Machines

[size=3][b]Ashdown James LoMenzo Hyperdrive[/b][/size] Ashdown aren't a brand that automatically spring to mind when you think of bass effects, despite them having a reasonable range of pedals that are well distributed. This pedal was unveiled at Winter NAMM 08 and is heralded as a concept by James LoMenzo, with Ashdown putting this concept into physical form. I received the pedal 3 weeks ago. First impressions were that it is quite large in comparison to your average stomp box. This means a couple of things really, the controls aren't squashed in and are easy to operate without fiddling about too much. The size also allows the pedal a bit of eye-candy in the form of the trademark lit Ashdown VU meter along with steel protection bars to prevent any mishaps to the meter when stomping away. On the downside - its girth may mean it doesn't fit easily into someone's pedalboard, especially if it is replacing an existing distortion pedal which is a lot smaller. The pedal is made from hardy steel and is painted gloss black, a latching footswitch is surrounded in further painted on styling and an Ashdown winged logo. Battery access is via a panel on the bottom which is sealed with a solitary screw, a major pain if emergency change is required mid gig. [b]Controls[/b] [list] [*]Input [*]Freq [*]Q (Switch) [*]Drive [*]+10 (Switch) [*]Mix [*]Output [*]Footswitch [/list] I ran this pedal into my Ashdown ABM (flat) using my Stingray 2EQ. Using a Planet Waves cable into the pedal from the bass led to the connection being firm, but a slight tug on the lead would cause the lead to spring out slightly, cutting the connection and turning the pedal off. This is likely due to the nature of Planet Waves cables with their spring loaded collar to ensure a tight connection - using a different cable solved this but I haven't had this problem on any other equipment. As with most pedals, when a cable is inserted to the input jack, the circuit is enabled - this is apparent by the VU meter becoming illuminated by a white LED. Initially on bypass mode the pedal does it's job, that being nothing. The tone is untainted and what I would expect when the pedal is disengaged, the advertised 'true bypass' does its job. I set the frequency control to 200hz (0), the Q/+10dB switch enabled and the blend on full. This gave me a low end thunderous fuzzy warmth. Backing off the blend control allowed the tone of the bass to become more apparent, now this is where the pedal really comes into its own. The low end that is usually lost by distortion pedals is still there, since half of the signal is being left untainted. Changing the frequency control slowly to 2.2Khz shows off the range of sounds available with the HyperDrive. At the top end of the spectrum it does unfortunately lose a bit of low end, but this setting would be best suited to shredding solos rather than pounding bass lines. I found myself being most content with the following setting: Freq = 3-4/10 Q = On Drive= Full +10 = On Mix = 5/10 This sample was recorded with my Stingray. The Stingray EQ was set on full bass/treble, with clean to start with in the sample. The first time it's switched on is my above favourite setting. I then repeat an A note whilst turning the frequency control between 200Hz-2.2Khz. After that I change the blend control showing how much the original signal can be altered. [url="http://www.machinesofhate.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/LoMenzo.mp3"][b]> > Sound Sample < <[/b][/url] When I enabled the preshape on my ABM and put the 5 string BC Rich Warlock I also have for review through it, it became a complete metal monster. Make no mistakes, this pedal was made for grinding rock and metal. I would recommend this pedal to anyone looking for a versatile and great sounding distortion pedal, I might just get one myself. [b]I like:[/b] Lots of controls which do make a big difference to the sound. Simply great sounding on almost all settings. Built like a tank. [b]I dislike:[/b] Pretty big - may put some people off. Battery access is poor as screwdriver is required. Over all: [b]8/10[/b] Many thanks to Ashdown for sending me the pedal for review.

Nah can't make it sorry - too close to my wedding .

The Klystron is the same as an ABM - the only difference being shape and Klystron is made in the UK thus pricier. I actually prefer the look of the ABM.

You might have trouble sourcing a MM32 now OLP have ceased production. Ernie Ball ceased the license, kind of rending their brand name obsolete.

My ABM has had a minor problem (valve preamp packed in) but I haven't sent it to Ashdown for them to try and fix it. If I don't mind missing out on the valve circuit it works perfectly well.

This is great - thanks for sharing it. He really is enjoying himself..

Now it's been put back a week from the 4th I may be able to attend..

Nice - I played one of these a fews years ago and it was only £300, should have got it.

And another...

Check the board settings in 'My Controls'.

He is also very expensive ! The alternatives above are good for the budget conscious.

Train ?! I'd drive there ! And yeah it'd take about 30 mins from me. Working full time and busy weekends kind of rules it out i'm afraid.

White perloid would make my day on that.

[quote name='RIM Basses' post='167077' date='Mar 31 2008, 06:33 PM']If any of you guys have it, it has a brown strap in the front pocket with Jim Dunlop flushmount straplocks on it.[/quote] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=16326&pid=166641&st=0&#entry166641"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...mp;#entry166641[/url]

Not buying the mint Fireglow Rickenbacker 4001 in Cash Converters for £700 a few months ago..

[quote name='ped' post='166944' date='Mar 31 2008, 03:42 PM']Thanks Matt for folding all the raffle ticket stubs without too much fuss ;0)[/quote] You could have at least picked my tickets .

Busy that weekend - have fun though .

[quote name='Moody' post='166835' date='Mar 31 2008, 01:09 PM']No probs dude, I completely forgot tbh - I so want to try your little box of tricks out![/quote] I'll be recording samples of the LoMenzo through the ABM this week so you will still get to hear it . After some reflection - here are my favourites: Basses: peds fretted Vigier / tonyf's Flea / the Peavey Grind 6 BXP hiding in the corner.. Rigs: Luke's POD Pro XT / Epifani cab - that synth was killer Alas, I tried a couple of Shukers and was impressed, although didn't feel comfortable with them. Could never take something so shiny and expensive to a gig !

Cheers for the cable Moody .

Just got back, absolutely KNACKERED ! Was a good day - got to meet loads of cool people and try out some new gear ! See you next year chaps.