There are three separate toggles to switch back and forth from "HX" to "DA" modes. Honestly, these don't make as much of a difference as I expected they would. There is a difference between them, especially when you go from all HX to all DA, but overall the effect is relatively subtle with the DA having a somewhat darker tone.
My initial thoughts on the HX/DA are a bit mixed. It seems to be very flexible and yet strangely limited, if that makes any sense. What it does, it does exceedingly well. But when pushed out of its comfort zone, I'm not so sure. I need to play with it some more.
Yes sir... that is about what I said as well. I have had mine for about 5 months now and it just keeps sounding better. The little intricacies will start showing once you get used to the sound and dials... I went from a Mesa Roadster to the HX/DA so I know all about the "High Gain Jones" but it hasn't been a problem for me with the amazing tones that I can get WITHOUT all that high gain. We are playing lots of Allman Brothers and the other guys are really amazed at how well it makes those songs sound. The Santana stuff fits really well too...
I'm running a Stealth 2x12 cab, Stripped 58 and some awesome sounding Strymon pedals... and a Keeley modded TS-9, thats it. I have about all I can handle with that, just back the guitar volume off or bump it up to change styles.
Yes sir... that is about what I said as well. I have had mine for about 5 months now and it just keeps sounding better. The little intricacies will start showing once you get used to the sound and dials... I went from a Mesa Roadster to the HX/DA so I know all about the "High Gain Jones" but it hasn't been a problem for me with the amazing tones that I can get WITHOUT all that high gain. We are playing lots of Allman Brothers and the other guys are really amazed at how well it makes those songs sound. The Santana stuff fits really well too...
I'm running a Stealth 2x12 cab, Stripped 58 and some awesome sounding Strymon pedals... and a Keeley modded TS-9, thats it. I have about all I can handle with that, just back the guitar volume off or bump it up to change styles.
Speaking of Tones...Tonez...Toanz...
One of my favorite records from my youth was Jeff Beck's "Truth" album. And because I happen to have a Fulltone Plimsoul on hand, I wondered if I could get the classic "Rock My Plimsoul" sound with the pedal and the HXDA. Understand, I have no idea what Beck used for this recording, but I have to tell you, I absolutely got that tone with these settings -- note that the guitar output level is also part of the deal:
Plimsoul Pedal Settings:
Level: 9 0'clock (unity gain)
Sustain: 10 o'clock
Stage II: about 9 o'clock
High Cut: about 1:30 o'clock
HX/DA Amplifier Settings:
HX Gain: One o'clock-ish
DA Gain: 7 o'clock
Treble: 11 o'clock
Mids: One o'clock
Bass: 12:30 o'clock
Presence: 11 o'clock
Volume: To taste
Switches (left to right): DA, DA, HX
Guitar: Artist V, Settings
Bridge pickup, Volume = 6-7, Tone = 7-8
If you set the guitar volume too high, it pushes the pedal into a tone that's too "modern" for the 1968 Beck setting, that was very buttery sounding on the recording.
But if you do it right (season to taste with your own gear of course) you can nail that tone.
If I could also nail the playing, all would be right with the world, but I'll take what I can get!!
Other notes and observations:
1. I'm betting that any good Tube Screamer type pedal can do this, you don't need to go get a Pliimsoul. Just remember to use a low-ish gain setting, and back off the treble to get a smooth sound, and use just enough pedal output volume to merge with the natural sound of the amp. In other words, the pedal almost becomes something of a tone control in addition to those on the amp. The natural mid and low mid boost of these types of pedals makes the solo pop a little, and that's what you want to achieve this tone.
2. If it's not already obvious, these are humbucker tones. So...you know, don't use a Strat for this one.
It don't mean a thing....if you don't video that swing!
Let's see a video of you playing it Les...we've all exposed ourselves....let's see yours!
How are you setting yours up for the Allman Brothers tones as far as the gain and EQ knobs?