Red Panda Labs Raster 2 | Secret Weapons Demo & Review

[@CamiloSinger]

Mark Johnston: The Movie

[@dorianford6227]

I wish man lol 😂

[@MaTTheWish]

Mark Johnston:The Archetype

[@Justin_Knows_Power]

the playing is sublime.

[@dpalaoro]

Beautiful playing, Mark. ❤

[@darvinavila10]

I’m barely starting my guitar learning experience, I love seeing your videos. Shows me how far I still have to go to be as good.

[@aaronpermen5430]

Absolutely fantastic presentation of the immense depth to this pedal! I bought one a week ago and I haven’t spent nearly enough time developing presets. This video has equipped me with the knowledge and desire to remedy that. Thank you Mark!

[@marsdymars]

I need to stop watching your excellent videos Mark. Watched the Microcosm one, bought the pedal. Watched this… bought the pedal.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Another amazing intro song and pedal! These companies are smart for having you show us their stuff! You make me want to buy them all and I play bass!

[@patrickr6505]

I play Bass too .Have it.its amazing..

[@eanroad]

Excellent work showing what the pedal can do! Cheers!

[@markjohnstonofficial]

That was the definitely the goal; The Raster 2 can do SO much. How do we showcase it in ways that make sense, show how the features build upon themselves, and do it in a way that feels musical and usable.

[@noelluhn8684]

Thank you for sharing the Panda through your creativity. I appreciate your style!

[@gph2193]

This is why I go to you for deep information on great gear. You help leverage my opinion on what to spend my hard earned cash on. Very good and thank you Mark for digging deep.

[@SS-gx7tg]

MARKKKKKKKKK!!! You have no idea how happy I am when I come home and see a fresh upload from you! can't wait to eat some edibles, strap on the Sennheisers and enjoy

[@keldakota6312]

Great video. I picked up a Raster 2 recently and it is a bit overwhelming at first (because it has so many capabilities). This will be a good “tutorial”.

[@ronkopald]

Fantastic demo. And excellent commentary while showing us all the modes! The modulation routing flexibility seems to obviate the need for other pedals on my board, which is good. Also with the shelf filters combined with the modulation you got some very nice tape delay-ish sounds out of this. Thanks so much for this in depth demo. I will probably get this and come back here to see if I can re-create some of your settings!

[@thelastmisterhenry]

amazing and exhaustive demo, thanks a lot!

[@SixteenVoice]

A multimedia masterpiece as always.

[@000MidnightSun]

I just bought this pedal and it is WILD. Going to need to spend a lot of time with this thing. It's super cool and fun just on the surface, I can only imagine how many sounds can be created.

[@krismael]

Thanks for doing a pretty extensive explanation video. I’m buying one

[@florianrohdan2685]

I am coming back to this 2 hour journey once I have the pedal to play along :D

[@ttthisisthehaunt]

Great vid, Mark. This thing looks really fun. I'm a big fan of the tensor but haven't tried their other stuff yet.

[@django-music]

Thank you for your review. I recently purchased the Particle v2 and might pick up a Raster or a Tensor. Bit of an off-topic questions but I was wondering how you are recording your ACS1. Are you plugging this directly into your interface or are you using some sort of di box. If so, which one? Thanks.

[@philspill6854]

When I found about this, I had to see Marks approach to it. Guess my next pedal purchase. Well done

[@wintermute101]

You’re a lock for the golden globe in documentary this year! 👌

[@quintondeanmusic]

Tensor is all time for me. One of the absolute greatest pedals.

[@markjohnstonofficial]

The top of my “gear I need to get asap” list

[@nicholasrella6904]

It might be my favorite pedal that I own. I love it so much I want to marry it. I call it my fiancé.

[@jimtroeltsch5998]

There have been some amazing pedals that have come out over the kast five to ten years, but imho nothing beats Red Pandas line up. Their Raster v2, their Tensor, and their Particle v2 are all such powerful and amazing pedals. Nothing comes close to them in what they offer. I very much enjoy their Context v2 as well. I still need to try their bitmap v2, but im not really into bitcrushers. It seems to be the one for the job though if you want something capable to do any sort of bitcrushing to a signal possible.

[@graydeotto2820]

Just got a Tensor recently and it has changed the way I make ambient, really nice for faux tape loops, need an exp pedal to fully utilize it (and perhaps midi or the remote 4)

[@markolijus]

Amazing job Mark.. best review and demo for this great effect..

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Thanks so much!

[@markolijus]

@@markjohnstonofficial Np, just keep up the good work!

[@ben-alexandercassell1615]

I'm astonished this video is longer than the Microcosm one. Which pedal do you like better?

[@markjohnstonofficial]

This is longer because you have such granular control over everything in the pedal whereas the microcosm is just such a wealth of sounds that you get lost in the process. They’re functionally different effects so I wouldn’t bother to say I like one more than the other anymore than I would say whether I compare a specific drive to a specific compressor.

[@nickreesyt]

Hey mark great video as usual! How would you compare the delay pitch shift capability be cba thermae? Having owned a few red panda pedals I can tell this is a brilliant pedal, loving the preset options and just how much this pedal does

[@raccoonmagic]

Incredible content, as always. I'm just starting my journey in ambient music, and you are inspirational. I'm in the market for a delay to add to my pedalboard, and have it narrowed down between this and the Mako D1. I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask the person who made me want to get both: do you have a recommendation?

[@jarg7]

where can i find information on setting up a midi controller or what you can do with one?

[@graemestirling3436]

Hello Mark. Thank you for an amazing in depth demo, I don't think I've heard a more versatile delay in a long time. Just wanted to ask, and I've put this comment beneath another demo, but I am so very close to adding on of these to my set-up, and I do have an important question, as I only run a mono-rig. In mono, if I set up the dual delays in series, can I have different pitchshifted intervals on the L and R delays (say a 5th below on the L and an octave below on the R, but in mono) to create Thermae-like arpeggios, as per your demo but with 2 intervals cascading, or does it not work like that and would I need a stereo set up to benefit from that? Thanks again, Mark, superb work. I added a Microcosm to my board thanks to your demos as well, so you're helping me spend a fair bit of cash!

[@cbrohawn96]

hey, so no, in the serial configuration, the left and right shift are placed at the end of the chain in parallel. you could either use the ping pong routing mode to get the separate intervals cascading, or in parallel routing mode you could use two trs to dual ts “y cables” to go in and out through the left side and back in and out through the right side. Both of those approaches have their quirks. The interaction of feedback between the two delays and your means of manipulating that feedback are different in each routing mode.

[@magicmorris1692]

Hi Mark, I really like the way the Raster 2 sounds, but I was wondering, how much of its content would be actually usable in a "Mono" Rig? Because I really like the many different options that this pedal offers, but it feels like many of them are stereo-related. Do you know anything regarding that?

[@markjohnstonofficial]

There’s obviously a lot of killer stereo features here and they’re worth heavily focusing on as it’s something the RP team clearly emphasized. But all the core sounds are excellent. I haven’t tested this but I imagine that in a mono environment you could use that “two delay line” flexibility to run them in mono together and be able to assign the weirder stuff to one of the center delay lines instead of “left” or “right”

[@robdavies9478]

Recently picked up a Strymon DIG for near end of chain stereo delay duties, it sounds great, but this video has caused me to list it on eBay. Great job of not only covering a pedal's features but doing it in an interesting and inspiring way. My only criticism is watching your channel becomes a very expensive pastime!!

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Honestly the Dig is the first digital delay I fell in love with before the Raster. And it was pretty recently. Where I land is; the DIG is absolutely incredible because there are NO bad sounds. Like at all. The modulation is dialed. The speeds, the tone, it’s all beautiful. But that has its own limitations. The raster gives you the ability to do so much MORE and a lot of it’s going to end up being total nonsense. But sometimes you need that freedom. But they’re both so good.

[@robdavies9478]

@@markjohnstonofficial That's a good point, you literally can't dial in a bad sound.

[@robdavies9478]

@@markjohnstonofficial I'm now second guessing myself and worried I'd miss the DIG if I sell it. Though I would love it to have MIDI. Too. Many. Options. (And I wouldn't have it any other way!)

[@robdavies9478]

@@markjohnstonofficial Annnnnnddd I kept the DIG. The Raster 2 has more bells and whistles, but I think I was just gassing for it. The DIG sounds great, and more flexible than people might think.

[@elemkay5104]

Two things: 1) This is the longest demo I (will) have (eventually) watched. 2) First time I've considered splashing out £300 on a pedal, ever. I think they took inspiration from the Digitech Timebender, which pioneered octave sounds and offered a ridiculous amount of functionality.

[@markjohnstonofficial]

To be fair; this is the longest demo I’ve made as it beats out my microcosm video by around 10 minutes. And this totally builds a bit upon the time bender but I gotta say; it has unprecedented flexibility. And that’s the real strength here. There is SO much control. So much customization.

[@ShaighJosephson]

Excellent review... Red Panda should pay you for this because their own was aweful compared to this... Just ordered one... Thanks... ☺️

[@markjohnstonofficial]

*Includes paid promotion* haha. I haven't seen theirs but I am so glad you found this so helpful.

[@tonytaormina4759]

how many presets can you have with the Raster 2 + your Morningstar midi thing? is it easy to setup with these to units specifically?

[@tonytaormina4759]

sub quesiton you can access all like 100 preset slots of the raster with the Morningstar?

[@keldakota6312]

In the video you mention tying the modulation rate to the tap tempo. How do you do that ? Is that something only available through the web editor?

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Correct. That’s one of the additional web only things. The quick start manual is your best friend for this stuff. A lot to dig into

[@keldakota6312]

@@markjohnstonofficial Thx! I used the web editor with the Raster 2 today. It makes a world of difference when using/programming the Raster.

[@graydeotto2820]

Im hoping to get a stereo delay next, I am choosing between the Polymoon and this currently (having used a mercury7 and tensor before and loving both), if u could only use one of the two which would u pick?

[@ShaighJosephson]

This blows the polymoon away... Suggest checking out the Future Factory as well... The DD-500 also has some surprising functionality you might want to check out...

[@patrickr6505]

@@ShaighJosephson In what way does it blow the Polymoon away?..I have the Raster a week and it is an awesome pedal.. Just scratching the surface with it..I am about to get a Polymoon to compliment it on my board..From what I can see on the core level of delay they seem to overlap eachother..Then getting deeper they go into different territories and have their own style etc..From the demos I've seen of the Polymoon it seems to excel at lush ambient phasery type sounds which I love while the Raster excels at different combinations of delays and pitch modulation...

[@distrustfulmonkey2832]

I basically want all my pedal demos from you for the manual, the pedal zone for the elevator pitch and Sasha Ivantic because he's too cool not to get a mention.

[@banwavy]

How do you think the LVX and Thermae compares and stacks up to this as far as pitch-modulated delay goes? I know they are both probably a lot deeper, but which would you get if your intentions were to find the deepest but easy enough to use machine??

[@banwavy]

Also, RE: pitchshift fading in, the Superego Plus does this really well with great control over the Attack/Decay/Layering/Glissando and Wet/Dry mix. Momentary or latching, plus the other 10 effects you can fade in like that 👀

[@suqies]

just subscribed, A+ channel. I am in between this and the polymoon mark...pitch shifting and the octaves are big for me, what fo you think? I am a little overwhelmed looking at this pedal

[@patrickr6505]

If you can get both as I have both.. They are different pedals..The Raster is amazing for loops and a lot of stereo manipulation options..The Polymoon is great for washey ambient pads..also both have their own unique "sound"...

[@Noirmirror]

Great stuff man!!

[@KodyXXVll]

just ordered a raster 2! what patch cables do you use btw? thanks!

[@ReddenDoom]

Is this thing sort of a 'build your own' algorithm compared to the particle 2s preset ones?

[@patrickr6505]

You don't build algorithms..you build presets..

[@ReddenDoom]

@@patrickr6505 I'm not sure you get what I mean. Obviously you only save presets. Many pedal algorithms are little more than slightly tweakable presets, where some others give you the feeling you are crafting your own "algorithm" with the tools available. And after trying this pedal it's definitely more of the build your own 'algorithm' flavor but I had a hard time taming it.

[@danielleinad6019]

Oh boy, a real Fender VI. You should try a Digitech Timebender!

[@nataroonytrontime3976]

What small midi devices would you recommend for saving presets say for live use?. I don't use a midi switcher but it would be really usefull to have my presets at my feet without something to huge.

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Morningstar MC3

[@rockyfolksy8639]

Great demo Mark. Maybe you can do the Red Panda Context v2 next time? thanks!

[@michaeltravis3562]

Gorgeous

[@MrAntpre]

Wonderfull, beautifull music, inspiring explanations. This is a different beast but how would you compare it with the walrus mako D1 (if that's even comparable). tks

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Vastly, deeply different types of delay. The “weirdest” thing in the D1 is that the modulation can get pretty crazy (not not nearly as insane as the mod here). The D1 is an excellent choice for killer sounding standard delay types (the analog and tape voicing you can get from “vintage” are some of my favorites). This is digital that can be voiced somewhat differently but it’ll still sound largely digital but it’s also a massive intricate and varied multi effect in a lot of ways.

[@MrAntpre]

Thanks a lot

[@yoursoundnerd]

Nice flat patch cables! Which ones are this?

[@olavcelius3564]

Thanks!

[@theslaves]

I think it is really interesting.

[@PedroeosLobos]

Lovely

[@amsterdamned6209]

Aaaahh Steve Reich amazing!!!!

[@redsilverjack]

I am keen on getting this pedal . Which other digital pedal should I have an eye on? Tha k you

[@markjohnstonofficial]

For a simpler digital delay that has a great image and always sounds pretty; the Strymon Dig. For an easy to use and easy to make sound good digital delay that’s one of the best non midi pedals out there.

[@redsilverjack]

@@markjohnstonofficial okok thanks for your reply 🙏 enjoy your videos your channel should be named like FAMOUS MARK or a name for a signature pedal. I have a jhs lucky cat which I love but it's a bit limited if you know what I mean. I have gr8 reverbs 3 immerse , slo , mxr but this rasper is telling me that something for me. Butttttt I want something more than a pedal something to add on . Anyway love your videos

[@911elijah]

I am lusting father this pedal

[@patrickr6505]

Hi, I have a stereo effects loop(2 inputs and 2 outputs) on my Fender Studio 40 bass amp..I plug in headphones for Stereo)I have a pedal going into the effects loop Neunaber Mk 2(Has 2 inputs and 2 outputs,I Use 4 TS cables etc to get stereo..However the pedal accepts TRS cable for stereo according to the manual.I want to buy a Red Panda Raster pedal that has only one input and one output, although TRS..I don't know how to cable up everything if I want to put the panda at the end of the signal chain..

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Companies like Analog Endeavors make great TRS to Dual TS patch cables that will let you keep your stereo image between dual TS stereo and single TRS stereo pedals.

[@patrickr6505]

@@markjohnstonofficial Thanks 👍

[@matthewdavis473]

I was thinking of getting a habit for some new delay flavor but stumbling on this review I may have changed my mind. This thing is powerful

[@markjohnstonofficial]

They’re both insanely powerful tools. This, as a delay, is way more flexible and tweakable. The habit has a great delay with modulation and various great modifiers but the real strength is how it plays into the looping side of the pedal which this obviously doesn’t have. Both are great choices depending on your needs.

[@matthewdavis473]

@@markjohnstonofficial I decided since I have the blooper to add this instead. Got it yesterday and oh my lord does it sound good. As usual your review is my instruction manual. Thanks so much for the content.

[@jarg7]

what is the next most imp0ortant pedal in the creation of the sound here, besides the raster.

[@Michael_Is_Avg]

Would anybody have any thoughts on this compared to something like the volante?

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Volante is going to feel “Warmer” and you’ve got the option for more of a multitap experience with very specific head by head panning. And a spring reverb. And a SoS looper. But this offers deeply customizable delay tones and modulation in a way that volante won’t.

[@Michael_Is_Avg]

@@markjohnstonofficial Thanks so much. I think the only thing that I'm a bit hesitant with is that I can get option paralysis and this thing looks pretty busy. I'm kind of torn between this, the Polymoon, and the volante. I've had a lot of the big box stuff, but I really don't like menu diving and being able to tweak every single aspect. But I also think midi and stereo is absolutely needed, so finding that middle ground is something I'm going to need to do. To me, I think the controls on the volante make more sense, but I'm about a third of the way through this video and maybe by the end I'll be able to understand it all! Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

[@cbrohawn96]

More demos should show the rhythmic and textural possibilities of fussing with l/r balance of feedback, delay time, modulation depth, shift amount, and so on, in serial and ping pong modes. You can create really interesting evolving effects that make the amount of reverb heard on this demo feel redundant. This pedal excels at alien atmospheres. This demo feels so polite and pleasant, it’s off-putting.

[@patrickr6505]

I agree about having more demos for this amazing pedal..

[@rjschrei]

If you could afford only one delay pedal would it be this or something like line 6, Canyon, Thermae, etc etc. Too many choices.

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Thermae is my ride or die delay forever. but if I was going to pick a #2 it would be the raster 2.

[@kirkwhitmire7034]

At about the 6:38 mark is all you need to know.

[@middle_pickup]

This pedal would kill as an octaver for bass.

[@patrickr6505]

I can confirm it does.😁

[@talha.04]

Guitar Jesus

[@MrKadidle51]

I know you might hate this question You are going to a desert island. Red Panda Ratser 2 or Microcosm?

[@markjohnstonofficial]

Hate the desert island question for two reasons; I think everything is very subjective and my answer varies on my mood but also the “desert island” winner is always going to be the more feature rich thing. And the microcosm is a worse delay but has synthy textures, reverb, a looper etc so it wins “if I could only have one pedal”

[@MrKadidle51]

@@markjohnstonofficial thanks for the response. I knew you weren't gonna be a fan of the question. I apologize, but thank you.

[@lockyp204]

Both

[@mattcooper1840]

i want your jacket haha

[@markjohnstonofficial]

I wanna say..... urban outfitters like 4 years ago?