Rack loop switcher: Help me choose one!

[Devilinside]

RJM for sure! I would also go RG-16 because you never know what you might add down the road.

 

[alxdgr8]

Sound Sculpture Switchblade! Takes some time figuring out but one you understand it its easy as pie.

However, the next one I get is from Rhodes Amplification.

Thanks Quinn! I've got some more teasers to send you... This new product line is on track for March release.

Sweet!

 

[Cirrus]

RJM for sure! I would also go RG-16 because you never know what you might add down the road.

Too late! Effect Gizmo arrived yesterday and was installed in my rack ready for practice last night. The RG-16 also looks cool but has fewer effects loops, so the EG is better for my needs. I'm also pretty satisfied with my AC30 so no need for the amp control switches.

Here is my review after one practice:

It works.

In terms of switching, it's quick and quiet. I'm not using the "Click stopper" circuit, and to be honest I don't think I need to. I've got it set up so my overdrive pedals are pre-buffer, which has really helped get thicker and more powerful sounds - it doesn't have the sterile, harsh quality that the GCX setup did. The buffer itself is much nicer than the one on my GCX - more balanced sound and much smoother - I wasn't flinching when using my stat's bridge pickup through the vox.

I'm using the four independents loops in the line level effects loop of my ac30, there's an IPS33B, Mod Pro and Echo Pro in there, and switching the loop on and off at the back of the amp I've got to say it's really transparent with the effects bypassed, so that's good. I'm using the fourth loop as a little switching matrix - when it's off, the output of the IPS33b goes on to the amp, when it's on, the effected output gets diverted to a midiverb and D.I. box for shimmer sounds, and an unaffected signal goes on to the amp. So top marks for functionality and sound.

Truthfully, it doesn't feel as solid as the GCX - the sheet metal on the top and bottom bends a little if you apply pressure to it, compared to the GCX which feels like you could happily run over it in a car all day long. The front panel though is completely solid, and since it's safely screwed into my rack it's not worrying me.

The power supply is a standard 9v barrel connector, which I like because it's more flexible than the GCX's 4 pin connection, though it's possibly not as idiot proof in terms of strength of connection. At the moment, all my cables are loose in the rack due to the lack of time I had to get the thing setup for practice, but when I tidy it all up I'm going to attach the power cable to the unit so it can't come loose.

Overall I'm happy with it so far - the extra flexibility regarding the buffer placement is great, the extra 4 loops are welcome for future expansion, ultimately the fact that 4 of the loops are stereo will be useful - imagine a stereo AC30 rig. I like the idea. Now all it needs to do is not break and it'll cement its place in my rig!