Walrus Audio Mako Series ACS1 Amp + Cab Simulator Stereo Effects Pedal with MIDI
Wow!!
This is a good as the videos suggest. I have two Hughes & Kettner Statesman Dual EL84 20w combos and did an A/B test with the left out from my Helix Stomp XL going straight into one of the H&K’ and the right out going through the ACS1 into the PA. The only effect on the Helix was the expression pedal used as a pan so I could easy switch between the two. I then set up 18 patches on the helix to transmit a different MIDI program number so I could easily switch between the 18 combinations of 3 amps and 6 speaker cabs. Each one was different with their own characteristics. I then modified the EQ each of the 18 amp/cab combinations to get as close to my H&K clean channel. The Fender Deluxe through the Vox Blueback was pretty well spot-on.
I don’t use the Helix for amp sim, just stomp pedals and use different overdrives and distortions so once I’d got the ACS1 settings, I went through my patches to make sure they all sounded similar. Most did, but the chosen Fender/Blueback combination didn’t pick up the high frequencies of the Helix’s acoustic sim. However, switching to the Vox amp/Blueback combination gave me back the acoustic sim effect. Similarly one of the overdrives sounded thicker through the Fender/Blueback but great through the Vox/Blueback.
Some of the more overdriven patches actually sounded better to my ear through the Marshall/4x12 combination.
So I’m really pleased I can match what I need it for but also can bring in more variety. I played around with the Vox/Blueback and a treble-booster in the Helix. Really maximising the volume going out the Helix to drive the amp and it’s probably the closest I’ve ever come to the Brian May sound.
So the feel, the compression, sag etc of the various amp/cab combinations are the best I’ve ever played. I’m looking forward to doing some more A/B testing with my brother’s AC30
The stereo capability through the PA will add do much width to my chorus and delays and the MIDI capability makes it so easy to change, not only the program, but each amp, cab, EQ, volume, gain and room control can be changed with MIDI change controls.
So once it’s set up, it’s easy.
I’m totally chuffed with it and look forward to road testing it in July.
This is a good as the videos suggest. I have two Hughes & Kettner Statesman Dual EL84 20w combos and did an A/B test with the left out from my Helix Stomp XL going straight into one of the H&K’ and the right out going through the ACS1 into the PA. The only effect on the Helix was the expression pedal used as a pan so I could easy switch between the two. I then set up 18 patches on the helix to transmit a different MIDI program number so I could easily switch between the 18 combinations of 3 amps and 6 speaker cabs. Each one was different with their own characteristics. I then modified the EQ each of the 18 amp/cab combinations to get as close to my H&K clean channel. The Fender Deluxe through the Vox Blueback was pretty well spot-on.
I don’t use the Helix for amp sim, just stomp pedals and use different overdrives and distortions so once I’d got the ACS1 settings, I went through my patches to make sure they all sounded similar. Most did, but the chosen Fender/Blueback combination didn’t pick up the high frequencies of the Helix’s acoustic sim. However, switching to the Vox amp/Blueback combination gave me back the acoustic sim effect. Similarly one of the overdrives sounded thicker through the Fender/Blueback but great through the Vox/Blueback.
Some of the more overdriven patches actually sounded better to my ear through the Marshall/4x12 combination.
So I’m really pleased I can match what I need it for but also can bring in more variety. I played around with the Vox/Blueback and a treble-booster in the Helix. Really maximising the volume going out the Helix to drive the amp and it’s probably the closest I’ve ever come to the Brian May sound.
So the feel, the compression, sag etc of the various amp/cab combinations are the best I’ve ever played. I’m looking forward to doing some more A/B testing with my brother’s AC30
The stereo capability through the PA will add do much width to my chorus and delays and the MIDI capability makes it so easy to change, not only the program, but each amp, cab, EQ, volume, gain and room control can be changed with MIDI change controls.
So once it’s set up, it’s easy.
I’m totally chuffed with it and look forward to road testing it in July.
June 17, 2023
|
Mark
