The Boss Rotary Ensemble is here! [Archive]

Angle Loss

01-11-2006, 02:01 PM

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that the Rotary Ensemble is out now, as alot of us have been waiting a long time. I have already put it on my pedalboard; it is a keeper for the Leslie sound.

The Namm video really doesn't sound that great. I'm a leslie freak (but unfortunetly can't keep one in my apartment :jo I've had both Rotospheres, the Korg G4 (my fav until this one), and have played nearly every simulator out (the RotoSim sounded watered down to me). I have also played guitar through a handful of real leslie cabs (knew some people who had them-there is nothing that can simulate that experience...eyes rolling back now...). I say this, so the other people that really love that sound can go check it out, as I've been filled with much disappointment regarding leslie sims.

I'm playing various guitars through a pedal board and TopHat amps, and finally am happy with a pedal to do that sound now. It doesn't have alot of different sounds; it only does the 122 and an okay sounding Univibe. The controls are well thought out though. I love both fast and slow speeds. On the mode selector, #2 is my fav, a closer miked sound with more amplitude modulation. Second to that is mode #1, which is the same setup but farther miked for a more chorusy-less tremelo sound.

And the display...hypnotizing. I look forward to playing even more. Currently I have only played it in mono, because that is all I use for playing out and at church (I lead worship with electric). I don't post all that often even though I've been around here for a few years, but this was worth posting about. And for those that will ask, I do think it sounds much better than the Rotosphere, RotoSim, Voce Spin II, Korg G4 (this is better than the others though), and everything else save for the maybe the Dynacord, but it's been a long time since I've played through one of those, and considering cost as well, this is alot better.

edit: here is a new link to my original 2006 demo of the pedal:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=471217&content=music

--Angle Loss

CBeeper

01-11-2006, 02:08 PM

Your mirroring my findings on the Rotary. I think it's the best Leslie sim thus far. I've had the G-4(still own it and again my favorite up to this point), Rotomachine, Rotosphere and RotoSim. Boss took their time and did a fine job on this one. It doesn't color the original tone as much as other Sims either.

Charles#5

01-11-2006, 02:29 PM

I have a Dynacord CLS-222, but have stopped using rack gear. I now use an old Arion SCH-1 for that sound. The trick is to put the slider in stereo mode and connect only the second output. Sounds good enough for playing live, for recording I still go back to the Dynacord.

Cheers,

Johan.

gururyan

01-11-2006, 02:40 PM

You guys gotta give us some clips then!

drolling

01-11-2006, 03:35 PM

You guys gotta give us some clips then!Yes! Please..

TieDyedDevil

01-11-2006, 05:32 PM

I'd love to hear a comparison between the Boss and the DLS RotoSIM. Anyone?

Boogie92801

01-11-2006, 09:06 PM

Well,

I guess I need to walk over there and check it out. I just wish it wasn't so far:D

Straleno

01-11-2006, 10:06 PM

I got one the other day as well (and started a thread about it that seems to have escaped most people's notice). I chose it over the Rotomachine. I'd been waiting to try them both before buying one.

I thought it was much warmer and more natural sounding than the Rotomachine, more tweakable than the Roto with respect to balance & mix, and I thought its basic Leslie sound was more convincing (tho' I'll admit I'm no Leslie expert), with significantly less digital hashiness. ('Course, it's a hundred bucks more, too.) It just sounded bigger and warmer, with no volume drop; in fact, in some settings, it got a little louder when engaged. On the Rotomachine, I only thought one model (the middle one, can't remember what it was called) was usable, and I thought the distortion was awful. The RT20's distortion is pretty good and Leslie-like in modes 1 & 2, but pretty corny in modes 3 & 4.

As far as the RT20's Univibe sound is concerned, I think it's pretty poor, as a simulation of a Univibe, but it's not a bad imitation of brown Fender trem, very thick and swampy and wooshy. I was surprised how much I liked it for what it is, as opposed to what Boss says it's supposed to be.

I'm looking forward to spending more time with it.

Moe45673

01-11-2006, 11:51 PM

The RT-20 sounds cool. How does it compare to the voodoo lab micro vibe? That pedal blew me away (though it does, admittedly, only have one sound. But it does it well)

gururyan

01-12-2006, 12:18 AM

Well, while we wait for member clips...here is the only audio/video of it I could find.

Click me. (http://www.rolandus.com/products/details.asp?CatID=3&SubCatID=21&ProdID=RT-20&PageMode=15)

Marcus Dahl

01-12-2006, 12:39 AM

Well, while we wait for member clips...here is the only audio/video of it I could find.

Click me. (http://www.rolandus.com/products/details.asp?CatID=3&SubCatID=21&ProdID=RT-20&PageMode=15)

You should give that tiki a cigar, bowl of sweet rice, and a shot of hard liquier. Oh, and don't forget the incense. :angel From what I've read you can treat them similarly to the voodoo spirits. I have enough bad luck as it is so I wont comment any further.

paulydangerous

01-12-2006, 03:54 AM

You should give that tiki a cigar, bowl of sweet rice, and a shot of hard liquier. Oh, and don't forget the incense. :angel From what I've read you can treat them similarly to the voodoo spirits. I have enough bad luck as it is so I wont comment any further.

I was surprised to see Rob Marcello..Really nice guy..He used to live here in Columbus..Great player if you ever get to see him live..

Phil M

01-12-2006, 06:11 AM

As far as the RT20's Univibe sound is concerned, I think it's pretty poor, as a simulation of a Univibe, but it's not a bad imitation of brown Fender trem, very thick and swampy and wooshy. I was surprised how much I liked it for what it is, as opposed to what Boss says it's supposed to be.

I'm looking forward to spending more time with it.

Hi Straleno,

*Can this be set for presets so that I could toggle from a fast leslie sound to a Fender Brown trem between songs?

*Does the trem have any "chorus-y" artifacts, or does it just sound like normal volume fluctuation tremolo?

*How does the break for slowing down and ramping up the fast leslie sound work?

* How much can one expect to pay for one? They list for $299, and I see them for $225 at most places and $209 at Elderly, though Boss pedals usually have a pretty drastic discount IME.

Thanks,

Phil M.

Straleno

01-12-2006, 08:56 AM

Hey Phil,
There's no way to preset the Leslie & Uni settings and switch between them, unfortunately. The Uni "trem" sound that I think sounds more like a brown Fender isn't a "normal" volume fluctuation sound like on blackface Fenders, it's more of a rolling, swooshy thing that has a phase-shiftery, Univibey quality (without sounding like an actual Univibe). It's hard to articulate the difference, but if you've ever heard one of the bigger brown Fenders, you'll know what I mean. I haven't gotten to use it in the last couple of days, but I don't remember thinking that it sounded chorusy.

The brake is activated when you step on both pedals at the same time. Whether you're in fast speed or slow speed, the effect gradually ramps down until there's no swirl at all. Then if you step on the right-side pedal, it ramps back up to whatever speed it was on. It's nice, especially if you're a keyboard player, I would think.

I paid $225 + tax at Sam Ash in NY. That seems to be the prevailing price.

I hope that helps.
J.

Angle Loss

01-12-2006, 09:09 AM

Phil,
You can't preset anything like a DD-20, you have to bend down and and turn the mode switch. The univibe setting sounds to me like a cross between a bad phaser and a tremelo. I have played brownface trems and they are very cool, but don't expect this to sound just like it--just "ish" at best to me.

The first two Leslie 122 modes is what you would want to buy the pedal for. Between those, if you want a slightly more chorusy sound (distant miked) or a little more throb (closer miked) Leslie, you've got it. It should satisfy most people. The key to getting it at a good price is price matching with other companies.

Unfortunately the Boss video is horrible. Everybody else has complained enough about it. The guy might be a good player (see paulydangerous' post) but he does a poor job of showing what the pedal can do. If you notice during the whole video he has the dry level up. For a proper effect, you need it to be **all the way off**. The effect level carries the proper signal and serves as an overall volume for the pedal (just like the rotospheres output volume knob). Hopefully sometime in the next week one of us could post some clips, but I might need help with that.

Hope this helps,
Angle Loss

Phil M

01-12-2006, 09:54 AM

Thanks guys. The ramp up/down process as explained seems a little counter-intuitive. What exactly are the two footswitches for?

Moe45673

01-12-2006, 10:15 AM

The left pedal on all boss twin pedals switch between bypass and on. The right pedal varies, but is generally used to switch between manual/memory or as tap tempo

Straleno

01-12-2006, 10:18 AM

The left pedal turns the whole thing on and off, the right pedal clicks between high speed and low speed.

Also, I agree with all of Angle's observations so far -- I don't want anyone to think the Uni setting is a dead-on brown Fender trem, but it just sounds more like that than it does a Univibe, to my ears. "Brown-ish," at best.

Phil M

01-12-2006, 10:19 AM

That's what I thought, but they said there are no memory banks.

Boogie92801

01-12-2006, 10:21 AM

Well,
I made the big trek across the sidewalk....;)

I think it sounds great. Not programmable, and not a whole lot of versatility but it really sounds very warm and organic. The ramp up and down and the break sound very realistic. It is very transparent to the tone (not sterile at all and it did not effect the natural guitar tone that I could hear). In stereo it really gives a sense of dimension. I was very impressed.

The best part is that with this and a strobo stomp on your board you'll look like your at the helm of the Enterprise... :dude

Hackubus

01-12-2006, 10:54 AM

This question is for you folks that have the RT 20 & have experience with the Korg G4.

How sturdy is the construction on the RT20? Is it a metal case like most Boss products?

Handy as I find the G4, the plastic case frightens me how fragile it is. I'm scared I'll break this thing.

Phil M

01-12-2006, 11:07 AM

The best part is that with this and a strobo stomp on your board you'll look like your at the helm of the Enterprise... :dude

YES!!! That's what it is!!! I've been trying to think of what that rotary display looked like. Lieutenant Uhura (last seen in 'Snow Dogs') had something like that at her workstation! Or maybe it was Scotty in the transporter room(?) ... anyway, thanks for the laugh.

What would be cool would be a pedal that made that oscillating sound like when someone was being transported.

Phil M

01-12-2006, 11:08 AM

Hackubus, I don't have one, but I know that the case is cast metal like the Boss products we all know.

teddy boy

01-12-2006, 11:15 AM

Wow,

That video really sucked. The part where he played with just the guitar and leslie was ok, but what's up with that organ sound. He should have demonstrated some more leslie on guitar. Just my opinion...

lpnv59

01-14-2006, 06:29 AM

SO the RT20 isn't true bypass? When the pedal is bypassed, does the level knob still effect the straight sound like a Korg Rotary?

My problem with all the Leslie simulators I've had or tried, is that my straight sound is effected. And not in a good way. Currently I have an Option 5 Destination Rotation. And although its not perfect, it does have its good points. I had the H&K when it first came out and a Korg too. Soundwise, I liked the Korg the best. But it was the worst at effecting the bypassed sound.

I agree about the sounds on the NAMM video being quite bad!!!

ABKB

01-14-2006, 06:36 AM

No Boss pedals are TB, but the buffers they use are quite good, but YMMV.

lpnv59

01-14-2006, 07:25 AM

Thanks ABKB!

stephenT

01-14-2006, 08:10 AM

Looks like it'll take up the space of three pedals,....is this about correct?

ABKB

01-14-2006, 10:45 AM

Looks like it'll take up the space of three pedals,....is this about correct?

Dont know the measurments off hand, but I would say two pedals, not three. I have the DD-20 on my board and it takes up less room than the L6 DL-4 it replaced.

BTW, just got my RT-20 on order yesterday, GC and SA didnt have em in stock yet, so hopefully it will be here next week.:AOK

ScottB

01-14-2006, 10:50 AM

...ordered mine yesterday, too.

Straleno

01-14-2006, 05:45 PM

I've been playing around with mine, and it's pretty fabulous. The more I use it, the more I like it. Totally nails those late '60s George Harrison Leslie tones. Those of you who are waiting for it will be happy.

threm

01-14-2006, 06:20 PM

Anyone knows if the RT20 is true stereo or does it sum an incoming stereo signal to mono (before the stereo leslie effect)?

How about the DD20, is that one true stereo?

Maybe some of you happy owners could give it a go; try sending independant/different signals into the L and R inputs and check how it behaves?

ABKB

01-14-2006, 06:53 PM

Angle Loss

01-14-2006, 07:42 PM

Did you guys see that pressing both pedals simultainiously is like the brake function on a leslie.

Yeah, it slows it down quite quickly. I like riding the speed switch, where it takes a little longer (knob straight up at stock setting). It sounds much more complex hearing the horn speed up/slow down much faster than the rotor. Straleno is right though, I sat with some later Beatles albums and it nails really well. Even the slow Leslie/Vibratone sounds (beginning of Happiness is a Warm Gun) or the Dead's "Sugaree", and "No Matter What" by Badfinger where it has the slow slightly grindy chorusing.

I used it at band practice on Thursday night. The first mode worked really well and sound very natural. And for the bypass question earlier, none of the knobs are actively controlling sound in bypass just like any boss pedal. The bypass is a very good buffer just like any boss pedal.

lpnv59

01-15-2006, 10:03 PM

And for the bypass question earlier, none of the knobs are actively controlling sound in bypass just like any boss pedal. The bypass is a very good buffer just like any boss pedal.

Thats great news.......Thanks! I already ordered one on friday and it was in stock. I should be getting it mid week.

lpnv59

01-17-2006, 12:17 PM

The Boss Rotary showed up this morning. It sounds really nice like I expected. My only complaint is not enough difference between the 3 of the 4 modes. Maybe those differences are stronger in stereo. But I have no plans on going to a stereo rig. That said, I wish the tonal differences between modes wasn't so subtle.

Phil M

01-17-2006, 12:42 PM

lpnv59, how do you like it in relation to your old Rotosphere?

lpnv59

01-17-2006, 02:05 PM

I was dissapointed with the H&K Rotospere right off and gave it to a friend of mine to use. He still has it. He's always on the road, so I haven't been able to get it back......its been years. I'll bet its in rough shape by now!! It was way too big and noisey and it screwed with my direct/bypass signal. I bought a Option 5 Destination Rotation and I was fine with its sound. It wasn't versatile but its one sound was good. The OD in it was OK, not great. But it was small, too small actually. The 2 switches were too close to each other! The Option5 was quiet and overall did a very good Leslie sim. In the end, I just couldn't deal with its bypass sound. So when I heard several months ago about Boss and Line 6 coming out with rotary pedals, I got excited. When I tried the Line 6 at the Arlington Guitar Show last October, I was disappointed in the sound of it. I figured the Boss would be better and it is!

So I just tried the Boss with my Tele. The 4 mode settings show more differences with a Fender it seems. With the humbuckered 335, the 4 modes sounded more samey. I haven't gigged with the Boss yet. That'll be the final test. But I think it's gonna work out great!

CBeeper

01-17-2006, 02:15 PM

LPNV59.......Where was the RT-20 in stock? I've had one ordered for awhile now and no luck getting it. Thanks

tfire

01-17-2006, 02:34 PM

<snip> Maybe those differences are stronger in stereo. But I have no plans on going to a stereo rig. <snip>
I haven't heard the RT-20 yet, but the reason I bought the Korg G4 about 14 years ago, and love it still despite its other faults, is the mesmeric stereo image of rotor and horn accelerating and decelerating at different rates. You've gotta try stereo.

lpnv59

01-17-2006, 02:45 PM

LPNV59.......Where was the RT-20 in stock? I've had one ordered for awhile now and no luck getting it. Thanks

Musictoys

lpnv59

01-17-2006, 02:48 PM

drolling

01-17-2006, 03:01 PM

The Korg had the best sound. It think in some ways, it still is unsurpassed. This one is close though. I will try it in stereo soon and probably use it that way when its convenient.Still have my trusty G4. A great sounding pedal that Korg discontinued after less than a year of production. My only critiscism is that non-adjustable noise gate - I've never heard anyone else complain about it, but the way it cuts off a note as the sound decays has always bugged me a bit. How's the RC in that department?

And what's with the obsession over stereo imaging? As 3 dimensional as a Leslie sounds, it's definitely mono.

Is there an expression pedal out to control the speed on the RT-20? If so, can it be controlled w/a cheap volume pedal like the Korg could?

tfire

01-17-2006, 03:13 PM

<snip>
And what's with the obsession over stereo imaging? As 3 dimensional as a Leslie sounds, it's definitely mono.
<snip>

You mean that if you're standing there listening to a real Leslie, you block off one ear to create mono?

lpnv59

01-17-2006, 03:29 PM

Yeah! Using any of these pedals in stereo, gets you that much closer. The movement of sound & air from a real Leslie is awsome. But out in front, to the audience, it makes little difference.

Angle Loss

01-17-2006, 03:43 PM

I haven't heard the RT-20 yet, but the reason I bought the Korg G4 about 14 years ago, and love it still despite its other faults, is the mesmeric stereo image of rotor and horn accelerating and decelerating at different rates. You've gotta try stereo.

The Korg G4 was my favorite of anything else. But I have to say that the Rotary Ensemble surpasses even it. The speed up/down is very complex.

As far as the 4 settings, here they are:
1. Farther miked leslie (more chorusy less throb) -Leslie style OD
2. Closer miked leslie (more throb less chorusy) -Leslie style OD
3. One of those w/ Marshall style OD--->I don't like this one
4. Univibe sound w/Marshall style OD--->Don't use either

The first two settings are all that I use. I have a timmy for overdrive (just like I did with my G4). The 'marshall' OD sounds terrible. Also, better than the individual rotor speeds on the G4 (which affected both slow and fast speeds--I could never get them balanced perfectly for me--), this one allows control for the set in [slow] and [fast]. The three settings are all based on a Leslie 122.

***Important*** No pedal will ever be like standing next to a Leslie (I've played them and its unworldy!). It's okay though, this (and G4, Voce, etc) gives you the sound of a miked Leslie, just like you hear on all of your favorite records. Personally I love setting number 1. I just wish that they had a setting for a Vibratone.
:BEER Angle Loss

ScottB

01-17-2006, 04:19 PM

Best Jim Kirk voice:

Must.........have..........clips

RT20..........backordered...........from Musicians Friend

Angle Loss

01-18-2006, 06:21 PM

Best Jim Kirk voice:

Must.........have..........clips

RT20..........backordered...........from Musicians Friend

I recorded a 2 min clip of the different modes, but I need someone to post it here.

edit: Here is a new link (2008) to the original demo:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=471217&content=music

enjoy! Still loving it a couple of years later.

Play by Tone

01-18-2006, 07:04 PM

I recorded a 2 min clip of the different modes, but I need someone to post it here.

Are they hosted already, or you just have the files? I'm sure someone will chime in and help (I have to run out for a bit)

Angle Loss

01-18-2006, 07:46 PM

Just one file. If someone could host it who is interested in hearing this pedal. This is just for my fellow Gear Pagers. Anything is better than the Namm clips...

onehandfretting

01-18-2006, 07:52 PM

Just one file. If someone could host it who is interested in hearing this pedal. This is just for my fellow Gear Pagers. Anything is better than the Namm clips...

I'll host it for you. Send the clip(s) to bobby@maudlinash.com

ScottB

01-18-2006, 07:54 PM

Beat me to it.

It would take me a while anyway since my bass player is the webmaster on our site...

onehandfretting

01-19-2006, 01:29 AM

Here's Angle Loss's demo:

http://maudlinash.com/audio_clips/Angle_Loss_Rotary_Ensemble_Demo.mp3

Great job, btw! This pretty much seals the deal for me!

Moe45673

01-19-2006, 01:57 AM

Nice clip! I was hoping to hear a bit of "cold shot" though ;)

cranqued

01-19-2006, 02:43 AM

Yeah, nice clip. Thanks for putting that together, Angle Loss (and hosting it, onehand).

Souled Out

01-19-2006, 03:42 AM

I recieved mine last week after being kinda disappointed with the Roto Machine. In stereo this is the tone I have been after from a Leslie sim. Boss did it right on this one. Guess the Roto goes to my son now. I've only played in first 2 modes so far and still tweaking knobs, but I can tell this is the deal for me. Does not seem to affect direct tone, but I am still in the honeymoon phase.

muddy

01-19-2006, 06:18 AM

THAT sounds as good as the korg! can't say i love the vibe, but the 2 leslie modes sound awesome. i guess the real test will be to see for myself whether or not it affects your tone as drastically as most do. KOOL!

ml

Mike K

01-19-2006, 06:50 AM

Thanks for that clip bro... Very helpfull.

Phil M

01-19-2006, 07:04 AM

Angle Loss, you just sold a few RT-20s I think. That clip sounds far better than some other sims I've heard recently. I like that slow swirling you get at :18 before the fast speed comes in.

Boss done good!

tfire

01-19-2006, 07:53 AM

Angle Loss, thanks for the clip. Did you make the speed changes with an external expression pedal, or just with the pedal itself?

Play by Tone

01-19-2006, 08:03 AM

You gave credibility to the pedal, I think a few people are going to buy now and see what its all about. I'm one of them. Thanks for the clip!

ABKB

01-19-2006, 08:05 AM

Yes, thank you for the clip Angle loss. Am still waiting for mine dangit, but this gets me drooling!

ScottB

01-19-2006, 08:17 AM

Fantastic clip!

Nice playing, too!

I...........can't............wait.

PS: Did you hear Shatner's kidney stone sold for $25K? Crazy!

Angle Loss

01-19-2006, 09:06 AM

Thanks for hosting, onehandfretting :)

I'm glad you guys enjoyed the clip, I do hope it helps. Just to give brief info for it:

Strat-Timmy-Rotary Ensemble-TopHat Club Deluxe-SM57 Garage Band

I played it at stock settings (most knobs at center detent), RT overdrive off, Effect level to match bypass volume, Dry volume off (Not like Namm video!) and did all speed switching from the pedal itself (right footswitch). It also has a brake function, but I don't really use it.

As far as "cold shot" goes, I'm still bummed it doesn't have a Vibratone :(

Angle Loss

dougb415

01-19-2006, 09:48 AM

And what's with the obsession over stereo imaging? As 3 dimensional as a Leslie sounds, it's definitely mono.

The only time a Leslie is mono is when it's recorded and played back over 1 speaker. A 'live' Leslie throws sound all over the room, after all.....

lpnv59

01-19-2006, 10:50 AM

You have to also consider how a Leslie is recorded in a song. "Badge", "No Matter What", "Nantucket Sleighride" etc. are miked up however the engineer decides. Then the usual processing of mixing, mastering and so on. By the time its on a CD, it doesn't really sound like what you would hear, if you were physically in front of the cab. Forget what radio does to the sound. Also some Leslies are powered by an amp and then recorded. Some have an already recorded track, sent thru the unpowered Leslie cab and returned back into a mix. Its more than just a Leslie when you hear the recordings.....just sayin!

KRosser

01-19-2006, 05:11 PM

Thanks for the great clip - what a helpful demonstration that was....

MrMunky

01-19-2006, 05:14 PM

I'm lovin' this thing! Slow and fast!

Angle, that was a great clip, thanks. I made one too, but it only uses the first two modes, and mostly just the first. It also lacks the helpful voice explanations of what's going on.

Take a listen if you want:

http://inrerocknroll.blogspot.com

Play by Tone

01-19-2006, 08:31 PM

fatback

01-19-2006, 09:42 PM

Got mine, (from musictoyz.com) today and first impressions are:

It's a winner! It is much more organic sounding than the Roto-sim and the Tonecore rotomachine and is smaller and has better braking options than the H&K rotosphere.

Leslie sounds... check!:AOK

next...

meterman

01-20-2006, 12:42 AM

Damn that sounds great!!!! I haven't bought a pedal in over 6 months but I am seriously GASSing for this one....always loved that sound, beautiful

Phil M

01-20-2006, 06:49 AM

Man, I can't wait to hear this in person. It sounds a lot like the things I loved about the Rotosphere (fast speed/girth) and the DLS (slow speed).

Thanks for the clips, you two.

meterman

01-21-2006, 08:05 PM

So, I really want one of these things!! Nobody in Atlanta has them yet but I've got a line on one hopefully early next week....

Couple questions for those experienced with this or other Leslie sims:

1) In order to make room for it on my board I've got to kick some stuff. I'm wondering if the RT-20 would replace my Pulsator Trem (thinking yes and then some, though it's a cool trem), and more importantly, my Red Witch Moon Phaser? I know a Leslie sim is not a phaser, and I know it can do swirly, but can you get some of the same percussive, funky rhythm sounds out of one?

2) Where would you put it in the pedal chain?

Thanks

rickkane32

01-21-2006, 11:54 PM

What an incredible pedal. Fortunately I was able to snag one at Sam Ash last night. The light show will bedazzle you. My two dogs just stare into the light for minutes on end. Thanks both of you guys for the great clips, as that was what caused me to drive 40 minutes last night to get one:dude

Rickkane32

teestone

01-22-2006, 12:37 AM

Nice,thanks for making that clip! The fast settings do sound quite realistic-it's those slow speeds that seem to be the toughest to get...being one who is totally 'coco nutty' for the slow churning of a leslie(like on 'Badge',etc)these sims sound more like regular chorus to me-maybe i need to hear one of these in stereo.

I totally agree with you. The slow speed is where its at for me. The RT-20 sounds good at the slow speed, but it still sounds like a chorus mixed with a phase. The fast speed is outstanding however! Stereo dosen't change it enough to merit keeping it. I have a stereo rig so was able to try it. Great pedal, probably one of the better sims out there and I've tried tham all. Oh well, the real deal will have to do. My RT-20 is on Ebay right now. I'm sure someone will enjoy having it.

Lucidology

09-03-2007, 09:25 PM

Is anybody still using this guy..?

bandofthieves™

09-03-2007, 09:53 PM

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that the Rotary Ensemble is out now, as alot of us have been waiting a long time. I have already put it on my pedalboard; it is a keeper for the Leslie sound.

The Namm video really doesn't sound that great. I'm a leslie freak (but unfortunetly can't keep one in my apartment :jo I've had both Rotospheres, the Korg G4 (my fav until this one), and have played nearly every simulator out (the RotoSim sounded watered down to me). I have also played guitar through a handful of real leslie cabs (knew some people who had them-there is nothing that can simulate that experience...eyes rolling back now...). I say this, so the other people that really love that sound can go check it out, as I've been filled with much disappointment regarding leslie sims.

I'm playing various guitars through a pedal board and TopHat amps, and finally am happy with a pedal to do that sound now. It doesn't have alot of different sounds; it only does the 122 and an okay sounding Univibe. The controls are well thought out though. I love both fast and slow speeds. On the mode selector, #2 is my fav, a closer miked sound with more amplitude modulation. Second to that is mode #1, which is the same setup but farther miked for a more chorusy-less tremelo sound.

And the display...hypnotizing. I look forward to playing even more. Currently I have only played it in mono, because that is all I use for playing out and at church (I lead worship with electric). I don't post all that often even though I've been around here for a few years, but this was worth posting about. And for those that will ask, I do think it sounds much better than the Rotosphere, RotoSim, Voce Spin II, Korg G4 (this is better than the others though), and everything else save for the maybe the Dynacord, but it's been a long time since I've played through one of those, and considering cost as well, this is alot better.

--Angle Loss
I wish I shared your excitement.I did until I put a few shows under my belt with the pedal.I still have it and will eventually give it another try but for now the only way I found to have a solid sound out of it was to run it into a seperate amp..KInda like carrying a leslie around again.:messedup

Angle Loss

09-03-2007, 10:25 PM

Is anybody still using this guy..?

I'm still using it. Pros/Cons? I still maintain that it is the most accurate leslie sim I've played. The univibe and overdrive on it are terrible of course--I haven't heard a digital vibe that sounds good yet. That doesn't worry me though as I use a Timmy for overdrive with it and never need the vibe. Secondly, I wish the top end could be tamed a little more without having to reduce the horn via the horn/rotor balance knob. Other than those complaints, I still love the pedal and think it is still heads and tails above the Rotosphere and any other sim on the market.

Someday my wife will let me have a Leslie cab in the living room as functional furniture, but I will still take the rt-20 to the gig. btw, I use it mono through my pedalboard and amp 99% of the time.

edit: here is a link to that original quick demo of it I did a year and a half ago. http://www.purevolume.com/angleloss

ScottB

09-04-2007, 12:32 AM

Is anybody still using this guy..?

Yep. It's been on my board for over a year and a half now.

I've been considering the new Option 5, but I haven't taken the plunge.

I think the RT20 is a pretty good pedal, though. I can't see a Leslie sim being head and shoulders better. I'm not dissatisfied with it at all. Basically I'd be switching to see what else is out there, and just mix it up a bit. I would keep the RT20, anyway.

Lucidology

09-04-2007, 01:18 AM

I'm still using it. Pros/Cons? I still maintain that it is the most accurate leslie sim I've played. The univibe and overdrive on it are terrible of course--I haven't heard a digital vibe that sounds good yet. That doesn't worry me though as I use a Timmy for overdrive with it and never need the vibe. Secondly, I wish the top end could be tamed a little more without having to reduce the horn via the horn/rotor balance knob. Other than those complaints, I still love the pedal and think it is still heads and tails above the Rotosphere and any other sim on the market.

Someday my wife will let me have a Leslie cab in the living room as functional furniture, but I will still take the rt-20 to the gig. btw, I use it mono through my pedalboard and amp 99% of the time.

edit: here is a link to that original quick demo of it I did a year and a half ago. http://www.purevolume.com/angleloss

It Sounds really good in your hands ... Makes me truly consider picking one up ...
This Santa Cruz store has a extremely low price on one if anyone's interested:

http://www.gbase.com/Powered/GearDetails.aspx?Dealer=ff5f0242-59c9-4992-9299-18e28f850b31&Item=1613250

lpnv59

09-04-2007, 08:37 AM

Like Angle Loss, I love mine with the right OD pedal pushing it. The built in OD does leave a lot to be desired. Fortunately the market is flooded with OD options. Right now the Xotic AC+ (Ch B) has worked the best so far. Out of all the OD's I have now, or had in the last year since I got my RT20, the Xotic works with its tone character.

riis

01-15-2008, 08:02 AM

Hi guys!

I'm strongly considering this one... but my problem is Boss. I've just ditched all my Boss pedals because they tend to mess up stuff like the Colorsound Power Boost and AnanlogMan Sun Face. I used the DD-20 for some time but it sounded horrible in standby mode/off. Sucked and coloured my tone big time. What's your thought on the RT20? Is it like any other Boss pedal?

Thanks!

Angle Loss

01-15-2008, 08:35 AM

If you put a Boss pedal in front of your AM Fuzz it will mess with it just because there is a buffer in the Boss. Running it after will not have bad effect on the tone. In fact, the buffers in Boss pedals lower your impedence helping you to not "suck" tone (losing treble from cable). Some people when putting a Boss pedal in their chain complain because it makes it brighter, but truth is that it is restoring the treble lost running through your cables and true bypass pedals. You are probably running your amp too bright to compensate for the other pedals and thus going too bright when the Boss is inserted.

The older Boss pedals have a slightly higher impedence, meaning that they will not restore as much treble, which some like better. The funny thing is that people get used to the "tone suck" in their rig and like the warmth of having extra highs rolled off by long cables and true bypass pedals. I use mostly true bypass stuff, but keep an old Boss CS-2 MIJ after my Fuzz Face and Wah to help my board of 16 pedals stay neutral sounding---as if I were just plugging into my amp.

I don't know whether this knowledge will help you, as you may like the sound you are getting, and therefore not like putting a Boss pedal in your chain. However, with some knowledge you may be able to work out a better solution. I wouldn't recommend stringing bunches of buffered pedals together (although some people like Pete Cornish/David Gilmour do). Also, finding the best spot for a buffer just takes some experimenting. The more highs you want to preserve=put your buffer as close to the guitar as possible. Likewise, you can minimize the effect by putting it later.

TNJ

01-15-2008, 08:49 AM

I've had my RT20 for almost a year now...and use it alot.
I own a Tube Rotosphere, and like it too.
But I find myself using the RT 20 more.

Great pedal,
S.
j

gregory49

01-15-2008, 10:17 AM

I rented a RT20 for a short time just to try it out with my rig.... I loved it . It worked great with my HBOD and LDO.. and it didn't make a difference regarding my BBB07....

would it matter with a Ge Fuzz???

riis

01-15-2008, 04:48 PM

gibsonjunkie

10-13-2008, 07:22 AM

Still have my trusty G4. A great sounding pedal that Korg discontinued after less than a year of production. My only critiscism is that non-adjustable noise gate - I've never heard anyone else complain about it, but the way it cuts off a note as the sound decays has always bugged me a bit. How's the RC in that department?

And what's with the obsession over stereo imaging? As 3 dimensional as a Leslie sounds, it's definitely mono.

Is there an expression pedal out to control the speed on the RT-20? If so, can it be controlled w/a cheap volume pedal like the Korg could?

The Boss Expression pedal controls the speed very nicely. It makes a real nice addition to the sound. I just got one and have it plugged into my Roland XP-50 keyboard. I have been playing so much with it that I haven't had time to try it out on my guitars yet.