Universal Audio Amp Simulation

Nick and Addison are diving into the deep end of Universal Audio's latest amp emulators. Over at JHS, we've always been proponents of the age old adage, "If it sounds good, it is good," and we've never really shied away from amp emulators, but just how good are they? Find out with us on today's live stream!
www.uaudio.com/
Ruby '63 Top Boost Amplifier - www.uaudio.com...
Woodrow '55 Instrument Amplifier - www.uaudio.com...
Dream '65 Reverb Amplifier - www.uaudio.com...
Listen to Nick's new single here: open.spotify.c...
www.thejhsshow...
www.jhspedals....
JHS Fresh Clips: / @jhsfreshclips7880
#jhs #thejhsshow #universalaudio #uad #rubyamp #woodrowamp #dreamamp

[@LIGHTintheHALLS]

The pedals feel and sound like when your amp is miked in another room and you are listening on speakers in the control room. It's amazing. When you play these straight into loud, full-range speakers it sounds and feels like real amps. Yes!

[@AD-kv9kj]

They sound great but dunno about that. Tried one through proper speaker cabs and it sounded more like a digitally processed amp signal tbh. Has that element of digi compression and lack of dynamics.

[@martijn_yt]

You actually say it exactly correct, they sound like a miked amp, and absolutely not like a real amp in your room. They can by definition never sound like a real amp in a room, because you need a mic to capture the sound. I wish people would be more clear and honest about this :)

[@coffeedudeguy]

Probably in the same way with vintage cars, these pedals will become daily drivers while the good old tube amps will be taken out on the weekends, on a good day. Or during that special photo shoot/recording session. It’s a great time to be around during this convergence of technology and great tone! It is great to see re-creations of classic amps, would like to see more features of new and interesting amps/circuits as well like what you’ve done with pedals. Bless!

[@danielmorey7826]

These simple (user interface wise) digital modellers have really gotten good. I love the intuitive nature of turning a few knobs and getting a really good sound rather than diving into menu picks. I have an ACS1 which I'm happy with, but these UA units are another level.

[@kyle_brenn]

Best part of the video: 3:35 The synergy is so real with you guys the response was perfectly lined up - “It’s not. It’s true” double tracked.

[@intensedad2827]

The Dream has the best amp simulation I‘ve ever tried. I‘ve been through the hx stomp and the fractal audio stuff, never found a emulation like that. It‘s so simple and beautiful, I don‘t know how they did that.

[@christianpacode]

I’m about to sell my hx stomp for the dream, would you recommend ? How does the dream sound when you go straight to the mixer board during a live event ? The hx stomp requires way too much tweaking man! I seem to never being able to get the tone i want or the volume of the preset is always a problem when i’m playing live. It’s either too loud or not loud enough

[@Jotapecaster]

Have you tried it with dirty or fuzz pedals? sounds good?

[@Cyberglad]

I have a Kemper fender dlx profile and uafx dream: Kemper still stands out harmonically. It just sounds fuller and takes better pedals. Btw, it’s maybe kemper profile corresponds to a normal channel and uafx dream - to vibrato channel

[@michaelrosa2589]

Fellas I have been playing my Dream for two weeks now and it is amazing! I took it with me to my guitar lesson and my teacher who has a Deluxe Reverb Fender amp and he was blown away. He plays a Hybrid 8 string in a band where we live. He has been playing since he was 6 years old also a touring musician in Austin Tx. So he knows ! Great video lots of good info!

[@Joormode]

Now we just need a Marshall JCM800 or 59 Super Lead plexi type pedal in the future from UA - please :)

[@YM_82]

jcm800 is my wish as well & Headphone jack too!

[@UniversalAudio]

We hear this a lot!!

[@YM_82]

@@UniversalAudio hope it's jcm800 :), and any chance in the future to connect the current pedals to headphones via Bluetooth connection?

[@michaellucas1102]

HX Stomp?

[@YM_82]

@@michaellucas1102 to me, the sound is quite lifeless.

[@RaleighHeckel]

Great job on your new single Nick, I enjoyed everything about it but your singing really stood out to me. Looking forward to hearing more

[@jordantaylor1988]

Dude...i'm sold. The Ruby and the Woodrow are now on my Christmas list. They sound great. And you get soooo much for the fraction of the price of the actual amplifier.

[@thedreamclockproject1113]

Nick I had to stop the video and listen to the new song. I am very impressed with the vocal and the mix. It was awesome. I just spent the whole afternoon tracking vocals myself. Good job Nick !!!

[@regularnimnule9715]

I have the Ruby and Woodrow. They're jaw dropping,

[@emmalukeeric]

I love my Matchless HC30 but bought the Dream and done with lugging an amp to gigs. Sounds amazing!

[@EricSauerets]

Nick, killer single! Hope there's more coming!

[@NisGaarde]

They should make these with stereo XLR out. And an effects loop.

[@m0j0b0ne]

Yes, and if there's enough processing power to run ONE simulated amp, why not all three? I promise I'll only use one at a time!

[@LeStraTele]

I've been waiting for JHS to come out with a Loud More Good pedal that can be used as a direct box.

[@digiwaves]

Nick, your new song “Hey Kid” is awesome! Great production and your voice is amazing. Good or better than anything coming out of Nashville these days,

[@mikepodorski4272]

Super happy with the Dream. I understand that it doesn't feel like a speaker at your back, but the feel of playing is certainly there (tracking dynamics, behaving like a real amp, etc), better than any emulator I've played. I don't use any presets. I just adjust as needed, just like an amp. The SRV tones from D-Tex and the EV12 are insane.

[@JimPowellMusic]

Great episode, as always. But Nick's single - that was a beautiful song!

[@milesharris335]

This was pedal is so good it makes me mad. I literally sold my tube amps because it is so good. This through a orange pedal baby and a two rock speaker is the best live sound I’ve ever had. I have been converted.

[@countstoneula]

I have the Ruby and it is incredible. I would buy a Marshall UA pedal for sure. The only things I don’t like about the platform is not having a desktop app, and not being able to see what the knob settings are on the pedal for the presets. This last part is very frustrating since you know it would be such a simple feature to add.

[@alphanumeric1529]

How is it so simple? This has been a problem for over 2 decades (and actually more, think the Memory Moog and other analog synths that attempted to integrate stored presets) with virtual (digitally emulated) gear. In the late 90's early 00's Virtual Analog synths were making strides (still not there) but the most disconnecting/disruptive thing was this failure of UI, which is absolutely HUGE! It sucks pulling up a preset and having your whole UI not represent the sound you just pulled up. ALL the knobs are out of whack, and if you want to do something as simple as changing the resonant frequency of the filter, you've first got to sweep that knob around trying to find where the frequency was in the preset patch, then you have to actually move it to where you want to go. That disconnect, that first initial step is a constant disconnect between your inspiration and the realization of that inspiration, and honestly, I know it sounds like whiny 1st world problems, I mean it CAN be overcome through studied self control and focus, but if you have the choice between the two a UI that is totally disconnect and a UI that accurately represents what is going on... why would you not choose the thing that actually works directly, immediately to do the thing you want to do? A metaphor, imagine your car was like this, your steering wheel was digital, someone swerves into your lane, but your steering wheel is on a digital preset, and you've got to turn the wheel all over to find the place where the wheel actually represents where your tires are currently aimed, and then you have to turn the steering wheel to make an evasive maneuver to avoid the accident - could you imagine your level of frustration? And your lack of success? FATALITY! I have and love a Moog Grandmother, sounds amazing, and the synth is never producing a sound that isn't totally represented by the UI knobs and patch cables. I'm so much more productive with this synth. This too, the 1:1 analog UI, has its own downside, like if you track a bass line say, with one sound, one position for all the knobs and patch cables, and then you want to use the GM to do a lead line, you've got to disassemble that bass patch, and even if you phone photo it... you may never get it back, as analog knobs have infinite resolution (down to the plank length, then it is digital again), but a sound in your desired sweetspot may never be recreateable. And even if you get it back, you're gonna spend several minutes at the least, recreating it. That is disruptive to production/writing flow. Especially if you've adopted a vst workflow - where you can just instantly save a patch, and if you wanna make another sound, you leave that sound and that track where it sits, and pop open another instance of that synth, and you're off to the races. It truly is almost instantaneous. Some people can't work on analog gear because of this. That instantaneousness is essential and core to their workflow, jumping onto an analog synth that is going to take minutes documenting your current patch, and then stripping that down, and creating a new patch... it is time consuming. Your documentation needs to be exacting. It is brutal. So there are two sides to this issue. Some designers have fairly successfully confronted this ui challenge. In the early 00's for example Nord released a Virtual Analog synth with led rings around each knob, which really was an encoder, not a potentiometer, and that sucks too, but I'll leave it. So, when you pulled up a preset, all the lights would change, the ring of led's around each knob would somewhat accurately represent the current encoder's value. This was cool. But expensive, and people didn't wanna pay for it, so it went away. Fast forward 15 years, the Novation Circuits confronted this issue less accurately but still surprisingly effectively for such affordable gear. There is a ring around each encoder (boo, encoder), and rather than an individual led amongst an array illuminating the knob's position, the ring would change colors depending on it's value, so once you sort of mapped the colors to the encoder positions, which just came with working with it, you'd generally know where the value of each knob, or at least, you could get back to it quickly. Not the best, but a good solution. Chase Bliss used another approach - a high dollar solution to preset UI disconnect, they use flying faders to accurately represent the values of the faders of the preset, and choosing a preset instantly moves the faders to the values stored in the preset. This automated fader solution is the best, and most seamless, but it introduces significant cost to the product, and a fragility. These finely micro tuned automated faders can be damaged fairly easily, OR they can wear out over time. This leads to repair time and costs, down time where you don't have the device to use... All these UI challenges are real, there are a variety of solutions, all with pluses and minuses. True power is knowing yourself and how you work and finding gear that is within your budget to sound how you need it to sound and works the way you are most effective in working. Sorry for the length.

[@henryhill92]

@@alphanumeric1529 I'm not reading all that, but I'm gonna stop you right there. I'm quite certain they were talking about seeing the preset settings in the app, not on the UI of the pedal itself. This would be quite simple to do, simple as any VST with presets, You know, like the ones UA make.

[@joeappel1]

Agreed. I'd even be happy with a pdf that shows where the knobs, speakers and mods were set.

[@countstoneula]

@@henryhill92 Yup, I'm just talking about seeing the preset settings within the app. All that information is 100% stored in the preset and just hidden from the eyes of us commoners. lol

[@user-hz2cb9tb4o]

Get the ToneX pedal brother. It has everything you want!

[@Stratguy10NZ]

I use the Dream in the effects loop of the HX Stomp XL and it works brilliantly. Best amp sim ever for me, and I get to use my fav OD's in front of the stomp, together with the line 6 modulation effects after the effects loop containing the Dream. Also Nick congrats on Hey Kid - a thoughtful lyric over a great sonic landscape - more please!

[@christianpacode]

Does the hx stomp effect work really well with the dream ?

[@vladimirpavlovic9488]

Since you are not a tube snob, a deep dive episode on Quilter amps, especially Superblock US and UK series would be great. You seemed to like them very much in one of the episodes from a few months ago. :)

[@Davidthestratman7]

I would love a demo of quilter demo from these fellas

[@Jeb_binch]

I’ve wanted to see someone go deep on the Aviator Cub for a long time now. Seems like a very cool piece of kit from a legitimate genius.

[@Michael_Is_Avg]

I have the Dream and love it. I am debating on adding the Ruby to the mix, but these are some next level amp sim/cab pedals.Have that going to my diso+ line isolator and run balanced direct out for live use and even in the home recording where my wife hates loud noise. I love pushing it with boost pedals, it breaks up and overdrives just like the amp and doesn't shit itself like other amp sim pedals I've had where they just can't handle it.

[@danmorris9899]

This is a great episode and explores the solution many guitar players need to utilize these days for a variety of reasons. Please consider taking a closer look at the DSM Humboldt Simplifier DLX. It’s like a Ruby, Dream, and whatever they do for a Plexi in one analog box. It has reverb, an fx loop, stereo, and a ton of flexibility. I absolutely love this pedal.

[@sordel5866]

I watched this VOD while playing my Simplifier DLX. As a bedroom guitarist with little experience of "real" amps I was comparing tones and, I've got to say, the Simplifier was closer to the sound I'm aiming for, but then: I've had a long time dialling it in with my own guitar and effects. It's taken me a while to really get to grips with the Simplifier but I feel that where I am with it now it's better for my needs and I love switching from light Fender to mid VOX crunch ... something you can't do with these "single amp" modellers. I do think, however, that the UAD is more practical for a gigging guitarist because everything can be on presets, which avoids the situation where you've knocked a couple of switches or dials into the wrong place and can't quickly work out which.

[@danmorris9899]

@@sordel5866 You’re probably right about the presets element of the UA pedals, and most people who use them are genuinely impressed with the sounds they get. I haven’t used them myself, by I am impressed with what I have seen. I just feel like the SImplifier DLX gets you the same tones, the same dynamic response, a Marshall option, and a ton of flexibility as a amp/cab sim and a pedalboard hub for silent stage, four cable method, stereo out to FOH or DAW. It’s an incredible tool and I feel like no one is talking about it. DSM Humboldt makes incredible products and they’re like a great secret weapon that no one knows about.

[@sordel5866]

@@danmorris9899 Depends on where you are. Andertons in the UK has sold a metric ton of Simplifiers and I think that they're pretty well known in that corner of the internet. Because they aren't digital they often seem to get missed out of the conversation around Iridium, Walrus etc. but they definitely have their fans. I actually think that they're a bit difficult to demo because they do, if anything, too much and you're going to get a lot more out of them with your favourite pedals in front of them.

[@Dwightpower88]

Thanks for the tip

[@wokeupthismorning]

@@sordel5866 I spent some time with the dlx? And it does sound good, feels ok and has the connections that I personally need, but compared to the UA it can't keep up:(

[@rowbags3017]

I love the Dream '65! My only moan is that UAD don't (yet) have a desk-top version of the app. It would be so much more convenient for recording than messing about with a phone. It just seems bizarre that you need to connect via USB to register etc. - but you can't also use it as an alternative way to access presets.

[@mikem668]

Not sure what the state was 7 months ago. But I own the Dream, Woodrow, and Ruby, plus the new Max and the older Starlight. I decided to register them all last week. Crazy software insanity. Using an Android phone and the app, the three amp pedals registered and downloaded the extra cabs, then gagged on using app to access the presets without using a computer and USB firmware update. The Max did everything, no problem. The Starlight wouldn't even register. UA tech support is useless. It's as of they used three programmers who didn't know what the other ones had done. It feels like bad software. Updating the firmware should be optional, especially since it's a security update. They wanted me to reset everything, including the pedals. No way. I don't want to lose the extra cabs.

[@JonasArthurMusic]

I have the Dream pedal and think it’s great too! Btw, im pretty sure the green lights, show the speaker cabs the pedal’s come with, and the red lights are the extra speakers you get after you register it

[@jonnes_m]

Red ones are the originals, green are the extras.

[@JonasArthurMusic]

@@jonnes_m oh dang lol. I’ve had it reversed in my head this whole time 😂 thank you!

[@ginatokina2614]

Universal Audio is incredible. Malaysian manufactures have really hit the ball out of the park. UA is undeniably leading the world with digital technology. Everyone is saying it feels and sounds like analog. If I can replace all of my analog pedals with one digital effects unit that sounds and feels analog, I’m all for it! 💜

[@drivebeats]

Nice overview guys! I really love the Dream because I think it has the most room for pedals and it's best for playing clean when you use it with single coils - getting that edge of break up with this pedal is great. It can get dirty as well, especially if you plug in a guitar with humbuckers. Its awesome that you have a dedicated Output knob so you can adjust your gain levels for recording without losing the tone.

[@BrandonMilner]

Wish that "room" knob was on the Dream 65 pedal too. That slight bit of room (see Iridium) adds so so much.

[@laurenceconstable7618]

Great single, Nick! I hope there's more in the works!

[@BRAG450]

I have to say where these really shine is ease of use and workflow for recording. Can record silently. No need to setup mics on guitar cabs and easy to use . I have other modelers that do more but running through the screens and knobs can almost be distracting from just getting things down and recorded. Just my 2 cents.

[@UniversalAudio]

Indeed, one of the main workflows we aimed for.

[@natedansmith]

Love the single, Nick, congrats!

[@mykhedelic6471]

The Nick "Like" Loux Drinking Game. You'd be stone dead in the first 3 minutes. I think Nick is trying to hypnotize us into "smashing that like button."

[@shoebirdmusic]

I'm 5 minutes into the video. I played your game. I'm pissed! I wn't smsh tht like-bttn, upfffff.

[@ishancooper]

Universal Audio knocked it out of the park!!! Now we need the JCM800 and SLO100!!

[@HooksBill]

To each his own. I'm not against the progression of technology and trying new things. I have, as a matter of fact. No matter how hard I try I end up back at my tube amp. It's just more raw, real, wind moving, in your face and feeling it in the room. The fact is the average guitar player isn't doing any professional recording. Although I will say the younger crowd is getting more into digital. I bought all the gear, had the DAW and found myself doing post editing to the point it felt artificial. I was only convincing myself otherwise. I'll stick to big gnarly loud tube amps. But again, to each his/her own.

[@fluidparadigms6719]

I've tried the Dream and the Ruby and they sounded great. I did some A/B testing against my HX Stomp and it was close enough that I doubted you'd hear much difference in a mix. The simplicity of the UAD interfaces is great, but two things made me stick with the Stomp: 1) an effects loop 2) balanced outputs.

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

... or not having to buy multiple pedals for a different amp sound...

[@fluidparadigms6719]

Weeeeeell... there *is* that part... 😆

[@coryfraser7554]

I have both. Tbh I wound up throwing the Woodrow in the fx loop. It’s their when I want it and it frees up so much dsp for wet effects

[@wakjob961]

Everyone should give a listen to the 'Tone Talk' episode with James Santiago.

[@risteardohaodha23]

Wow, just heard Hey Kid. I wasn’t expecting the Americana country vibes , very nicely done! And your voice sounds great, hard to believe its you. Well done!

[@matta.4816]

Been sitting on the fence with these. I’m going to get one. Thanks!

[@jimandcathep9915]

I love the sounds of these UA pedals - I just wish they were MIDI capable for those of us with switchers. Its a deal killer for me at this point.

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

All I want is a room where I can crank my not very expensive amp. And some folks to play with. These pedals sound amazing. The idea of a quiet stage and in-ears and good sound quality in a room (or arena) full of noisy people is nice, but it's not a problem I'm lucky or good enough to have. Waiting for the technology that bypasses guitars and ears and just broadcasts the show directly into the audience's brains.

[@moejoe4654]

I have paused the video and went to listen to your song. it's in my playlist now, very good song @Nick, so much emotion... it's moving. great

[@jhspedals]

i'll let him know!!

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

I haven't used an amp to record since 1992 - started with a Scholz Rockman, then a Tech21 Sansamp (the original one!), then Line6 XTLive which I used for nearly 20 years. I tend to prefer "amp" distortion rather than pedals - these new effects are finally beginning to capture these sounds. I now use a Line 6 POD Go, or a Strymon Iridium. Both are such realistic sounding solutions for recording.

[@stephanematis]

My Dream just left me stunned. I wish I could convince UA to do a Traynor model, I have a wall of those beasties and many will shake the foundations apart if I wanted "the sound".

[@gabrieldorrego3020]

Love Nicks music! Keep writing man! Be blessed!

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Wow, checked out your song Nick! Well done and sounds great! Looking forward to hearing more 👍

[@rtellomx]

The song is so good, Nick! Loved it!!!

[@atalexbooth]

i got a dream 65 a month or so ago. I'm using it in a small church setting. It's WAY better than the little supro 1 watt i was using. When you have an in-ear rig going as well, there's no difference between this and an amp room off stage. i did order an FRFR speaker to get some off-stage volume for a bigger room. Still have plenty of tube amps at home for other stuff, but the Dream is SICK

[@TheBentNote]

Nick, that single is absolute fire. Its like mind blowingly good

[@TravisHam]

I dig hearing these! One of the guitarists at my church plays his board through a mic'd up AC15. His rig sounds amazing. Another guy could be using the Vox, but prefers the simple setup of playing through an old Tech21 Liverpool into an EHX Holy Grail. Though my preference still leans toward using the "real thing", a lot of the sonic and tactile differences seem to fade a bit when you're using IEMs and running everything through FOH.

[@BRAG450]

These are great I own the dream and ruby and they sound great. Haven’t quite figured out how to stack so many pedals without it freaking out but I have been experimenting with the signal chain. My ruby doesn’t have a reverb other than the room setting and I find that running a really wet reverb or delay before it it gets a little muddy. Gonna try setting the delay and reverb after the ruby in the signal chain. Gonna try and get a walrus audio canvas and run stereo xlr into interface and see if it cleans up some of the artifacting I get with some pedals. It really doesn’t like my obne sunlight running in the front. Some pedals don’t jive well with them for me. Not sure if it’s an impedance issue or what. But it’s been a fun journey.

[@rogerYT69]

i have also the dream and the ruby. think the dream is a perfect pedal platform ...the ruby is a bit more challenging to get good tones with pedals ...especially drive pedals.

[@Jam3sk3nna]

Hey Kid, loved it. I didn’t know Nick had such a great emotive voice.

[@jamesabke5851]

Wow, thanks for the killer overview of the UA Amp boxes, but it was a hard episode to watch. They all sounded so thin compared to how your JHS show guitars usually sound. Maybe a different effects chain? I know they were direct into your Apollo, but they sounded like an ice-picky direct guitar to me. They guys were so stoked on the tone, it was hard to believe it wasn’t an April Fools type parody…

[@garyyarago2096]

What is going on here - he keeps talking about how great it sounds , but I don't hear it - every setting sounded the same -artificial and just bad - all sauce and no meat. I 'm not buying it.

[@jameshocking1188]

I've been following the vlogs on these pedals very closely and I have to say you gentleman did a very good job explaining them and showcasing the simplicity of operation and the ability to take other pedals in a pedal chain Josh should be proud of the team he has put together. I'm an older more experienced musician that has played in nightclubs with large amplifiers at volume levels that have been shall we say less than safe for hearing. More and more venue's are requiring very low to silent stage volume. I have to say I do miss the visceral feeling of a Marshall amp pushing the air at 150 dB or louder I cannot just show up with my full stack JCM800 and expect to get through the door. Sad times really. But I have made a few friends in some of the sound booth locations and they will let me play with a monitor wedge. That really helps. These pedals I believe will get me closer to my original sound and dynamics I've been looking for. And also lower the weight and space requirements of set up and take down. Technology is finally getting closer to matching the original but I will never part with my lovely tube dinosaurs of old. They will live in my home studio until I can no longer lift a guitar I'll always have the ability to recall riding the lions even when hearing protection is required. All the while watching my pants and shirts wave in the wind from the speakers.

[@tgrimesify]

I love seeing Addison's smiling face in the reflection in Nick's guitar.

[@mefirstandthegimmiegimmies5160]

Not sure if Nick reads these things but if I ever get a chance to tour the factory I wanna jam. Dude you are awesome at drums and know your stuff. Keep up the great work you guys are doing over there. My kids and wife appreciate the awesome tones I get from your products.

[@poesybeat]

Right there with you guys in loving these. Always-on Morning Glory with Ruby and Dream on my board, plus other dirt pedals for gain, so happy. I was thrilled the day I sold my Helix and went back to having a traditional pedal board. I much prefer the old-school workflow that provides.

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

Def love the sounds and they are getting and UA has nothing but praise from me.... I will say the helix isn’t dead though: I’m running an HX stomp as my “amp” on a traditional pedalboard and it works like a dream. Although my tones of the actual amp sounds lack compared to these if I’m being honest, I’d say the ability to switch from vox to fender to Marshall to revv to 5150 with a turn of the dial and add any IR I want is a pretty hefty trade off. I wouldn’t mind having both though.... 😂

[@poesybeat]

@@JoelCaseyJonesMusic yeah, I can't argue with the Helix (stomp or otherwise) in terms of versatility. And I thought it sounded good (though personally I don't feel like it sounds as good as real pedals through the Ruby, but that's just me). My issue with the Helix after the honeymoon period ended was in terms of workflow -- interacting with the Helix LT as a hybrid of hardware and computer-based software. I was trying to use it alone (to replace my amps and pedals), and I found that required a lot of work anytime I wanted to create a signal path. The Ruby/Dream is just a few knobs, exactly like an amp - and my real pedals are just a few knobs each -- physically there, right in front of me, with no need to interact with menus or computers. I can quickly tweak a few knobs and I'm good. Of course, if you're a player that needs tons of different presets (e.g., cover band, or a band that goes all over the place stylistically), I totally get the advantage of the Helix. Anyway, both are amazing tech, and the cool thing is that there's something for everyone in the current marketplace! :)

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

@@poesybeat I hear that about workflow dialing amp tones, but since I’m running a full pedalboard and using the HX stomp as amp only my workflow while playing is exactly as you describe. I am a gorilla. Turn knob make sound. Step on green pedal make loud. I’ve taken some time learning the stomp and dialed about 5 different amp tones I like and saved them as presets. Now I can just turn one knob to cycle between them and there’s a set of knobs on the stomp to fine tune the amp controls on each preset. Pretty much the same as you describe except I don’t have to buy 5 amp pedals. I think you’re right though, what a great time to be alive with so many great options!

[@poesybeat]

@@JoelCaseyJonesMusic that’s a smart way to use the Stomp - just a handful of different amps. I think a lot of people who aren’t impressed with these UA units would have been more impressed if they had stuffed the Dream, Ruby, and Woodrow into a single unit with a reasonable number of preset slots.

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

@@poesybeat I agree 100%. I’d be considering picking one up if they had done that. I think they sound fantastic but I’m simply not interested due to the fact that I would have to buy multiples to compete with what I already have. Anyway I think they have a place and will work for you some. Cheers!

[@benstevens1718]

Great track Nick! Huge effort.

[@lairdvalory1399]

Found “Hey Kid” on Spotify (!!) and wow, what a great tune! Thanks for putting it out there…

[@Spuzzmacher]

Nice. Also worth a checkity, the Thorpy Scarlet Tunic, modeled after the Selmer T&B mk II amp (& spans from Hiwatt to Vox territory on either side) behind a load of British Invasion bands & specifically Syd Barrett’s high energy tone on Piper At The Gates. The selmer tone is very bright & delightfully crunchy, so it’s perfect for a big fat double humbucker to put some zing in that. The combo has become my core tone. That and the Effectrode Blackbird are the 2 finest micro amps I’ve ever heard.

[@kostischaveles]

Just finished a song using only the UAFX Woodrow 55. It’s a great amp in a box!

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Excellent show really like both of those amp pedals, will check them out in my area , I have not used an amp at a gig in 5 years . Love my amp but it stays home , DI through an amp sim is effortless and does way better than just getting the job done .Cheers!

[@maekong2010]

I immediately cut out, listened to the single and came back. F*cking awesome.

[@drewsleyy3836]

Just ordered the dream and I’m so stoked. I have a ‘70s princeton reverb, and it sounds fantastic on every recording I use it on, but it’s very loud and it recently failed. And tubes aren’t around in local stores anymore…plus I’ve never been in love with just going DI and the latency that comes with it. Very excited to incorporate this, I’ll never sell the Princeton but we’ll see how they compare!

[@chrispickenpaugh3754]

David Berners, yes. A brilliant, yet unassuming guy. Key to the whole UAD emulations development.

[@calmthemonster]

I stopped the video to listen to Nick's song and it's really good.

[@dinosaursr]

Interesting pedals for sure. Tuneful tune Nick. Good good job.

[@djadequate]

Hey kid, your single Hey Kid is awesome. Great to hear your music.

[@thedeadxtras9927]

Nice one guys great episode, im surprised Nik has a functioning pedalboard in one piece that he was able to bring to JHS to film this, I thought he’d still be operating from his pedal closet and routing through all his gear in there each time he wanted a specific type of pedal, so well done Nik you seem to have moved on a bit. I’m wondering also if Adison got much stick from people in the comments saying @Godyou work for a pedal company and your not using it in the four cable method and just goi g straight in front with your pedals!” I’m so glad you do it your own way cos as long as you’re happy and you know you’re getting a great tone that works for you is all that matters, instead of so many guitarists that think you’ve got to do the four cable method, only use a tube amp and you can only use individual pedals, don’t even think of having the thought of using a guitar pedal modeller. Then such people usually only tend to play at home playing Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Led Zeppelin etc, wanting to sound exactly the same and have never written one of their own songs ever and created and developed their own guitar sounds for your own songs to be individual and have your own style. The Dream sounds great and is probably a dream to play through, the Ruby also sounds cool and they both surprised me how good they sound.

[@Jay-nu1bk]

Sweet demo, all the sound with none of the hassles 👍👍

[@indisguiseFUCK]

The Dream is so damn good. I love it to bits, and I have the Ruby too. It takes my pedals in a similar and great way my Blackface Princeton does. Products like this make life as a guitarist so much more fun. BTW that Luma-T is so damn cool!

[@superniceunofficial]

Hey, Nick, I've heard your song! You have a super nice voice and the song is very nice too:)

[@Mark761966]

For such a goofball Nick's song sure brings the feels. Well done lad 🥲

[@billfournier3625]

The real question is, how do these compare to the Joyo American Sound and AC-tone 🤣. I am only kind of kidding because those are awesome pedals.

[@olivernunn1656]

I have both of those Joyo pedals on my board, going into a cheap NUX IR loader. The UA pedals really don't sound any better to me - and definitely not 10x the price better!

[@OldManandtheGHome]

GREAT SONG NICK!!! Just listened to it! Awesome !!!!

[@JohnNick72]

Nick - enjoyed the single. Well done bud!!

[@justinpruett8674]

With that pedal board, Addison is definitely playing in church😇

[@jhspedals]

😂

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

Multiple delays multiple reverbs and a volume pedal? What was the give away? 😂 I’m not speaking from experience or anything..... 🥴

[@Dwightpower88]

I'm going to have to get the Dream and the Ruby. Thanks for the video fellas

[@Tone2town]

Ruby is a SICK! beasts….. The UA Team is one of best Team doing modeling. 5 Starts!!!!!

[@srwaite7]

Good stuff, guys! Keep rockin! 👍🏻🎸🖖🏻

[@Blaculo]

Apartment dwellers sighed in relief.

[@Zolbat]

I have a super cheap Amp emulator pedal (~30 bucks) type "california" and it sounds so good. I only use my tube amp as a power amp for my cab. I don't get the constant amazement with the "it cleans right up when turning the volume down" though. That's incredibly simple to do - overdrive/distortion is just amplifying the sound so it hits a ceiling. Reduce the volume, it won't hit the ceiling anymore. Only fuzzes don't necessarily clean up.

[@exhausdad5773]

I have a 50 w Marshall tube, and I love it. I have a fender hot rod deluxe and I love it. But I also love my Geneva amp sim from Westminster Effects, and I use it every week that I play at my church. It clones the Vox AC30 beautifully, and I just put my pedalboard straight into it like I would an amp. It breaks up beautifully when I dig in, cleans up beautifully when I pick softly, and handles my pedals like a dream. The real deal amps are magical, but these amp emulators are looking to become the workhorses of today.

[@imijofsoul-ajimiexperience7164]

Revival drive is getting there for us

[@micktheman6]

I mostly am going after a deluxe reverb sound anyhow and it’s so great that I could just use that and no amp. Especially on the road.

[@shredbot65]

Beautiful song Nick!

[@bingerbennison9729]

It's funny how we can see the entire other side of the room on Nick's guitar's reflection.

[@jhspedals]

😅

[@berkayguner]

@16:20 As soon as you don't exceed the voltage level specified, connecting it to a lower current outlet won't damage the pedal. It simply won't work and that's all. Say it needs 400mA at 9V and if you connect to a 300mA-9V outlet it's not going to get damaged but it just won't work and that's it; or say you connect it to a 1000mA-9V outlet (exaggerating here for the sake of example) pedal will draw only the required amount of current from that outlet, which is still 400mA in this example, so it's still going to be ok as soon as Voltage level of outlet does not exceed the specified level for the pedal (i.e. if you connect a 9V rated pedal to an 18V outlet it is highly likely you'll start smelling frying bakelite under the hood followed by a smoke trail signalling the death of your beloved pedal 😅). But oh boy those bad boys draw some juice (400 to 450mA), so if you'll get more than 2 of those beautiful UAFX boxes, it would be really hard to find enough number of outlets on some common isolated power supply brick brands, which deliver 400 to 450mAs 🤔

[@Clarity-808]

Still got uploaded in mono anyway 😏 loved hearing about the making of the pedals though. Great vid

[@joshuamorganmusic]

Check out the pedals from moor. They have amp sim pedals of all variety and they sound great. Paired with their cab sim pedal you don’t need an amp at all on stage. I’ve been using them live for years and sound guys always love it when they don’t have feedback issues to deal with

[@SG-4u]

I got the Dream, and since I’ve had it, it inspired me to buy about 30 guitar pedals, to go along with it, lol. I only play in studio, so I went from almost totally in the box, to a pile of pedals on a table that I can move around like mahjong pieces, all running into Dream in stereo and stereo out to Arturia Audiofuse. I’m hoping UA adds some more amps to their lineup. Some more modern options perhaps.

[@m.a.6478]

Had the same issue with underpowering an Engl Cabloader and thought it burnt out. I was so destroyed... until I found out... 😅

[@svenamsterdam3501]

Even through my phone..just wow!

[@raulazurduy5407]

Sansamp Classic and GT2 it's still a good option!

[@gtmuse329A]

I have the dream as the center of a jazz/early rock board…so good. I agree with many of the comments hoping for Marshall based pedals.

[@rileyioacura]

Well Hey Kid is amazing! That was awesome Nick

[@patrickconnelly2904]

Can they drive a speaker cabinet? If not they are very limited in what they can do and not different from earlier mod pedals. Quilter can do both, drive a cab and go direct for half the cost.

[@UniversalAudio]

Yes they can. You can turn off the cab emu and use a clean amp to drive a real cab.

[@user-oi3jz6fv8p]

" On The Edge Of Breakup " sounds like the name of a soap opera.

[@JohannesLabusch]

I have the Dream, and I won't argue with your claim that it is every bit as good as a tube amp. But it's important to mention that an amp "builds" your sound in the room you're in, and no pedal can do that. Sure, if you hook it up to really powerful, expensive studio monitors, you could move the air the way the speaker in your amp does, but at that point, the advantage of portability, as well as the price advantage, are long gone. Also, you're still not playing an amp, you're playing a "recording" of an amp. So if you want the experience of your guitar sound bouncing out of that membrane and hitting your ear physically, the dream remains a dream, and when you wake up, you plug into an amp.

[@ThePortolio]

Very good said. Thanks !

[@rogerYT69]

have the dream and the ruby ...perfect pedal platforms ...the dream is a dream for pedals 😎 the ruby is a bit more challenging in combination with pedals to get good sounds i think. hope they do a plexi in the future! ...cool video as allways!