The BIGGEST Amp Shootout I've Ever Tried (UA FX Vs. Real Vintage Amps)

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Woodrow '55
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Massive thanks to ‪@timpierceguitar‬ James Santiago & ‪@MateusAsato‬ for joining me in the shootout!
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0:00 Intro
1:36 Recording The Old School Way
7:18 Setting Up The Tweed
8:48 Tweed/Woodrow Shootout
12:37 Pushing The Tweed
17:49 AC-30/Ruby Shootout
22:06 Brian May Sound
25:02 Deluxe/Dream Shootout
26:07 Mateus Asato Shreds

[@RJRonquillo]

This is excessively nerdy and I love it.

[@Glicksman1]

I love it , too. However, if "nerdy" means informed, intelligent and useful, then "nerdy" it is. By your assessment, every recording session and film production was/is "nerdy". Maybe it's time to retire that stupidly pejorative, overly simple and simpleminded word.

[@focusource]

R.J. has worked with Stevie Wonder and Carlos Santana. He is the best-known professional musician in this comment section. If he says it is nerdy, it is nerdy.

[@narvul]

@@Glicksman1 and you, my man, are uninformed 😆

[@flinx649]

@@Glicksman1 I love being called a nerd.

[@OzziePete1]

Nerd to the extreme, RJ! They even pulled out the pick used by The Edge for the AC/Ruby comparison.... Now THAT'S detail...

[@UniversalAudio]

Such an awesome hang!! Thanks for hosting Rhett!!

[@hdsg8361]

As a company you are killing it keep up the Awsome work can’t wait to try the new pedals in the uk !!!

[@RhettShull]

Thanks for making all this happen!

[@billy_pirie]

too cool

[@jorgetenamusic]

Loved it!! Thanks UA!

[@oliverjanssen]

more of this in the future! plz

[@Texasbluesalley]

This is such a great video Rhett. I could listen to James and Tim talk about amp/pedal history for hours.

[@ZL1LoVeR]

And Mateus playing for hours more 😊

[@frufru0071]

@@ZL1LoVeR yes indeed! He took ~17 seconds to find HIS sweet spot on the Epiphone, (what a great sounding guitar!). Thanks for sharing this post!

[@jeanjoun2774]

Mateus Asato has to be one of the most insane players I've ever seen play.

[@findingaurorauk]

word, his style is amazing

[@FrankLafone]

He's so amazing I simultaneously think "wow! he makes what he's doing sound so approachable!" and think "wow! My skills could never, ever, ever approach that!" That's skill.

[@nedim_guitar]

Yeah, he's alright. 😁 He's not just fast, but he has a sort of an expression that I've never heard anyone play before. Now there are several Instagram guitarists that play in a similar way, but they often bore me. I'm never bored listening to Asato and watching him play.

[@bogarbill6331]

i'm sure he thinks he's great anyway..fast maybe and then?

[@FrankLafone]

@@bogarbill6331 Well I think he's pretty damn good and really, that's all I need to enjoy what he's playing. Everyone else is free to form whatever opinion tickles their fancy as that's got nothin' to do with me as far as I can tell.

[@rowegardner9673]

Welp. This might be one of the best guitar videos on KZbin. Straight up. What a joy to watch. Can’t lie, these pedals sound insanely good...

[@blocklit]

When you have to spend so much time and so much concentration to figure out whether it is a pedal or an amp, the pedal is a success already. Absolutely fantastic.

[@Podcastage]

This is an absolutely fantastic video. So awesome hearing these amps in comparison to the pedals played by some great players.

[@billynorris9495]

Been playing for 25 years and have never heard anyone play that Gadd9 voicing. Mateus, you crafty bastard

[@squackles]

Matues Asato is just insane, effortless shredding and still a lot of soul it. Sounds amazing through both pedal and amp, crazy!

[@officialmetalwill]

Just basic, cheesy blues riffs played fast with some jazz chords thrown in. Pretty boring stuff.

[@melodica5407]

@@officialmetalwill L take

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

@@officialmetalwillYet there’s him making records and getting session calls in LA, while you’re on a KZbin comment section hating.

[@russwsoper]

Great video. My lord, Tim Pierce's Les Paul is gorgeous. Such a beautiful flame and burst.

[@mhmoretti]

Every time the camera was on him I said the same thing. Couldn't t stop looking at it.

[@jjerose]

Legendary video. Amazing job. The look of pure joy on Rhett's face at 15:40 when Tim was fiddling with this strat volume knob while Rhett was playing!

[@larryshields2302]

You are the best!!!! Finally somebody did a head to head comparison of this pedal vs the real thing. Thank You Rhett.

[@johnfrenette]

Man how cool is James Santiago? There’s a walking encyclopedia of joy right there.

[@johncox2552]

I agree

[@DavidDiMuzio]

What a great video, with so much knowledge and wisdom shared. Thanks Rhett 😁

[@chrisegg7936]

honestly not sure if i could ever hear enough stuff like this. It’s so interesting and informative and just plain old good. The fun you’re all having and the reverence for how much the process has grown and changed over the years really comes through. Love it!

[@nedim_guitar]

Seeing Rhett smiling and in awe watching Mateus Asato play is pretty amazing! Asato is a true master! But the thing is, he plays like him, Rhett plays in his own style, and Tim has his own expression. Being a guitarist myself, but not a pro, I have to sometimes remind myself that I don't need to be that type of virtuoso, but instead play like I do. We don't have to emulate other players, but we can get inspired by them and incorporate some details of their playing. Oh, those are great pedals too!

[@m0j0b0ne]

Yeah. I'm not on Asato's level, but I do ME better than anybody else, which was the plan. To paraphrase the great Les Paul, does your mom know it's you, when your song comes on the radio? Tools are important, but when you're identifiable on ANY guitar, you're ahead of the game. Les Paul himself didn't have that, without the technology he invented.

[@willsketchesmusic]

Geniuses are the ones who are most like themselves 😊

[@hammondvoodoo9555]

What comes out of these UAFX pedals is truly amazing. Sure the real amp/speaker - if it's a really good one - is still better. But for the fact that you can get such a sound without effort, which can be recorded directly or played into a sound system, that is quite amazing. I own the Golden Reverberator and consider it one of the best classic reverbs out there. Its Lexicon and spring reverb emulations are outstanding. The Dream '65/Ruby and the Woodrow are a killer combo by the way for all those players who can't use their amp(s) for a gig.

[@robertcampbell4397]

Tim Peirce is such a gentleman,and a MONSTER player. A true PROFESSIONAL in every sense of the word!

[@coolmiked2377]

He is easily one of my top ten favorite players

[@davidpowers9023]

This here, this is what it's all about. The history, the toolset knowledge and the talent. Thank you everyone and all the support & sponsor companies. I had never enjoyed a guitar tech YT video as much as this one.

[@jonoftheford]

Love that these specific amps are effectively being made available to the masses and preserved in perpetuity. Also worth noting that IK Multimedia recently modeled the rooms at Sunset Sound for their TRacks plug in.

[@Diax1324]

These are all insanely close and fantastic sounding, within degrees of separation that are obviously just parts tolerances/mic position etc... But the Dream is so close it's literally insane. It sounds PERFECT.

[@amalgamaudioLV]

An inpressive all star team you've pulled together here. Really impressed by the UA pedals. Really looking forward to a JTM45 / JTM50 kinda model and/or a 100w plexi.

[@timholtguitar6999]

Videos like this are why I love guitar so much and why I love your channel. It’s so awesome just hearing professionals talk guitar and jam and nerd out. Love the intro production values as well, keep it up!

[@jorgetenamusic]

Man this was AWESOME! Thanks Rhett, Tim, James and Mateus for this opportunity, you guys ROCK!!

[@benskurbe]

That Brian May sound is just perfection. Rangemaster + AC30 will always be my favorite combo

[@trevormccue9585]

Fantastic nerd out. That Strat into the cranked Tweed was unreal.

[@inkeye1]

Finally the comparison video I've been searching for. The Dream 65 has sounded great in other demos but now I can hear the A/B comparison. I'm sold.

[@sassycat]

Ring the bell, class is in session with Professor Pierce. That Dream '65 is on my short list for purchase, truly amazing how good it sounds.

[@216trixie]

Short list, cool! Glaf you have the dough. Hope you find a good one.

[@lucaspintooc]

Watching you guys failing the Turing test was awesome. Proves not only that the UA pedals can recreate the real amps close to perfection but how those amps are so fucking versatile. Insane to see.

[@jayjacks2641]

The same is true for the unison amp pres. The only variant is extreme minuscia like component age from unit to unit or manufacturing variance. Their software products are excellent, and their pedal products are too.

[@VonBluesman]

I love this about the internet. No egos, laidback cool friends. Musicians learning, experimenting, and teaching others at the same time. Glad you are making fantastic use of your time and having a very productive trip to L.A. Thanks to all. 👍🎸😎✌️

[@christianlassen3948]

Tim : "There was NOTHING AVAILABLE !!!!" Duh ..... Conclusio : With what they had available the guys made all these legendary sounds, touched our hearts and inspired countless players. Today we have a million choices, with every week there is more, the new pedal-of-the-day, the new plug-in-of-the-day, the next MUST HAVE gadget/amp/ what have you ... and with all this variety we STILL go back listening to the stuff from the 70's and 80's and go : wow, wish I could cop THAT sound with my gear..... makes you think. Or should at least.

[@tonyjackson4501]

Which is exactly why I just swapped out all my Walrus Mako stuff for UA. I started playing in the 70’s when all I had was a Fender and a guitar (first a Tele then a 335). For the last year I have been trying to recreate the feel from those days using today’s tech. The Walrus stuff came close but it was still way to complex. The UA stuff hits the mark dead on. I actually feel like I’m using a real amplifier. Nothing more and nothing less. I’m losing more money than I think I should on the Walrus stuff, but it’s OK. It’s worth it. I hope that made sense.

[@orion681]

I think what happens is the sounds that you have heard and loved over the years were often the results of cranking up a Fender or Marshall from the time and finding the sound. Often, to get there you had to be real loud...to get Marshall growl or that dynamic Fender edge you really have to push those power tubes. A lot of the resulting gear of over time was to recreate those sounds with less volume to make things more manageable. Think about it....many bands don't even use amps on tour anymore because there are others ways that are efficient enough to tour with that get close enough to authentic. Personally I prefer a heavy old box with tubes.

[@JJackDaniel]

It does seem that a majority of the huge selection of pedals, plugins, gear etc. that we have now are just trying to recreate or 'reimagine' those same sounds from the 60s and 70s.

[@pere4487]

The Mesa Boogie Mark I and II Combo´s were around , but they were perhaps not used much by producers in LA during the golden era. Carlton used a Mark I on his 1978 classic, debut album.

[@christianlassen3948]

@@pere4487 I was in LA in 1977 and met a few players - they all talked about modded Blackface Deluxes, coupled with a Dan Armstrong "Orange Squeezer" compressor gadget. It was NOT a pedal but you plugged it right into your guitar ! That and a phasor and you were hip to go ....

[@garrettpolk4969]

The dream 65 is too close. Oh my lord was that incredible. Wow!

[@jeffjfindley4802]

This is your finest offering to date, Rhett. Just awesome. There is a helluva lot wrong with our world at the moment, but we would be remiss if we fail to acknowledge that we are living in a golden age of gear and tone awareness. Thank you!!!!!

[@TheBeriking]

I know we’re here for the UA pedals (which sound phenomenally close to the original amps through my earphones, well done all), but that Les Paul… just unbelievable. Every time it’s on screen being played or even just held I can’t concentrate on anything else. Absolutely gorgeous looks and unreal tone! Warms my heart that such an instrument is in the hands of someone like Tim Pierce.

[@psychotogether5114]

black flames?!?!?! unreal

[@stevenrutherford3649]

This is a fabulous video. One of the best you've done! My first amp was a 1967 Deluxe Reverb when I was in high school. Couldn't wait to ditch it for a dual cab stack. I never realized what I had.

[@laneonguitar64]

James (and talented friends) helped me get my feet through doors when I first moved to California from Texas in 2000. I was always in awe watching and jamming with him. He is an incredible guitar player. Thank you, James. (and Pine Street B&G for the opportunities)

[@joesheltonsings]

It’s amazing how much flak the Edge gets, yet the pro’s appreciate everything he has done.

[@useless987]

As a teen I couldn't stand the Edge, to me what he was doing was playing simple parts and adding delay to make his playing sound impressive. I thought of him as a cheat. As I got older I realised that his sound is pretty unique and that he has inspired many. Also, you have to be really precise to make stacked delays sound neat. I still think he's a bit of a one trick pony, but it's a damn good trick.

[@fastfrankblack]

Isn’t the important thing simply that it sounds amazing and doesn’t matter one iota how he’s doing it?

[@anthonypinto9244]

Hes a mad scientist when it comes to tones, he should be recognized

[@theariesexperiment4642]

And this is why guitar rules. Look at how much guitar Tim has played over the years. Yet,.....he is truly excited to be in this studio doing an amp/pedal shootout. These nerdy little shootouts are just great. Those UA pedals sound incredible. Probably $400. But worth it I feel. Your getting that amp literally.

[@pugforce8315]

Even with a cab still cheaper than a real amp

[@Kathayne636]

@@pugforce8315 You still need a power amp too.

[@ishancooper]

Love this so much! I like what James said near the end .. as long as you’re just thinking about playing guitar rather than what you’re playing through. Amazing sounds all round!

[@ronrumsey3205]

And THIS is how you show off an amp-in-the-box pedal! Thanks, Rhett!

[@15thwardadrian]

UA did a great job with these amp in a box pedals. Here's another great option for players wanting to get a decent mid gain amp sound with less gear. Personally, I believe in using what works...whatever inspires you to play at your potential. If you are able to dial in a sound that pleases and inspires you, rock on! I've been tremendously surprised over the years by how far amp sim technology has advanced. I was able to get useful mid gain Fender and Vox amp sounds out of a Vox Tonelab SE, and I used that into the FX loop return (power amp in) on a Fender clean amp on the road for several years. The tech from 20 years ago seems like stone age technology now...but it was remarkable for the dynamics you could achieve at the time. Funnily enough, the stupidly cheap Joyo American Sound pedal was another massive amp-in-a-box winner about ten years ago-together with a reverb pedal I managed to fool a lot of people with that combo. Nowadays, I use a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and a simple pedalboard for 90% of my gigs. My tube amps like my '65 BF Super Reverb stay at home for recording use, though I periodically dust em off and crank em up-which I'm sure annoys my neighbors, but always puts a huge grin on my face.

[@gcensing6351]

And so cool to see Rick Beato show up in the corner for a bit!

[@daveakabluewater]

I have the Dream 65 and it is really nice that it has Reverb and Vibrato circuits modeled as well. Makes for a simple pedal board if you choose.

[@kalebaldwin5398]

Mike Campbell actually recorded “Breakdown” with a tweed Deluxe. Or at least I think it was a tweed Deluxe…he said it in an interview I just can’t remember exactly.

[@edwardcahill9629]

Gerat-now I feel like I need an AC30!! What great tones. You and Tim Pierce=guitar gold.

[@Thecovebandatx]

yeah, same here..

[@NateBrotzman]

Tim’s LP is probably the most amazingly beautiful guitar of that style I’ve ever seen,

[@brandall101]

I think that's Rick's guitar, I've seen it in some of his videos. It's a 90s era historic for sure, super straight western maple w/ flame enhancer, that was the style back then. It's a polarizing look, purists tend to find it gaudy.

[@kingnothing_music]

Arguably the best video on the channel so far, man. I love deep dives like this!

[@GxBxN]

Wow 😮 absolutely blown away. Loved the deep level geekery and hearing some of the old session stories!

[@jonasfrenzel7314]

I could hear the difference between all the amps and the pedals, except for the Dream Pedal vs Fender Deluxe reverb. This one was very tough, and I honestly can't believe how amazing this pedal sounds like!

[@taylorfusion]

you'd have to factor in youtube compression which will color those pedals...go play one live, turn it up

[@ericpeters0n]

They're fine pedals, but I can tell the difference even on laptop speakers... so I'm a bit skeptical that guys sitting in the Sunset control room can't hear the difference, or that e.g. the Woodrow definitely needed more drive vs the Tweed in the first A/B.

[@ethanseay8735]

This should be a Netflix Documentary

[@cheenu711]

I like the rudimentary approach to things here a lot. With the amount of pedals we have, we tend to forget the amp choice. Once you find a home base amp it's magical.

[@Busyfingers24]

The level of “knowledge of sound and tone” between these guys is mind numbing…it sounded good with my phone through headphones, I can’t imagine how great that sounded being there! Thanks for this killer vid👍

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Dang, y'all. That was impressive! Not only the quality and stature of the players, but the pedals themselves. Thank you 🙏

[@eoinc4091]

Ohhh the memories or hours spent adjusting mic positions… I think each engineer had their ‘go to’ position and probably became ‘their sound’ … Definitely a very ‘organic’ time for music…

[@middle_pickup]

That Les Paul looks insane. Also, I'm getting the feeling Rhett must have been excited to do this. He sounds out of breath. Glad for him. That's a really cool opportunity.

[@TheDilligan]

I'm realizing that the best thing for recording is a fender champ with the volume around 4. the tone is an extremely honest representation of the playing. The compression is natural. The mid-focus works well in a mix. And because it's a small speaker, it's easier for a Mic to capture the whole sound than on a larger speaker. Then you can use the angle of the mic and distance (proximity effect) to control how much low end there is. Up close, the low end is actually overwhelming, even on that tiny cab. Then if you want reverb or delay, it's much easier to add that stuff in the mix. If you want tremelo or chorus, throw a single pedal in front of the amp. A tube screamer is also relatively transparent in front of a champ becuase the amp is already quite mid focused, but can add just a little gain and tightness to the sound.

[@GxBxN]

Rhett, would love to hear your A/B comparison or thoughts on something like the Simplifier, which approaches the ampless approach and ‘modelling’ in a very different way - Simplifier being completely ANALOG, UA utilising DIGITAL modelling.

[@RC32Smiths01]

This genuinely has something for everyone! Modern and vintage to give a true insight on the effective of all kinds of amps. Cheers for these informative videos.

[@redcraft31]

That's, really, really impressive. UAD just did an awesome tool for those who want to record at home or play live like it was a studio album. You might not get the FEEL of it, but you definitely get the SOUND. Less nerdy, more efficient !

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

That les Paul at around 2:25 is just gorgeous. That flamed top is just everything I would want out of a top.

[@CargoShorts7]

I just scored a real all original 1965 Deluxe Reverb, but now both it and myself are sweating because of how close that UA Dream pedal gets haha! Seriously cool video and great playing guys. Only think I might say is possibly a little unfair is when the amp and the pedal are switched while a player is mid lick. Just cause they're probably actively forming their thought and then it switches mid way through before they can reach a conclusion. Or maybe I'm just looking for ways to make myself feel better about my expensive amp purchase lol. Cheers fellas!

[@shckltnebay]

The real amp will continue to go up in value the pedal will be on sale when people realize how hard it is to use live

[@HerroYuy246]

@@shckltnebay what?? What would be different live??

[@shckltnebay]

@@HerroYuy246 How you going to amplify the pedal?

[@mohamedtlass3842]

@@shckltnebay there’s also the fact that the original is collectible and unique as all have slight differences. Analog will always be better then digital no matter what these hypebeasts post on KZbin in order to gain commissions

[@thearno2885]

The upper mid frequencies where much better on the real amp.

[@rasmuslkke8233]

That AC30 is the perfect tone

[@daughtersofdivorce6803]

Nothing beats it.

[@J_Riff]

I’ve played some vintage amps that were sitting around at guitar center and let me tell you it’s like nothing you will ever play with amps nowadays the sounds and feeling is just so crazy

[@rowbags3017]

A bit late for me - I already bought the Dream '65 - but it's great to get confirmation why I'm so blown away by it! 😊😎

[@dontuckerjr]

I was watching my local Craigslist for an AC15 to show up, but when I learned about Ruby I ordered immediately. I absolutely love it and setting it up with the four cable method adds a new channel to any of my amps, tube or solid state. Thanks for reaffirming my purchase.👍 Informative video and fantastic channel, Rhett. Comments not meant as a “sick burn” on Josh Scott. 😀

[@216trixie]

You might have waited a long time

[@dsam6990]

thanks for sharing, I've watched many of these UA pedal amp clips, I've come to the conclusion that they're excellent, but I have 1 major dilemma, from what I've heard so far I prefer that super killer OD lead tone on the Woodrow, it sounds to me so good, but the Dream has sharper cleans and more melodic rhythmic crunch tones, great leads as well as a reverb... only have a budget for one, and there are no guitar shops where I live to try, so gonna have to wait till someone posts a more in depth review of the Woodrow clearly demonstrating the cleans, cos at the moment Im more inclined to go with the Dream ... Excellent playing guys and you couldn't possibly do a more accurate demonstration, in a studio with the real amps

[@risteardohaodha23]

I think the film shows clearly that that the Woodrow, along with most Tweeds, clean up with the guitar volume rolled back - but only just, they are nearly always on the edge of breakup according to the dynamics of your playing. Whereas the Dream, and the Fender amps its emulating, is super clean until cranked and even then theres still that sixties era fender sheen.

[@dsam6990]

@@risteardohaodha23 Thanks that's really useful, I'm a pro listener, listening to anything from the Allman's to SRV or Aretha to Smokey, but when it comes to playing i'm far from being a pro but really enjoy playing nevertheless. Clearly the Dream model is the one I need to get now, also it's interesting that the Tweed sounds almost like it has a fuzz, perhaps that's where the fuzz idea came from. Anyways thanks again for your clarification

[@profoundsinger]

The knowledge in that room is through the roof! Killer video!!

[@jakeymagoo3073]

That was cool and all BUT ... I'm just so happy to see Rhett , Tim , Mateus And Rick all becoming buddies lol . That's what guitar is all about !

[@davidoreilly7328]

So Tim Pierce does intend have legs

[@mbaraka92]

The Ruby has been the one one my wishlist because it's the only type of sound I love when pushed, but damn, the Dream sounds as awesome as a clean sound can be and it's impossible to hear a difference to the real amp (which was the case with the Woodrow). So in this video, the Dream blew me away even more, which was unexpected. But maybe it's unfair because Mateus Asato just plays too good.

[@RobertBasilio]

Everything about that video was just awesome. The pedals, the people, the sounds, the playing, and more. I had a smile on my face the entire time.

[@tristanbouchonnet1461]

The eye-roll of Tim when going to the bridge pickup on the ruby, my gooooooood ! Really felt it !

[@michaelclover9186]

Tim Pierce is such a smart player

[@bigpk2003]

I think the Ruby and Dream are pretty damn close. There’s something about the tweeds that can’t be mimicked. I think it is the cabinet more than anything. If I run my 59 tremolux through a 2x12 it gets muddy and loses authority. Once I go back to the 1x12 in the tweed cab it gets louder and sounds like it should. Black panel amps don’t do that. They sound great through extension cabs as well as the amp cab. That’s my ears at least.

[@seckincelik1857]

Accurate observation. I guess the simplest circuit of most of the tweeds makes them sensitive to every speaker and wood choice of the different cabs.

[@justinguitarcia]

Exactly, the tweed sound is largely do to the cabinet design, almost a flaw of the design since the entire cabinet would rattle and resonate but thats part of the sound

[@justinguitarcia]

Exactly, the tweed sound is largely do to the cabinet design, almost a flaw of the design since the entire cabinet would rattle and resonate but thats part of the sound

[@bigpk2003]

@@justinguitarcia it’s almost it’s own reverb. That’s why I love them.

[@nikonmikon8915]

It's because of the lack of negative feedback on the Tweed Deluxe, this is why the black panels don't do what you're noticing. They have negative feedback. The lack of negative feedback in a Tweed Deluxe (and the vox AC30) causes the speaker behavior (via the impedance curve of the speaker) to drastically impact the frequency response of the amp. This is also why the UA OX won't be a good load box for any amps that don't have negative feedback because the simulated reactive load is the wrong shape (doesn't match any speaker curves). I hope they do something about that in the future.

[@pedaltasters380]

Great video! Glad you did this video the way you did rather than just your standard A-B shootout for the viewer/listener. So much more enjoyable watching you guys hang, play, and react. The pedals sound great... But there is still something about the moving air in front of a mic that is just pleasing and modelers haven't quite nailed it yet. I can't quite pinpoint what it is but It's a certain feeling of depth/space/headroom thing that sounds different than modelers. Anyway, great pedals and awesome video!

[@MattLawrence3]

This video sold me both the Dream and Ruby! Incredible! Love these!

[@njwhite6460]

I think one thing we have learned is that these pedals are so close to the real thing. It’s amazing how close the modeling world is getting to the original sounds of the tube amp!

[@middle_pickup]

The normal channel is mud...when you dime it. It's perfection when you set it at the edge of breakup, and play with pedals. So far all the sounds I've heard from the ruby have been impressive, but none of them have been with pedals into the normal channel. If it doesn't take pedals authentically...I'll stick with my real Vox. This is the final boss for digital modeling engineers. Can you get an AC30 model to respond like a real amp to pedal and guitar pickup changes. So far I haven't seen it happen.

[@stephanderksen]

Wonderful video. Some sounds made me go ‘this is it’ - especially the VOX AC 30 breaking up with the volume rolled down. Love how Rick Beato makes a cameo at the end while M Asato casually makes every guitar player look bad.. Just wonderful. This is what music and guitar nerdry is about.

[@Sgone90]

Very good job for this qualitative amp comparative I never seen before!!!

[@digitalchris6681]

These UAD pedals are truly amazing. I know this as I've bought them and can't stop playing.... Sorry, multi-fx modellers (yes, Kemper, Fractal, Helix, Quad Cortex etc, I'm looking at you) the stakes just got higher.

[@VlrGuitarWorld]

Amazing content. Thanks Rhett. Can't wait to try out Joyo American Sound pedal I just ordered.

[@jackcrook4435]

Ive got one! Its fantastic - doesnt really hold a torch to this... ha ha. But I find them to be very inspiring if you use good cabinet sims like ownhammer, a good compressor pedal and a touch of a nice room reverb. I always record demos with the AS and then rerecord with guitars when appropriate, but sometimes the AS sounds better in the mix. Especially for lead, Its become a tool I use for more upfront sounding guitars, if I want that.

[@calebwhitcraft1664]

I've bought pizzas more expensive than my American Sound, best bang for your buck in all of geardom.

[@jackcrook4435]

@@calebwhitcraft1664 Totally. Even as a production tool and reamping sounds like snares and shit. Its just really good.

[@VlrGuitarWorld]

@@jackcrook4435 Gonna use it on my bugera v5.

[@jackcrook4435]

@@VlrGuitarWorld I also play it into my Joyo sweet baby Tweed Champ to make it do the more blackface thing and its sick as.

[@Rocknrolldaddy81-xy8ur]

I have an assortment of 5watt amps (Fender, Vox, Marshall, Epiphone). I close mic one of my 5watt amps, and also take a DI into Logic. I then pair my little amp with its larger, virtual counterpart (Twin, AC30, JTM45). I then blend them into a group…but I line up the phase of the waveforms by eye zooming in Logic. I then process the two channels as a group, Saturation, Eq, compression, etc. For a basement warrior recording, I’m able to nail classic vintage tones. Also, I’ll often use Logic’s stemsplitter to get better reference tracks…you have to add a lot of high mids and treble to sound like those vintage recordings.

[@jghillstudio1857]

Top shelf video🔥🔥🔥. Biggest difference I was hearing was the tone of the wood in the real cabs vs the pedals. The pedals are great sounding. UA has awesome gear….! Thanks for the cool ass video Rhett….

[@superdeathband9768]

This video is rad, would like to see a traditional modeler format from UA instead of single use effects pedals. I’ll take the library of helix or fractal any day of the week over what UA is currently offering. UA has the effects and the amp models (as well as the interfaces), and you have to pay individually for everything. These pedals are killer but they fall short in utility vs the competition.

[@JoshBattershell]

I don’t think they’re going for that market. These are for people that want that one specific sound, not a screen with so many options your have to go through that you don’t want.

[@RandyKeelingJr]

In your opinion, do these pedals add that much more than what one can find in a Helix? In other words, especially for the Dream pedal, as someone invested in the Helix family (Native, Floor and Stomp XL) who misses that ‘tube feel’, is it worth it? Will I get that tube feel I’m missing?

[@mikemclatchey2929]

I'll give you my opinion....I'm an owner of many tube amps and a Helix and the Dream 65.... I've only had the Dream 65 for 3 days now but I will tell you it "feels" better than the Helix. I purposely tried for about two hours to make the Helix Delux Reverb model try to sound better than the Dream and flat out can't do it. It's close sound wise but not feel wise or touch sensitivity. The Dream honestly gives me what I was missing with the Helix. Just buy one....if you don't like it sell it and you might be out 40 bucks tops I'd imagine.

[@AdamManley7]

Try out a fractal, don’t know why line 6 stuff doesn’t get the feel down but I say fractal really hits the nail on the head

[@digitalchris6681]

I've spent the last week or so trying to get my Quad Cortex (better, I think, than the helix which I used to own) to equal the UAD pedals, but cannot. UAD have really nailed the dynamics of a real valve amp in a way multi-modellers cannot.

[@moorecreativearts2544]

Dropping the Bias near 0 on amps with the Helix LT provided a lot more sensitivity

[@mikemclatchey2929]

@@moorecreativearts2544 thanks for that tip...I'm gonna try dropping the bias down to see if it may help!!

[@HayesR.J.]

I ENJOYED THIS SO VERY MUCH!!!! Tim is one of my favorite guitarist, and Rhett always teaches how to find that certain tone. Thanks man!

[@kenwiens2127]

Rhett, your playing in the studio with Tim Pierce is really good! You are no longer the “worst player in the room” if you ever were. You have reached the sought after guitar player status. Great work!

[@EricMakingWaves]

This is the way of the future. Period. Superstitious guitarists need to get real. These pedals are indistinguishable from the real thing at a fraction of the price.

[@chuckdriver8269]

Pedals will never replace tube amps. Never.🎸🇺🇸

[@EricMakingWaves]

@@chuckdriver8269 they already have my dude, you’re watching the proof.

[@chuckdriver8269]

@@EricMakingWaves - no offense to these players and what they’re using. Or anyone else for that matter. However, my statement stands true, and will stand the test of time. I use pedals to enhance my tube amplifier, but they cannot replace the harmonic content you get running electricity through a vacuum. I played a modeling rig for almost 15 years. It never delivered. Not once. You can have your opinion, I have mine. “IF” tubes disappear it will be because they stop being manufactured for environmental reasons. Not because the latest gadget replaced them.🎸🇺🇸

[@EricMakingWaves]

@@r.v.9005 ok boomer, they’re called FRFR speakers, in-ear monitors and PA systems. The pros in this video can’t tell the difference between the amp and the “fake” pedal so neither can anyone else. People still rented DVDs for years after streaming came around; it’ll be the same here with amps. The price difference alone guarantees that young players will adopt this new tech. Come back to this comment in 2030 and see how you feel then.

[@tszegvary]

The pedals sound fantastic. But they are almost too perfect. A real amp just has something not perfect that just makes it better - always.

[@richnewman]

Wat? Right... I'll take the no maintenance pedal that sounds perfect and doesn't need tubes, easy to transport, and has ZERO noise.

[@mattb3214]

Luckily when Im playing nothing will sound too perfect

[@tszegvary]

@@richnewman live or band practice? A 100% agree!

[@AndrewMasters]

This is such a great video. I'm imagining the final cut timeline hahaha.

[@dubzga]

Fantastic work here Rhett. Pretty envious of this whole experience! From the studio to the gear and even the hard work of compiling all this amazing footage

[@L.A.W.Studios]

Ever since the POD came out, and even more so when AxeFX-1 came out I treat any comparison that adds ANY kind of ambience ie; verbs, delay/echo, digital, tape or otherwise, with heavy grains and skepticism.. Eliminating any FX like them would go a long way toward folks not having to shell out their hard-earned cash for some non-refundable software. Just saying. I'm a UAD owner/user studio BTW. If the argument against my position is "guitar always has some verb on it" fine.. Do your comparisons with say. 25% totally dry, THEN add any guitar soundstage staple you think you need. PS I'm a big fan of Tim's, Rhett's and Rick as well, this is just a thing with me, yes I'm that picky...lol...

[@daemonelectricity]

Agreed. Straight in with no FX is just as naked and unforgiving for the amp as it is the player. Effects sound good but they also hide things.

[@OzziePete1]

Great video Rhett. Shows the improvement of emulation/profiling that has been going on.... Honestly, you would be happy with tones from a UA pedal or the real amp, it's probably down to individual circumstances on the day tbh. In a studio like Sunset Sound you would WANT to use the amp for that room to do it's magic. BUT....if the amp starts playing up (an old amp can get cantankerous at times), you would not be disappointed using the UA pedal and running it through that Neve legendary desk!

[@evanredel]

This could’ve been a 2+ hour documentary and I would’ve absolutely been here for every second! Wow…. just WOW!

[@mr5410]

Thanks....I was having a hard time getting a good sound out of my Dream pedal, and your video helped by showing amp and pedal knob settings...and using the guitar volume knob to ultimately dial in the right amount of clean or overdrive...🎸👍😁

[@UniversalAudio]

Be sure to check out the app for TONS of really great presets that can serve as starting points.

[@seanrittenberry4067]

Incredible Video! Greatly appreciated and can't believe it took me a month to see it. I thought I'd watched every UA FX video out there and this is the best by far!

[@juliencarnevale2712]

Dude, that video was insane.. James Santiago knows what's up! Killer

[@JMartinDA]

I love how everyone stares at Mateus' hands when he plays, keeping in mind that these are all professional guitar players lol. Mateus is something special!

[@mogli6522]

i just cant stop watching rhett and Tim play, its so awesome