The Secret Behind SRV's Tone

Stevie Ray Vaughan's rig is well documented, but no one talks about the effect that gave his guitar tone the movement and width we all know and love: the Roland SDD-320 Dimension D Rack Chorus.
Table of Contents
00:00 Introduction
01:47 The Secret Ingredient
02:36 How SRV Used the Dimension D
03:25 How YOU can Implement It
04:44 The Gear You Need
05:20 "Mary Had a Little Lamb" Example
06:54 "Pride and Joy" Example
09:14 "Let's Dance" Example
12:28 Signal Path (So Far)
13:22 Alternate Signal Path Options
13:52 Signal Path Option #1
15:30 Signal Path Option #2
16:30 Signal Path Option #3
17:44 Our Way vs SRV's Way
19:04 Recap
20:45 Thanks for Watching!
Devices Used in This Video:
Boss DC-2W - bit.ly/3pGVMju
Vertex Steel String Supreme SRV - bit.ly/3pLbzhi
Ibanez TS9 - amzn.to/3hXvs04
TwoNotes CAB M - bit.ly/3pNutEl
Line Out Box - bit.ly/35xVXab
Fender Hot Rod Deville ML - bit.ly/3HKt0ot
⬇BUY VERTEX PEDALS⬇
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⬇ONE-ON-ONE TONE CONSULTING⬇
bit.ly/2WhiliW
⬇PODCAST⬇
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//spotify// spoti.fi/2WGLku8
⬇DIY BUFFER DIAGRAMS & TEMPLATES⬇
bit.ly/3gu02hU
⬇RECOMMENDED MATERIALS⬇
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//pedalboards// bit.ly/3B9DVFk
//power supply// bit.ly/3B9aD9D
//cables// bit.ly/3jktF7b
//cable & pedal management// bit.ly/3mCJxUe
//pedalboard tools// bit.ly/3B7AEGq
CREDITS:
Host/Co-Production: Mason Marangella
Video: Nico Sotomayor
Video Editing: Victor San Pedro
Co-Production/Design: Mason Mejia
Audio Engineering: Neil Godbole
LOCATION:
Airship Laboratories - Richmond, CA.
#StevieRayVaughan #DimensionC #RigDoctor

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Which signal path do YOU think most closely resembles SRV's use of the Dimension D? Tell us in the comments below! Table of Contents 00:00 Introduction 01:47 The Secret Ingredient 02:36 How SRV Used the Dimension D 03:25 How YOU can Implement It 04:44 The Gear You Need 05:20 "Mary Had a Little Lamb" Example 06:54 "Pride and Joy" Example 09:14 "Let's Dance" Example 12:28 Signal Path (So Far) 13:22 Alternate Signal Path Options 13:52 Signal Path Option #1 15:30 Signal Path Option #2 16:30 Signal Path Option #3 17:44 Our Way vs SRV's Way 19:04 Recap 20:45 Thanks for Watching!

[@MrAbelone]

Never noticed this effect but hearing it it now. He definitely had the rate/intensity more prominent on Pride.

[@billytremoloband7456]

Yea, SRV tone for the win 🤜

[@billytremoloband7456]

Dc2w, tc nova drive and source audio collider set to plate gets a good bit of the way for the first album sound 100% , I use the distortion side of the tc with very low gain to get a bit of faux pre amp drive with the ts side before it to emulate the tube screamer! It sounds great into a superreverb and bandmaster with sping verb off!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@MrAbelone For sure!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@billytremoloband7456 Yes!!!

[@Texasbluesalley]

Ok... I've been studying Stevie's playing and tone for 25 years and I always thought I heard a subtle chorusing effect on those studio recordings but never heard this mentioned in descriptions of his rigs. NOW I KNOW I'M NOT CRAZY.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You're not crazy! It's there! Big thing when implementing chorus into your SRV rig is to do in in parallel after the mic'd dry amp, otherwise it's too intense as I demonstrated when the chorus was in the FX Loop in series.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@NTPL Worship oh man...it'd be our honor!

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

@NTPL Worship That would be epic 🙌

[@Texasbluesalley]

@@VertexEffectsInc I'm in.

[@soundknight]

I always thought that too.

[@jamesbenoit5252]

Great video! Texan here, we were turned on to SRV a tad earlier than the wider world. Saw him multiple times in various venues. Mesmerizing. Stevie's "Mary Had a Little Lamb" pays homage to the great Buddy Guy. BG is a national treasure, GO SEE HIM NOW, before he leaves us. Hendrix, SRV, many blues greats are disciples. Thx!

[@m0j0b0ne]

I saw Buddy, Stevie, Duke Robillard, Brian Setzer and BB King at the same fest; wanna know who stole the show? Buddy. I didn't think anybody could follow Stevie, but it turned out even BB couldn't follow Buddy Guy.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sure, but without the Nursery Rhyme, there's not song, he's doing Buddy's arrangement of an old song. SRV had many inspirations, just as the opening riff "Hideaway" was played by Freddie King, but done in the SRV way of playing it.

[@jamesbenoit5252]

Lol. Of course the nursery rhyme came first, but what a cool adaption, huh? Vaguely reminds me of an interview with Tony Iommi, speaking of Ronnie James Dio. Tony said Geezer told Dio at some point "no more dragons, wizads and shit." I dunno, though - that was Ronnie's lyrical stock in trade.

[@joerobinson2538]

I got my DC-2w last year and was immediately blown away. If you use it on one of its highest wet settings, you get Steve Steven’s Flesh For Fantasy sound. He used the rack unit extensively in his 80’s studio recordings. I have it on all the time on setting 1 and use buttons 3 and 4 (you can use 2 buttons if pressed at the same time) when I need a very wet chorus sound (like in Purple Rain). Thanks Mason for the awesome information!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Good call! Be sure to try it in the parallel context as we did here and SRV did after the dry amp and mic and then blended in parallel with the dry. Helps keep it subtle. This is also how Steve Stevens used it on the Billy Idol stuff.

[@Souldoubtrocks]

I was on the fence on getting this pedal. I finally pulled the trigger and couldn’t be happier

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It's SOOOO good!

[@danielfrabotta5501]

It really is surprising how different the parallel methods sound compared to simply running it into the loop. It was night and day for this. Great video once again!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, the magic is really in having a subtle chorus but in parallel, no series like most people would run it.

[@Nitsua_Atayha]

Finally someone talks about the chorus effect! I’ve been saying this for years.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!

[@ClownOnVacation]

Thank you for taking the time to teach us. You invest a lot of hours into production and editing to educate us in a minimal amount of time.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I appreciate that!

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

it's always an informative adventure watching your videos Mason, I appreciate the work you put into bring these to us.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you like them!

[@tonya4157]

Damn, rough day man. Fuck em. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@MarcusLee-pu8lk]

Great video, I love hearing about how Stevie Ray put his Dimension-D all over these tracks!

[@joshuapark1749]

Love the back lighting and the excellent playing. Superb tone bro. 👏

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks a lot!

[@keithlabonte2547]

Much Love! Great info, as always!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🥰🥰🥰

[@burtsbass1]

Great info thanks for sharing. SRV choice of string gauge was also a big part of his sound, using .013 - .062 and even .014 - 068. I often wish that he still with us was. I went to 4 of his shows in 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1988. I still get goosebumps just thinking about it.

[@Watergrovey]

You’re killing me, Mason! Now I need a DC-2w! Great video, BTW!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You'll love this pedal!

[@johngrasso1483]

Just buy a Fulltone Dejavibe. It’s got chorus and vibrato settings and you can set the intensity. Amazing pedal! It’ll cover a lot more ground for srv & Hendrix tones.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@johngrasso1483 no, it's nothing like this or the way SRV ran the chorus effect.

[@kindofblue85]

It’s nice see you play finally :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I've been playing in many of these videos over the last few months! Check out the Reverb placement, Delay placement, and Fender Hot Rod ML videos. I play in all of them :)

[@tomt55]

Interesting video. The dimension chorus effect that SRV used was quite subtle, but it did add some cool under the radar modulation that was a nice addition to his tone. Thanks for posting!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed! You're welcome!

[@tomt55]

I have a Wampler Terraform, it has a dimension setting next to the regular chorus setting. I'll be sure to horse around with it some and see if there are some worthwhile tones there.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@tomt55 Yes, the main thing is running it in parallel like we did here.

[@thomasnolde2691]

The fingers a the singers that's the secret of Stevie's Tone ☝️💜

[@gregmorgan9564]

Awesome video thanks. You always have insights that no other tuber has. Great playing by the way.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ecrecords615]

While it's known that SRV tuned down to Eb, I feel it's often overlooked what a tonal difference that half step makes! Fatter tone, makes the amp break up quicker, even makes you play different with the slinkier tension for expressive bends and big vibrato. Think of Hendrix too, or even Albert King with the extra slinkiness!

[@sandyturner1911]

Once I started tuning to Eb, it has become my favorite way to play. Standard tuning doesn't sound right to me, now. It feels better, too.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Eb is how Strat's are meant to be played...As GOD intended :)

[@theirritatedirishman5440]

1/2 step down just sounds bluseier especially when playing pentatonic scales. Stevie’s Strat was anything but slinky feeling believe me. He had for the longest time 13 high E thicker going up. On top of his GHS strings which are bright and steel. He liked a little give in the sound but not mushy so that’s why he moved from JBL’s to EV Forces. The Forces were softer and gave a little unlike an EVM would or JBL E series plus the JBL’s have a bright snap to them. So those speakers in conjunction with the tube rectified Super Reverbs and Vibroverb became his stage sound. He also loved his 50 Watt Marshall head he had and sometimes Plexi. He did try 11’s towards the end and even had 9’s on one Strat. I think had he been around still and used 11’s down a 1/2 step and maybe switched to Ernie Ball Nickel Slinky’s, that would’ve been magical! He had really strong fucking hands!

[@boxerfencer]

Theresa no slinkiness with the gauges SRV used. And as someone who's played with thicker gauges for years, I can tell you it's not the tuning that makes the amp breakup sooner.

[@Stereostupid]

Wow you're getting a lot better!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@GuitarTabsDaily]

This was awesome. Thanks dudes 🤘🤘🤘

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LuisCaballero]

What a great video Mason! Thanks!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@danielmiller2886]

27 years ago when I niavely asked my guitar teacher how to copy SRV's sound, he literally chuckled and said "well, good luck with that"! Also, I appreciate your clean playing. Many people really over do it when playing SRV licks and just sound messy. You executed them well.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

At least you'll have the right gear ;)

[@TheDilligan]

Ive never dived in deep on Stevie Ray Vaughans actual gear. But I know that every time I've personally attempted his, I've always thrown a subtle chorus on. (Also 80s era Clapton tones). It's really the thing that separates his sound from all the other classic blues guys.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

SRV is one of the best...his gear is often oversimplified however.

[@jacobpetersen5662]

100% agree. I got the Waza 2 years ago. It sounds stellar!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wish I had you as our SRV for this demo Jacob! It's a great pedal, tried to do it justice :)

[@jburdsinfuse]

I LOVE your content...really great. I play live and ALWAYS have a chorus happening. Especially with my Strat; it sounds naked without it.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Then you're in good company :)

[@michaelwangler7509]

That's so, So, SO.... freakin CooL !!! 😎 I would have NEVER guessed in a million years that Stevie would have used this sort of effect. 🤔 Really !!! 🙄 *So Much So... that when I really became interested in "Blues Music" I pulled my Dimension-C from my makeshift pedal board thinking it was useless for this genre. 😖 *Well... I guess I should be thankful that it was an old Dimension-C without the "D" mode. 😌 But now I GOTTA go out and GITTME the new version !! 🤣 Thank You for the video and the information. 😉 WoW! 😮 Who Knew ???

[@markntexas8265]

I am going to have to rewatch this many times thank you so much

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@francescomolinari4524]

grande mason,come sempre grande spiegazione! ottimo tono,molto fedele all originale di stevie!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrissterrmusic]

Nailed it. I remember listening to his studio stuff and realizing that there was something else there… a kind of “shimmering” effect that was so subtle that you couldn’t put your finger on but you knew was there. I read about this a couple years ago and have been getting close with just keeping the mix on whatever chorus I’d be using down to 20% or so… I’d gotten real close with a Dimension patch from a MD-500 and close-ish with my Julianna chorus. Really great info here, man! Thx!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@curlyfryexperience]

Such a good video, it’s crazy how much better it sounds run post mic than anywhere in line.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Totally agree!

[@jedishaw6771]

Great video! Never heard anyone talk about this before.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@clownhands]

Dude! I recently bought the Waza pedal to help get an 80s Clapton 24 nights sound going. I can’t wait to try it in an SRV vibe context!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes! Go for it!!!

[@ILuvJazzNJava]

This is awesome 👏. Thanks so much for explaining this.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you dig it!

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

Dude! The DC-2w is ABSOLUTELY STELLAR. It is such a lovely sound and if you haven’t understood how powerful a stereo setup for modulation can be, this will blow your mind! Probably in my top 10 pedals of all time. Probably, IDK. Good stuff Rig Doctor! 👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks Dr. Johnson :). I concur...great pedal!

[@NJSonye]

I ran a wet/dry tig based on all rack efx, stereo power, and a stereo 4X12, which was split vertically. Some FOH mixers “got it” and some didn’t. I Loved it. It just became impractical.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@NJSonye some FOH folks can't handle the Wet/Dry rigs!

[@NJSonye]

@@VertexEffectsInc Moral of the story, make life easy on the FOH engineers.

[@srficarra]

Enjoyed the vid man. Myself, like most guitarist, have dove into trying to dial in Stevie’s tone through the years. Particularly his “Texas flood” and “El mocambo” tones. I’ve never heard anybody suggest using a chorus on his studio tone but I stumbled across using one for playing “little wing” years ago and then I started using it for a lot of his other stuff. The key is you want it to be subtle and using a parallel fx loop set about 50/50 wet/dry is a good place to start. There’s definitely movement in his early studio tone and I found a subtle chorus gets me there with ease but you definitely want some of your tone left dry. Not only does it add a little movement and depth but it gives it a little sparkle too. But if it’s obvious you’re using a chorus then you’re using too much. Thanks for reassuring me that my ears aren’t playing games with me. Subbed

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! I agree parallel is the key!

[@jwvanhorn]

Great video! I can definitely use this to fatten up my strat sounds. I'm going to see what I can come up with using the Helix and running their Dimension model in parallel. Thanks Mason!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Got for it! Hope the video helps!

[@elikipreos9007]

Thanx...good to know Love all things Stevie!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching Eli, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@JC3D]

Fired up my Axe FX III and found the dimension chorus in there - I was amazed A and Bing soloing with and without it on. Never have I ever thought to use chorus on lead guitar - only ever used it messing around with Come as You Are - thanks man! Very enlightening!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great to hear! Make sure you run it in parallel, very easy to do in the Axe software!

[@kellyjandrews]

So glad I found this video 🤘🥳

[@izzyfontaine]

dimension is one of the most important effects that people skip over, assuming it’s chorus. stoked to see you spreading the gospel!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🥰🥰🥰

[@josephdimalante7023]

I just bought one used after seeing this Thanks!

[@thomaswalz3515]

In that Let's Dance clip, SRV rips Albert King so well. No wonder Albert called SRV "my son." I don't want to be a SRV clone, but I learned a lot from this vid, and most of your vids. Thanks Mason.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@SkyRiderJavelin]

great video, sounded just like SRV thanks for demystifying the great sound he had

[@VertexEffectsInc]

So glad you dig it!

[@papadavewatson]

The most valuable info I have gathered is to have a Fender blackface amp cranked to breakup, a Strat running through a TS with volume high, gain low. This seems like a missing piece of the puzzle that no one talks about. Might have to try it. Thanks for the info!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, definitely an overlooked element.

[@18JR78]

Wow. The final ingredient is here. Thx.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hope you enjoy

[@EJ_Crough]

Nice playing on this vid!

[@boxerfencer]

I loved that guitar sound on Let's Dance, but never knew how it was accomplished.

[@anthonyrussell4888]

Yes. 😊

[@flanderstractor5863]

Hi Mason, cool video and nice playing too !

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow! Thanks!

[@cdub1814]

Im sorry this comment section is so mean idk what is up with these idiots. Really enjoyed the video and agree with everything you said

[@defecito]

this is the internet, a bunch of fucking idiots, I swear comments make it worse sometimes

[@Maxshade7]

This is really cool!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@bnastali]

Super detailed explanation of the SRV tone! Subtle modulation is clear as day. Now, if I just had his touch, tone and taste...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Don't we all wish we had that RE touch, tone, and taste!

[@shredbot65]

Not to mention his other worldly STRENGTH

[@bnastali]

@@shredbot65 So I've heard!

[@keithplunk6611]

This is wild because I run my dunlop univibe on vibrato mode just barely and get this killer vibe too. It's there but it's not there ya know. Also, my pedal graphic in front of the univibe gives it a nasty stink on my Stratocaster. Drive almost off...but gain cranked just enough to 😂 zone the amplifier. Also, don't forget to roll off the tone & volume knobs on your axe to tastefully get it right. It is a beautiful thing...thanks for sharing your knowledge with everyone. It is very unselfish and nice! 👍

[@jr0706]

Great video! I have a Line 6 M5, and it has a Dimension model on it. It also has a level, which gets closer to that light level running after the amp mic has. Also just love simple chorus.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@GazMoz78]

Absolutely love that Rory Strat 😍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It's a great one :)

[@glenfougeron2823]

Killer video, Mason!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching Glen!

[@atanastsvetkov1530]

Very interesting. Now that you have highlighted it the chorus is definitely there in the SRV studio sound but very subtle. I am not surprised as the chorus was the 80s effect and basically everyone was using a chorus one way or another. Very expensive to replicate the right way as you have suggested it but it does sound very close!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you liked it!

[@spakuloid]

Great video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@theirritatedirishman5440]

Great video brother

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@blindboydevita3663]

mind blowing video! I completely agree on what you have shown here :-)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you liked it!

[@mauromeglii493]

To me the SRV's secret sound is in the yours hands,nothing versus you boys,but this is my idea!A salute from Italy!😊✌

[@travisdahl]

Nice! Long time SRV fan and never even crossed my mind. Totally hear it though.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed...I didn't realize it until a month ago either!

[@goldenlightchild4861]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You're welcome!

[@lostindixie764]

I like how you start by saying it's a simple setup then when you go through it it's like explaining the math required for space travel. Killing me man.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

If you can thing of how to do it with fewer moving parts, I'm all ears :)

[@desimonenoah]

Nice stuff!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@eddiejr540]

And all this time I thought the “tone” was in Stevie’s hands...just goes to show ya what I know....excellent vid my brother!!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hands can't create chorus acoustically.

[@MitchRossMusician]

Well done.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@theirritatedirishman5440]

This is true. Stevie and I became very tight in February or 1987 and stayed tight till he passed. Stevie at one point also played through an ART Powerplant preamp on a couple recordings. He also had a treble booster that Cesar Diaz made for him but used it seldom. He hardly used those big Dumbles, because they were too clean and unreliable. I traded him a Blackface Bassman piggy back setup for a 68’ Blonde Tele someone gave him. He loved Telecasters too but wanted that Trem bar so went with Strats.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Interesting! Wow!

[@beachcomber4141]

Ahh this is so cool. I always heard SOMETHING different with his recordings like Pride and Joy. There is a barely noticeable swirl to the sound that gave it an edge I could never put my finger on. I am so surprised that it has taken this long to find out what that missing ingredient was.

[@eracingchannel]

Dumble?

[@totc6196]

This is bang on man thanks for the amazing discovery! Is it the 1 2 or 3 ? on the dimension d?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching, I suspect 1

[@totc6196]

@@VertexEffectsInc thanks man

[@gunkanjima3408]

If your answer is “his tone is in his fingers” I’m going to rage

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahahahaha!

[@gunkanjima3408]

Great video, by the way. I was one of the many that didn’t know he used Chorus as a subtle effect

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@gunkanjima3408 same here...I didn't know until a month ago.

[@liammcgrath8076]

This is brilliantly done, much appreciated! What do you think about coming out of a Strymon timeline (stereo)with two leads and then putting one signal path through the Dimension C and then into a parallel blending box and the other signal directly into the parallel blending box and then out into the amp. The idea being to regulate the amount of effect in the ultimate signal? Cheers mate, killer as always!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I think you'd be better off putting the Strymon after the preamp section and running it in parallel or running it after the mic as an aux send. The parallel mixer isn't going to do much if it's still in series in front of the preamp to get this sound.

[@Can.M.]

I know this unit for few years, it's not a big surprise for me but you're right that some people don't pay too much attention :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Most people know this pedal, but not in the context of Stevie Ray Vaughan. It's a great pedal no doubt!

[@Can.M.]

@@VertexEffectsInc What do you think about the Klark Teknik Third Dimension BBD-320? Have you ever tried it? Thanks in advance :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@Can.M. I checked it out today, looks interesting, the price is right for sure.

[@musicbinderpro8903]

Wonderful! 👍 👍 👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for the visit! Hope we earn your subscription!

[@riccibungag4257]

Hey Mason great video as always. Is the Dimension D (or C) similar to the Eventide Harmonizers? If i’m getting this correclty, SRV used the Dimension D to “widen the spectrum” of his guitar tone in the studio. I think this was the same technique EVH used in the 1984 album and throughout the 80s and 90s. Do you think SRV could’ve used the Eventide Harmozniers if it was available back then? Love your videos man!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

No, totally different. The H3000 also would've existed at the same time these albums were out for the most part (not Bowie, but I think Texas Flood and for sure Couldn't Stand the Weather). It's a different vibe. EVH used it for Micro Pitch and Detuning.

[@peteytwofinger]

Saw him perform live , incredible talent he was .

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I bet!

[@stephenperry6024]

The Roland Dimension D is mentioned in Andy Aledorts book "Play Like Stevie Ray Vaughan", it says the D was used in the studio recordings of Texas Flood and others, most notably "Mary Had A Little Lamb", "Texas Flood", "Couldn't Stand The Weather", and the end solo on "Pride & Joy". During the mixdown, according to engineer/producer Richard Mullen, Stevie would sit at the board and bring the delay/chorus effect of the D in and out as the song progressed, he liked the "growl" sound and the stereo phasing effects it brought.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

That's great, hopefully this video takes it further to 1) Show the isolated tracks with the chorus on it, and 2) show regular guitar players to how to implement this parallel set up on their rigs at home.

[@waynegram8907]

VERTEX, when cranking up the Drive which increase the gain on a Tube screamer pedal it gets that "boxy tone" like putting your hands around your mouth. To get that boxy tone but not have the gain increase I have to turn down the strat volume pot but then it get that very thin sound boxy tone. I'm trying to get that boxy tone but with the gain at low levels. What pedals do you recommend that get that boxy tones?

[@jamesrobinson529]

I wonder if SRV used chorus that way in order to slightly emulate Albert King. Albert King's tone definitely has a beautifully used phaser effect. I'd like to see a video on how to get an Albert King tone. I personally, never realized that SRV used chorus! Thanks for sharing your knowledge of SRV's tone!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I think it’s possible for sure

[@tszegvary]

Great video, thanks Mason. I tried to replicate the tone for live sounds using a TheGigRig Wetterbox and mix in my MIJ CE-2 Chorus in parallel to my dry signal , which is going through a Gladio SC for the Dumble sound. The signal then hits my DRVB. Gets pretty close as well, but I never would have thought about this without your video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Also try it after your Deluxe Reverb output transformer with a line out box and really get close :)

[@tszegvary]

@@VertexEffectsInc Not sure if I understood the line out thing. Is the line out just between speaker and amp? So would I put the LO box between amp and speaker? Doesn't this fry the pedal?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@tszegvary you would connected between the speaker jack on your amp and the speaker itself. It's a passive box that takes a tap off the output transformer and provides you another output (like an FX send of sorts from an amplifier FX loop), and allow you to feed pedals for a parallel path. That's what we did in this video.

[@tszegvary]

@@VertexEffectsInc Ah got it! Thanks for the details. I saw those line out boxes are quite cheap to get, will definitely try this!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@tszegvary do you have an interface to feed the chorus into?

[@Swimant]

Thanks!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@Indiecovers1985]

I own the boss dc2w, totally recommend it even if you have very chorus under the sun.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Agreed 100 percent

[@michaelcottle6270]

I fell into this rig by accident in the 80s. I had a little 6:2 mixer and I sent the guitar signal out to a Dimension C and panned the two returns hard L/R

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@dstrats]

How in the world did you and your team figure that ingredient out!? Wow! Thank you for this! Lol

[@VertexEffectsInc]

First we had some iso'd tracks of SRV that we were listening to, noticed the warble, and then searched for what it was an landed on the Dimension D in the SRV archives as reported by the engineers of Let's Dance, Texas Flood, and Couldn't Stand the Weather.

[@mikedreucci4236]

Great video! This might sound like a stupid question, but do they ever mike the back of the open cabinet and blend that into the mix?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, they did that at Antone's all the time. I think also there is a 57 behind the cab on the Live at the El Mocambo video.

[@jordandangelo180]

@@VertexEffectsInc El Mocambo! One of the greatest guitar performances of all time! They used to have the VHS at Blockbuster in the 90’s and my dad rented it for me when I was around 11 and was playing his old Strats and Jazzmasters and seeing that video opened my eyes to how well blues can be played and with such speed and amazing accuracy. this was such an eye opener even though I knew he used the rack unit I didn’t realize how often he used and I thought it was only in the later years! I’ve always wanted one and loved the Dimension-C and now I have a great reason to grab one. Thanks again! Love Vertex!

[@dml510]

I just assumed it was the reverb turned up on his amp but this is crazy interesting.

[@ScotianBlooded]

That rory strat though 👌

[@SilverParatrooper]

Cool video I just wish it was able to sound like that in the effects loop. This totally shows you that signal path plays a huge role in getting the sound you want.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

For sure...another way is to put it in a mixer in the effects loop so you can blend it with the clean signal. That would help put it closer to what you heard in the other examples. Something like an Xotic X Blender or OBNE Signal Blender.

[@MoggioMTB]

Thanks for pointing this out.. good stuff. In the 80s we all went deaf to the chorus effect and everyone got carried away with it and it just became awful. It sounds so great on this early SRV stuff just used in such a subtle manner though I do think later in there was a bit too much used on some of his later recordings. Its almost with chorus a case of just turn it on enough that you just begin to notice it then stop!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The parallel application is really key to keep it subtle.

[@Official_Cyberwolf_Ledgic]

Mason where are you plugging the pedal through as the effects loop is it the preamp in and power amp out?. I’m wondering if a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe will do that same effects loop that your using, someone told me that the Hot Rod amps - deluxe & deville’s don’t have an effects loop

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'm using a line out box as stated in the video, it plugs into your speaker input and speaker loaded into the amp and taps off the output transformer padded down to line level (with a volume control to attenuate it to pedal level for the DC-2).

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hot Rod amps do have an effects loop, pre amp output is the (send), power amp input is the (return)

[@1mespud]

That's SRV channeling Albert King on that "Let's Dance" solo @ 10:00.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes! 100%

[@johnaukermusic]

Awesome! I had a hunch it was chorus, but was not sure exactly what. I liked option #2 (preamp send out) best to my ear, but would be inclined to try the "Stevie Way" on my own accord for accuracy's sake. For option #1 or #2: Since the IRs would also have speaker and mic emulation, was there a reason why you put the DC-2w before the Two Note?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

John, to covert it to a balanced signal to prep it for the mixing board in a similar context to the Aux Send. I tried to set it as linear as possible as not to disrupt the overall tone of the pedal and what it does. I think you'll agree it sounds close to the example where it's actually run in the Aux with the actual Dimension D.

[@Ram-zw7qz]

How are you connecting the line out box? From the FX send of the amp or do you have a line out on the amp? Great video thanks!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Diagrams are in the video for each set up. Be sure to screen shot those. Line out boxes always connect to your amp and speaker. Speaker Output (on amp) to Line Out Box Speaker Input, Line Out Speaker Thru to Speaker Input (on speaker cabinet). Then the line level output is created that just uses a normal unbalanced coaxial cable to feed the effects pedal, in this case the DC-2W and the Two Notes Cab M to get our balanced line back to the mixing board.

[@robertburkarthiii168]

Great videos - and this one is super! So if the Dimension D is really a chorus effect, what kind of settings would you use for, you know, a regular chorus pedal without having to go out and buy a Waza pedal?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You could emulate this with other chorus'. The main X factor is the parallel path. As you heard, when I moved the chorus to the FX LOOP, when it was in series with the amp, it was way more intense and lost all the subtlety of the parallel application using the line out or the send and then feeding the chorus to the mixing board without coming back to the dry amp. If you do this, you can use several chorus pedals to get this effect. Maybe not the same, but close. The signal path is more critical than the actual chorus IMO.

[@MaartenAnna]

Gobsmacked! That sounded so close!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks! Thanks for watching!

[@alyahoodii]

Awesome. Love Stevie here in Dallas. I use a JC40 with customizable dimensional chorus, how might I change the speed/depth to replicate this?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'd try subtle first it might be hard to represent it totally if the chorus is in series with the amplifier and guitar since SRV's application was more of a wet/dry context. You can hear when I got to the FX loop it looses it's subtlety.

[@JBG949]

I'm a early sub👌🏿...tricks to the mix is what I call it. Dimension D (pink pedal) is a great and rare pedal a chorus/tremelo type pedal. I have owned one since new🤙🏿👍🏿✌🏿

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great pedals for sure! Thanks for the sub!

[@crumpred805]

Sounding good Mason, give your playing some credit.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I appreciate you thinking so :)

[@LeandroDiCostanzo]

Hi. How would you set a boss chorus pedal? Rate and depth?? Thank you!