Own Herbert, VH4 AND...Own, or played D-Moll QUESTIONS

[angelspade]

Hey guys, been a LONG time since I have checked in...But have been reading the forum from time to time. I am a Herbert and VH4 owner and love both amps for different reasons (unlike some...I don't find them to be very similar animals). In any case, like any good Diezel enthusiast, I have been reading about, listening to clips and videos if Peter's latest creation: D-Moll. I have to say, I'm impressed. Here's the thing, I was way off base in assuming it would be a somewhat tamer little amp that was really a slightly modified version of a Einstein. In fact after watching several of the vids, and listening to clips that have been circulating (see embedded)......I actually think that the D-Moll may be the MOST AGGRESSIVE sounding Diezel to date! Now, I have not played the Hagen, and I have NOT actually played a D-Moll in person, but I have to tell you: It seems that there is something really raw, aggressive, angry and just plain nasty going on in the attack and mids of this little sucker!!! So questions: (1) What are the thoughts from the guys here at the Diezel board on the D-Moll by way of comparison to the Herbert and VH4 in terms of sheer aggression...Is it really that angry in person? (2) What about low-volume tones? I have found that the Herbert (especially in mid-cut mode) can fantastic tones at "bedroom levels", where the VH4 really needs to be cranked up a bit to make it come to life. How does the D-Moll fair is this regard?

Once again...To my ears, another victory for Peter. The D-Moll seems to be a fantastic amplifier at a very reasonable price point. Thanks in advance for thoughts and opinions...Good to be be back.

&

 

[TheSweep]

I really like this vid too. The growl this amp has is so awesome.

 

[jonl]

Dmoll is more like a Herbert IMO.
If you can swing it pick one up they are outstanding! I would buy one if I could.
The first vid you posted sounds like the amp in person for the most part.

 

[base341]

I've owned both a Herbert and a Hagen for about a year and a half each and loved both of them, I've never even played through a vh4 though.
I'm not good at writing comparisons like some guys here but after having the d-moll for a couple of weeks now I am totally blown away.
When I first got the amp the shear power just blew me away. The amp just sounds pissed off and really cuts through the mix in band setting.
Both my drummer and bass player loved the tones I was getting from my Hagen but both commented right away that the dmoll was really raw sounding and really filled the room.. Channel two is gold on this amp.. With the gain at noon it sounds mean, if you roll off the guitar volume it cleans up really nice. The clean channel sounds huge too, more like the Hagen here. I haven't even really fooled with the mid cut and the third channel much yet. I've been throwing a od808 set to a clean boost for solo's and I can't ever remember having a better lead tone.

I'm currently playing in an alternative rock project so I play a couple of songs with a single coil guitar. I've struggled in the past getting a good lead tone with single coils but not with this amp.
Overall I couldn't be happier..

 

[angelspade]

I really like this vid too. The growl this amp has is so awesome.

Thanks for posting this clip and the opinions of the others that commented. You mentioned "growl"...And yes, that's what I'm hearing too! And is what I was attempting to describe when I used the phrase "aggressive / nasty mids". Again, LOVE the Herbert and am very fond of the VH4 as well...BUT that "growl" (as you appropriately put it) seems some what unique to the D-Moll in all the vids that I and others have posted. I just want tom make certain that I'm "hearing" the I'm correctly......As it can be difficult to judge when based only on vids and clips.

 

[shadowdevourer]

I know this is a bit off-topic but it would be soooo cool if angelspade could provide us a Herbert - VH4 comparison video and if base341 could provide a Hagen - Herbert (not sure if you own both still?) comparison. Could be very informative for everyone who wonders the differences etc. as not many ppl own 2 diezels at the same time, and it is often asked in the forums.

 

[steve_k]

I've owned all 3. The D-Moll is very close to the Herbert in terms of voicing and control. Probably lacks a bit of headroom that the 6 tube Herbie has, but, it's big and bad enough at 100 watts. The biggest difference being the D-Moll is 2.5 channels to Herbies full 3 channel EQ. Peter did voice the gain structures a bit different on 2 and 3 though for variety. You can use the gains to alter the compression somewhat too and change the feel 2 and 3. It doesn't take much gain on either to make things exciting. Of course, the loops are there and glorious as ever. The new FS7 foot switch is great, but you can still go MIDI if you prefer. The transformers in the D-Moll are the same as the Herbie's. The result is a big, thick response and harmonics on any channel of the D-Moll. For the price point, you cannot go wrong with a D-Moll. The mid-cut makes this amp work for me. It really drives this amp hard and can take away some of the annoying frequency and articulate the others needed for modern work. The amp stays on top and articulates well without getting muddy and lost in the mix whether playing 6 string or 7.

Steve

 

[angelspade]

I've owned all 3. The D-Moll is very close to the Herbert in terms of voicing and control. Probably lacks a bit of headroom that the 6 tube Herbie has, but, it's big and bad enough at 100 watts. The biggest difference being the D-Moll is 2.5 channels to Herbies full 3 channel EQ. Peter did voice the gain structures a bit different on 2 and 3 though for variety. You can use the gains to alter the compression somewhat too and change the feel 2 and 3. It doesn't take much gain on either to make things exciting. Of course, the loops are there and glorious as ever. The new FS7 foot switch is great, but you can still go MIDI if you prefer. The transformers in the D-Moll are the same as the Herbie's. The result is a big, thick response and harmonics on any channel of the D-Moll. For the price point, you cannot go wrong with a D-Moll. The mid-cut makes this amp work for me. It really drives this amp hard and can take away some of the annoying frequency and articulate the others needed for modern work. The amp stays on top and articulates well without getting muddy and lost in the mix whether playing 6 string or 7.

Steve

Thanks Steve...This is really helpful. From the clips, it seems that the D-Moll has slightly brighter, more pronounced upper-mid voicing. It also strikes me a slightly less "produced" sounding than the Herbert...A bit more "raw" and organic. Of course, this is from a few clips, so it's great to hear from someone who actually has compared them in person. I appreciate you checking in on this one, thanks.

 

[TheSweep]

Thanks for posting this clip and the opinions of the others that commented. You mentioned "growl"...And yes, that's what I'm hearing too! And is what I was attempting to describe when I used the phrase "aggressive / nasty mids". Again, LOVE the Herbert and am very fond of the VH4 as well...BUT that "growl" (as you appropriately put it) seems some what unique to the D-Moll in all the vids that I and others have posted. I just want tom make certain that I'm "hearing" the I'm correctly......As it can be difficult to judge when based only on vids and clips.

No prob bud

I've been gassing for a Herbie for the last couple years and I'm almost ready to get one. But as luck would have it, Mister Diezel releases a new amp which makes my decision a lot harder

 

[steve_k]

I've owned all 3. The D-Moll is very close to the Herbert in terms of voicing and control. Probably lacks a bit of headroom that the 6 tube Herbie has, but, it's big and bad enough at 100 watts. The biggest difference being the D-Moll is 2.5 channels to Herbies full 3 channel EQ. Peter did voice the gain structures a bit different on 2 and 3 though for variety. You can use the gains to alter the compression somewhat too and change the feel 2 and 3. It doesn't take much gain on either to make things exciting. Of course, the loops are there and glorious as ever. The new FS7 foot switch is great, but you can still go MIDI if you prefer. The transformers in the D-Moll are the same as the Herbie's. The result is a big, thick response and harmonics on any channel of the D-Moll. For the price point, you cannot go wrong with a D-Moll. The mid-cut makes this amp work for me. It really drives this amp hard and can take away some of the annoying frequency and articulate the others needed for modern work. The amp stays on top and articulates well without getting muddy and lost in the mix whether playing 6 string or 7.

Steve

Thanks Steve...This is really helpful. From the clips, it seems that the D-Moll has slightly brighter, more pronounced upper-mid voicing. It also strikes me a slightly less "produced" sounding than the Herbert...A bit more "raw" and organic. Of course, this is from a few clips, so it's great to hear from someone who actually has compared them in person. I appreciate you checking in on this one, thanks.

You won't go wrong with either of the three. The D-Moll is a little more modern voiced and more open than the Herbie. The VH4 is the granddaddy of them all, but for modern metal tones, it's the D-Moll or Herbie. Channels 2 and 3 are more like Channel 3 of the Herbie or Channel 4 of the VH4. Less compressed though and more open. Channel 1 of the D-Moll with the gain cranked is past awesome. All this in a pint sized box and the new pricing is the same as a used Herbie. But, all 3 rule supreme to me.

 

[tripstan]

D Moll sounds like a monster! I was thinking about trying something else other than a Diezel to compliment my Einstein but I think I'd be stupid not to get the D Moll.

Steve or anybody else know if the mid cut foot switchable?

 

[steve_k]

D Moll sounds like a monster! I was thinking about trying something else other than a Diezel to compliment my Einstein but I think I'd be stupid not to get the D Moll.

Steve or anybody else know if the mid cut foot switchable?

Yes, the Mid-cut is foot switchable with either MIDI or the Diezel FS. This essentially gives you 6 tones at your feet....


Steve

 

[githero]

Yes, the Mid-cut is foot switchable with either MIDI or the Diezel FS. This essentially gives you 6 tones at your feet....


Steve

Steve could you explain the MIDI capabilities of the D-Moll? Is ist possible to switch between different settings e.g. different Gain-Levels or just between the channels and Mid-cut on/off?

Last week I tested the D-Moll and fell in love at once. Very impressive sound. Just perfect for my needs.

Hendrik

 

[steve_k]

Yes, the Mid-cut is foot switchable with either MIDI or the Diezel FS. This essentially gives you 6 tones at your feet....


Steve

Steve could you explain the MIDI capabilities of the D-Moll? Is ist possible to switch between different settings e.g. different Gain-Levels or just between the channels and Mid-cut on/off?

Last week I tested the D-Moll and fell in love at once. Very impressive sound. Just perfect for my needs.

Hendrik

Sure. All 7 functions available on the amp can be switched by MIDI, the FS7HE or manually. 3 channels gains/masters, Mid-cut, Solo Master, FX loop and Mute.

 

[angelspade]

Thanks for the thoughts and opinions guys. Being a Herbert and VH4 owner...Hate to load up on ANOTHER Diezel. That being said, listening to clips...tI really does seem that the d-Moll has a voice and raw, aggressive character all it's own. I'm looking forward to one showing up in a boutique store in town, looks like I'm going to have to demo one for myself ASAP.