Voodoo Lab

Maelgad wrote: ↑Fri Dec 14, 2018 3:13 pm Holy !@$@#%, I don't know if I even want to ask the cost of that setup.

Less than the value it has created for the user.

A few months back Nice Rack Canada built this pedalboard for one of the most talented guitarists in Canada right now, Robb Cappelletto.

Building rigs for a dedicated tone seeker is a pleasure. Robb has done all of the homework on chops & gear.

On November 21, 2019 Robb's new album "Double Red" will be released, available at http://bit.ly/RCDoubleRed The album was tracked using this rig and we're super excited about the results.



The rig is classic "4CM" affair. Guitar --> Zachary Vex Effects Super Duper 2 in 1 --> Strymon Mobius "Pre" --> Mesa Boogie JP-2C Pre Amp --> Strymon TimeLine --> Strymon BigSky --> Sonic Research Turbo Tuner --> JP-2C Effects Return --> JP-2C Speaker Out --> Mesa 2x12" Cabinet.

Robb wanted a MIDI controlled rig for preset recall of the entire system. We suggested the RJM Music MasterMind LT/7 to control the MIDI equipped pedals, and the Z Vex Super Duper 2 in 1.

Although the Z Vex pedal is not MIDI equipped we modified it to be under the controller's command. We rehoused the pedal and replaced the switches with DPDT relays, which in turn are controlled by the LT/7's Function Switches.



Expanding the user functionality of the system we included a BOSS EV-30 expression pedal and Nice Rack Canada 2 Button Switchbox. The NRC switchbox is programmed as Instant Access to 1 of the Super Duper's circuits and the Eq on the JP-2C.

By utilizing the MasterMind LT/7's set list feature, Robb has found that his onstage work flow is much easier and seamless. No more paper set lists and tempos for songs are preprogrammed.

The Voodoo Lab X4 power supply system is tucked away under the Strymons. The lack of field effect from this power supply makes placement of these units much more flexible in a system design. Previously with transformer based step down circuits on the primary of the system PSU, a greater space between devices had to be employed to achieve a clean noisefloor in the system’s audio path.

When you're ready to unleash your true tone and improve your playing experience, reach out to Nice Rack Canada we can help.

Nice Rack Canada
Tonesmithing Services | Pedalboard & Rack Systems for Guitar, Bass & Keys | Engineered Solutions for Musicians.
WEB: http://www.NiceRackCanada.com
EMAIL: info@NiceRackCanada.com

mrcoffee883 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 27, 2019 3:26 pm Classy with the political overtones...

-m

100% Yes.

Building guitar rigs at Nice Rack Canada is an enjoyable way to spend every work day, but occasionally things get dialled up a notch, or 3.

A fantastic client recently came to our shop with a few boxes full of his favourite audio tools, wanting them built into a comprehensive guitar rig that could answer any of his creative urges.

The client gave us carte blanche to devise the signal flow and make hardware choices as we deemed fit for the task.

The criteria for the rig was;

• Pristine Dry Tones
  
  Lush, Warm & Deep Effects
  
  Homages to the client’s musical heroes
  
  Instant Accessibility to every function & favourite presets
  
  Forward Flexibility

We developed this Wet / Dry / Wet system to capitalize on the client’s extensive collection of Marshalls and Marshall clones. Although the client is a dedicated Jimmy Page fan, he does not like the aesthetic of three of Page’s “secret weapons”, Supros, the AC30 & Whammy pedal. Hence we added the Fractal Audio Axe FX II XL+ to cover the Supro, AC30 & Whammy Pedal tones.



Starting right from the beginning of the signal chain at the guitar we spec’d the Shure Axient UHF system. Switching the input frequencies was the first homage to a hero, the Mike Hill Input Switcher as used by Angus Young.

Sharp eyes may notice that the 3x Furman units are seeing different input voltages. Here’s why. The primary Furman is the P1800AR which regulates output to 120VAC from the 105 to 125VAC input range, this unit powers the Effects Rack & the secondary Furman (PL-8) in the UHF Rack. The PL-8 supplies power to the UHF system, switcher, battery chargers & VariAC. The output of the VariAC supplies the 3rd Furman (PL-8) , which supplies “browned” 110VAC to the Amplifiers.



Continuing the homage to heroes a Solo Dallas Shaffer Replica Boost was installed in the system. The companding effect of this boost is truly it’s own unique flavour that must be played through to understand the simple beauty of this tool that helped shape the history of rock n roll.

Also visible in this photo is a custom system mixer for Delay & Reverb “Spillover”, with switchable Phase Inversion for the Wet signal. Also in the box are Switchable Phase Inverters & Ground Isolation Transformers for each amp feed

A 2nd homage can be seen in this photo, a pair of Tape Echoes in stereo. We had pushed for original Maestros, but based on availability had to settle for units pictured made by some jerk in California. As with any product made by the Trumpian pedal cloner who hates Canada, we’ll discount the labour time involved in substituting any of his pieces in any system build. Once we can find the right Tape Echoes in mint condition, the Tape Echoes by Asshat will be gone.



To fully exploit the potential of the Axe FX II XL+’s signal routing capabilities, we have engineered a switching solution using the RJM Music Effect Gizmos to be able to place the Axe FX “pre” connections before or after the collection of analog Boosts, OD’s & Fuzzes.

The “post” connections of the Axe FX on a per preset basis can be routed into the analog Left & Right Wet Amps for effects only presets, or into the FRFR cabinets with Amp & Cabinet simulations in use.

The TC Electronic G Major 2 was chosen for the system to cover the myriad of classic TC Electronic Effects flavours in the most compact & MIDI integrated unit that TC manufactures.



In Drawer #1 we have some modern classics by Strymon, the Big Sky, TimeLine & Deco. The Deco has been modded to accept MIDi control via an RJM Music Mini Amp Gizmo to engage the Saturation, Double & Favourite Functions.

The Analogman Chorus has a unique flavour about it that the client loves and it stands out from the other Choruses in the rig by Fractal, TC Electronic & Strymon.

The MXR Phaser has been owned by the client since it was brand new. To honour it’s history we replaced the bottom plate with a modified version that allows for connections to a regulated & isolated power supply without devaluing the enclosure.



In Drawer #2 things get a lot hairier, and a little smoother.

The Tone Bender comes with a little modern rock history having been acquired from Mike Turner of Our Lady Peace.

Stuart Castledine’s beautifully crafted Olympic Fuzz takes the harmonics a little hotter. For convenience and ethics, we replaced the bottom plate with a modified version that allows for connections to a regulated & isolated power supply, while allowing battery source materials to be used to power the economy of the future.

Chicago Iron’s take on the Octavio cranks the harmonic stacking into “hang on for the ride” territory, with all the bliss you can imagine that the ride would bring.

Each of the Fuzz pedals has a custom Nice Rack Canada “Fuzz Buffer” in line before the pedal to optimize the input impedance to match the output of the client’s favourite Les Paul.

Regardless of which effect may be in the signal path before the fuzz, the fuzz pedal “breaks up” as it would with the Les Paul plugged directly into the fuzz.

Robert Keeley’s modern perfect take on a classic compressor provides the smooth. Just enough sponge to dig into without it getting annoying, and a super low noise floor. Keeley is setting the standard for independent brands making analog effects.



In Drawer #3, we’ve got a plethora of harmonic stacking devices from mild to wild. This drawer is wonderful snapshot of current guitar technology by some of the brightest minds of our time. Mad Professor, Lovepedal, Skreddy, Catalinbread, Barber, Friedman, J Rockett & Xotic, all competently demonstrating why they populate the rigs of pros who know and tone junkies that crave the good stuff.



In Drawer #4 sounds wobble so pleasantly, they punch and they get creamy.

Stuart Castledine’s Supra Vibe will get you right into “Machine Gun” mode and we mean that in the most reverent way possible.

The Strymon Mobius provides a wide array of modulations with distinct flavours to separate it from the TC Electronic & Fractal Audio modulations.

The Xotic EP boost is used in unity setting to widen the bandwidth of the signal when desired.

The Lovepedal COT50 provides a nice punch to the front of the amp to take it from clean to breaking when pushed.

The Klon Centaur provides the creamy smooth breakup that has spawned a legion of follow on designs.

As you can see in each drawer, we used the often imitated & never duplicated power supplies by the legendary Voodoo Lab.



Tucked in next to the Solo Dallas Shaffer replica and the RJM Music Mini Amp Gizmo is the “secret sauce”, The Chase Tone Secret PreAmp.



The controller board for the rig features a Castledine Wah, TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Mini, modified Boss FV500 expression pedal and the last word in MIDI controllers.

When building a rig of this magnitude the only acceptable controller for the job is the RJM Music MasterMind GT-22.

We’ve been proud to be installed the MasterMind series of controllers dating back to serial # Beta 1 of the GT series, and serial #1 of the LT/7 & PBC controllers as well.

RJM Music’s contribution to guitar rig technology and the music industry is a unheralded accomplishment. RJM Music has made many things possible for guitar players that were but a dream a decade ago.

While RJM Music is a little over a decade old there is compelling testimony to say that they are setting standards that leave the competition far behind. Check out their pro users list and you’ll see exactly what we mean.

Regardless of what the criteria is for your rig, Nice Rack Canada can embrace it and expand it’s capabilities beyond your imagination’s limits.

Nice Rack Canada
Tonesmithing Services | Pedalboard & Rack Systems for Guitar, Bass & Keys | Engineered Solutions for Musicians.
EMAIL: info@NiceRackCanada.com

Thanks for the kind words about our efforts.

Just in time to commemorate 151 years of colonial settlement, Nice Rack Canada built this colour-centric ensign of tone.

This July 1st, we're celebrating all of the already completed small steps forward and the massive leaps yet to come for our nation.

We celebrate the diversity of our multicultural social fabric comprised of immigrants, refugees & asylum seekers that make our nation what it is today.

We're also celebrating the nation that Canada will become as we move forward. A nation of progressive thought and purposeful action. A nation that will have made amends with it's First Nations people. A nation that understands that it's greatest strength is commensurate to it's weakest links and act accordingly to ensure the wellbeing of all it's citizens. A nation built upon hard work, innovation and tireless pursuit of passion & truth.

So while the fireworks are going off, a very special customer of ours will be rocking in his cottage with a pedalboard that like Canada, punches far above it's weight class.

By working cooperatively with some American friends, Nice Rack Canada was able to pack a plethora of tone options into a compact footprint. Tasty analog mains from the Xotic & Nice Rack Canada circuits with sweet compliments by the incredibly versatile Eventide H9 effects host.

The signal flow is;

Guitar --> Xotic Wah --> Eventide H9 A Pre Connections --> Nice Rack Canada Buffer --> Nice Rack Canada Lamb Chop (muff style circuit) --> Xotic SL Drive --> Xotic SP Compressor --> Xotic EP Booster --> Eventide H9 A Post Connections --> Eventide H9 B --> Nice Rack Canada Boost (& Split to Tuner) --> Mute Switch --> Amplifier.

The system is controlled by a Disaster Area Designs DMC3XL MIDI Controller, with a Nice Rack Canada 2x Button External Switch Box and Mission Engineering / RJM Music SP-1 Expression Pedal.

System power is provided 2x Voodoo Lab Pedal Power Digital.

Whatever thought inspires you, we can turn your vision into True North Tone, Strong & Free.

Nice Rack Canada
Tonesmithing Services | Pedalboard & Rack Systems for Guitar, Bass & Keys | Engineered Solutions for Musicians.
WEB: http://www.NiceRackCanada.com
EMAIL: info@NiceRackCanada.com

The last pedalboard system build of 2017 by Nice Rack Canada is done and delivered to it’s owner.

We managed to pack a mountain of tone flexibility into this 27” x 17” system, MIDI Controlled Buffered & True Bypass system.

Starting with the Harmonics section of the system. The Chase Bliss Audio Brothers OD/Fuzz/Boost has 122 user presets in it’s local memory. Multiplied by the 3 internal routing options gives the user 366 different OD/Fuzz/Boost combinations.

By stacking the Tribute Audio Designs Classy Lady or Xotic Soul Driven with the Brothers, the user has over 1000 different Harmonic stacking options at their disposal.

We modified the Classy Lady & Soul Driven with click-less relay kits that can be remotely controlled by the RJM Music MasterMind LT/7 MIDI Controller’s Function Switches. Effectively making these pedals respond to MIDI so that they can be Activated or Bypassed as part of a system preset.

We built a custom buffer circuit with user adjustable values for Output Impedance & Gain. This allows the user to dial in the exact harmonic response they want from the system even though there are other audio devices in line between the pickups and the Harmonic stacking section of the system.

To help keep the footprint as compact as possible, we wanted to maximize the functionality of the Expression Pedal. Using the MasterMind LT/7 the user can assign the expression pedal on a “Per Preset” basis to control the Wah or Volume control presets in the ProStage Remote Wah.

Alternatively the expression pedal can be assigned to controlling any collection of parameters the user desires in the 2x Eventide H9’s.

By tapping into the parameter control possibilities of the H9, the user has the ability to use a sweepable Volume Control at 5 different places in the signal path depending on the desired signal flow of the currently selected system preset.

The first H9 is wired in a “Pre / Post” configuration so that the Effects algorithm can be placed in the signal chain Before or After the Harmonics stage of the system.

The signal flow is Guitar --> Input Buffer & Tuner Split --> Remote Wah --> H9#1 Pre Connections --> Nice Rack Canada Harmonics Optimizing Buffer --> Brothers --> Classy Lady --> Soul Drive --> SP Comp --> H9#1 Post Connections --> H9#2 --> Mute --> Amplifier.

Powered by the original, often imitated and never duplicated Voodoo Lab Pedal Power Digital & 4x4.

Some of the extra features we built into this system include a custom MIDI buffer for communication with the Brothers, 2 Button External Switch for the LT/7, custom power supply for the Remote Wah, and modifying the Boss FV30L into a linear taper expression pedal.

No matter where your tone quest takes you in 2018, Nice Rack Canada can be there for you to make all of your sonic dreams come true.

Happy Gigging & Safe Travels to you all!

Nice Rack Canada
Tonesmithing Services | Pedalboard & Rack Systems for Guitar, Bass & Keys | Engineered Solutions for Musicians.
WEB: http://www.NiceRackCanada.com
EMAIL: info@NiceRackCanada.com

Nice Rack Canada recently got a phone call from RainDogs guitarist John Cook, looking for a particular type of compressor for his guitar rig.

We had a chat about his slide guitar based criteria for a slow attack, optical compressor that would allow for full note bloom before compressing.

John wanted to get our opinion on some expensive imported units that had internet forums abuzz.

In our conversation we were able to tell John that one of the best examples of this type of compressor is made by Tribute Audio Designs in Peterborough, Ontario.

John came by for a listen test of the Fresh Squeeze compressor and within a minute he was ready to purchase the pedal.

During our in shop conversation John expressed his love for vintage Fender amps like the Deluxe Reverb & Vibrolux, and particularly those amps Tremolo & Reverb circuits.

John also mentioned that on some rental backline gigs rental amps sometimes left him wishing he had more control over the tone he could extract.

At this point we introduced John to a pair of Tribute Audio Designs pedals, the Tremor & Verbo. The Tremor is a Kay Tremolo inspired pedal. The Verbo is an Accutronics module based reverb to emulate the classic Accutronics Spring Reverb synonymous with many Fender amps.

Next a plan was made for us to put together a small pedalboard system for John that would incorporate switching controls for his Fender amps. By adding pedals that emulated the amp versions so well that he would be able to have 2x sets of Tremolo & Reverb settings when using his own amps.

When using rental backline with less than desirable Reverb & Tremolo qualities, John has a pedal version on the board that gives him the tone he wants.

Filling out the board we included John's favorite fuzz, the Wampler Velvet Fuzz, an Andy Summers TonePrinted TC Electronic Corona Chorus, a TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Mini and a Nice Rack Canada Clean Boost. All powered by the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2+.

If you dig a mix of unusual, eclectic & electric blues with some Tom Waits standards, you should plan a visit to the Linsmore Tavern on November 23rd and Relish Bar & Grill on December 2nd. You'll want to catch the RainDogs lay down some sets of their tightly played, funky stew of blues, jazz & urban poetry quite unlike any other.


Nice Rack Canada
Tonesmithing Services | Pedalboard & Rack Systems for Guitar, Bass & Keys | Engineered Solutions for Musicians.
WEB: http://www.NiceRackCanada.com
EMAIL: info@NiceRackCanada.com

Toronto based Jazz guitarist Robb Cappelletto has literally spent his entire life perfecting his playing technique.

The next logical step for Robb was to solidify his collection of tone tools into a nicely packaged system that would sound great, set up & tear down quickly and fit into the smallest footprint possible.

As Robb says, he recently contacted Nice Rack Canada to "improve his quality of gigging life".

We built up this compact clean tone machine for Robb's jazz gigs with the Robb Cappelletto Band, hip hop gigs with The Airplane Boys & his teaching work at York University.

The system is a "4CM" signal path of, Guitar --> Z Vex Super Duper 2 In 1 --> Mesa Boogie Mark V/25 Preamp --> Sonic Research Turbo Tuner --> Strymon Flint --> Strymon El Capistan --> Master Volume --> Mesa Boogie Mark V/25 Power Amp --> Mesa Boogie Thiele 1x12" Cabinet.

In the custom In & Out Connection Box we built, we included a Switching Circuit that gives the user a "bail out" to use the system with amps that do not have an effects loop.

Our touring experiences have taught us that when working with rental gear, be prepared! It's only a "when", not "if" the rental company delivers an amp without an effects loop. By toggling the switch to the "Series" option the "Post" effects are moved to a new location in the signal path, in series with the Amp input.

The system is powered by the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power Digital.

We love building small pedalboard systems as much as we love building the big ones. For us it all comes down to meeting the client criteria and delivering a sonic palette of pristine tone.

Nice Rack Canada
Tonesmithing Services | Pedalboard & Rack Systems for Guitar, Bass & Keys | Engineered Solutions for Musicians.
WEB: http://www.NiceRackCanada.com
EMAIL: info@NiceRackCanada.com

Nice Rack Canada recently built up this pedalboard for a local player. The client came to us after experiencing some frustration in putting together a system on his own.

Thanks to our friends at Steve's Music Toronto and their Nice Rack Canada pedalboards display, the client became aware of our services.

After seeing our handiwork, the client called us, made an appointment to drop off his gear. 2 weeks later the client returned to pickup his new built, tested & programmed system.

The system features a trio of our current favorite pedals, the "Tiny Titans" by Xotic. We install a lot of the SP Compressor, EP Boost & SL Drive for good reason. These units sound amazing, occupy a very small footprint, and they play nicely with system PSU's accepting input voltage from 9 to 18VDC at very low current draw.

The signal flow for the system is;

Guitar --> Input Buffer --> Dunlop Jerry Cantrell Wah --> One Control Crocodile Tail Loop Switcher Input 1 --> Loop 1 Electro Harmonix PitchFork, Loop 2 Xotic SP Compressor, Loop 3 Xotic EP Boost, Loop 4 Xotic SL Drive, Loop 5 OCD, Loop 6 Tech21 OMG, Loop 7 Boss Eq, Switcher Out 1 --> Mission Volume Pedal --> Amp In / Amp Send --> Switcher Buffer In / Buffer Out --> Switcher In 8 --> Loop 8 Strymon Mobius, Loop 9 TC Electronic Flashback Delay, Loop 10 Strymon Big Sky, Out 10 --> TC Electronic Ditto Looper --> Radial Pro DI In/Thru --> Amp Return .

Loop 9 & 10 both spillover mixed by Nice Rack Canada Spillover Mixers.

System power is supplied by the bedrock of system psu's, the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2+.

Hitting the wall with your pedalboard dreams? Bring them to Nice Rack Canada and we'll make them into sonic reality.

Nice Rack Canada
Tonesmithing Services | Pedalboard & Rack Systems for Guitar, Bass & Keys | Engineered Solutions for Musicians.
WEB: http://www.NiceRackCanada.com
EMAIL: info@NiceRackCanada.com