John Bohlinger takes the stage at Nashville's Eastside Bowl to see how far he can test the limits of his performance with this intuitive wireless unit.
NUX B-8
NUX B-8 is a redefined wireless system with automatic setup, 2.4 GHz interference-free broadcasting frequency, and 24-bit 48 kHz high-quality audio transmitting. The signal transmitting latency is as low as 2.5ms at the best performance. The operation range is up to 50 meters (160-feet). B-8 wireless system fits all types of electric guitar, electric-acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and various instruments with electronic pickups. No matter what instrument you play, you can enjoy the convenience with B-8 wireless. The user-friendly matching system makes it easier to use, just turn on the TX&RX and it will be paired within a couple of seconds. Each wireless set has a unique pairing algorithm, it automatically detects each other and configures their own IDs. It also comes with a build-in booster and well-designed digital tuner with Chromatic, Guitar Standard, Guitar Compensated, Bass tuning modes, which are very useful for musicians to perform with on stage. The TX features a large Li-ion battery inside and the battery lifetime is as long as 6.5 hours. You can easily put the TX on the top of the RX to recharge it.
The updated loop pedal from Mooer is a user-friendly blast at a budget price.
Easy to use. Intuitive controls and layout. Auto record mode is handy.
Multiple layers can get muddy.
Mooer Micro Looper II
mooeraudio.com
Within 5 minutes of plugging in Mooer’s Micro Looper II, the updated model of the company’s spartan Micro Looper, I knew everything there was to know about it. That’s thanks in part to a simple, smart control suite that eschews digital displays—the direction in which many loopers seem to be moving—in favor of a central rotary dial that navigates between the 16 available save slots in three banks, which are accessed via a 3-way toggle. A small level knob lets you simmer loops more quietly, or crank them with a 6 dB boost. Another mini knob controls the threshold at which the auto record function is engaged. Auto record is toggled on and off via the rubber LED in the pedal’s center that also tells you whether you’re in record, playback, or stop mode, depending on its color and pattern. The included manual did a fine job articulating all of these parameters.
Each loop offers up to 10 minutes recording time and unlimited layering in each loop slot, and I put those parameters to the test with no disruptive issues or glitches. Things got a wee bit foggy once more than four layers of guitar were introduced. But my Dr. Z’s chiming cleans were looped in perpetuity through the 2x10 speakers with what felt like very little loss of fidelity. And the Looper II’s auto record function worked seamlessly at all stops on the threshold spectrum. It’s a very welcome feature to have on hand, and I found myself opting for it as a quick fix for microscopic but annoying timing issues. For the price, it doesn’t get much better than this.
A new echo pedal serving up vintage rack-inspired rhythmic ethereal delay.
Through its array of controls, the Joshua is designed to create everything from trippy psychedelic classics to shoe-gazer tunes and spirit-lifting swells that will fill up any church space.
DELAY DYNAMICS: The MXR Joshua Ambient Echo offers control over not only the tempo and number of echoes—Delay and Regen controls—but also their rhythm. You get to control note subdivisions, Trail mode, and multi-tap echoes.
SCULPT YOUR ’SCAPE: Refining the tones and textures of your echoes is effortlessly intuitive.—the Joshua Ambient Echo allows you to adjust lush, chewy modulation and elevate your soundscapes to celestial heights with angelic, organ-like effects.
EXTENDED EXPLORATION: The MXR Joshua Ambient Echo comes carefully tuned to achieve atmospheric brilliance right out of the box without much tweaking on your end—but it has all the tools you need for custom exploration: stereo and expression pedal capability, off-board switching, 12 adjustable deep-dive parameters, and more.
TAP INTO FOREVER: The MXR Joshua Ambient Echo isn’t just a delay—it’s a tonal recipe expertly concocted for those who seek atmospheric perfection.
MXR Joshua Ambient Echo Demo | First Look
MXR Joshua Ambient Echo highlights:
- Dive into iconic soundscapes, from psychedelic tonal trips to ethereal ambient rock
- A foundation of carefully concocted tones and textures
- Highly customizable echo effect with intuitive controls for tempo, rhythm, and more
- Shape your sound with lush modulation and celestial, organ-like atmospherics
- Onboard tap tempo and off-board switching for precise control of delay time
- Hold mode for creating droning sonic tapestries
- Advanced features include stereo mode, expression pedal capability, and numerous fine adjustments
- For enthusiasts and tonal architects alike
The MXR Joshua Ambient Echo is available now at $239.99 street/$342.84 MSRP from your favorite retailer.