NUX Amp Academy

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[@89ji76]

Cramming an fx loop into a single TRS jack is something a lot of pedal manufacturers should take note of.

[@LeonTodd]

My old Marshall guvnor did the same!

[@ajimotor96]

I personally didn't like it because Y cables with suitable lengths and ends are hard to find. Imagine the rest of your pedals were already nicely layout with L jacks and then you only got Y cables with straight jacks.

[@felipeyamahata]

and include in the box

[@AngusNB]

I had a Crate PowerBlock 150 that was set up this way.

[@DarylMaihori]

After watching multiple videos on the NUX AA, you spoke in terms I understand and have confidence to navigate it. Great video, great playing. Thanks

[@distillerycats_clt1587]

After having to put two beloved tube amps in for repairs ($$$), I picked up one of these. I use it with HX Effects and a 50W stereo power amp into a pair of 1x12's. Amazing flexibility and sounds fantastic. I tend to play cleaner, and love the organic feel of the clean models. I also didn't care for the Soldano or Rectifier models, but the other High Gain options are exceptional. I can cover damn near any genre with this rig- not sure I'll go back to tubes except for straight blues gigs, but could do that as well. At $199 USD, crazy not to have one of these at least for a backup rig in your backpack. I have also heard they have a software update upcoming soon to address some of the feedback from the initial product launch.

[@axeslinger]

The stank face at 10:02 is priceless! Pretty much sells the pedal based on Uberschall tone ALONE! 🫡👏

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

how did I miss this. The Fender and Ubershall models sounded best to me, although it sounded fizzy to me, but good enough. It's amazing what one can do with hear for little money now and go direct or record with. Too cool. Thanks brother. 🤘♥️

[@russgoos4628]

I use a Fractal FM3 and I'm considering getting this NUX Amp Academy just to have in my gig bag as a backup in case the FM3 fails. Have this little guy plugged in and ready just in case... then it's just a quick swap of an XLR from the FM3 over to the Amp Academy and you'd be up & running again with usable tones. Super portable solution for this scenario.

[@LeonTodd]

Same here!

[@bladerunner12]

I picked up a used one for 150 bucks to use as a low volume practice amp. Might be the best deal going right now for that type of thing.

[@prsdave22]

Cool pedal! As a self-confessed Strymon fanboi I have to admit this does seem to be a more appealing version of the Iridium 👀 I also like how they named one of the modes 'Iridium' haha

[@steveliberty]

My 2 main rigs are based on an HX Stomp and an Iridium. I bouight the AMp Academy as a backup device, but it is surprisingly good. I now use it on a very light pedalboard when going to jams. It will still be my backup of course as well. They didn't do a great job of the UI, since there are 12 models, but only 6 are switchable without MIDI. And the MIDI features are not documented at all (that MIDI Editor screen is not documentation). But, if you can figure things out for yourself, it is a nice tool for $199 US.

[@peterharvin2775]

I'm with you: that Uberschall really shines. I guess I'm showing my age here, but the fact that they can cram that many goodies into a package that small is a source of wonder to me.

[@LeonTodd]

Yeah it's easy to forget how amazing the Rockman was, and now we're getting this! Magic.

[@DutchVai]

@@LeonTodd The price for this unit is $259.00 in Canada..... silly cheap for such a great little box.

[@claudiocruzat8777]

@@DutchVai 259? how much in current US dollars

[@BishopEddie5443]

Leon Todd was the best guy to demo that pedal!

[@sgmarshall3]

Wow, I wish equipment was this good when I was starting out!

[@jhonfelo]

I've had this unit for a few weeks now, and I have to say it's really impressive for the price. Fully loaded with great functionalities and tones. I bought it with the idea of complementing my pedalboard, placing it at the end of the signal chain to work as a swiss knife amp, but it seems that it doesn't like pedals in front so I've decided to leave it on my studio desk as a tool for random noodling with my guitar.

[@PatrickPretorius]

When you say "doesn't like pedals in front", that's disappointing as I was thinking same as you. That said have you tried the fx loop?

[@jhonfelo]

@@PatrickPretorius I have. Mods, delays and reverbs placed after the cab sounds good. But drives before the amp sounds harsh and it's hard to tame the volume and gain, I mean, it reacts in an oddly way.

[@PatrickPretorius]

@@jhonfelo thank you, appreciate the insight. Back to the drawing board. What do you do now? I have a Helix LT, but I miss the pedal sound and interaction with all the knobs and settings on the fly. I looked at Quilter Phantom Block (XLR is a must). Also considering TwoNotes.

[@jhonfelo]

@@PatrickPretorius Within the same price range and form factor of the NUX Amp Academy, the one that works for me is the JOYO Preamp House. It takes pedals amazingly well and it's the closest "amp like feeling" I've tried in this segment. Downside is that you cannot load your own IRs to it, but the default one is good enough. Also, consider adding an EQ pedal in the loop. Other than that, awesome sounds and results with it. Have a look to the MOOER Model X as well, seems to be a good option as well. Leon has a demo video of it.

[@bmoklsc]

Here's why I bought this over the Strymon, ACS-1, or any of UA's offerings: XLR out, effects loop, IR loader, and headphone jack. On a blind listening test, I don't think anyone can accurately tell the difference between amp modelers these days, or even between a mic'ed cab and and an amp modeler. The only feature the NUX is missing is stereo, but that isn't a deal breaker for me.

[@futurekarlos5256]

Just asked the missus for this as my birthday present. Can't wait for it to arrive. It'll be a great silent practice setup for me and will mean I don't have to fire up the JCM 2000 all the time and disturb the neighbours 🤘

[@LeonTodd]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@futurekarlos5256]

@@LeonTodd Thanks Leon! Your video helped sell it to me. Keep up the good work.

[@williamphillips24]

I specifically didn't get an Iridium based on a few things - no XLR out, no super dirty amps, and the lack of an app (that I could see) for controlling presets, lack of 4CM support, and the midi implementation seemed a bit convoluted when I was looking at the manual. It is a great sounding unit though I ended up going with a Mooer Preamp Live, which has all those features (and more, like amp capture) but lacks the end user support that cheaper brands tend to typify. I've had it for a couple of years now without any dramas but perusing FB groups would suggest that they can just up and die. The number of possible amps, captures, and IR support leads to a bit of option paralysis like many multis do. Another one I checked out was the Neunaber Neuron, but it didn't have an app at the time iirc. Lack of XLR out was an issue for me. The Amp Academy looks like a great unit, lots of similar features but the amp selection seems limited and I'm not sure how reliable a UBS port is for midi control on a gigging board. What I'm super interested in, is the Two Note Revolt, which looks like it has all the connections and control, but with just a few amps with boost on each channel. Only the one IR, but if it sounds great, then it's probably going to be all a cover band guitarist is going to need.

[@williamphillips24]

Update: The Mooer Preamp Live died at praco tonight. Something in my rig had been problematic at Friday's show, but I though it was either my Xvive wireless or the cable going from the MPL to the powered speaker. Anyway, tonight the MPL started making motorboating demon noises intermittently and went from there to constant. Now it just doesn't make any noise. On the upside, there's a couple of good units that can replace it, like this Nux thing, the Boss IR200, and the Two Notes Revolt looks good if a little bulky.

[@erikvonbehr]

Amp academy or mooer preamp live?? I want to use for live, and going as simple as possible. Leaning towards the nux because of size, reverb and fx. Thanks!!

[@williamphillips24]

@@erikvonbehr Not the Mooer imo. Mine blew some capacitors and ended up with no sound on any of the outputs, while the rest of the functionality still worked (midi, switching, all the usual things). It's not uncommon, and I had no support from Mooer even after sending it back to China at their suggestion and at my cost - it was sent back unopened.

[@erikvonbehr]

@@williamphillips24 thanks man!!!

[@Scorstin]

Thanks Leon, nice vid. I was interested in a review of this for a while, glad you did it! In the end, I don't think I'll be moving away from the Atomic yet though :) People often seem to forget the Atomic Amplifirebox in these comparisons (Nux vs Iridium vs Walrus etc), but in my opinion it's the best one of the bunch. The amp models are really good IMO, covering everything from clean to chuggy, it's got compression, overdrive, noise gate, EQs, some basic reverb but also some really nice delays. I used to own the Mk1 version. I used it as the center of my pedalboard/ampless setup for about two years before making enough space for the larger Amplifire 6, I was always happy with it. The only thing it's missing (for me) is Midi.

[@LeonTodd]

Of course! The Atomic stuff sounds really good. The 5150 model on the Amplifire is an absolute beast.

[@tgchan]

This little thingy has one of the best latency in modellers as well. Beating easily almost everything on the market/. Kemper nad Fractal are not even close/ Although it's so easy to adjust and forget about it... We human beings can adjust to almost anything but once you compare the experience to a full analog thing it's just like WHAT?! The sound just jumps out of your fingers... almost like the strings are sticky or something.

[@christianboddum8783]

Should be getting 2 this week. I've been waiting for this solution for a while (with XLR out) to put at the end of a pedalboard and send to FOH ;-)

[@lightiskalkin]

LEOOONN!! Is it possible to record two separate tracks simultaneously with this as an audio interface, like on one track an unaffected direct guitar signal and on the other the amp signal?!? Anybody else tried this out like this??

[@DanielFPaulo]

Thank you so much for this review, Leon. I'm very interested in the Amp Academy, but I can't find much on some specific questions. I'm looking for an alternative for silent practice using headphones that doesn't suck completly (like a headphone plugged directly to an amp). I would also love if this alternative also allow me to send the signal into a cabinet; so I can "feel the air" ever now and then. (1) Have you ever tried using headphones directly out of the phone out jack? How does it sound? (2) This might be a silly question, but can I connect the Amp Academy directly to a cabinet using the output jack, or do I need a power amp between the Amp Academy and my cabinet? Thank you so much for all your content, Dani.

[@matthewdortona237]

Leon, How demoing the DSM Humbolt Simplifier Deluxe. Eats the iridium for lunch, is analog and has tons more features, yet it seems that no one gives it much attention because it doesn’t say Strymon on it. Enjoy your reviews immensely!😎 Matt

[@LeonTodd]

Super keen to try one of those, I've heard some great clips!

[@MetalMayhem1978]

Another great video Leon. Hi from Newcastle NSW

[@LeonTodd]

Hello there!

[@89ji76]

Second comment because this thing is just that interesting to me. It’s half the price of the Strymon, Boss, and Walrus Audio alternatives. Does it sound as good as those? No not at all. Does it sound good enough to try out this new type of pedalboard-only setup? Absolutely. Would love to see a video of this in the context of a few more pedals since I feel like that’s the intended use of these things.

[@mtguitar5150]

These things hang with the big (expensive) boys. I have the Mooer and love it, it can stand in place of the Iridium with no problem

[@iacopomosca5282]

dynamic and feeling? is the same than BOSS IR 200? only dynamic and feeling...Thank you...You are the best.....YOU NEED MORE AND MORE VIEWSSSS......

[@knizek4]

Don't forget Milkman the amp 100!!! It's a beast. Not as many options but the one thing it does is killer and it has an xlr out and a cab sim. Thanks for all the vids Leon, they're always done well and informative.

[@draglinedrummer]

How do you feel about this compared to the Mooer Preamp X2?

[@01taira]

Thanks for the great demo. I really liked your clean tone. What pick do you use? How do you set your volume knob on the guitar?

[@LeonTodd]

Thanks. Guitar is wide open. Pick is a Dunlop tortex Jazz 3 1.35mm

[@01taira]

@@LeonTodd Thanks for your answer.

[@ulfdanielsen6009]

Really like this little box. Already have the Mesa Throttle Box EQ paired with an Engl Cabloader and thinking of this one as a second amps in a box solution to blend guitars tones to emulate my favourite players and their characteristic tones. Think along the lines of blending Mesa and Marshall sounds, Bogner and Engl, Mesa and Peavey etc. Should give me everything from Blackmore and Yngwie over Jake E. Lee and Greg Howe to John Sykes and Criss Oliva. Bob´s your uncle,- as the Brits say... :)

[@LeonTodd]

Great list of players you just rolled off too :)

[@VC279]

Hi Leon, comparing this to the Mooer Preamp X2, what are your thoughts- sound and dynamic wise. The Nux has more features and connections but just looking on the sound/dynamic whats your choice?

[@lookmanostrings]

I think you're one of the few that's made this pedal shine, Leon. How do you load the IRs? What format? From what I've seen, the unit needs a good IR to get the most out of it.

[@LeonTodd]

Using the software editor, drag and drop the wav file

[@lookmanostrings]

@@LeonTodd got it! Thanks 👌

[@user-ko6sy1fk2b]

Awesome! Can you share a bit? How did you achieve the sound at 9:50?

[@mrparkinson]

Interesting... I wonder how it sounds as a preamp into the effects return on an amplifier.

[@ianbenson7804]

Leon. Have you had the chance to try the new firmware with improved Recto and SLO algorithms?

[@LeonTodd]

Only just saw it after this went live!

[@ianbenson7804]

@@LeonTodd Be interested to hear if you think it's improved, if you get the chance.

[@svenzia]

Thanks Leon - good little showcase :)

[@ricardogomezvasquez3291]

Has anybody tested this amp in gigs? Does it work the way you set it? Because I have the nux 300 and it sucks live, it doesn't sound the way i want to.

[@user-kp2qz6zf1s]

Please tell me - the pulse loader of this pedal can fully notice the Torpedo C.A.B. M+?

[@christian_oz]

Great video. Thank you. Did you try the latest firmware (v2.6.5) ? I believe in that firmware they adjusted some of the B side amp models.

[@LeonTodd]

Not yet but I'll get to it soon

[@christian_oz]

@@LeonTodd cool, thanks mate. Would love to know what you think when you get a chance to try it out and how sound compares to the previous firmware.

[@Clive007]

This is not correct. There is no Midi input to this apart from Midi-over-USB, you state that the 1/8" sockets next to the XLR out are for Midi, they're not. They are for Aux In and Headphone out.

[@silverpairaducks]

I love my nux distortion thingy that stacks overdrives...can't remember real name

[@John-mq8qv]

how does it compare to the amp models in the nux mg 30 and mg 300? nux seem to reuse the same amp models across mg, mighty etc. im assuming this as a dedicated amp/cab the quality and DSP is better on the amp academy.

[@LeonTodd]

I'd need to do a side by side but they sound very similar

[@John-mq8qv]

@@LeonTodd its like with the strymon v ampero/helix its hard to justify amp only pedals when the multi effects including the amp sims are similar prices. nux mg 300 is cheaper than amp academy and mg 30 not much more. having said that, i'll probably end up buying the amp academy! imagine being in a bare bones rock n roll band and just showing up with that in guitar gig bag.

[@HansBaumeister]

Did I miss something, or did you not talk about the cabinet IRs at all in your review? Odd. That is „half the rent“ for this unit!

[@brianb4877]

Anyone know if you can use it to record DI tracks (with processed sound as playback)?

[@domizidor]

Nice video mate. Any idea how does it take other drive pedals in front of it? Anyone tried? Thanks :)

[@sattercaster1]

The Uber sounds brutal. Love it!

[@metallicmonkey4519]

has anyone tested this on live shows? i've heard volume regulation on the console is a nightmare

[@bluzikmusic]

Just taken delivery of an NGS6. Manual implies it is just plugged in and links to PC, DAW and Editor app. It doesn't ! None of those recognised the unit. Tried updating drivers but that didn't help. Took me half a day any several emails to the supplier and NUX before finding out that I had to ignore the message on the software updater that says the NGS6 could not be detected before updating the firmware. Why do I have to do that anyway? Surely the supplier - Artist -and/or NUX should ship a turnkey product. It's not for Customers to make things work! After updating and trying many combinations within the editor found that NO combination was to my liking. The only good thing about the NGS6 is that it is a nice clear i/f into my Reaper DAW. Otherwise I don't like it at all!

[@rotatingdriveline3466]

Did this NuX end up replacing the Moore Preamp X for you?

[@matthewholme297]

Ubershell rocks cuts through the mix

[@myckellapostol9164]

Just asking what do you prefare for your taste.. nux solid studio or that nux amp acedemy?

[@LeonTodd]

Amp Academy

[@jhormanramirez1085]

como cargas los IR en el NUX amp academy?

[@Nezraytcgworld]

Was this with the new firmware released yesterday Leon?. New algo for the Recto/Soldano might have improved it?..

[@LeonTodd]

No I shot this earlier in the week, only just saw that!

[@Nezraytcgworld]

@@LeonTodd All good mate, be interesting to see if those models are any better...

[@mattgilbert7347]

It's good but i am already suffering ear-fatigue after only 8 minutes. I'll always use valve amps if i can. All these modelers sound flat, unresponsive, kinda 2D in comparison to the 3D sound of real valve amps.

[@robertclarkguitar]

Nice I can use this.

[@armandamanullah6152]

the cab ir file you shared has been deleted, where can I get it?

[@LeonTodd]

⪢ My Cab IR's (Free) tinyurl.com/2p9k53h9

[@650thunderbird]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Cacophaton]

dat autofocus tho It's interesting that you'd demo this brand as i've been very wary of cheap modeling brands, but you do seem to demo gear you actually believe in.

[@LeonTodd]

Nux make some super solid stuff. That Uberschall model is legit.

[@coalfacechris1336]

Go for the Filth!

[@joergjahn6683]

Sorry but there are no midi options in the pedal.

[@bmoklsc]

It does have midi through the USB port

[@MoonWalkersbin]

Paid promo?

[@TorSagen]

How does it it compare to the atomic amplifire?

[@LeonTodd]

Atomic has more amps and effects built in, they both sounding pretty great for the money IMO

[@Turbo-D]

😂😂 chinese brands are the best, donner & mooer have exact the same just rebranded the same with all the mini 25$ pedals you have to be very careful not to have the same pedals just rebranded in your pedal collection. all those pedal hype is just an addiction, but a great one 👌

[@castleanthrax1833]

Loads of these affordable pedals are like that. You can get a bit of an idea by looking at the knob orientation and names. That will be a giveaway as to whether they're the same inside.

[@Turbo-D]

@@castleanthrax1833 100% 🙏

[@harmonyinthought4373]

still can beat a good tube amp-cab mic,ed properly.....digital 🤮... anyway good video