Bigger Vox-Box: Tech 21 Liverpool Deluxe

The Liverpool Deluxe

When Andrew Barta and his company Tech 21 released the first Sansamp in 1989 in was a game-changer.  I know that term is used and abused but this time it’s deserved.  Before the days of digital amp modeling, recording the sound of a huge guitar required...well.. a huge-ass guitar amp.  The Sansamp’s all-tube circuitry and unique controls could get closer than any device before it at delivering real amp-like tones at bedroom volume.

Tech 21's Character Series Pedals

SansAmp Classic

Throughout the years, Tech 21 has produced many variations of the Sansamp including bass models and midi-rack units.  In recent years they have introduced their Character series.  Each of these single-switch boxes emulate a classic manufacturers family of amps in a single device!  These next-generation units have won over many purists over who want tube-tone without the large package and price tag.  Great for direct recording or going straight to the board for live situations.  No digital menus to scroll through.  Just good ole’ knobs.


Enter the Liverpool Deluxe...





Speaking of Liverpool....Please Stop Ringo!!!
Tech 21 has offered for a while the VT Bass Deluxe which is an expanded, multi-preset pedal based on the famed Ampeg line of bass amps.  The Liverpool Deluxe is just that but takes it’s sonic cues from the legendary Vox guitar amp line.  

It’s only available direct from Tech 21’s Private Stock collection and in limited quantity with an asking price of $309.  Here’s what they have to say about it:

"The Deluxe version of the Liverpool SansAmp Character Series features a combination of a warm, all-analog signal path and convenient digital recall. There are 6 program locations and dual inputs for two instruments to be on-line, ready to go. Create three custom tones for each input or use all six locations for a single instrument. And you can program the FX loop to engage your favorite effect each time a so-designated preset is selected. Super simple to operate, changes can easily be made on the fly --without having to refer to the owner’s manual. You just turn the knobs to a setting you like, double click on a footswitch and it’s saved in that channel.
That distinctive diamond grille tone is yours for the tweaking. From the jangle of mop-top pop to the top-boosted growl of mod rock, this amp style has a voice that shook generations. Tuned to deliver the growl of English Alnico Bulldog-style speakers, this pedal also gets thick with rich, even harmonics as the Character control is pushed harder. Push it to the limit and it will, it will, rock you."

A demo of the "non-deluxe" Liverpool


For more info drop by Tech 21's Private Stock page.

Ego Trippin': EHX Superego Synth Engine

Your tone dismantled into grains that are reshaped and then recombined

Bill Ruppert is a pretty amazing dude.  He is responsible for Effectology, a series of videos where he takes Electro Harmonix pedals and a guitar and produces sounds ranging from steel drums to analog synths to haunted spaceship factories.  Definitely watch ALL of his ridiculously cool posts.

His latest episode focuses on  EHX’s new Superego Synth Engine.  

We’ve talked a lot about using subtractive synthesis with your guitar but the Superego uses granular synthesis.  Based on sampling, granular synthesis essentially chops up your signal into very small pieces called grains and can then play them back in layers  at different frequencies, phase, speed and volume creating lush, complex soundscapes to unpredictable staccato tones.  


The real audio alchemy of this pedal is the effects loop.  Bill Ruppert throws harmony, delay and modulation effects at the Superego and it just eats them up and spits out some of the most mind-warping, non-guitar tones that we’ve heard in a while. 

It’s a great accompaniment pedal or a way to fill more sonic territory in a way that reminds me Dave Gilmour’s “Sound on Sound” effect using delay.

Don’t be intimidated by this very unique pedal.  There are only 4 knobs and a switch and that’s all you’ll need to conjure up clouds of sound to play over.  Expect it to be out by the end of May with a retail of $283.60.

Slash's New Octave Fuzz Box

Well..nothing to make fun of here.

To continue the seemingly endless “signiturizing” of nearly every other piece of gear that comes out these days is the MXR Slash Octave Fuzz SF01.  Regardless of whether you love Slash, hate Slash, used to love him but now hate him or just don’t dig that hat, this pedal is pretty choice.

Slash worked on a prototype for this pedal in the last few years and the results are a great sounding, all analog pedal with several functions and more options than you might expect.

The best way I can think to explain it is this:

This unit can be looked at as two separate “modules”.  
Module 1
-Contains a 70’s “Shag” fuzz and a sub octave.
-The Fuzz has Volume and Tone controls.
-The sub octave and fuzz paths have their own level controls.
-The Sub octave can be added to the fuzz circuit via a switch

Module 2
-Contains a classic octave up fuzz
-Gain and Tone can be tweaked via 2 internal pots (gotta unscrew the backplate)

These controls give you lots of options from organ-like chords to shrieking leads.  Adding the Fuzz and sub octave creates a super thick tone that can go from creamy warmth to crackly cuts.  Not to mention, true bypass.

Price is nowhere to be found at the moment but considering the no-joke fuzz options the Octave Fuzz SF01 should be huge competition for octave-only pedals.

For more info go to: www.jimdunlop.com