Archon and G-System/ISP Decimator units

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iR4lf

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May 9, 2014
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Hi guys,

I love my Archon after playing it for several months...Now I would like to build a rig around it. I am thinking about getting rid of all my pedals and using a TC G-System rack unit with an ISP Decimator rack unit for noise reduction. So we all know the Archon has problems with some effects units (I think the G-Major 2 was mentioned) and you suffer from a lot of hiss and noise. Mine has the loop mod, but I want to be sure that I don't have those problems before I buy it. Anyone with any experience regarding the G-System or the ISP? Thanks for any advice. Anything I have to be aware of?
 
Hey man, I actually ran an Archon with a g system for a wile. I had no problems at all, as a matter of fact the g system has a great built in noise gate that I wouldn't even bother with the isp. If I hot hiss or any fuzz from the amp I'd just use the g system to take care of it, unless you really need an isp. Also to add, if I was you I'd keep your pedals, especially bcs the g system rack allows you to use 4 pedals in the rack that way you can just have your controller on the ground and that's connected with a standard cat5 cable.
I'm a huge fan of the g system, been using one for five years, great unit. I can answer more questions if you have any, cheers!
 
I use my Archon with a G System (gen 3) and TC Sentry. It works very well, no issues that I am aware of. On the lead channel with gain at 12:00 the noise is borderline, I could probably not use the Sentry and it would be OK. When I add compression or a gain pedal to that I need the Sentry. I just leave it on all the time, as it is pretty transparent, but when I dial my guitar volume down it would be nice to be able to turn off the Sentry. It's racked, so I would have to do it via a loop, but my loops are full.

I used an ISP G String originally, but I had a nasty ground loop with it. The Sentry hasn't had that problem, but I also racked my setup after ditching the ISP, so it might have been OK with my current setup.

Overall I'm happier with the Sentry than I was with the G String for a few reasons.

Note that I have the back-end of the Sentry in between the Amp FX Send and the GS Insert Return. If that is where you put your Decimator, you will get the added advantage that the Decimator (as with the Sentry) is also a buffer. You definitely want a buffer between amp FX send and GS Insert Return. If you do not wire the Decimator into that part of your signal chain, you will want to buy a good buffer to put there. At least 1Meg Input Impedance and no more than 1k output impedance. I've used inexpensive buffers from eBay, a Valvulator, a few others. You'll want low noise. I have heard that the TC Bona Fide also works well.
 
The Fight said:
Hey man, I actually ran an Archon with a g system for a wile. I had no problems at all, as a matter of fact the g system has a great built in noise gate that I wouldn't even bother with the isp. If I hot hiss or any fuzz from the amp I'd just use the g system to take care of it, unless you really need an isp. Also to add, if I was you I'd keep your pedals, especially bcs the g system rack allows you to use 4 pedals in the rack that way you can just have your controller on the ground and that's connected with a standard cat5 cable.
I'm a huge fan of the g system, been using one for five years, great unit. I can answer more questions if you have any, cheers!
Click to expand...

+1, Racking is the way to go. I have my pedals on a pull-out shelf.
I did use the built-in noise gate, but I am happier with the Sentry.

 
+1 indeed!

g2Z6fiS.jpg
 
I'm using the Empress Buffer+ with great results. Barely audible hiss when the loop is engaged.
 
The Fight said:
Thanks! It's so cool how the g system can do so much. Do you just the 4 loops on yours or do you have other midi switching going on?
Click to expand...

I've run it every which way; lots of pedals on the floor with some in the loops; racked with a GCX and a bunch of pedals and an amp gizmo; etc. But now I just use the 4 loops. I wish I had a couple more loops, but it's enough. I am using a MXR EVH Phase 90, Micro Vibe, OD808 and BBPre in the loops. Wish I could add my OCD and Mini Spark Boost. May swap them in at some point.
 
Yeah I actually like all the pedals you named off, especially the BBpreamp, one of my favorites. I think I'll be getting an amp gizmo soon as well, I'm currently using a two loop midi box but I'm looking to have more pedals. Some pedals sound WAY better not going the the g loops, that's why it's important to have an external loop system going to the front of the amp. In case you want to use a external compressor or an over drive hitting the front.
 
Thanks for all your answers...I bought the G-System and now I am working on building a new rig around it...Thanks guys!
 
I came *this* close to buying a G-System before buying and filling my current pedalboard. If this band keeps moving up, I still might.
 
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