I received my L1 on 8-Jan, finally set it up on 9-Jan, and finally had a chance to play it today.

First, I purchased the L1 Model II, two B1 and ToneMatch System. I plan to use it for guitar, bass and keyboards.

This is my first experience, Day 1: I loaded the Rickenbacker presets into Bank A, went to the 620 Hi-Gain preset, set my input gain, tuned up and played. All I can say is WOW! This is what I expected my 620 to sound like, across all settings and tone ranges. What a classic sound, killer tone, everything I love about Rickenbacker was evident in the first few minutes, and beyond.

Eventually, I investigated the effects and other options, but I was soon back to the original factory preset for the Ric 620 Hi-Gain without effects - I can't even begin to describe how clean, crisp and sweet this sounds, with the right settings / adjustments on the instrument's controls, I was able to get nice overdrive, back to clean and every nuance in between.

Even with the two B1s, I didn't lose the high end jangle of my 620 nor did I get low end boominess/mud. Any other guitar players use 2 B1's in your set-up? I may try with 1 B1 to see how that changes the guitar tone, what should I expect?

Back to the effects, I was able to dial in some very interesting (good) sounds as well. I have a preamp/effects rack to do this, but these effects sounded great and could be used if needed.

I've got an Epiphone Casino with P90 pickups (single coil, passive), anyone have any preset or zEQ setting suggestions to start?

Later this week, as I get my 620 dialed in, I'll give my 330 and Casino a go!!! After I have my guitars dialed in, I'll get to work on my preamp integration with the L1.

So far so good, very happy with my Day 1 results.

Peace.

rsm,

Great to hear you had a good Day #1!

Try some of the Ric presets for the Casino. I've heard P90 Casinos sound many different ways, so it all depends what you are going for. For a smoother strumming sound for the Casino try some acoustic guitar presets.

If you find a preset thats close, but not quite - let us know and maybe we can suggest another on a ToneMatch bank that would be perfect.

For most guitarists, 2 B1's vs. 1 will not make much of a difference. Some swear by 2 over 1 - give it a shot and let us know what you hear.

Keep on experimenting...
Mike

MikeZ,

Thanks, I will give the Ric presets a try with the Casino.

Peace.

Day 2.

Used my Rickenbacker 330 today with my L1 System. Guess what? It sounded brilliant and most excellent using the stock preset. I didn't need to EQ (again, at all; nothing needed tweaking). So this sounded great from the start.

Next, I added my Axe-Fx simulator/effects unit in mono just to see what it sounded like. Well, I didn't like it. Things I used to like, I didn't? Things that used to sound good, didn't? ...then I remembered, I had the cab simulators bypassed (Using the Axe-Fx with guitar cabs, its recommended to bypass the cab simulation). Well, I turned the cab simulator to active, and tried again. Wouldn't you know? wooohooo, instant perfection yet again!

OK, maybe I'm just infatuated with my Rics, my Axe-Fx and my L1 system, maybe the honeymoon isn't quite over yet? I dunno? All I can say is everything is sounding fantastic and is working well together - with minimal effort on my part.

Next, my plan is to work my L1 System with my Ric 330 and the Axe-Fx some more. I've now set the Axe-Fx L & R channels into T1 channel 2 & 3, respectively, haven't played it this way yet. This experiment session will probably be several days or more, but I'll post my impressions after my deep dive.

FWIW, I ordered an AB switch pedal, so I can switch between A: instrument direct into T1 and B: instrument into preamp into T1. At this early stage, for guitar I plan to use the T1 preset as the main rhythm sound, and use my Axe-Fx for lead and alternative rhythms, etc. If things go as planned, I'll do something similar for bass with the AB setup and deep dive.

To Do List:

• Dial in my Epiphone Casino with the T1/L1
  
• Get my keyboards connected and tested.
  
• Keyboard T1/L1 Experiment sessions.
  
• Get my Steinberger L2 bass up and running with the T1 direct, and with my Trace Elliot preamp
  
• Get the AB pedal connected.
  
• Keep experimenting with my set-up
  
• Keep practicing
  

Peace.

RSM,

A truly great report, I look forward to the next one.

Neil

quote:

Even with the two B1s, I didn't lose the high end jangle of my 620 nor did I get low end boominess/mud. ... I may try with 1 B1 to see how that changes the guitar tone, what should I expect?

A number of guitar players on this forum who started with just 1 B1 report loving the improvement having two B1's makes to their guitar sound.

My prediction: At lower volumes (e.g. living room; quiet small cafe') you may not hear much difference. The nice thing about the L1 System is that with 2 B1's, at lower volumes, you shouldn't hear too much difference between 1 or 2 B1's. That's a good thing.

Get into anything loud, or in rooms which tend to 'suck up' the bass, or music that has lots of low "percussive" sounds, then you may find that just one B1 may "run out of gas" as you turn up the Master (and/or Low EQ), leaving the sound a somewhat "thin" or "shrill" at the louder volumes in those larger rooms.

I'd only take just one B1 to a place I've already performed in before and I've "checked out" to know that 1 B1 is sufficient.

rsm

That's a very rewarding message to read. Your enthusiasm for your experience with the Ric's and the L1 is so obvious.

I worked directly with the owner, john Hall and Kenny Howse (veteran player and marketing director) to get the sound they wanted. What you have there is the guitar tone that the creators and flame-keepers of those instruments wanted you to hear first. It's really exciting to read about this. This is a true validation of the core intention of the entire ToneMatch program and concept. Thanks so much for writing in.

Do a search for Rickenbacker on this forum. There are a lot of photos and stories about the entire adventure. I spent an entire day with them, voicing their beautiful instruments for the L1 and had a total blast, both personally and professionally.

Dan, thanks for the advice on the B1s.

Cliff, envious - I'd love to spend a day a Ric HQ as an observer! (and maybe ask about my orders from 2006 I'd say the work on the Ric presets exceeded my expectations, kudos to you and all involved.

Day 3 - still going through the factory presets in my Axe-Fx Ultra with the L1 (T1 set to Flat). I'm using the Axe-Fx L & R into T1 2 & 3, now the delays and reverbs sound even richer. There are nearly 400 factory presets in the Ultra, so I have many more to sample and test. Then I'll get into my custom presets, keys and bass.

No complaints, (which is a surprise to me, really) issues or concerns thus far. Still amazed at how good everything sounds (or how bad they used to sound maybe?).

Peace.

Days 5-7 - Still working through the Axe-Fx factory presets, tonight going to go back to my Ric 620. I tried my keys for the first time yesterday: stellar sound! I've softkeys going out of a MacBook into a stereo out - split to two balanced 1/4" TRS into the T1 channels 4/5. Rich, full, spacial - great lows that can shake the rafters and great highs too, and distorted keys sounded as harsh as I wanted them to be - just like in the headphones!

I hope to finish with the guitar/Axe-Fx factory presets --> T1/L1 eval this week, then start on bass for/by the weekend.

So far: I'm continuously rewarded with great sound from my L1 system no matter what I've put through it - it just sounds fantastic. If the bass works as I hope (as I expect it will), I won't be needing the remaining days in my 45 day trial.

Peace.

I thought that a link to the Rickenbacker Preset Session photo diary might be useful. Have a look at the fun we had at the Rickenbacker facilities.

...Mark

Mark,

Thanks for the glimpse inside Ric. I'm one of those owners waiting (since 2006) for new Rics on order I have a few now, but waiting for them is tough! The best part of the wait, is that the factory is always running at full capacity with no end in sight - no compromise - can't say that about some other guitar makers

Are those large band EQ units in soft cases what you used to shape/create the T1 presets for the Rics and other brands? I don't suppose there's a chance that this EQ shaping tool will be made available to T1 owners, even in software form?

In addition to my Rics, I have an Epiphone John Lennon 1965 Casino which I need to test with my L1 system. MikeZ recommended I try some of the Ric presets which I will do, however I'm hoping there will be settings for the hollow body Casino using P90 pickups? or the ability for T1 owners to create the basic EQ curve for our instruments i.e., creating our own instrument presets, when the manufacturers are not directly involved? I think the latter would be a great feature that would drive more musicians to the L1 system, if they don't use an instrument available in the factory presets (like my Casino), they could create their own preset.

Peace.

Update:

Well, I finally put my bass into my L1. No presets for my brand / model, but it sounded fine using the Active Bass presets, a little tweaking on the EQ is all that's needed. But, my Trace Elliot Preamp sounded great into the T1 Utility Flat.

So bass, guitar direct (Rickenbackers using Ric presets) and keyboards are all working nicely with my L1 system.

Now, back to guitar. My Axe-Fx Ultra sounds great, my L1 system sounds great; put them together they don't seem to get along, well not for a long time with large amounts of tension.

It has taken some time, but I have a working set, not perfect, but working = needs more work; which proves these will work together, but it "ain't gonna be easy!" It nearly seemed that these two systems, each great on its own, were not going to work together at all!

I've got a few more approaches to test out, but I'm satisfied that it is possible but it will take more work (possibly quite a great deal. Maybe Bose can work with Fractal Audio Systems to make a preset (similar to the Line6 POD preset) for their Axe-FX? This is at the top of my wishlist! (I'll post it there at some point!).

My goal now is to find the "magic integration formula" i.e., the best way to set either the T1 or the Ultra using a general, reusable approach that provides for seamless integration. This will likely be either getting into the poweramp and/or advanced amp configurations in the Ultra, or a final Graphic (GEQ) and/or Parametric EQ (PEQ) at the end of my Ultra's signal processing chain. I tried the zEq for this (may spend more time on this again?), but it doesn't have the range of the EQs in the Ultra (PEQ is 5-band; GEQ is 8-band, and I can have up to 4 of each in one preset!

I can say it was initially very discouraging to discover that my two main components in my ideal amplification / sound solution did not want to cooperate with each other! Like I said, it has to be possible because each of these are great products.

If there are any other Axe-Fx owners who have been down the road I'm taking, it would be great to hear about your approach / solutions?

Peace.

Hi rsm,

quote:

Originally posted by rsm:
...
Now, back to guitar. My Axe-Fx Ultra sounds great, my L1 system sounds great; put them together they don't seem to get along, well not for a long time with large amounts of tension.

It has taken some time, but I have a working set, not perfect, but working = needs more work; which proves these will work together, but it "ain't gonna be easy!" It nearly seemed that these two systems, each great on its own, were not going to work together at all!
...
Peace.

Can you say more about what is not working?

ST

I'm getting really strong mids, and some muddiness. Dialing it out has proven to be challenging. I've got a few cleans working, and liquid leads, but not the "vintage Vox-overdrive". I'm trying to get a classic Rickenbacker into a Vox on the verge of breakup - John Lennon rhythm / George Harrison lead tone. Here is an example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...E3lM&feature=related

start at: 0:22. Lead at: 1:23 You can hear the rhythm I'm after at: 1:33. The clean jangle / twang lead is in here too.

The Axe-Fx has both AC-30 and AC-30TB simulation that I'm working on getting to the live sound in these video clips. There are several more videos in the related videos list from the Blackpool Night Out show, and a few NME and HQ shows.

Getting the mids under control is key. I'm getting closer, though I'm still not there yet. The Axe-Fx is designed to work with FRFR cabs, and sound "live" i.e., guitar-->amp-->mic-->FOH so there is some distance as its not an "amp in the room sound". Using full range, flat response amplification I should be getting amp that was modeled. I am, but it sounds colored with mids. Unfortunately, I don't have a way to hear an example of a Vox AC-30 to AB with my Axe-Fx and L1.

I would think the Axe-Fx is similar to the Line6 POD, but that preset on the T1 didn't sound much different than the Utility Flat? Maybe I need to spend more time with the POD preset? This is where my questions about General Direct, General Processor and the other presets' usage intent came from?


Peace.

Nearing the end of week 4 of L1 ownership (with only few days left in the trial period. But, I'm not sending it back!)

Well, its been a great week with my Rickenbacker guitars (here's the newest addition which arrived earlier this week: ), my Axe-Fx Ultra and my L1 system.

FINALLY! I have resolved my muddy/mids problem, and even uploaded my first preset for the Axe-Fx to their website. Not perfect, but I have a nice, tight 'n bright Vox AC-30 TB clean sound, and I'm working on a version that sounds like early George Harrison's clean, twang leads.

While I was in the midst of the muddiness and mids-madness, I picked up a Zoom G2 multieffect pedal for $100. Its a great little unit, sounds great with the L1 (preset Utility Flat) and much easier to dial-in a very good sound or two quickly (compared to the Axe-Fx). If you are able to work a simple stompbox you can use the G2 - its about the easiest effect processor I've ever used. Of course, it will not replace my Axe-Fx, but its a great simple alternative.

Anyone else using Zoom processors? I've had a Zoom 9002 since they came out (sorta). This G2, for being digital, is rich, full and warm IMO. Probably won't replace a tube unit for those who need tubes (they have a higher-end unit that has two tubes in it, called the 9.2tt), but I can see this G2 unit being a travel / practice / live unit - sparing my Axe-Fx from having to leave the safety of my home!

All is good here. The Bose L1 Model II (2 B1 bass modules) and T1 does everything I need and more for guitar, bass and keyboards; my guitar and bass preamps/processors/effects and sounds great with my Rickenbackers direct.

FWIW, my Bose L1 system is a keeper, it is an integral part to my music and a key component in what I'm doing, just as my Axe-Fx, Trace Elliot and my treasured Rickenbackers.

What an amazing piece of gear! I can't say enough about the goodness of the L1/T1 PAS.

Thanks Bose!

Peace.

I rsm,

We really appreciate you posting your detailed work with the L1 and your other instruments. It's invaluable when a player does this work and is willing to talk about it so others can benefit.

Naturally, I'm delighted that the L1 has turned out to be a winner for you. Our whole endeavor was/is aimed at this result. It makes everything we do worthwhile.

Sincerely,

Ken

Thanks Ken! Glad this helps. Thanks for the L1/T1 system creation too!.

For any Axe-Fx users out there, here's what worked for me. I'm using a simple signal chain of:

[CPR] -> [AMP] -> [CAB]

where the CPR = Studio; AMP = Top Boost; CAB = 2x12 Brit.

This got me very close to the Vox jingle jangle of the early Beatles, with some tweaking. turns out boosting the Treble, and Master Volume + Gain adjustments was enough to kill the mid muddiness. After I finalize the tweaking of this basic chain, I'll look to adding an outbound GEQ which I may transform after dial-in to a PEQ. The preset on the axechange is number: 692, title is "Vox Tite 'n Brite". Notes on my set-up are in the description there.

Please let me know if you have presets that you are using with the L1 or upload to the axechange!

My goal is to get my ideal amp models (of AC-30 and AC-30 TB) modeled; which I can use as the basis for other presets. In retrospect, FWIW, the Axe-Fx Ultra is overkill for my current needs, I probably could have used a Vox Tonelab LE and saved a bundle!

Peace.

Hello, AJ, rsm

Please see this new discussion.

Model II Repair Concerns.

Thank you.