New Bad Cat Unleash Day (with clips, fixed links)

[cybermgk]

Been using this since I got it yesterday. I wanted to try it with all my amps, at multiple volumes (really loud was hard to get done, with others around) before writing this.

Naturally, right before I decide to record some clips, I burn 3 fingers on my fretting hand pretty bad, making dinner. So, the clips are sloppy as hell.

In a nutshell, this device lives up to it's hype/promise. It promises transparency in response and tone, and as far as I can tell, it delivers.

You can get Attenuators. There are lots out there, even those with a reactive load. There are Reamplifiers out there. Not sure if there are anything for adding an FX loop to an amp that doesn't have one. Mainly because you have to take the output of the amp and attenuate it down to a level, that the pedals or rack FX can handle. And of course you have to reamp it back up to drive the speakers.

There certainly hasn't been all of that in one device before. The Unleash delivers that.

I ordered mine straight from Bad Cat. THey state a 4 week build time. I got mine in a few days less than that, with 4 days in transit. Emailed if it might be early, and had great response from the folks at Bad Cat. Didn't have to wait, for a prompt response.

It came really well shipped. Unleash was completely suspended in the box with that soft, black foam on both ends. Upon opening, it's immediately apparent how well built this is. Thick, sturdy case with top quality blue metal flake enamel. Handle is thick, high quality leather. Jacks appear top quality. Knobs/pots have a smooth, smooth feel. Very top quality on those as well. All in all this is as well built as you will fine.

Front has 3 Chicken head Knobs. Two outside are for adjusting the volume for each channel. Unleash is foot switcheable between the two channels. Any 2 position footswitch seems to work. I tried a couple I had. Unleash switchs between the two with zero lag and sound. Makes this perfect for it's use, setting up a rythem on CH1 and lead on Ch 2.

There is also a Trim pot/knob. This is basically setting some sort of limiter maxer. You set your amp, then adjust the trim so that it's light just barely flashes when you dig in your hardest. THis gives the best responsiveness. If it's set to low, and the light is on all the time, you WILL get a tiny bit of compression on your tone.

Back, has a spot to connect the cable that comes with it from Unleash to CAB. Also a 2nd jack for another CAB (in parallel). Jack for input from Amp, another for the footswitch, and a pair for FX send and Return.

The Good/Ney Great
As an Attenuator, the Unleash is as good as it gets. I've had several Webers, and a couple of Hot Plate types and played a Dr Z airbrake. I'd take the Unleash over any of them. THat's high praise from me, as I think the Weber's are awesome.

I seriousally could not tell the difference playing through the Unleash, or straight to the CAB. Bad Cat says this is totally transparent. They say the reamp amp is designed to not color the sound in any way, just increase the signals gain, aka volume. It is, in spades. The amp sounds the same, in almost every way I could determine, with the Unleash doin it's thing, or if it was out of the path.

Amp reaction, tone, all of it, was the same as if it was just the amp. I couldn't/can't tell if it's there. Well, not by tone or feel. Perhaps a more experienced player can, but I can't. Some of my amps, I have to engage the treble boost on the Weber MASS with some amps. Not the Unleash.
Even the Fletcher-Munson effect is not a problem. At low vols, humans just don't hear all frequencies as well. You get that with other Atttenuators. They try with various boosts to compensate. With the unleash, just pop an EQ in the FX loop, and boost those you want ALL POST DISTORTION. Fletcher Munson effect goes bye-bye.

The FX loop works perfectly. TCE Hall of Fame Reverb, Corona Chorus, Flashback Delay, Marshall Vibratrem, Artec Parametric EQ and EH Hum Debugger, all work without a hitch. And having them after the Amp's complete signal path is really, really usefull. Unlike a built-in amp, where you apply the FX after the pre-amp, you can now add FX after your getting that output tube distortion tone. Imagine tweaking that tone with an EQ.

My Blackstar HT-1H and Marshall DSL15H now have an FX Loop .
The 2 Channels shouldn't be overlooked. Having a TRUE Clean boost (i.e. JUST a volume boost) with a foot switch would be great live. And thats what it is, because your output volume is removed from gain. You want more volume, and ONLY more volume, set the 2nd channel louder.

The other side of this is you can use the Unleash, to provide as much clean headroom as you need, up to it's max volume. This is for ANY Amp. Say you have an amp that breaks up very early. Playing it clean you can only go to just louder than shouting level. Set it there, run it through the Unleash, and crank it MUCH louder. Instant super headroom.

I have not tried the line out yet.

The Bad
The Volume pots have to cover from silent to full blown 100w loud. As such, SMALL increments can make more change than you think.

There is no bypass. If you have it hooked into your rig your using it. Since it sounds no different, thats not too bad an issue. BUT, if your using it at home, you need to remember if your leaving your amp cranked. Cranking an amp, whether with an attenuator or not, wears tubes out. Wish they had added one.

Cooling fan is LOUD. In a studio setting, and using any kind of a room mic, your going to pick it up at times. You are going to need to create some kind of isolation box for it, or run it to a different room.

Final
If you want a great, perhaps the best, Attenuator - Get this.
If you want to have up to 100W SS volume of Clean Headroom for any amp - Get this.
If you want to be able to play live in most venues, with any amp - Get this.
If you want to add an FX loop to any amp - Get this.
If you want a switchable, completely clean volume boost - Get this.
If you want to be able to add FX after Power Tube Distortion, - Get this.
Bad Cat Unleash promises a lot. Frankly, it delivers on it all. EXTRMELY high on this product!

CLIPS
I recorded a set with CAB miced with a SM57 near the edge of a speaker, and a set with a Tascam PR10 digital recorder (with it's built-in mics). Used my Faded Studio LP cause it was the lightest, lol. I couldn't record the Amp Cranked, then Attenuated, but cranked. So, I did Amp at home volume straight to CAB, then same setting through the Unleash, with it set for the same volume. Amp output is still being attenuated, then reamped no matter where the original amp is set. But I also did one with the amp cranked then attenuated to home volumes via Unleash.

MICed CAB
The first are Amp straight to CAB, followed by With Unleash. I tried to get the volumes in the room the same. Loud enough/low enough you would have to raise your voice to talk over. Rushed these and you may have to turn the volume up on your side.

Marshall DSL15H red Ch
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/dsl15h-od[/SC]

Ampeg GVT15H
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/ampeg-gvt15h-clean[/SC]

DSL15H using Unleash FX Loop
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/dsl15h-od-fx-loop[/SC]

Cranked DSL15H attenuated
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/dsl15h-cranked[/SC]

Tascam PR10
Recorded 3-4 ft from CAB.
Same amp settings. Set Amp for home vol, then through just CAB and with Unleash. Also did with Unleash Loop, and cranking the DSL15H and attenuated.

DSL15H Just to CAB
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/dsl15h-no-unleash[/SC]
DSL15H with Unleash
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/dsl15h-with-unleash[/SC]

Ampeg GVT15H Straight to CAB
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/ampeg-gvt15h-no-unleash[/SC]
Ampeg GVT15H using Unleash
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/ampeg-gvt15h-with-unleash[/SC]

DSL15H cranked and Attenuated.
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/dsl15h-with-unleash-cranked[/SC]

DSL15H using Unleash FX loop.
[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/dsl15h-with-unleash-fx-loop[/SC]

 

[eddy999]

Thanks for the review and clips.. I had to remove the # from the URL to get the links to work though.

 

[cybermgk]

Thanks for the review and clips.. I had to remove the # from the URL to get the links to work though.

Yes, sorry, fixed the links. Just wish they were better done now,

 

[Batman]

Awesome! Thank you for taking the time to do a thorough review on this. . .I really want one.

If you also remove the "s" from "https://" and use the Soundcloud tags to wrap the links, the player will show up in the forum.

For example;

[SC]http://soundcloud.com/cybertim/dsl15h-od[/SC]

 

[cybermgk]

Awesome! Thank you for taking the time to do a thorough review on this. . .I really want one.

If you also remove the "s" from "https://" and use the Soundcloud tags to wrap the links, the player will show up in the forum.

For example;

THanks for that. Fixed.

Really liking the FX loop aftger output tubes a LOT. Can set some very subtle settings on delay or reverb that do NOT get lost in tube distortion.

 

[indigochild]

Thanks for all the effort you obviously put into writing and recording the clips. I'm sure this will help a lot of people.

All the best
IC

 

[logen99999]

isn't that thing made for 50 and 100 watt amps? What's the practicality of getting one for 15 watters with master volumes on them already?

 

[cybermgk]

isn't that thing made for 50 and 100 watt amps? What's the practicality of getting one for 15 watters with master volumes on them already?

First, I have ZERO connection to Bad Cat. I just really think this product is super innovative, and really believe in it .

I assume you are asking about the attenuation portion. Your not looking far enough.

First, have you ever cranked a 15 watt amp, at home or in the studio? If you want to get even a 15 watt amp into the 'sweet zone' of it's output tubes distorting, your way too loud for home/apt or even studio use. Even a 5w tube amp can approach too loud for that. Even if all you want/like is preamp distortion, some amps don't get that super sustain until they are cranked a bit.

But, this is MORE than an Attenuator. It's an Attenuator AND Reamplifier. I really like the tone of my Blackstar HT-1RH, 1 watt amp. But, there is NO way I can play out with this amp even in a jamming session, not with a drummer in the mix. However run it through the Unleash, and that 1 Watt Blackstar, can now be played at 100W of class D SS volume. It's, atleast as far as I can tell 100% transparent. So, any small wattage amp, can now be played in any venue that up to 100W SS is good enough for.

Also, a problem with most small wattage amps is clean headroom. Typical 1 Ch amp, does not have a lot of clean headroom. You want to play that smaller amp in a jam, gig etc situation, and want enough clean volume. It doesn't matter how loud your amp can get, because the unleash is going to crank it up to what you need.

Basically, if you like the tone of the amp, it's wattage isn't an impedimant to using it to 'play out' in multitudes of venues, with the Unleash. You can use an amp because you like what it brings to the table tonally AND you know you can play it at it's sweet spot, no matter what size it is.

Also, a lot of smaller amps don't have an FX loop. Bigger amps tend to have one. Unleash gives that loop to any amp. My DSL15H and Blackstar HT-1RH now have an fx loop via the Unleash. What is more, the effects in the loop are applied AFTER the putput tube phase of the amp. If your using Output tube distortion, that is a REAL benefit for non mushy FX.

Really, the Unleash is much more usefull for smaller amps, imho. For larger amps, it's an Attenuator, can be a volume boost (not gain and volume) via the footpedal, possible Clean headroom increaser (depending on amp). For smaller amps its all that and allowing it to be used in more venues.

 

[dspelman]

isn't that thing made for 50 and 100 watt amps? What's the practicality of getting one for 15 watters with master volumes on them already?

It's makes the most sense with 18W and under amps (IMHO).

 

[dspelman]

Have you tried using this as an attenuator with a 100W tube amp? Does Badcat recommend its use for one?

Have you measured the output compared to your 15W amp?

 

[onioner]

isn't that thing made for 50 and 100 watt amps? What's the practicality of getting one for 15 watters with master volumes on them already?

It's a tool to separate volume from distortion. Makes sense for any wattage amp.

 

[onioner]

Have you tried using this as an attenuator with a 100W tube amp? Does Badcat recommend its use for one?

I haven't (my biggest is 35W or so), but that's certainly within the design parameters.

 

[LPV]

I hope to try it with a 100 watter soon...

 

[cybermgk]

Have you tried using this as an attenuator with a 100W tube amp?

I haven't as the largest I have is 50w. Works just fine with that. But, most 100W attenuators work fine attenating 1/2

Does Badcat recommend its use for one?

I do not know. I can ask. Haven't seen anything that would change the general rule, if your going to fully crank the amp and attenuate to talk over levels, then twice the attenuator rating than the tube amp.

Have you measured the output compared to your 15W amp?

Not with a sound meter no. So it's just my impression, and it's quite a bit louder than the 15W Marshall. Unleash on 1/2 on the volume = 3 on the Marshall MV to my ears.At 3 on the Unleash, it's as loud as the Marshall at 6 or 7. I think for equal spots on the Vol dial it's a tiny bit louder than my Rivera 55watts.

 

[dspelman]

Not with a sound meter no. So it's just my impression, and it's quite a bit louder than the 15W Marshall. Unleash on 1/2 on the volume = 3 on the Marshall MV to my ears.At 3 on the Unleash, it's as loud as the Marshall at 6 or 7. I think for equal spots on the Vol dial it's a tiny bit louder than my Rivera 55watts.

I've learned not to trust volume knobs on anything. Also difficult to trust your ears on these things, since your brain hears distortion as "loud." You can run MUCH higher levels of clean sound and the brain won't hear it as loud.

BTW, if you're curious, there are free SPL meter apps for your smartphones that are reasonably accurate. There are even some RTA apps available (though some of them need $400 microphone setups to make them more accurate <G>).

Studio Six Digital's SPL Meter (free, App Store) looks like this on an iPad:

and like this on an iPhone:

Website information: SPL Meter | Studio Six Digital

 

[huw]

Have you tried using this as an attenuator with a 100W tube amp? Does Badcat recommend its use for one?

Over at TGP, Jon from Badcat was telling someone that he thought it would be fine with their 5150, which was a 120w amp.

 

[cybermgk]

I've learned not to trust volume knobs on anything. Also difficult to trust your ears on these things, since your brain hears distortion as "loud." You can run MUCH higher levels of clean sound and the brain won't hear it as loud.

BTW, if you're curious, there are free SPL meter apps for your smartphones that are reasonably accurate. There are even some RTA apps available (though some of them need $400 microphone setups to make them more accurate <G>).

Studio Six Digital's SPL Meter (free, App Store) looks like this on an iPad:


and like this on an iPhone:



Website information: SPL Meter | Studio Six Digital

Actually, don't use a smart phone, BION.

Might get an actual SPL meter. Could use for other things as well.

THough ears are not the greatest, nor pots, etc, the Unleash is definately louder than the 15w Marshall, I'd bet anything on it.

 

[cybermgk]

I've learned not to trust volume knobs on anything. Also difficult to trust your ears on these things, since your brain hears distortion as "loud." You can run MUCH higher levels of clean sound and the brain won't hear it as loud.

Okay, got a Digital SPL meter, this one

Took 4 readings, triple strumming a G power chord. Set the Meter to catch the Max level. All readings taken at the same place, measured 1 meter from 4x12 CAB with Celestion G12H30s, on center to CAB.

Marshall DSL15H straight to CAB
Green Ch vol/mv cranked - 118db
Red Ch vol/mv cranked - 120db

Marshall DSL15H through cranked Unleash
Green Ch vol/mv cranked - 129db
Red Ch vol/mv cranked - 131db

Thank god for good earplugs, lol.
's full 15 watts.
So, if we use the general rule of 10db difference is a 'perceived' doubling of volume, that would have the Unleash sounding a little more than twice as perceived loud.

If we use the 3db everytime you double the wattage, then the Unleash was puttig it out like a 120 watt amp, ASSUMING the Marshall was pumping out it's full 15 watts.

Also, of note, the Unleash had no clipping that I could hear at full volume on the pot.

 

[River]

Thanks for putting so much time and effort into this.

 

[cybermgk]

Thanks for putting so much time and effort into this.

Those who do, do, those who can't, review, lol. Seriousally, enjoy it, so it's np..