I think these pedals really come into their own when mixed with the dry sound and used more subtly. I use a Mel9 as part of my solo acoustic rig, mostly on the orchestra, strings or flute settings. I find that the trick is to have the dry sound on full and the effect on a quarter or slightly less. That way I can set & forget and the result is a subtle mellotron pad underpinning the acoustic guitar and the attack control allows it to respond dynamically to the playing.
I'm set on buying a Mel9 soon and I'm torn between the B9 and C9. I can see advantages to both, but I'm wanting to cover as much classic rock territory as possible. Lol. Mel9 really shines with the guitar blended in and the mellotron sounds acting as a pad. EHX really crushed it on these pedals. Thanks for the demo!
I just got one a couple days ago- phenomenal! I'm using it on acoustic, but I do know it's best to tailor your playing to less guitar-like techniques. This kid is not doing that lol
@@stratoleft yes, one can with the Attack knob and “getting to know the instrument ... and it really is an instrument more than a pedal! I am digging mine more every day.
best overall comparison I've seen of all of them together. ambience sound made it just a little confusing though- track sound on its own on the actual guitar parts wouldve made a huge difference; but still, THE BEST comparison/general review yet. Congratulations! ROCK ON
Thanks for the comment! I agree with you and appreciate the heads up. First video I've made actually so I will fix that up for the following ones. Cheers! H
There is also a Synth9 pedal now. Interesting review to see them all here. Nice job. I use a B9 with a Leslie pedal to get a pretty good Hammond B3 sound.
Great demo! I have the C9, B9, Key9 & Mel9 and LOVE them all! I have the new Synth9 pre-ordered & am eagerly waiting for it....I ALSO use the same green Fender compressor pedal at the end of the chain! Small World.
Hey, thanks for this. I bought the B9 admittedly after a few beers and had some serious FOMO as to if I had grabbed the right one. This is the best comparison video I've seen to date. Will definitely check out your other gear videos and even though this is a few years old, that Leslie Cab pedal is calling my name.
By stating what song you're hearing when you demo the pedals gives the viewer a point of reference and helps to frame the usefulness of the sounds. This is what makes your demo the best demo of these products. I own a B9 and had it for sometime now and although I enjoy it I wanted to add to it by getting another pedal of this series. Problem was, most of the demos on TH-cam had a formally trained guitarist with a backing track and was playing the pedals as if it was the instrument in his hand instead of a guitar. In other words they turned their guitar into what ever instrument was on the dial, instead of embellishing the guitar and complementing it. I could not relate just how I would use them until your vid. Because of your video, my next will be the synth. Thanks Hayden, great job!
Just bought the Mel9 - it’s beautiful on bass and guitar. It tracks really well. I think I like the key 9 too. Especially tri glorious l, Rhodes and the vibes setting. Great review bro. You should do another one with the extra pedals on offer. Mel9 is just such a stunning pedal.
Your knowledge of music hx is impressive - unless you are a very young appearing 50-year-old man ! You also handle the instrument very well; like old friends... I own the Mel 9 as a peripheral giver of joy! The Moody Blues’ Mike Pinder used the mellotron to great effect after the first album (with Justin Haywood and John Lodge in’67). The “this is the Moody Blues “ dbl album will give you some great material to hear and perhaps use in depth if you do a solo Mel 9 demo: listen to “melancholy man” and “isn’t life strange?” for a taste. Enjoyed being impressed by someone who does not come across as though they are impressed with themselves! Cheers and God bless you and keep you safe and healthy!
The Lester K is under served in your demonstration. It sounds by far better when played as a '"Stereo" rig. I realize it would've complicated your demo but it's on a whole other level when played in stereo.
This is the only video on TH-cam which compares all the four pedals great job, thanks! I mainly play blues (and sometiems rock and fusion). I am looking for new sounds for solo improvisation. If I have budget for only one of these, which would be the most versatile and why? Thanks in advance.
Why do you have it going through a computer? Would it sound the same just going through an amp? Many people never play through a computer, just guitar, pedals and amp.
Good demonstrations! It convinced me to acquire the Lester K. I am trying to build a set like this. Actually I also have the HOG2, Ravish and SuperEgo. I don't recomend to connect it all together because it can result in a supercharge that can melt the source of electricity.About the Sinth9, I am with a lack of certainty to include this pedal because I think EHX can make a large pack of classical sinths at least with 16 or even 25 samples embossed in them.
Just wish the Mel9 had an oboe setting. Any way to duplicate that sound? Like the left side of the Beatles' "Baby, You're A Rich Man" where John used a clavioline set to the oboe setting. I'd love to be able to reproduce that sound on a guitar. Listen to the left channel of that song and you will hear the clavioline oboe where John rolled an orange up and down on the keyboard.
I'm still trying to figure out how the 9 series work. Is it sample based? Or does it model the audio? What' the technology behind it? Does it pitch-track, and re-synthesise the audio? Or does it model the initial incoming audio?
I have the Mel9 and LOVE everything about it. I use is all the time and it has reinvigorated my enthusiasm for playing guitar. I am curious about the other pedals in this range (and the Synth 9 which I believe was added later). If I were to add another 9 to my collection, which one should I add? I honestly can't make my mind up. I mean, I'll probably get them all but which one to get next is the issue I'm having.
Hmm good question. I think all of them except the Mel 9 would be great in someway for that. Ypu could totally rock the Lester leslie pedal for a great funk sound
Actually, you can do it; however, you will probably want to run them parallel. Use a Switch Blade or something like the Boss Line Selector LS-2. With one of these mixing switches, you can combine (mix A&B) the two outputs or bypass them. On the Electro Harmonix demo, they use a Switch Blade to combine the B9 and C9. It will warp your mind a little bit if you sit down with a piece of paper and try to map out how you are going to plug these into a switcher to get the coolest combinations - you'll see when you try it.
My local music'store is just holding on do to internet 😢 cant compete. I believe they have nos_Key9 + since I like the Rhodes + Wurlitzer sound, I think I can get a great deal from my loyalty to a local buisness, gone call today see what kind price I can get. Good review, thanks .
Parents. Lol ! Actually, the pedals were lent to him by his local music store for this demo review. He's surely a regular customer and well-known in the area
Yeah, there are a few sounds on it I like (compact,lord purple,press,telstar), but any of the other 9s would add much more if you already have the B9, methinks ... from memory, I liked the flute sounds off the other (non-C9) pedal better, too ...
I think these pedals really come into their own when mixed with the dry sound and used more subtly.
I use a Mel9 as part of my solo acoustic rig, mostly on the orchestra, strings or flute settings. I find that the trick is to have the dry sound on full and the effect on a quarter or slightly less. That way I can set & forget and the result is a subtle mellotron pad underpinning the acoustic guitar and the attack control allows it to respond dynamically to the playing.
The Mel 9 far out performs you can see and feel the enjoyment on your face when you’re playing it
I'm set on buying a Mel9 soon and I'm torn between the B9 and C9. I can see advantages to both, but I'm wanting to cover as much classic rock territory as possible. Lol. Mel9 really shines with the guitar blended in and the mellotron sounds acting as a pad. EHX really crushed it on these pedals. Thanks for the demo!
I just got one a couple days ago- phenomenal! I'm using it on acoustic, but I do know it's best to tailor your playing to less guitar-like techniques. This kid is not doing that lol
I think the mel9 is the most impressive! I could see that used for a standard keyboard!
Me too
and you can also get rid of that initial string attack with the Mel9, right? That's what I want to do.
@@stratoleft yes, one can with the Attack knob and “getting to know the instrument ... and it really is an instrument more than a pedal! I am digging mine more every day.
best overall comparison I've seen of all of them together.
ambience sound made it just a little confusing though- track sound on its own on the actual guitar parts wouldve made a huge difference; but still, THE BEST comparison/general review yet.
Congratulations!
ROCK ON
Thanks for the comment! I agree with you and appreciate the heads up. First video I've made actually so I will fix that up for the following ones.
Cheers! H
The best review and comparison video. Now I'm sold on the b or c9. Tough decision.
@@jonathanhandsmusic me tooo!!! Leaning to B9 but there are a couple of sounds I like on the C.
There is also a Synth9 pedal now. Interesting review to see them all here. Nice job. I use a B9 with a Leslie pedal to get a pretty good Hammond B3 sound.
Ah man, I like them all! I think I'm starting with the Mel9 and the Syth9.
Great demo! I have the C9, B9, Key9 & Mel9 and LOVE them all! I have the new Synth9 pre-ordered & am eagerly waiting for it....I ALSO use the same green Fender compressor pedal at the end of the chain! Small World.
@Gabriel Masri The Synth9 & Mel9 are both quite insane - I love them.
Hey, thanks for this. I bought the B9 admittedly after a few beers and had some serious FOMO as to if I had grabbed the right one. This is the best comparison video I've seen to date. Will definitely check out your other gear videos and even though this is a few years old, that Leslie Cab pedal is calling my name.
The Press Tone setting is actually a homage to Billy Preston.
Thanks, that comparison really convinced me that the MEL9 is the best - for me.
Sounds like you were overdriving your sound card a little, worth giving yourself a bit more headroom in the context of a sound comparison.
By stating what song you're hearing when you demo the pedals gives the viewer a point of reference and helps to frame the usefulness of the sounds. This is what makes your demo the best demo of these products. I own a B9 and had it for sometime now and although I enjoy it I wanted to add to it by getting another pedal of this series. Problem was, most of the demos on TH-cam had a formally trained guitarist with a backing track and was playing the pedals as if it was the instrument in his hand instead of a guitar. In other words they turned their guitar into what ever instrument was on the dial, instead of embellishing the guitar and complementing it. I could not relate just how I would use them until your vid. Because of your video, my next will be the synth. Thanks Hayden, great job!
Good demo! I have the C9 and Mel 9...just bought a Lester G for $180 on Reverb yet to show up in a few days. Keep on doing it!
Well done. Best comparison I've seen yet. Nice playing and very impressed with your classic rock knowledge.
Just bought the Mel9 - it’s beautiful on bass and guitar. It tracks really well. I think I like the key 9 too. Especially tri glorious l, Rhodes and the vibes setting. Great review bro. You should do another one with the extra pedals on offer. Mel9 is just such a stunning pedal.
Best demo available + especially on the use of the Key 9 . Im revisiting this video again because its so detailed if you are making a purchase.
I play my keyboard through a Mel 9 and Keys 9… can’t be beat!
I was going to buy the B9 but I now really like the Mel9. Decisions, decisions...
i hope you bought both. I know iam building up a collection....key9 c9 b9 mel9 etc. great stuff a tad expensive.
WoW that first tone you started with id a thought it was a organ if I didn't know I was on a pedal review. Nice job
.
Absolutely sold on the Mel 9 now. Strawberry fields is legit
Real eye opener. I appreciate you making this video. Great guitar playing btw.
I’m blow away by your age and the massive amount of classic music you know. Fantastic job on comparing pedals and patches!
Your knowledge of music hx is impressive - unless you are a very young appearing 50-year-old man ! You also handle the instrument very well; like old friends... I own the Mel 9 as a peripheral giver of joy!
The Moody Blues’ Mike Pinder used the mellotron to great effect after the first album (with Justin Haywood and John Lodge in’67). The “this is the Moody Blues “ dbl album will give you some great material to hear and perhaps use in depth if you do a solo Mel 9 demo: listen to “melancholy man” and “isn’t life strange?” for a taste.
Enjoyed being impressed by someone who does not come across as though they are impressed with themselves! Cheers and God bless you and keep you safe and healthy!
I'm also looking to capture the earlier Moody Blues. I'm thinking the Mel9 will be the best starting place.
Between the C9 and B9, which one do you think would do a haunted church organ sound best? Thanks
The "Compact" on the C9 is a Farfisa - similar to the continental...
I use Mel9, Bass9, C9, Voice Box, Line6 exp, Mooer multifx, all separate channels into RC600 looper. Orchestral..
nice review man, I wish MEL9 had not so lo-fi but still cool. I want it, along with Synth9 and B9 (or C9, both are cool)
great video..enjoyed THE comparison. I enjoy my C9 and my mel 9
I'd like traditional piano a and organ(s) in one package instead.of 3.
Nice video, man!!! I love all those pedals. Keep going and keep up the good work!!! Cheers.
7 years ago ? It seems like now in 2023. How the hell do they do that at Electro-Harmonix ? Great video, man.
Loved the B9!!
I kept waiting for that tower of boxes to vibrate and fall lol. Looks cool though!
got the c9 atm,looking at mel9 and bass thing(lol) interesting to note that daisy chain won't work
Nice! I was looking for just one pedal but now i want all of them lol
It's even worse when you get to demo them in your own rig but have to give them back the next day..hahaha
I came here for the Mel9, had no idea of the others, now I too must have them all!!
The Lester K is under served in your demonstration. It sounds by far better when played as a '"Stereo" rig. I realize it would've complicated your demo but it's on a whole other level when played in stereo.
i never hated a pedal more than the lester k. its a piece of shit. it sounds just awful. even my cheap tc electronic vibraclone sounds much better.
great demo I have the mel 9 and i'm thinking about getting the c 9...
At last a bit, just a little bit of rhythm strumming, and now I know it can do it, I may even buy a B9.
This is the only video on TH-cam which compares all the four pedals great job, thanks! I mainly play blues (and sometiems rock and fusion). I am looking for new sounds for solo improvisation. If I have budget for only one of these, which would be the most versatile and why? Thanks in advance.
yes.. midi full control is great; w/ exp pedal on each
Great Review Thanks
Are you in a band mate? You are a great guitarist with a great arsenal of pedals there!
Nice demo. If you had to have just one, which would it be? I'm thinking the C9 for a two guitar band that wants occasional keyboard sounds.
Why do you have it going through a computer? Would it sound the same just going through an amp? Many people never play through a computer, just guitar, pedals and amp.
Good demonstrations! It convinced me to acquire the Lester K. I am trying to build a set like this. Actually I also have the HOG2, Ravish and SuperEgo. I don't recomend to connect it all together because it can result in a supercharge that can melt the source of electricity.About the Sinth9, I am with a lack of certainty to include this pedal because I think EHX can make a large pack of classical sinths at least with 16 or even 25 samples embossed in them.
Super helpful video!
Run an EQ after the pedals to help with the treble?
Thank you for this demo!!!
Just wish the Mel9 had an oboe setting. Any way to duplicate that sound? Like the left side of the Beatles' "Baby, You're A Rich Man" where John used a clavioline set to the oboe setting. I'd love to be able to reproduce that sound on a guitar. Listen to the left channel of that song and you will hear the clavioline oboe where John rolled an orange up and down on the keyboard.
Hey Hayden, what is that knob you're turning at 1:35 exactly?? What's that connected to? Amazing review!!!!
I'm still trying to figure out how the 9 series work. Is it sample based? Or does it model the audio?
What' the technology behind it? Does it pitch-track, and re-synthesise the audio? Or does it model the initial incoming audio?
B Bender?
Great video!!
Any that can emulate a realistic harmonica? I know there’s a way to do it on ehx pedals but I am hoping they will have that in a 9 pedal.
Great demo.
I have the Mel9 and LOVE everything about it. I use is all the time and it has reinvigorated my enthusiasm for playing guitar. I am curious about the other pedals in this range (and the Synth 9 which I believe was added later). If I were to add another 9 to my collection, which one should I add? I honestly can't make my mind up. I mean, I'll probably get them all but which one to get next is the issue I'm having.
wich one do you think would fit better for a rock funk band? (red hot for example)
Hmm good question. I think all of them except the Mel 9 would be great in someway for that. Ypu could totally rock the Lester leslie pedal for a great funk sound
Ever play a couple together at the same time?
You basically have to have a compression pedal to use all those EHX pedals right? Thanks
What does it sound like when you turn them all on at once?
Believe me! don't do it a shit!
Actually, you can do it; however, you will probably want to run them parallel. Use a Switch Blade or something like the Boss Line Selector LS-2. With one of these mixing switches, you can combine (mix A&B) the two outputs or bypass them. On the Electro Harmonix demo, they use a Switch Blade to combine the B9 and C9. It will warp your mind a little bit if you sit down with a piece of paper and try to map out how you are going to plug these into a switcher to get the coolest combinations - you'll see when you try it.
Great review! from either B9 or C9, which would have the closest sound to match Boston Foreplay organ?
Very informative and entertaining. Thank you.
Thank you!
I wanna hear the Mel 9 and key 9 together at the same time
I am behind the times with computer hook-ups with my guitar. What is it you are doing on your computer? Do you record and overdub?
Can these be matched with an appegiator?
Which one is the most responsive and fitting for other effects like chorus delay and overdrive?
Great video. Amazing pedals, despite sone audio post I don’t know shit about
My local music'store is just holding on do to internet 😢 cant compete. I believe they have nos_Key9 + since I like the Rhodes + Wurlitzer sound, I think I can get a great deal from my loyalty to a local buisness, gone call today see what kind price I can get. Good review, thanks .
Have you compared a EHX synth9 vs a Digitech Dirty robot?
There all good
Thanks Mclovin!
I'd like to know how a kid could afford $800 worth of effects
Parents. Lol ! Actually, the pedals were lent to him by his local music store for this demo review. He's surely a regular customer and well-known in the area
Song at 6'00?good video
Compro MEL 9 usado por valor acessível
Se alguém tiver favor retonar?
10-4 and thanke youe!
too much mic clipping, be carefull with that next time ;-)
STEVES! MY DUDE
Steves all the way!
Awesome comparison and you have skills 🤘thanks man!
Good review buddy. Just raise the volume of your voice
the MEL9 is very sick and i love 60s rock i wont it
I found the key 9 sucks for overall triggering and bass distorted issues
Works better with high output pickups or raise the pickup height helps
Synth9!
Yesss!! Im outdated now! Look forward to trying it
Good job man! what is the name of the song you play on the key 9 wurly?
Отлично! Молодца!
keyboards can bend with the pitch wheel
Where’s the pitch wheel on a piano, Mellotron or organ? Although tonewheel organs can be made to bend pitch by switching off the motor.
Cool!
Of the 4, I think I could live without the C9 ... Love the rest (and the Synth9, AND the Lester G [with ramping speed control etc]).
th-cam.com/video/oZKVPzRyn50/w-d-xo.html
Yeah, there are a few sounds on it I like (compact,lord purple,press,telstar), but any of the other 9s would add much more if you already have the B9, methinks ... from memory, I liked the flute sounds off the other (non-C9) pedal better, too ...
Mel9 my best I think but how m I to say there all nice 👍🙂
Great demo! How in the world do you afford all these? Lol
Matthew Buchanan hahaha they were all lent to me from a local store! Lots of $$$ otherwise lol
dude it's all distorted wtf?
This video is almost 6 years old. Has your voice changed yet? Have all of your permanent teeth come in?
Good comparison. But all of them seem gimmicky and unauthentic. Never could see the sense behind such pedals.
terrible microphone overload distortion.
geee ... check your sound!! It‘s all distorted! Why don't you make a soundcheck FIRST before you make such a long and winding video ?
just learn how to play the organ