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Post by frankie on Jun 23, 2016 9:05:48 GMT -7
Over here at the shop we have been spending some time tinkering with the multiple uses of the Z-Drive and trying to squeeze out the most applicable uses of it. With the huge amount of volume on tap and the versatile shaping EQ, we are really astounded at how many sounds and uses you can get out of this pedal. It is really more of a pre-amp than just a distortion pedal.
Is there any questions or applications you have wondered about that we could potentially demo for you if we were to do a comprehensive demo of the Z-Drive? Let me know your thoughts!
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Post by dergit (Markus) on Jun 23, 2016 14:18:14 GMT -7
What I find pretty amazing about this pedal, and what could be demo'ed, is its versatility... I mostly use it to get: - clean boost reminiscent of a Klon or the King of Tone - tube-screamer-like mid-boost - almost fuzz... at least enough for my fuzz-needs ... and I'm sure it can do a lot more.
Also, I've often called the Z-Drive a "remote for my MAZ" rather than a distortion pedal. I was even thinking of demoing that at some point: create a driven sound with my MAZ and then try to replicate it with the Z-Drive into my clean MAZ. After all, that's what makes it the Z-Drive... it isn't a different flavour (dumble-style od, plexi-style od etc.) but distinctively Z-flavoured!
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Post by pcns on Jun 24, 2016 5:56:27 GMT -7
I use mine in a simular manner to Eric Ambel's demo in another thread. I keep my amp in a clean ish range, use my green side for more volume and gain. Then use the red side to get a little crazy or for leads.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2016 11:20:16 GMT -7
Man, I read into the title of the post as recommendations for Z Drive V2.0...
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Post by nmz on Jun 24, 2016 12:20:10 GMT -7
Love the green side but never warmed up to the red side with my Therapy. It just seemed too low mid/bass heavy. When I would dial that side in and switch back to the green I did not dig where the EQ was set.
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Post by frankie on Jun 24, 2016 12:36:44 GMT -7
What I find pretty amazing about this pedal, and what could be demo'ed, is its versatility... I mostly use it to get: - clean boost reminiscent of a Klon or the King of Tone - tube-screamer-like mid-boost - almost fuzz... at least enough for my fuzz-needs ... and I'm sure it can do a lot more. Also, I've often called the Z-Drive a "remote for my MAZ" rather than a distortion pedal. I was even thinking of demoing that at some point: create a driven sound with my MAZ and then try to replicate it with the Z-Drive into my clean MAZ. After all, that's what makes it the Z-Drive... it isn't a different flavour (dumble-style od, plexi-style od etc.) but distinctively Z-flavoured! Lot of good suggestions in this. I think you could get very close to your Maz with the Z-Drive. We have been A/B'ing various overdrives over here and matching with the Z-Drive. Some of them are nearly indistinguishable from each other when you have the Z-Drive dialed in right.
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Post by walt on Jun 26, 2016 9:56:48 GMT -7
Like Todd,I also use it similar to the Roscoe demo-and like Dergit,I like the Fuzziness I can get from the red side-especially with the neck pickup for sludgey stoner doom.I am running A Barber Gain Changer into the Z drive,and use the GC and the Green Channel as 2 similar flavors,and sometimes together for a more classic rock,not metal sound.The Red side has such a nice thick fuzziness,that I am not useing a fuzz right now.It's a great pedal,does lots of things well.
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Jun 26, 2016 13:24:56 GMT -7
Love the green side but never warmed up to the red side with my Therapy. It just seemed too low mid/bass heavy. When I would dial that side in and switch back to the green I did not dig where the EQ was set. Very interesting take .......I have been thinking of playing with one, but it's a very long drive to John's place so was hoping someone with a Therapy would speak up..........and given what I've heard on the videos so far, your experience doesn't surprise me.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2016 16:44:25 GMT -7
Love the green side but never warmed up to the red side with my Therapy. It just seemed too low mid/bass heavy. When I would dial that side in and switch back to the green I did not dig where the EQ was set. Very interesting take .......I have been thinking of playing with one, but it's a very long drive to John's place so was hoping someone with a Therapy would speak up..........and given what I've heard on the videos so far, your experience doesn't surprise me. I would re-purchase the Z Drive if it came with independent EQ controls - and maybe a smidge more compression on the red side. Whenever I got one side where I liked it, it totally killed the mojo of the other side...
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Post by nmz on Jun 26, 2016 19:10:12 GMT -7
Very interesting take .......I have been thinking of playing with one, but it's a very long drive to John's place so was hoping someone with a Therapy would speak up..........and given what I've heard on the videos so far, your experience doesn't surprise me. I would re-purchase the Z Drive if it came with independent EQ controls - and maybe a smidge more compression on the red side. Whenever I got one side where I liked it, it totally killed the mojo of the other side... Agree, and I would as well.
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Post by dergit (Markus) on Jun 27, 2016 0:25:56 GMT -7
It's probably more feasible to split the two sides into two pedals than doubling down on the analogue EQ components... they're not just eq controls.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2016 18:25:35 GMT -7
It's probably more feasible to split the two sides into two pedals than doubling down on the analogue EQ components... they're not just eq controls. I don't know the technical bits, but the gain knobs have enough juice in them to not necessarily need the extra push within the bass, middle and treble frequencies. It would almost seem to me like you could ditch the cut switch, add a master tone knob to add or roll off treble, and have a mid knob - that way, each channel has four dials - Level, Gain, Middle, Tone. Maybe the mid knob can have a gain boost in that frequency, because that's really the only place you need it...
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Post by walt on Jun 28, 2016 14:00:45 GMT -7
It's probably more feasible to split the two sides into two pedals than doubling down on the analogue EQ components... they're not just eq controls. I don't know the technical bits, but the gain knobs have enough juice in them to not necessarily need the extra push within the bass, middle and treble frequencies. It would almost seem to me like you could ditch the cut switch, add a master tone knob to add or roll off treble, and have a mid knob - that way, each channel has four dials - Level, Gain, Middle, Tone. Maybe the mid knob can have a gain boost in that frequency, because that's really the only place you need it... Sounds like you win the Quickfire challenge! Get to work on that I'll buy one.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2016 14:56:35 GMT -7
I don't know the technical bits, but the gain knobs have enough juice in them to not necessarily need the extra push within the bass, middle and treble frequencies. It would almost seem to me like you could ditch the cut switch, add a master tone knob to add or roll off treble, and have a mid knob - that way, each channel has four dials - Level, Gain, Middle, Tone. Maybe the mid knob can have a gain boost in that frequency, because that's really the only place you need it... Sounds like you win the Quickfire challenge! Get to work on that I'll buy one.
Hell, if I could do that, I wouldn't be selling packaging manufacturing for a living. I'm an idea guy, I pay others to handle the execution part!
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Post by frankie on Jul 26, 2016 20:04:23 GMT -7
It's probably more feasible to split the two sides into two pedals than doubling down on the analogue EQ components... they're not just eq controls. I don't know the technical bits, but the gain knobs have enough juice in them to not necessarily need the extra push within the bass, middle and treble frequencies. It would almost seem to me like you could ditch the cut switch, add a master tone knob to add or roll off treble, and have a mid knob - that way, each channel has four dials - Level, Gain, Middle, Tone. Maybe the mid knob can have a gain boost in that frequency, because that's really the only place you need it... I feel like you just described what the Treble and Mid knobs already do. Both actively boost or cut their respective frequencies. I'm curious to know if you play out of an open or closed back cabinet. Having the luxury to use both at the shop, we found that the cut switches on both channels were quite integral in dialing the pedal in to compliment the cab you were playing out of. Further, I personally find the cut exceptionally useful in using the red side as a lead boost, to make sure it soars in the mix. I'm even more curious for your opinion on the demo that we are going to be releasing soon, so keep your ears peeled. Using the Z Drive through a simple Hot Rod Deluxe with its controls at noon, a strat, a tele, and a LP, it was hard to find what we would consider a "bad tone." So much so that we had to pare down so that demo would be under 10 minutes.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2016 21:24:03 GMT -7
Tonight was my 3rd gig with the Z-Drive. Second with a Supro 1622RT Tremo-Verb. I used the green side most of the time with my ES-135 the red and the green with the cut down was great for Neil Young leads Live Rust. Yes reverb and some delay. The only other drive I'm using is an EP Booster, just for a little more push. If I play my Mustang or JazzMaster the Cut switch is up. The EQ with this box is boss.
Cheers, Richard
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2016 22:42:58 GMT -7
I don't know the technical bits, but the gain knobs have enough juice in them to not necessarily need the extra push within the bass, middle and treble frequencies. It would almost seem to me like you could ditch the cut switch, add a master tone knob to add or roll off treble, and have a mid knob - that way, each channel has four dials - Level, Gain, Middle, Tone. Maybe the mid knob can have a gain boost in that frequency, because that's really the only place you need it... I feel like you just described what the Treble and Mid knobs already do. Both actively boost or cut their respective frequencies. I'm curious to know if you play out of an open or closed back cabinet. Having the luxury to use both at the shop, we found that the cut switches on both channels were quite integral in dialing the pedal in to compliment the cab you were playing out of. Further, I personally find the cut exceptionally useful in using the red side as a lead boost, to make sure it soars in the mix. I'm even more curious for your opinion on the demo that we are going to be releasing soon, so keep your ears peeled. Using the Z Drive through a simple Hot Rod Deluxe with its controls at noon, a strat, a tele, and a LP, it was hard to find what we would consider a "bad tone." So much so that we had to pare down so that demo would be under 10 minutes. I'm playing out of open back cabs. I just like the ambiance they provide. I'l be sure to remain on the lookout for the new demo!
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Post by Lefty on Jul 27, 2016 4:17:18 GMT -7
I can say I like the Z Drive just the way it is.
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Post by mickey on Jul 27, 2016 7:05:38 GMT -7
I can say I like the Z Drive just the way it is. This! I'm warming to the Z-Drive more and more. Been gigging my Ghia and 2x10 cab recently (giving the ol' Maz a rest) and getting some great sounds. I set the eq with bass around 9 o' clock, mid up to 3, treble maybe 11 or 12, cut on both sides. This sounds similar to my KOT, but with the green sounding a bit more pristine and the red has a bit more gain. I definitely wouldn't want more compression. It works well for me with the Ghia.
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Post by frankie on Jul 28, 2016 11:24:08 GMT -7
The first part of the demo that I teased:
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Post by Stephen on Jul 28, 2016 15:56:45 GMT -7
I like it just the way it is; green for boost and red for dirt.
Now where can I get some of those black knobs on the unit in the demo?
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Post by DRZ on Jul 28, 2016 17:04:45 GMT -7
Antique Electronics have then. Z
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2016 17:30:56 GMT -7
I just saw the demo on Facebook. Sounds excellent, I could never get mine to sound that well. I'll definitely be interested in seeing part II,
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Post by frankie on Jul 28, 2016 18:26:29 GMT -7
I just saw the demo on Facebook. Sounds excellent, I could never get mine to sound that well. I'll definitely be interested in seeing part II, Part 2 is going to be fun, we will be showcasing some more unique applications of the pedal. I think the pedal rewards a lot of experimenting, for example, as in the second Tele clip, the Red channel as rhythm and the Green as lead is something equally viable. Red doesn't have to be your lead channel, with the cut down it's tight, fast and responsive, like a good Marshall, and tracks chords very well. The green has the perfect amount of softness to reward single note runs with a touch of smoothness and fluidity. I'll be sure to put a PDF of some of the settings used in this demo on the website.
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Post by Stephen on Jul 28, 2016 19:12:22 GMT -7
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2016 19:26:44 GMT -7
I just saw the demo on Facebook. Sounds excellent, I could never get mine to sound that well. I'll definitely be interested in seeing part II, Part 2 is going to be fun, we will be showcasing some more unique applications of the pedal. I think the pedal rewards a lot of experimenting, for example, as in the second Tele clip, the Red channel as rhythm and the Green as lead is something equally viable. Red doesn't have to be your lead channel, with the cut down it's tight, fast and responsive, like a good Marshall, and tracks chords very well. The green has the perfect amount of softness to reward single note runs with a touch of smoothness and fluidity. I'll be sure to put a PDF of some of the settings used in this demo on the website. That's awesome! I'm sure I'll be seeing another Z Drive in my future.
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Post by justjoshinya on Jul 30, 2016 19:47:20 GMT -7
I really liked the one I had but would have loved it if it had eq for each channel. I could get sounds I really liked out of both sides but never with the same eq settings.
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