UA Dream 65 or Fender Tone Master for direct recording?

Here I explore direct recording with both the Universal Audio Dream 65 Reverb and the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb. I demo both going direct into Logic through a Focusrite interface, using both a Strat and a PRS to see how each responds to single coils and humbuckers.
This is a fairly brief overview as a really deep dive would require a lot more time. I'll do more in the future if there's interest.

[@dsam6990]

Cant comment on the most authentic sounding, only on what sounded better to my ears, and that was the UA Dream, quite close but definitely preferred the Dream

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Nice. Thanks for weighing in and thanks for watching.

[@Asagtr]

Thanks for the video, nice review and playing ! To my ears, the Tone Mater sounds thinner and it is more apparent that it is a direct sound, also because of harsh high end of it and the mid not really reflecting what a 65 DLX VERB actually sounds like. The Dream 65 is more realistic sounding in that manner, seems to have more dynamic range and deeper sound response to what you are playing . The mids in general in that ToneMaster sound are making it off sounding to my ears, and in general you can hear that the Tone Master is direct where as in the Dream 65, it can trick you and can sound like a true amp.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks for your perspective, and thanks for watching.

[@guitarzan0515]

They both sound excellent. I think the Tone Master is just a touch darker in most instances, but again both sound Great in Your Hands!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yeah, and it’s about the UA Dream’s overly scooped EQ. I could get the Tone Master a little brighter, but it’s still have more mids even if I cut the bass.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

A part two would be great!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

It might just happen. Thanks so much

[@tjnugent62]

There is a bright cap hack/setting for that pedal. You can turn off the bright cap with a few switches clicked.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks. That would be useful. I don’t have that pedal any longer but I’m sure others will appreciate that information, since the top end can be a little crispy. Thanks for watching.

[@luis2arm]

Great video! when you connected the Dream65 to the Focusrite: Did you use High-Z or Line-in?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks. I seem to recall instrument input gave the best level. Which makes sense because it’s designed to run into a guitar amp or PA. I was a little surprised there’s no XLR or TRS balanced output.

[@wakan2a]

I agree with you, I have a Tone Master Blonde and it sounds much better than a black one. I had a Cornell Romany 20 and as soon as I changed the awfull Jensen for Celestion Vintage 10 it sounded way better. BTW it seems that UAD did the job again with that little box even if I dorefer the Tone Master

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Yeah, Fender must think the neo Jensen will be more “vintage”, but what they missed is the amp is slightly less thick sounding than the tube version and that Jensen just thins it out more and adds some awfully spikyness. The Celestion puts in much needed mids and overall thickening, smooths out the trebles, and turns it into a way better amp. Thanks for watching.

[@GPLP335]

Once again, great video! I own a DRTM and have recorded with it. The sound is awesome in my opinion. If you already own a DRTM, I don't see the point of getting the pedal for recording but it could come in handy as a back up as you mentioned.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I completely agree. I didn’t want to knock the UA Dream too much because it is pretty good, but I had to give an honest assessment and hopefully that came across. Thanks for watching.

[@philnewton2011]

You make 'em both sound good, but my vote is Tone Master. Less brittle and more, well, amp-like.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I agree. The UA Dream would be a handy backup though.

[@philnewton2011]

Yeah, it's terrific. I'm amazed at what pedals can do these days. @@leonardgriffieblues5845

[@miqer]

Did you mic the fender?

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Please don’t be offended but I’m a little puzzled by the question. I explain very clearly that I’m going direct and exactly which mic sim/IR I’m using from the Tone Master. It’s in the first minute and a half of the video I believe. Perhaps you skipped to the demos? In any event, thanks for watching.

[@miqer]

@@leonardgriffieblues5845 Sorry! Thanks for the video... I see now it has a line out, and you can mimics mics... I didn't know this technique existed etc.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

@@miqer No worries at all. Yes, the Tone Master has a superb line out with a choice of two IRs, both modeled on the exact speaker in the amp. In fact, for live shows, I always have the sound guys use the line out because it sounds so exactly like what I’m hearing on stage. Thanks for watching and engaging.

[@trindadedani]

I had both, the dream wins.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks for watching.