Why I'm Breaking Up with the UAFX Lion 68 Super Lead Amp Pedal - The Shocking Truth!

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In this video, I dive into my decision to part ways with the UAFX Lion 68 Super Lead Amp pedal. I kick things off with some clips from my previous demos of this unit to give you a taste of its capabilities. Then, I share my extensive experience playing through various Marshall amps over the years and highlight some of the unique quirks of the classic Marshall circuit that shaped my sound.
As I walk you through my thought process, I explain why the UAFX Lion 68 ultimately didn't make the cut for my rig. Whether you're a fellow gear enthusiast or a guitarist seeking the perfect tone, join me on this journey as I uncover the reasons behind this tough decision.
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[@5150show]

I’m still in love with mine ❤

[@badbrad]

They are awesome!

[@vondragonnoggin]

I love Lion 68 because it dials in like my Plexi but I’m not wearing through tubes. I like simplicity annd I’m using simple modelers much more than multi-amp modelers. I don’t need a bunch of models. I just need one that is easy to use and nails the tone and lets me dial it in any way the actual can be done (no captures/snapshots of someone else’s settings). Have the Anti 1992 (5150 Block letter original) coming today as well as the Dream ‘65. Using digital amp sim modeling since late 1997 with my Zoom pedal, then into SimulAnalog G suite on PC that had no GUI, NI’s Guitar Rig since version 1, Pod 2.0, Overloud TH-U, Bias Amp, Genome, ReValver, Mooer, Hotone, Line 6 , etc, etc - 26 years of modeling, and the UAFX pedals are exactly the kind of modeler I like. I like the Atomic Ampli-Firebox also because once initial setup is done, it’s just dialing in any 6 amps right on the pedal and no menus or editors needed. Line 6 HXFX for my effects modeling and no editor needed - all panel and scribble strip screen editing. I don’t want to be tied to PC or complex editors any more. I use a lot of tube preamps and analog modeling too. Tube Power Amp modeling all analog. Sick of PC tethering requirements. Give me a good modeler pedal I can use an app briefly to setup hidden features initially, then only panel editing with knobs and toggles from there. I have about 8 amps I’d use at maximum for models anyway and most covered by good tube preamps paired with my PAE-1 Power Amp Emulator and my CAB M+ for cab sim with XLR out. I don’t think the UAFX pedals are too expensive and I don’t need all of them. No need for Ruby or Woodrow. YMMV of course and you should do what feels the best for your own workflow anyway. My way is not your way and Vice Versa. Glad the product is around though.

[@badbrad]

I got the Anti on the way as well. Curious to hear it. Really liked the Lion but didn't use it as much as I would have liked so got rid of it. Curious to hear it.

[@NeedingDucting-t4y]

Williams Michael Johnson Michael Jackson Richard

[@AlbertWoods-k6f]

Hernandez Deborah Hernandez Laura Anderson Cynthia

[@badbrad]

Ok

[@TakakoShepard]

Jackson Dorothy Jackson Jennifer Martin Barbara

[@badbrad]

ok

[@jcrodriguez4056]

Brad, I strongly encourage you to try the Simplifier X by DSM Humboldt. I’ve had it for a few days now and this thing is amazing. It might replace the Tonex on my pedalboard.

[@badbrad]

Man I need to check that thing out. Let me watch a few videos and get a feel for it.

[@AbdulBarek-p3q]

Moore Donald Smith John Jackson Laura

[@badbrad]

?

[@archeryandstuffwithstevela3423]

half way through and i dont know what your point is.

[@badbrad]

ok

[@RytgDgok-c5q]

Lopez Amy Lee David Perez Deborah

[@badbrad]

?

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

I've had mine for 2 days now and i absolutely love it. It took me a while to understand how to get the tones in my head but I'm happy to say that they are now coming in strong. I'd disagree with you on the one trick pony point. I think it's anything but that. I never realised how many different tones were within a plexi. I've paired it with the Ox stomp and for me, it's the best digital rig I've played. People complain about the app and i have to admit that it is hit and miss but to be honest I've not really used it. I'd rather just manually tweak the pedal. I'm happy for others to say that they prefer other units but for me UAFX is where it's at.

[@badbrad]

That’s a great endorsement

[@MarkStearle]

Have you tried the new Bad Cat amps or Suhr Hombre? what to you think is good for 1500 amp,thanks Brad

[@badbrad]

I’m a fan of Bad Cat but only owned one of their cub amps when they were being blown out years ago. I think I would dig the Bad Cat. The Suhr Hombre is great but wouldn’t work for me as I don’t think it would have enough clean headroom for the clean playing I do a lot of. The Hombre is kind of that old school Bill Gibbons tone. For that it excels. I’m not sure what I would get for $1500. Maybe a lightly used DrZ?

[@MarkStearle]

@@badbrad thanks so much for your advice.I appreciate it the BAD Cat sounded good

[@badbrad]

No problem!@@MarkStearle

[@JimmyWatfordGuitar]

Subscribed to your channel when I seen that you got a quilter. I love that you've been looking for the best tube amp solution/replacement for a while. Me too. I've certainly become a quilter fan boy. Im not interested in guitar amps that work with computers. Maybe someday i will try out the blug amps. I say all that just to compliment your guitar selection. There beutiful. Nice taste. I'd like to own that blue strat.

[@badbrad]

Man thanks so much! Yes I’m always looking for a solution. Always on a tone quest, sometimes the chase is better than the catch. Still Love the Quilter for live gigs. It’s just so light and reliable. On vids where I show a live clip at the start of the video, those are all the Quilter.

[@michaelwade379]

Being that they are all tools in the sonic toolbox, you choose the tool that works best for you and the various situations you find yourself in (studio, tour, bar band, bedroom player). I love the Lion and for me it's a great fit for the home studio, but I can totally see why you parted with it. So many killer options, it's a great time to be a guitar player!

[@badbrad]

Yes it is a great time. The lion is awesome and my hope is that UA comes out with an all in one device. They make such great sounding stuff.

[@mikebledsoe2315]

*Have you tried the Science Mother pre amp pedal, it's based on a early 80s Marshall using FET's.*

[@badbrad]

I have not....I need to check that out.

[@mikebledsoe2315]

@badbrad *I believe the FET's are crystallized just like the Orange Amp Kings X guitarist Ty Tabor plays.* *cost $299*

[@jimmyjames2022]

UAFX Lion: "Took a little while to sell", I'm a little surprised since it's such a great unit. But then even the little Quilter Superblock UK has a useable reverb on it, so maybe UAFX dropped the ball a bit. I remember in the early '70s my buddy had a Marshall 4x12 stack, but then sold it in favour of an Ampeg stack that was even louder and rockier. Never hear much about guitarists using Ampeg anymore, even the vintage ones. Did they have a tendency for unreliability?

[@badbrad]

THe Ampegs were great amps but just Super Loud, Super Heavy and Super Clean.....Stones of course used them. SVT is still common for Bass but you don't see much now on these "quiet" stages.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

I would have bought it had I known It was for sale

[@bofuscrapshaw]

My fractal FM3 has everything I’ll ever need

[@badbrad]

Fractal stuff is great!

[@somerandomhomeboy]

Hi Brad have you tried the Simplifier line from DSM Humboldt Electronics. DSM Humboldt Electronics Simplifier X Zero Watt Reverb Stereo/Dual Amplifier Pedal 2-channel Stereo Analog Guitar Preamplifier with 6 Amp Voicings, 3 Modes, 3 Reverbs, Cabsim Section, Stereo XLR DI Outputs, Headphone Jack, and Footswitch. DSM Humboldt Electronics Simplifier mk2 Zero-watt Stereo Amplifier Item Analog Guitar Preamplifier with 3 Amp Voicings, Power Amp Sim, Stereo Cab Sim, Presence and Resonance Controls, Reverb, 1/8" Aux Input, and 1/8" Headphone Output Both come with FX loop

[@badbrad]

I have not tried them but would love to.

[@somerandomhomeboy]

@@badbrad kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWjSZqqXfKZohsksi=UC8vqkp37Yn00Gzp

Sound so thick

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@liontone]

I have the Dream 65, and it’s nice for what it does. The reverb and trem are nice, too! I use it with my GB band, where we have a robust sound setup, and it works good. I prefer the Iridium for studio work, but the Dream 65 is a great platform modeler. Saves a lot of lugging, and complaining band mates. lol

[@badbrad]

They are great units

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Yes it's true when I think of a wall of marshalls I think Jimi Hendrix. He was the first guy I seen using stacks.

[@badbrad]

A true legend! One of the all time greats!

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@badbrad Absolutely! The only ones that say negative things about Jimi are the ones that do not have any true musical vision.

[@badbrad]

@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 Absolutely!

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Have you tried the quad cortex? Or maybe the Axe fx? Also I wish I would have known you wanted to sell the lion I would have bought it.

[@badbrad]

I have not tried the Quad Cortex. I did own a Fractal Ax8 and used it live a bit. For me it was too hard to tweak on the fly on gigs and the editor just gave me option paralysis.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@badbrad Yeah i have been told it can give option anxiety. I am a old school non Master volume Marshall guy with minimal effects so i would not be too into a Axe FX or quad. at the moment there are not many devices that are real basic.

[@badbrad]

@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 One of the reasons why I use a Pod Express a lot is how easy to operate it is.

[@RolandDeschainee]

Im loving Headrush core

[@badbrad]

Have not tried that yet.

[@guitarlife6190]

Hi Brad. Looking for a backup for my quad cortex. How does this sound if I had to run it straight to FOH? Looking for a decent backup. Obviously I will build a pedal board around it.

[@badbrad]

If all you need is Marshall style tones than yeah …otherwise I would go kemper player.

[@UseTheSupeRsonic]

Ever try a Hughes and Kettner Grandmeister 40? I bought one about 2 months ago and that amp does all the things. If you are thinking about doing a modeler, check that amp out first. When the topic of "game changer" comes up, that amp ACTUALLY is one, and it doesn't break your wallet to pieces.

[@badbrad]

Had an endorsement deal with H&K back when I was with a touring group. Had a pure tone combo and a pure tone head and 4-12. Loved the way they looked and sounded but have not revisited H&K since then.

[@RolandDeschainee]

I got one a couple years back its a great amp and it looks super cool

[@UseTheSupeRsonic]

@@badbrad that’s awesome! Those amps are always a under the radar of most, but they are one of the true innovators in the game. I had a Triamp MKII for a few years and loved it, but I couldn’t justify keeping so I needed something portable. The Grandmeister is the only amp out there with that level of functionality in a small package outside of a modeler

[@badbrad]

@@UseTheSupeRsonic I need to revisit the H&K.

[@alancovert5088]

How do you feel about Mesa-Boogies?

[@badbrad]

I was one of the only guys back in the day that had a Mesa Boogie S.O.B. half stack. It was a killer amp for its time. I've owned lots over the years but none at the moment. I know from talking to amp techs they are a P.I.A. to work on. Not easy to maintain. I had one many years ago where all the pots on the control panel were defective. Amp became a huge waste of money...so kinda stay away from them now.

[@seal-nowweretalking6753]

Oh I can see that, the question is who’s?🤣😂🤣

[@badbrad]

It's my real hair dumb dumb....just to catch you up to speed....watch me take it off....kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqfVZZ2Hot-Kec0si=swT0Ke69GkU3oIcO

[@LochNessAnthony]

I kinda like the AIAB pedals from the Uafx but I wish I could sell my Max, Ox Stomp etc. Never really jived with those.

[@badbrad]

I hear ya! Have not had a chance to try the Ox Stomp.

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

I love the Ox stomp. It's a must for anyone with a uafx amp. I've been jiving for months with mine 🙂

[@allrequiredfields]

"tHE shOCkiNg tRuTh 🥴"

[@badbrad]

lol

[@ErnestBarry-x4m]

Miller Amy Williams Paul Miller Mary

[@badbrad]

Ok

[@GuyNarnarian]

I sort of always thought of this product as a kind of a luxury item. It was never going to be a ToneX or Kemper. I can see how someone who has probably owned and played tons of high wattage Marshalls in the studio and on stage being underwhelmed. I'm still in the honeymoon phase, got mine a week ago. It sounds great using the 4-cable method through a 1x10 Mesa Creamback (through the effects loop of a Mark V:25), but I know its not going to sound like a 4x12 cranked up. Also can use it through the flat setting on my THR30ii to get a feel for the cab sims, I like them a lot. Totally get it though. It is very cool that the 4 cable method turns my little Mark V:25 into a 9 channel amp that includes Mesa/Fendery cleans, Marshall cleans, a JCM 800 on the Crunch channel if you want to set it up that way, or a Super Lead or Browned out tone with the boost. I think to get the VH 1 sound you need to add some plate reverb, or the sunset sound reverb plugin post. Beautiful red Wolfgang btw - Special?

[@badbrad]

That sounds like a killer set up with the Mesa. I love the Lion it is great. It didn’t underwhelm me I just had too many things on my desk. I think the Wolfgang is a special it’s MiM. Thanks for chiming in!

[@GuyNarnarian]

@@badbrad I hear ya. The Mesa setup is great, and it sounds really good just using the external cabinet. Some of the cab sims still work ok and then some muddy it up. But regardless, on an amp that is extremely flexible already with tones, this adds a whole different thing to it. Click off the Lion and you have the entire Mesa to use. I wish it would automatically read that it is in 4 cable mode, but you do have to enable it in the app.

[@badbrad]

@@GuyNarnarian Yeah that sounds like an amazing set up!

[@MrShane5150]

So what did you keep?

[@badbrad]

I use the PoD Express and ToneX

[@MrShane5150]

I just bought the ToneX. Thank you for your video.

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@DAZ0204]

Takes ten minutes to say “I wanted something with more variety”. 🙄 You need a mic, dude. The phone mic ain’t cuttin’ it.

[@badbrad]

Noted.

[@seal-nowweretalking6753]

Dude what is that on your head? 🤓

[@badbrad]

It's called Hair.....are you that slow?

[@BrianManning-wh6rl]

Brad , ho this is Brian . U n I. Both have big exotic hair. People don't understand. I have European Jewish big hair. Similar to the guys in kiss . Ha ha .