able to play a cranked tube amp through my monitors at low volume and still get the feel of my amp.

[@mortonwilson795]

Simple and clean (a lot like me, actually! 😁). Thanks for such a clear, tidy overview - I can see a place in the studio for me since I don't have the luxury of a big live room anymore. The idea of buying some vintage amp heads is appealing . . . my credit card may disagree. All the Best for 2023!

[@Frettedchaos]

The Two Notes Captor X is half the price and sounds just as good to me. I’m playing amps now that I put away a long time ago.

[@untoldguitarist]

So is the Rivera Rock Crusher Recording attenuator w/11 band EQ's built in.

[@ryanfulldark2775]

I’m pretty damn tempted to get a Two Notes.

[@acmeyakko]

I record with one. I was recording with real cabs and mics but wanted cleaner recordings (less noise and/or room). I spent a lot of time looking into options, including if they were viable compared to the real thing, and landed on the Captor X. It's really a great product. I can do anything from attenuation, to speaker sim, to amp DI (and IR in the box). The flexibility and options are really great, and like you mention, the cost difference is silly. I like UA for some things, but this is not one.

[@tonyalto1014]

Oh man, all those 50 and 100 amps I passed up. I feel awful.... No, wait, this gives me a Very good reason to buy More Big Amps! Thanks Man! You are the BEST!

[@stevenbryan7586]

Fryette PS2 for me. All those options minus the daw and cab sims, but SO much more. The attenuation flawless, and if you want to make a 5W a 50W? Hey, no prob. It's really the best piece of gear l own.

[@stevenbryan7586]

@@brianmckenzie1318 Right? Seriously, it's nuts how good that thing is.

[@sephiroth762]

Hey Phil! Huge fan of your channel. I think the one thing you didn't really touch on here is the OX's main purpose: recording! This makes recording any amp super easy, especially if you use the Digital/SPDIF out into a UA Apollo interface. Also, I own both this and the Boss Waza TAE and I feel like the TAE is better for live use and in-the-room sound. Its attenuator is better and there are better options for getting your sound out to front of house (e.g., XLR outs, special FOH out, etc.) The OX really shines at home when you want to do easy recording or jam along to some tracks. Cheers!

[@eastbaystreet1242]

I am really enjoying the Waza TAE. Easy setup, great sound and a metric-crap-ton more front of the unit control: in addition to Rig, Reverb, Line Out, Phones, Speaker Out, you get direct control knobs for the effects (separate buttons for FX, Effects, Solo, Amp selection AND Reactive Load type). I just hate going into (even graphically fancy) software interfaces to make quick adjustments.

[@rosieotis]

All this is tech super cool…but for a small home office, I still dig my THR-10. (Just wish it had a foot-switch for the presets)

[@mattw.6726]

I'd definitely love to hear your take on the Ox vs. the Two Notes Torpedo Captor X. I'm using the 16-ohm version of the latter with my JVM410H and have no complaints - it does exactly what I need it to, making recording a snap and very consistent. Its attenuation options are a lot more basic, but it's also a LOT cheaper.

[@frednoce3043]

I own a Captor-X as well and thing it's a great alternative to the UA amp top box. My only complaint about the Captor-X is that it can't handle running a 100w Plexi wide open for very long as the Captor-X quickly overheats. I don't know if the UA is able to better handle this situation.

[@christopher.k.guitar]

Gibson Les Paul, Marshall 1959 Super Lead, OX Box… best musical acquisitions of my life 💪

[@michaeltoren]

I have an Ox, a PS100 and a Torpedo Reload. Of the 3 I like the Ox the least for the attenuation. The speaker volume is a stepped control and not a pot (like the reload) so the adjustment isn't infinite. You get only the 5 possible settings and nothing in between. It also seems to color the sound out to the cabinet more than the others. What I will say is the built in effects and recording capability is awesome with the Ox.

[@thehoppo]

I have heard many people say the same about the Ox, I went for the PS100 and never looked back

[@benallmark9671]

Who makes the PS 100 ?

[@michaeltoren]

@@benallmark9671 Fryette

[@thankyouspaceexpert]

Phenomenal video. Gave me EXACTLY what I needed to know. Thanks for this it’s incredibly helpful for prospective buyers.

[@valendis]

Yes I want the comparison with the two notes Captor X! I'va always been curious about the OX I see everywhere!

[@Michael-Purcell]

I always hear about the "darkening" when attenuating the amp to a lower volume. Every attenuator does this. Here's why! When you lower the wattage or volume of any amp speaker, you lose frequency ranges based on your tone settings than you would at higher volumes. It's about moving the cone. Less movement means fewer frequencies. It is no different than when you plug straight into the amp with your guitar. The lower the volume of the amp, the less drive and again, fewer frequencies without compensating for the loss. However, direct from the OX into a board or headphones, there is no loss in frequency which makes it a great top-end studio sound of an actual amp. With this said, I am super satisfied with the OX.

[@ReturnTheSanity]

If your looking for a cheaper a alternative, the super cheap Bugera PS1 is fantastic. I picked mine up used for 100 bucks and it works great for my 68 deluxe reissue. It doesn’t have any bells and whistles, but it doesn’t change the tone much and it gets you that glorious break up tone at “bedroom volume”.

[@friedrudibega6384]

It’s cool. I guess. I think money would be better spent on small amps and a cheaper option for emulation and attenuation. That can really add up though. Alright. Fine. I’ll buy one. Shheeesh!

[@jessieplaysmusic8530]

FACTS

[@hakankillberg6043]

Thanks for a great video. Please can you do a comparison video between this ox and the Two Notes captor x

[@llwonder]

I do think attenuators and IRs are cool technology for the future, but look at it like this: people probably think we’re insane. Guitarists love a loud amp but obviously that’s not always practical. Solution, no don’t buy a quieter amp, too easy, instead we must drive an amp at full volume but then attenuator it to reasonable volumes lol. Makes sense

[@timkopp2268]

Had I bought this before buying my Axe FX3, I wouldn’t have bought the Axe FX3 for recording. The OX sounds amazing and I definitely would buy a couple more amps for use with the OX before going with another modeler.

[@darrensjames]

I love how, on the back they have the labels upside down as well as the correct way.

[@Aniki82]

mmmm this OX.... ! There is a pedal shop in paris with this in a testing Booth plugged to some boutique amp... This combo gave the best sound I tried yet at very low volume

[@intoit1074]

I’m glad you reviewed this!! I have seriously been debating whether or not to drop the cash on one or if it’s worth it. Thnx Phil

[@profile_01]

Darkening the tone on a cranked Plexi might be a good thing

[@WBERNARDKYLES]

Grad you are doing this video. Most KZbin channels have them but rarely play without it to here the amp straight

[@MusicTherapyLaz]

Definitely want to see a OX vs Two Notes vs Boss Cab Expander... to much? I know you love Boss... let's see them in the mix! 😎🤘🎸

[@vedrankosoric4857]

Philip - I really like your videos. Thanks for making them. ❤

[@stevelark9840]

If you're in the market for an attenuator, simply to play at quite volumes or make your low wattage amp louder, the Fryette Power Station takes the cake and has ZERO effect on the tone of your amp. It doesn't have IR's or an app, but can be used to also make your 5 watt amps loud as it has a built in 50 watt tube powered amplifier. It's also about have the price as the OX. I bought the power station and a Two Notes Captor X for less than the UA OX. That said, I'd love to own an OX as the app and in the box functionality is amazing.

[@harveylavicky4393]

Thanks Phil. I would love to hear your thoughts on the Captor X. It appears to do about the same for less than half the cost.

[@unclefoiley819]

I was on the fence about getting an Ox. Looks like I'm going to start saving for one right away.

[@RevGerryRM]

Very nice. I don't see anyone that is not gigging needing one. Especially at that price.

[@BV_Beve]

#PhillipMcKnight Phil did yours arrive with the v1.2 firmware & control app update already installed - if not should definitely update for the speaker pack, footswitch control & the extra 27 artists/albums inspired rigs. it is a great piece of kit James excelled with the mics & speakers modeling

[@WillBrahm]

Phil is the man

[@Mamo878]

$1500 ain't exactly cheap.

[@LordFingers1]

They aren’t 1500. You can get great deals on them used also. Great unit. Worth every penny entering the digital realm with killer analog sounds RULES!!

[@timjoseph887]

@@LordFingers1$1000 isn’t exactly cheap

[@calvindoan3228]

Hi Phillip, how are you. Can you do a review on the Cort A5 beyond, it seem like an interesting bass. Thank you very much.

[@HeavyBells]

Does the recorded tone sound attenuated (darkening effect) on playback through monitors, or does the amp only sound attenuated (darkening affect) through the in room cab while playing?

[@flyinggriffins4]

Because of the speaker emulation it’s always going to sound different so you can’t really compare but it’s very tweakable with cabs, mics, and an eq to get it to sound similar, though I don’t think it does since the di signal bypasses the attenuator

[@grocnrollgrocnroll5465]

I recently got one. It really is a great piece of gear. The only thing that puzzles me is that it can be used with an iPad but not an iPhone. Seems really weird to me…

[@MesaGuitarGuy]

sounded great! Yes, a comparison with Two Notes and maybe the Waza Tube Expander?

[@robinjgill]

Interesting video. There are other cheaper alternatves that might not be as good but for the bedroom guitarist are sufficient - Two notes captor and now all the IR stuff- Strymon, walrus and now the new Boss IR. So is the extra price worth it. Buying up old 100w heads is a good idea although there aren't many 59 plexi s or hiwatt dr103s going cheap.

[@thomaskihr329]

Great any very interesting video, many thanks! One question, if i may? What are the volume settings on your Marshall? Most of the vids show us what the attenuator is capable, but don't show the amp settings ;) Many thanks and keep on going!

[@dillontaylor8035]

I’d love a test to be done for this. My hypothesis is, it sounds darker at lower volumes because your ears hype it at high volumes.

[@TheJeffcurran]

I found a less expensive alternative. I use a Fractal Audio X-Load Reactive Load Box. I send the signal to an Atomic Ampli-Firebox. The Atomic has the ability to turn off the amp sim. So all that's left is the speaker IR and effects. I use Celestion IRs. And I get 6 IR/Effect presets. The Atomic also has two outputs. I send the 1/4" out to a powered speaker, and I send the XLR to my mixer or interface. $700 new. You can find used stuff and get it for even less.

[@LuisMesaOfficial]

You can let the natural sound of the cab? Or necessarily you need to choose one cab of the digital ones ?

[@jaycee_nl]

Hi Phillip, I was wondering how good the OX is in attenuating the volume if you use the speaker cabinet? In this video you play it through the computer but my goal is to have a great tube amp sound at room level, without using a computer. Lowering a volume can easily be done, but does the OX keep the sound great?

[@cullenjames7542]

I have a Revv G20 with Two Notes built in. I would love to try out an Ox to do some A/B-ing. I suspect that my familiarity with Two Notes would give me a pretty big bias, though. As other people have mentioned, the inability to use third party IRs in Ox is a pretty big issue.

[@doctoribanez]

Kinda looks like it could play atari 2600 games lol. From far away I though the brown was fake wood . Pretty nice though if I had a big amp

[@The-11]

It's expensive but you could use it to gig anywhere from a bar to a arena, record and practice. All in 1 unit.

[@ylmicha78]

Question: Can I connect my Dream 65 (cabinet off) to the OX top box?

[@reaganbrowneofficialyoutube]

Great example and reviews! Just ordered one from Sweetwater! Are you able to use the actual speaker from the cab you have? I have a Deluxe Reverb and a Marshall Bluesbreaker combo and would probably just like to use those over the ones that come with in the app. Thanks

[@budgetguitarist]

Out of my tax bracket, but UA does make great stuff. The Ox sounds great to me.

[@zeronyne]

Regarding the darkening, maybe with the internal IR, you should try a full-range PA cab instead of a guitar cabinet.

[@gpdaelemans]

I’ve had one for a while now. Recording is soooo easy. My only thing is that I wish UA would provide more IRs and a more robust effects.

[@RJW14]

Universal Ox, 2 notes Torpedo, and the Fryette Power Station are all very, very good load boxes / attenuators (and more in some cases) that cost as much as an amp lol. Still, they're really good.

[@Nikolashiin]

Thanks for this video. Just got the OX and its fantastic! Philip, where can you find that blue lamp? :D Cheers from Sweden!

[@soccerman127]

Do you NEED a cabinet for the Ox? Can I just plug the Ox's output straight to an audio interface, speaker monitors, and PA system?

[@JohnnyGuitaristOfficial]

Gives it that OXy clean tube tone!!

[@TheTactical6string]

I really wish these were around 12yrs ago, i had Laneys, Randell MTS's and just never got what i was thinking I would of as I dont play out just in my Livingroom. All i have now is a Katana 1x12 which has like an hour on it, i just play with a Atomic AmpliFire pedal threw monitor speakers, the sound is beyond what i want, SFB tone. Its my fault for selling that stuff off but life happens and Id rather have more guitars then rigs.

[@bobsorace8306]

You should use the record screen feature on your iPad, it looks fancier! ; )

[@radiopete7290]

I'm using the OX (via Spdif optical) into my interface so I can Record. I have setup the connections and can record no problems. But I don't know Where in the Chain I sould connect my external pedals, like Tuner, Distortion, and any others? Can you help? Pete

[@robert_starling]

The 4 pin XLR power is weird for the audio / music production industry but very very common for professional level film and video production; pretty much all pro-cinema digital and film cameras have used 4 pin XLR power at least back to the 70's. Even our newer professional LED lighting systems use 4 pin XLR power.

[@beanapalooza6614]

Phillip, I just got a Bugera $99 and it works MARVELOUSLY lol. Have you ever used a PRS SONZERA 50W?? I have one... and I not sure if I love it or not...

[@gigios9666]

sorry, I have a jcm 900 tested which output should I use?

[@gtr1952]

I'm impressed! Mostly with your explanation of it! I'm a guitar>amp guy, usually no pedals at all. I really had no idea exactly what these things did. I just saw an expensive gizmo thingie trick thing you had to read a book to work! Maybe some day I could drag the big silver face twin out of the attic! LOL! Love Mr. & Mrs. Phil on the amp to!! 8) (with the KYG shirt!) 8) JMHO --gary

[@anejo333]

I would love to have one of these. Maybe they will make an inexpensive import option for hobbyist I can get lol

[@aaronshortmusic]

I love the Ox box!

[@hashmark13]

Is this only for a tube amp? Could this be used with a 100 watt Digital amp such as the Katana? Curious.

[@MaxCarton]

From my experience the OX’s attenuator is about as good sounding as the Harley Benton 69 euro attenuator. The reactive load and speaker sim on the other hand sounds fantastic.

[@mikeatl4953]

Thanks Phil!

[@samiam9059]

Just a load for the tubes. So the tubes still get worked and short lived you just don't hear the loud volumes. As the internals loads (resistors etc) work them.

[@GuitarzFromMarz]

Would my amp sound better with an attenuator hundred watt Friedman? I would love to crank it up, get the tubes sizzling and bring it down to a bedroom volume. Would it sound better doing it this way

[@cvs1539]

Great video! I learned a lot. UA is currently offereing $300 off, so I am considereing getting one. Does anyone know if the sound that comes out of your speaker cabinet is effected by the app settings or is it pure - just the physical amp & physical speaker cabinet?

[@niallcarroll9149]

Nice review. Thanks

[@parkernelson3884]

id love to see the badcat unleash vs the ox & two notes :)

[@5150show]

Love my ox box

[@marcoz9651]

I have the Tw notes Captor X & feel it's just as good and half the price, maybe you could do a shoot out with the Ox, Captor X & Rockcrusher?

[@mykneeshurt8393]

I like the upside down writing on the back of the unit.

[@SplooshNoonley]

Excellent video ty

[@christopherprice3226]

dig this ... Thanks Phil

[@bobboitt3126]

Whats better a Master Volume amp like a JCM 800 or a Plexi with attenuator?

[@codywhitaker8620]

Hey Phil so I've made for myself quite the learning experience. I've not before used a floyd rose system and it as certainly as challenging to get the bridge height correct without it going out of tune. I have a jem jr but I love it so much. I got a jr because I want to upgrade the humbuckers to lindy fralin pure paf pickups. It just didn't make sense to spend almost $2000 on an axe if I'm upgrading pickups anyways. If i got these pickups for them would you be willing to set it up if I sent it your way? I honestly want to put a fender custom shop texas special single could in the middle pickup on the jem but maybe that's too much of a waste?

[@codywhitaker8620]

Please man I think it'd be so sick to customize my favorite model to have the look of a jem but a monster of a blues machine. I knownif anybody can do it you can.

[@TheMerc1950]

Is it better to just have a spark and a nice amp?

[@doobyscooby2970]

Hey phillip if you had to choose between the Engl fireball 25 or the Mesa mark v 25 what would you choose? I play anything from Metallica megadeth pantera to Jimi hendrix to Pearl jam nirvana stone temple pilots Alice In Chains sound garden smashing pumpkins etc. I’d just like your or anyone’s opinion on what I should get

[@CollinPeterson615]

I absolutely love my OX. One weird thing is that the recorded tracks simply will not blend with a live recorded amp without sounding weird and out of phase. That's pretty weird. I'd like to be able to blend this with miced up cabs but it's kinda all or nothing. That said, I'll never sell mine. It's too valuable for lots of situations.

[@AASteveo]

I recently recorded one in the studio, zoomed into the waveform and realized this is from latency. The signal from the ox box gets to the interface later than the mics in the room. You could just slide the region over to make them in phase, or add a time-adjuster or delay plugin to the mics to correct. Seems crazy they don't have a built in solution for this considering how damn expensive it is.

[@CollinPeterson615]

@@AASteveo oh I definitely tried that, even when it should be in phase it sounds like it's not

[@CollinPeterson615]

@@AASteveo actually in my case the ox gets to my daw a few milliseconds before the microphone signal, I use optical connection. I'm also talking strictly high gain metal guitars, it might not be an issue for other styles.

[@AASteveo]

@@CollinPeterson615 weird

[@bmanzer]

No problems with wifi setup?

[@pierheadjump]

😎 Thanks Phil ⚓️

[@cesarharo5004]

Why did these go up in price, love mine, gonna try the line-in soft mod soon but $1500 is nuts

[@cwness4587]

There must be a reason almost every youtuber has one sitting in their studio. Love mine. Now you'll notice them sitting in the back ground.

[@dwalks637]

Nice work 🤘

[@gillamb8669]

Cool features 👍🤘

[@PureRedRage]

What Mesa Boogie or Peavey 100 watt amps are less than their 20 watt counterparts!?!?

[@PopsIntrepidPedaler]

Think I'll be sticking with my current 2 amp rig; can't justify spending 1,500 clams..

[@wellwornpast]

Hmm. Just personal opinion here. It sounds like another Pod kind of thing. Yeah I know. But an attenuator should let you hear the amp at a homebound volume. Adding in all the rest of the crap just makes it another Pod. For that kind of money buy a regular attenuator and all kinds of other cheaper simulators if that's what you want. Just my opinion.

[@donaldwrissler9059]

I went from Rack (pre amps) to attenuators, then building custom Iso cabinets...and now Digital Pre's(AxeFx). If I get an OX then Ill need to pull my Iso cabinets out of storage; because the loop will continue unbroken ( The Prophecy is spoken).

[@rort1371]

As a attenuator it’s no better and no worse than all of the others. Crappy and uninspiring. For all of the other features its great. In my experience