MG-400 houses 2 powerful DSP chips for high-definition White-Box Amp Modeling algorithm (TS/AC-HD) and Core-Image post-effects.
The Nu-X MG-400 is a value-packed modeler akin to his little brother, the MG-300. MG-400 houses 2 powerful DSP chips for high-definition White-Box Amp Modeling algorithm (TS/AC-HD) and Core-Image post-effects. Since releasing the MG-300, people have been blown away by the sound and playability, not to mention the ease-of-use tone tweaking and intuitive interface. And now, the MG-400builds upon the MG-300 feature set moveable signal blocks, extra 12 IR COLLECTION slots, flexible P.L block with MIN & MAX parameter setup, send/return fx loop, abundant SYSTEM MENU, and physical master volume knob, MG-400 is now the best value modeler for the money.
The white-box algorithm offers realistic playability and analog-chaos response. The concept of "Chaos makes the muse" perfectly applies to the analog circuit. When you tweak the knob, it affects itself as well as other parameters. For a linear digital system, the parameter is independent. The white-box algorithm offers real-time feedback, increment-by-increment. Nu-X TS/AC-HD replicates the same playability most guitarists crave in a real tube amplifier.
MG-400 offers 512 samples of IR, you can also load 3rd party IR files through the editor software. The included 25 guitar cab IRs combine 4 classic microphones with 3 mic positions to allow beginners an easy way to jump into the multi-effects experience. Also included are 8 bass cab IRs and 3 acoustic guitar IRs, giving you the ability to play bass on MG-400 or use an electric guitar to simulate acoustic guitar sound.
NUX MG-400 highlights include:
- 2.8” 320*240 color LCD with intuitive UI.
- NG, CMP, EFX, AMP, IR, EQ, MOD, DLY, RVB, P.L | 10 independent moveable signal blocks.
- White-box Amp Modeling & Pre-efx algorithm.
- 512 samples IR resolution and USER slot with each patch. (additional 12 IR COLLECTION slots).
- Input trim under SYSTEM MENU.
- Scene and Jam functionality.
- 5 output modes with global 3-band EQ for quick tone tweaking.
- USB recording interface, firmware update, QuickTone™ edit software.
NUX MG 400: how it compares vs the MG 300 and the MG 30
Nu-X MG-400 carries a street price of $219.
For more information, please visit nuxefx.com.
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An understated, utilitarian buffer/boost/preamp that can profoundly reshape your tones.
RatingsPros:Intuitive and transformative impedance control. Excellent transparent boost. Includes AmpliTube 4. Cons: Feature set might be overkill for some. Street: $149 IK Multimedia Z-Tone Buffer Boost ikmultimedia.com |
Tones:  Ease of Use: Build/Design: Value:  |
In its relatively nondescript matte-black aluminum enclosure, the Italy-made Z-Tone Buffer Boost isn’t likely to stoke longing at a glance. But plug one in and you may find its pure utility hard to live without.
But calling the Z-Tone Buffer Boost merely a buffer/boost sells it short. Yes, it offers up to 10 dB of relatively transparent boost and +/- 8 dB of output gain. But it also offers the flexible impedance control from IK’s AXE I/O interface, a feature that can dramatically change the way pickups interact with the rest of your rig. Engineers can write volumes on these esoteric electronic relationships, but the impedance control makes it easy to feel your way to the best match between your guitar and pedalboard—or for that matter, a less ideal match that coaxes unusual but useful tones.
There are switches for accommodating active or passive pickups, as well as for moving between transparent “pure” boost and a more colorful and midrange-y JFET boost. And useful routing options include a balanced XLR output and a link output that mirrors the input so you can route to multiple sources. Add in a full, downloadable version of the AmpliTube 4 modeling application, and the Z-Tone Buffer Boost might be the most flexible pedal value you didn’t know you needed.
Test Gear: Fender Telecaster Deluxe, black-panel Fender Vibrolux
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Intrigued but also daunted by sophisticated amp modelers? Strymon's latest brilliantly bridges the gap with a simple stompbox-style interface boasting a handful of stellar amp emulations.
RatingsPros:Three excellent amp models. Simple amp-style interface. Supports third-party IRs. Cons: No XLR outputs. Stores only one favorite setting without optional footswitch or MIDI. Street: $399 Strymon Iridium strymon.net
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Tones: Ease of Use:  Build/Design: Value: |
Today's guitarist can choose from a dizzying array of amp replacement tools, from freeware software plug-ins to gargantuan modelers and profilers. Meanwhile, Strymon slips through the side door with Iridium, an amp modeler in pedal form that melds a simple stompbox interface with a small but superb collection of amp models.
Iridium only does a few things, but it does them extraordinarily well. It offers three amp models based on a blackface Fender Deluxe, a top-boost Vox AC30, and a Marshall plexi. It has no effects other than a short room reverb. It comes with nine cabinet impulse responses and includes software for loading third-party IRs. The controls mimic those on simple analog amps, with a few useful extras. But there's nothing approaching the deep editing of, say, a top-shelf device from Fractal, Line 6, Kemper, or HeadRush.
Streamlined Scenarios
While Iridium has modest user options relative to flagship modelers costing two to four times its price, its core tones rank with the best. The pedal's heart is a super-powerful SHARC chip—the same processor used in many full-featured modelers. The programming is uniformly excellent. Modeling is a surprisingly subjective art, and tastes vary. But to my ear, Iridium's Fender, Vox, and Marshall models can hold their own against any rival products.
That makes Iridium a superb solution for many studio and stage scenarios, especially if a big modeler is overkill for your needs. If you do most tone creation on your pedalboard, these simple but excellent amp emulations may be all you need. It's an obvious choice for travelling-light tours and backline gigs. Hey, if I were playing a big festival with shared backline, I'd opt for a direct Iridium signal over “take your chances" in a heartbeat.
Scoop, Sparkle, and Slam
One switch chooses from three amp models, while another selects between three cabinet IRs per model. The three amps share the same controls: drive, treble/mid/bass, and master volume, though their behavior varies from model to model. You can also add varying amounts of simulated tracking-room reverb. The results sound like real amps in real rooms. But it's not a do-it-all 'verb, and it probably won't replace any of your other ambient effects.
In Fender Deluxe mode, the bass and treble knobs perform as on the original amp, which has no mid control. So the mid pot at noon replicates the original spectrum. Raising it brings mids forward for more tweed-like tones, while dialing it back further deepens the amp's signature mid-scoop. In Vox mode, the mid control is a low-pass filter directly before the simulated power amp, replicating the topology of a top-boost AC30. (Nice detail: When you max out the gain, the model automatically siphons off some lows, maintaining bite and definition at the dirtiest settings.) In plexi mode, the available gain range exceeds the original, providing hot-rodded grind when cranked.
Iridium only does a few things, but it does them extraordinarily well.
In short, the models are nuanced and authentic. Their dynamic response is convincingly amp-like, and they respond realistically to upstream effects, as heard in my demo clips. The first clip features only guitar and Iridium, with no additional processing. In the second clip, I introduce a grab-bag of effects.
The nine included IRs are excellent. The choices are straightforward. (For example, plexi mode offers IRs from Marshall 4x12, 2x12, and 8x12 cabs.) The bundled Strymon Impulse Manager software (for Mac and PC) can load third-party IRs. You can even select different cabs for the left and right outputs for double-miked stereo effects.
The Ins and Outs
Iridium's rear panel isn't quite as simple as it seems. There's a mono input jack and 1/4" stereo outs, but the input jack accepts stereo signals via a TRS cable, so you can preserve the stereo imaging of upstream effects. Nearby is a USB jack for loading IRs.
There are three ways to use the 1/4" expression-in jack. A standard expression pedal becomes a volume pedal when connected, trimming level either before the amp/cab modeling, or after. It can also morph between a stored favorite patch and an alternate set of parameters. The jack is also a MIDI input for remote program changes. With Strymon's $129 MultiSwitch Plus connected (not tested), you can toggle between three favorite settings. (Iridium can also recall up to 300 patches via MIDI.) There's also a 1/8" headphone jack on the front/side panel. You can definitely have a satisfying practice session with just your guitar, an Iridium-equipped pedalboard, and headphones. Iridium runs on standard 9V power, but requires 500 mA (adapter included). There is no battery compartment.
Many users will master Iridium in minutes without cracking the manual. But it's still worth reading, because of some welcome secondary-function tools when you boot up in “Live Edit" mode. These include adjustable input/output levels and reverb room size, and the specifics of MIDI and controller behavior.
The Verdict
To my ears, Iridium's tones hold their own against any current amp modelers. Yeah, the tone menu may be restricted to vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, but it's still damn good ice cream. There's little to no learning curve—it works like an amp. Iridium's cost isn't crazy, given the R&D it required and the presence of a spiffy SHARC processor. Still, for nearly 400 clams, I'd have liked XLR output jacks (for, say, playing clubs without needing two direct boxes or ¼" adapters). It would also be nice to have access to more than one saved sound without connecting additional hardware. Still, Iridium will be a perfect faux-amp solution for many players.
Watch the First Look:
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