stm113
Well-known member
So I wanted to tell every one about my 1st impression of the Ultra XL module that arrived at my door step today.
1st a lil back ground, this is my 2nd go around with the MTS stuff the 1st time I was sorely disappointed, but that was before even the 1086 was out, my understanding is the quality has drastically improved AND there have been many tone refinements.
I had actually went with a rig centered around a Carvin V3, my Boss GT-Pro and a GCX audio switcher w/ a few pedals. Needless to say this rig was HUGE when it was all in my custom rack case including the head) but with gas prices going sky high its not logical to pull our 14x7 trailer around when we're playing with in an hour of home so now we're seeking other ways of getting our gear to shows and my Mazda 3 hatchback can only carry so much. So I decided to check Randall out again, I figure I can make my rig more portable if I leave a head behind, so the idea of the rig is an 8 space rack Rm 4, GT-Pro, GCX and some pedals, Furman and my Shure wireless) and a 4 space for my Mesa power amp and a 2 space drawer. And then 2-2x12 cabs... I can get all of this in my car... Now the 4-6 guitars I use per show, well thats another story.
Ok all of that out of the way, as we all know there is a serious back order on many modules, I bought the RM 4 and my Mesa Power amp and had no modules, I found a place that had a tread plate in stock so i ordered it because some people recommended it... its ok but not great (no where near enough mids and it's kinda muddy) and I was afraid that I was going to be unhappy with MTS stuff again then I found a Black Face on ebay its cool but i think i may sell it and go with the KH-1 since it's cleaner. I am almost positive that the XTC is the module for me though for my main rhythm tones, and on a hunch I ordered an Ultra XL from a place that had ONE left in stock, thinking it would be a good lead/solo tone module.
So today i got the bad news from sweet water that the XTC may not be in until April :x but they did have a 1086 in so i told them to send me that since people say that it's the most versatile of the modules... but to my surprise when I got home today the ultra XL that i had just about forgotten I had ordered since I was so fixated on the XTC was sitting on my door step. I didn't get to plug it in until late so I haven't cranked it up but when I played it at slightly higher than bed room levels on the low power setting on my Mesa Boogie power amp trough my 1x12 Peavey Sheffield loaded cab....
All I can say is that this may be the module for me, my band will practice Thursday night so that will be it's 1st real test but if tonight was any indication... well I can't wait. I am already considering going back into the studio to re-record all of my rhythm guitar tracks which were layed down with the Carvin Rig.. I mean the tone... so far at the modest levels it was creamy, almost buttery, very warm (though it could use more bottom to me) but it has this almost glassy bite to it as well, its thick , sweet, warm and ever so slightly aggressive...
If this module stays to that same nature I'll be turning alot of the guitarists on to Randall around here like I did when I 1st wen tot 5150's, Line 6's and the Carvin... locally both the guitarists and the bassist in my band are usually praised for our tones...wait til they hear this!
1st a lil back ground, this is my 2nd go around with the MTS stuff the 1st time I was sorely disappointed, but that was before even the 1086 was out, my understanding is the quality has drastically improved AND there have been many tone refinements.
I had actually went with a rig centered around a Carvin V3, my Boss GT-Pro and a GCX audio switcher w/ a few pedals. Needless to say this rig was HUGE when it was all in my custom rack case including the head) but with gas prices going sky high its not logical to pull our 14x7 trailer around when we're playing with in an hour of home so now we're seeking other ways of getting our gear to shows and my Mazda 3 hatchback can only carry so much. So I decided to check Randall out again, I figure I can make my rig more portable if I leave a head behind, so the idea of the rig is an 8 space rack Rm 4, GT-Pro, GCX and some pedals, Furman and my Shure wireless) and a 4 space for my Mesa power amp and a 2 space drawer. And then 2-2x12 cabs... I can get all of this in my car... Now the 4-6 guitars I use per show, well thats another story.
Ok all of that out of the way, as we all know there is a serious back order on many modules, I bought the RM 4 and my Mesa Power amp and had no modules, I found a place that had a tread plate in stock so i ordered it because some people recommended it... its ok but not great (no where near enough mids and it's kinda muddy) and I was afraid that I was going to be unhappy with MTS stuff again then I found a Black Face on ebay its cool but i think i may sell it and go with the KH-1 since it's cleaner. I am almost positive that the XTC is the module for me though for my main rhythm tones, and on a hunch I ordered an Ultra XL from a place that had ONE left in stock, thinking it would be a good lead/solo tone module.
So today i got the bad news from sweet water that the XTC may not be in until April :x but they did have a 1086 in so i told them to send me that since people say that it's the most versatile of the modules... but to my surprise when I got home today the ultra XL that i had just about forgotten I had ordered since I was so fixated on the XTC was sitting on my door step. I didn't get to plug it in until late so I haven't cranked it up but when I played it at slightly higher than bed room levels on the low power setting on my Mesa Boogie power amp trough my 1x12 Peavey Sheffield loaded cab....
All I can say is that this may be the module for me, my band will practice Thursday night so that will be it's 1st real test but if tonight was any indication... well I can't wait. I am already considering going back into the studio to re-record all of my rhythm guitar tracks which were layed down with the Carvin Rig.. I mean the tone... so far at the modest levels it was creamy, almost buttery, very warm (though it could use more bottom to me) but it has this almost glassy bite to it as well, its thick , sweet, warm and ever so slightly aggressive...
If this module stays to that same nature I'll be turning alot of the guitarists on to Randall around here like I did when I 1st wen tot 5150's, Line 6's and the Carvin... locally both the guitarists and the bassist in my band are usually praised for our tones...wait til they hear this!
