I just wanted to tell you that out of the thousands of Kemper profiles I have... All of yours, which I think I have bought them all 🤔... But they are my absolute favorite- the way you recorded your profiles... The quality and tone and overall sound, is just so well done! I wish more amps were in your possession, or that you would simply teach people how to make a profile. Anyway-. Just wanted to let you know- 👏🏻 Thank you for all your work- ✊🏻❤️
My OX has changed my life. It's one of the most useful pieces of gear I've bought in a long time. I'm the home studio / session player and I can make tracks when my kids are sleeping and my AC30 is dimed. I've been a UA fan for a long time and this unit did not disappoint. That said it took me a couple years to decide. In the end my choice was a) build an amp blast room or b) buy an OX. Happy I did! Thanks Rhett, love your videos!
@@millmoormichael6630 Yes! Every day. Infact my OX is always hooked up to what ever amp I am using. I attenuate for volume and then record both mic'd and OX sounds. Still one of my most useful pieces of gear.
I’ve had an OX for a couple of years now. I work at a church and we have weekly services that I’m using it at to go direct. I’m also using it in my office for our recording projects. Having the OX means I have a silent stage on Sundays as well as the best guitar sound I’ve ever had and it means that I can record during my workday without bothering my co workers. I wouldn’t want to use the ox touring, but if your stage is an almost permanent install like a church and you can just leave it setup, I’m not sure there’s a better solution out there.
Man, this is a subject near and dear to my heart. I mulled over buying an Ox for probably well over a year. I loved the idea of it, but the cost was what made me pensive. I finally bit the bullet last summer and did it and good lord, it is likely the best money I have *ever* spent on gear. I cannot think of one piece of gear I have that's given me more value for the investment than I've gotten out of the Ox. Absolutely game changing.
Great review! I own one, and if i tell you that i live in the country where average month salary is about 350$, and i had to save money for months and months to buy it, ll of you should feel relaxed about buying one. So, OX is the BOX! If something is good, it is not hard to spend money on it.
I have the exact same thoughts about the OX. After using it for over a year, it rarely comes to gigs with me, but I use it in my home studio to do remote sessions, easily record content for social media, and just to make playing my amps at home so much easier! Great video, Rhett!
I have an OX and absolutely love it. I can actually record my guitar now and that is just amazing. I am using it with a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier and I never even bothered getting a speaker cab for it at this point.
if you haven't played your Triple Rectifier in a full band setting with a Mesa 4x12 you are soooooo missing out. that's where that amp excels the most. untouchable in my opinion. i have not yet been able to recreate the sound in a recording.
the ox was a life changer for me......i am old school and love mics and cabs.....but bought the ox because of the necessity to be able to record while others are sleeping etc. it does exactly what ut says it will do while giving my amps many more tones to choose form because of the various cabs and mics inside the ox. and god help us all for me saying this, but I recently bought an axe fx 3 to be the be all end all for my studio etc......and I worked with it for a month, dialing and dialing dialing and downloading and buying presents from "established" professional users and to me I could never get to sound as good as my amps through the ox. i did multiple blind recorded sound tests with my buddies who I play music with and every single time they picked tones that came from my amps and ox. not saying the axe wasn't good.....it is very good......but for me there was no justification in spending $2000 plus when I already owned amps I love and could use them with the ox.......so I was so happy with my ox I actually sent my axe back and took the hit for trying to return past the published return date.......which I appreciated them doing....i was glad to pay the restocking fee etc.....so this is no slam on fractal, they are quality and the folks operating the place seem very nice.....but rather one man's opinion of how great the ox performs.
Leo yes I’m aware. I’ve owned and operated a recording studio for over 25 years. I’m well aware of the complexities of the Axe vs the ox. My comment was based on just how the finished product sounded on sound clips and songs. I wasn’t trying to compare the capabilities. I was just sharing what my ears heard.
@@Leo-jt3tc Youre comparing axe's capabilities to model amps, to this units capability to model cabs, not a fair comparison, plus he's using his own amps which is the whole point of this unit, you can use your regular amps, and not have to worry about good cabs/mic. Which is useful and I think is the difference, good cabs models go a long way If you check out Ola's vid on the Vamp 2 modeler, its old and sounds like crap average but when he turns off the cab models and uses his own it sounds awesome. Probably what is going on here with this unit, really nice cabs that make any amp sound good. I wonder how amp sims would sound through this. Use a laptop to do the amp sims, and this to be the cab, would be like a homemade Axe FX unit.
I don't play live anymore, but I do still record at home and, over the past 15 years, have gone through almost every type of isolation cab/attenuator/load box/IR loader/VST amp sim/amp profiler/et al. on the market; the OX has been the best sounding (and feeling - which is important when playing) solution for me so far.
I've done the same! I submit songs to licensing sites, make no money but get decent radio airplay, so i figure at least someone is listening to my songs. Funny thing is after writing about 80 or so songs, I can't tell which I used real amps or software anymore when listening back unless I check my notes. So I save myself all the headache and use Amplitube most of the time now. Nothing beats a tube amp when you are sitting and playing, but when I get a song idea at 11pm, Amplitube is a life saver!
I've owned the OX since it was released. I've had zero issues since then. I've run a Victory V40 and a Benson Chimera through it and have to struggle to get a bad tone. Rhett is on point with it being a bit much for live purposes. I've hauled it with me and it works perfectly in the mix, but a Two-Notes Captor X looks like a better alternative if you're more of a live player than a studio player. If you have a UAD Apollo interface, then there's no question that the OX should be your choice as it opens up more DSP cores and inputs on your interface via s/pdif. Rhett didn't really dive into the fact that you have an entire Master channel with Comp/EQ/Delay/Mod/Reverb that is post-speaker cab simulation (ie. only available via the digital outs, not the speaker cab out).
Annoying that UA don't include spdif I/0 on the Apollo Twin series, maybe an OX and RME Fireface UC would be a better combo for a home studio, especially when you get a ton more I/O for less $$$ and USB 2.0 is more agnostic, PC, Mac, Linux, compatible with many older & newer computers too
Richard Williams The Apollo Twin and Quad series have s/pdif in via Optical/Toslink cable and the OX has both coaxial and optical/toslink outputs. If you have an Apollo rack, you connect the OX via coaxial s/pdif only. The Apollo series will sample rate correct the Ox’s output to the setting on your interface. I don’t believe the RME will do that for you.
Thanks Rhett! Just a quick note (sorry if it's been mentioned already) that the app can run on MacOS as well as Windows. Also, OX was 100% designed and developed by UA. No Softube collaboration. Cheers!
Dude for live situations the WAZA TUBE AMP EXPANDER it’s the right tool I bought one ☝🏽 to play in church it’s the best investment I have done in the last 2 years I can’t recommend enough
I also one the WTAE- but don't you find it a bit big for hauling around from one gig to another? Or do you just leave it at your space at church? That's the only downside to me- it's like carrying another amp head to a gig. Although- now that I think about it- if I go direct- don't need cabinets any more!
yjmsrv that is the only thing that I don’t like about it hauling around I play in 2 diferente church’s on Sunday and Wednesday and I never leave my stuff always bring back home but for what is the benefits I think 🤔 it’s worth
Awesome to see the comeback of this series my man! The OX Amp sounds amazing, but I am not made of money at all haha. I would probably get it if the price went down.
@@RC32Smiths01 yeah there's cheaper stuff from two notes, suhr has a really cool one, and the fryette power station is a little different but super awesome.
Rhett, I’d love to see an in depth video with you explaining what cables to use for different situations. When to use balanced vs unbalanced. When to use a shielded speaker cable, etc. Thanks.
Until I've bought my OX, I spent too much time watching gear videos on TH-cam and not playing much. But ever since that box of beauty sits atop my amp, I play guitar EVERY day (because I can do it with headphones any time of the day). And since it's hooked up to my soundcard and DAW permanently, I record all ideas instantly. So I can seriously say it was the best investment ever (however large) because it actually makes me/allows me to play and create music any time. Yes, I know you can create music on an unplugged or acoustic guitar, but many times the particular sound I create (thanks to being able to play loud and with all my stompboxes) sparks an idea. That being said, I STILL prefer playing through a real cabinet whenever I get the chance. Nothing matches that feeling of connection of all the components involved. But OX is the next best thing, in my opionion.
Assuming you haven't already made a video on this subject I would like too see all your guitar amps along with details of what you like and dislike about each one. Amp applications, selecting replacement tubes, biasing, speaker selection, etc. Love your videos, thanks!
Freyette does what the UA OX does and a lot more. I use mine for attenuation, as a power amp from a Kemper and as a load box into an apogee duet into a Logic Pro and a DAW.
Hey Rhett, great video. I'd like to see a 3 way comparison video between 1) amp recorded traditionally 2) amp profiled via Kemper and 3) amp recorded direction using the Ox. Use the same mic setups and potentially a looped guitar signal for all three and maybe try an amp or two played clean and dirty with and without wet effects. I think you'd do a really good take on that comparison!
Remember the ox cab section can be set to DI mode and IR’s can then be loaded via daw of choice. Which effectively lets you use ox with any IR you would like. (Studio only, cant not load IR’s into the box itself as the tube amp expanded can) .
Thanks for the video Rhett! I bought an OX when it first came out and it's been such an upgrade to my home-recording process! By the way, there's also a DI setting, so you have the option to apply your own Impulse Responses afterwards.
@@dinoso You're correct. He's shown lots of ampless gear. I'm mostly interested in a video that compares them a bit and where he goes into more detail for the live situation. one question: how do you get great natural feedback on stage when going direct and in-ear?
Great review Rhett, I find these things interesting but as someone who doesn't home record or gig live,... yet, it's just an expensive but cool toy. You do gear reviews really well, have you considered a head to head test of some of the newer crop of 5 watt - ish tube amps available and how they perform as a pedal platform and a studio recording amp? I'm thinking of the new Supro Blues King 10, the Ibanez TSA5TVR tubescreamer combo, the Yeresov Gavrosh-8, Vox's AC4 or AC10, Fender's Bassbreaker 007, and maybe an offering from Blackstar and Marshall? There are so many new small, well equipped amplifiers out lately it's difficult to go and try them all or hear a few of them side to side for comparison. Also grab a few pedals to run through them, effects most people would want or even a multi effect unit like the Moor GE100 or Line 6 M5 or whatever you think is suitable. I realize it's a big ask so perhaps a series made with 5 watt world? Collaborations seem to be a hot ticket lately maybe something with You, Keith, Rick and Dave or a combination of you all. Could even approach Brad the Guitologist to look at the quality of the innards of the amps. Sorry that's kind of a huge ask now, but I really do enjoy your videos as they are well thought out and creative and you as with the others mentioned go in depth with how usable all the gear out there really is. Take care, Cheers from Canada!!
I agree with you about the OX’s attenuator. It was disappointing, but the recording options are incredible. I haven’t mic’d a cab since I bought mine. One thing I wish I could do is to route the cab and room mics to multiple outputs and record them to separate tracks. Otherwise, it is wonderful.
I love my Ox Box...it sounds amazing to me when paired with (2) EV ZLX 12P and my CAA 2x12 cab and which ever on of my amps I am using at the time. There is no other rig set up I desire to have. I have found the tone I have looked for.
I’ve had it since it came out. Just love it for both recordings and live use. I agree that the attenuation doesn’t sound all that great, but what you send to FOH will...And now we can turn the fx on/off with a foot switch....
It is great to hear you play Rhett! most of your videos has a lot of talking (which is OK too) but it is great to hear you showcase your talent bro. Great work and great information on this video. Keep them coming and Thank you man!
One thing I have learnt watching gear demos on TH-cam. I need more money, a bigger home and a ton of gear or maybe just open/buy a musical instrument store and a recording studio, so I can hopefully try all this stuff, lol
In the pro live world, line out is almost always 1/4”. Meant to go into a DI box. The only time I’ve run across line out on a microphone cable (XLR) is from a DJ mixer which lets face it, is just glorified home audio. (Maybe an old instant replay machine as well).
Great video Rhett. I've had my Ox since they came out. I agree with you about the attenuator. It's too bad because the rest of it is so good. I use it 90% for home practice with my NMV amps and play thru my studio monitors. Sounds really good. Only live use is with one group that has a really simple setup. LP R8 - boost - JTM45 - Ox - FOH. (No cab at all) Adding the new footswitch capability now I can turn delay On/Off and use the EQ On/Off as a volume boost. Really a great addition to the unit.
Always appreciate your videos Rhett. Especially the Fender Tone Master deluxe reverb. I've been using one for a couple of months and found your review to be spot on. Similar to this one in a way with the awesome quality direct out feature and attenuation. Very nice overview of the Ox. It sounded great.
Ox is a game changer for a home studio. One of those products you get up and running with incredible tones effortlessly. Any product that I’m not focussing on technology and focussing on creativity is a huge plus.
I have had my OX box for 2 years and use it to record and live. Whenever I play with in ear I have them with me and that's almost always. I can no longer imagine her without it. What you say about the XLR is what bothers me. I bought a case from Gator for touring. Awesome. In addition to mainly national tours, I also play musicals and in a show circus. The best solution for me to be quiet and to use all my beloved tube amps and stop boxes. More importantly the FOH are always happy!
UA makes good stuff. My favorite channel is a Solo 610 straight to an old power amp and a 600 watt Cab IRL. I am getting a remarkable simulation of Rock. 🎸
Thanks for actually talking about the OX’s attenuator. Most of these online demos leave this info out. It’s the main reason that’s kept me from considering the OX for my situation. I was hoping for a product at this price point and company’s more than favorable reputation to be top notch in what it offers but that’s not the case here. On the other hand the Tone King’s Iron Man II seems to be the attenuator to get even though it’s pricey also. Thanks again for this informative demo!
Thanks Rhett. Great video. I have to say that comparing Ox with competitors was my obsession for literally 3 months. I went back and forth between Ox and Boss Tae . Obviously they do slightly different jobs but here is where I’m today after A/B ing them like crazy. Standalone TAe has superior attenuation, I believe better reactive load and tons of routing option ( except lack of digital out ). Ox has significantly better speaker sim , control app, better effects. However , at some point I did “mistake” trying dry DI signal from Ox to my Axe Fx 3. Originally I only did it cuz my trs to xlr cable broke so I had to use my standard xlr to xlr studio monitor cable through axe fx. Long story short I tried Axe Fx 3 just for speaker sim and it was wow. Obviously it’s all personal but my high res speaker sim from Axe Fx 3 was way way more organic , natural vs Ox speaker modeling. Now I’m equally enjoying playing my amps through studio monitors at night as I’m enjoying my cabs. Just my 2 cents.
As many stated below, OX is a gamechanger. I got rid of isocabs, mics cabs... as it does it better and more efficient. For your next gear talk I suggest talk about single channel vs multichannel amps.
Omg yes, the very first time i heard about impulse responses i was blown away, but then i saw myself losing hours in front of hundreds of them to actually not play at all, reminds me of when i was using big multi effects or just something like guitar rig and such. I know i sound like an old snob, but i love to just plug into my pedals my amp, turn a few knobs and boom i'm rocking out! Also i'm pretty sure that the two notes product don't use actual IR as well, and it's a product that everyone uses and don't complain. I tried the torpedo remote with just a blues driver and the free cab you get... it's amazing, it's getting SO close to the real deal now .
I own a Blues Junior II as my main amp, I’d love to get something to make recording easier. I built an amp iso box to record with a mic, but the idea of having something like a head with a built in line out is very tempting, something like what you find in Huges and Kettners. Price is of course a concern, a different mic is less expensive than a new amp
Hey Rhett, one way you could clear up confusion about gear is to actually answer questions your customers ask after purchasing your Presets for example. I bought your original Helix presets you made with the Powercab+. I asked a question via Flat5 pretty much immediately about if you used one of the speaker cab emulations and if so which one. I never got a response. I then purchased your version 2, paid a small fee to upgrade even tho I could have gotten it for free and I also bought your Noah Guthrie patches. After I purchased the Guthrie patches I tried reaching out again with that same question. I reached out multiple times via Flat5 and Aaron there was super helpful. I even emailed you directly, never got a reply. Now I realize you're busy making these vids and selling your packs, but you gotta do better on your customer support. I've bought a few things from another very accomplished, super busy Flatfiver and fellow TH-camr. he is arguably probably one of the most recorded guitarists in the world. He replied personally the same day when I had a question. Now obviously I like your stuff, but the lack of customer care most likely won't see me purchasing anymore from you in the future. Just something for ya to think about. TC.
Ken Hitsman there’s no excuse for him not replying. Use Michael Britt’s Kemper or helix presets. He answers every time and has remained humble. He also only used ethical equipment.
The best experience I had (and continue to have) with my Ox is playing late at night. I literally have to keep checking that I'm not blowing sound into the room, because the sound is so real on cans. Such a great unit. Yeah, it sucked to have to pay Apple for more gear just run the app. So be it. I've done gigs with the Ox purely as an attenuator, sounded great to me!
Kinda off topic but... A great tip to audition IRs is to use a looper. Found that nugget when i dove into the modeling world. Been using the Suhr for a bit now and loving it! Keep up the great work Rhett!
I have a screamingly loud monster of an amp. It's a 45w plexi-style amp. I've been living in an apartment for a few years, and I finally got an OX about a month ago. I have never been so happy with any piece of gear. I feel like I can finally enjoy my amps and other gear again, even in my thin-walled apartment. I cannot stress enough how amazing I think the OX sounds or how much I would recommend getting one! Do it!
JohnR88 No problem! I use it with a good pair of monitor headphones, and it sounds fantastic. Even though I’m not a huge fan of guitar through headphones, the OX sounds great through them to me.
Was all set on buying an OX to go with my tube amp for home use. Waited due to the cost. Ended up buying a Strymon Iridium and couldn’t be happier. In fact, don’t really need the OX...or my tube amp, anymore as the Iridium fits my needs perfectly.
Pretty much for all live gigs I use the OX, I do not take a speaker and just use my monitor, whatever form it is (in ear or wedge) my amp is a 30th anniversary Shiva w/KT88 power tubes. I recently switched to this rig from an Axefx3 (which is great and for some shows I will still use).
To be honest, the Ox Box probably wasn't the greatest solution until the latest firmware update that hit November 2019. It added thousands of dollars worth of cabs and you nailed it, the Room Mic feature is the bomb. The futz factor IS mercifully limited, which is a plus. You plug it into your head and in a few minutes you are tracking.
After auditioning a friend's for a week I bought one late-summer 2018. I'm with you on recording end - great sounds all around. I've never viewed it as useful for live situations (too big, too heavy.) It's easier to go with however small an amp to fit the gig.
I keep hearing that there has never been a better time for guitar gear. A “peak gear” age it seems. Conversely, there seems to be a great deal of concern about how relevant the guitar is to the development of contemporary music. Not the prevalence of people playing it, but its importance to developing genres and influence on future listening.
I think the concern is only coming from older generation and guitar makers. Guitars are here to stay, just like the piano and the drums. Regarding the next big influence on contemporary music - as big as how dominant the guitar was in the 70s? Maybe...Virtual Reality ASMR style music? Instruments will stay the same with all the computers we have. I think it is always up to techy entrepreneur ideas meeting the demands of the consumer.
I'm running a Radial Headload Prodigy in my live amp rig. Always DI for IEM consistancy, but the Prodigy offers separate attenuated and non-attenuated thru to cabs. The Palmer PDI-09 is a great option if you only want a DI, also.
I have an OX. It sounds great with good tube amp heads. Lots of times just through the headphones. If you can afford one, buy it. I have an Ampete amp switcher to switch between 4 amp heads. A great combination with the OX.d Aesthetically cool to be able to use real tube amp heads and the OX. Soldano, 65 Amps, Fender, Swart, Friedman, Reinhardt, Marshall, .BC Audio ..
I would love to see an in-depth kemper amp recording video as I struggle a lot to get "the perfect sound" from my kemper when recording through a soundiniterface
@Rhett Shull Nice video. I would love to see a video about the Two Notes Captor X . I’m curious about the thing in live situations. Thanks man and keep up the good work 🤘🤘😎🎶🎶
Great! Just diving into this style of recording guitars so it’s super useful. I’d love to see a video on how you would go DI in a live setting. Whether with an amp or ampless with helix, iridium, kemper.
Rhett have you tried out the Revv D20? I was looking at getting an OX when I discovered it. I happened to want a new amp as well. I'm crazy happy with it and love the built in Two-notes wos.
Very happy with the Ox Box and an EVH EL34 50w head pairing, but the Revv looks a VERY interesting approach that might be really great if you want a new head. Heard great things. Good luck.
Great video! Would love to see you do a video on the Two Notes Torpedo Captor which is around $270. A nice budget option for smaller wallets and nice segment for your cheaper gear videos.
My first video course, The Tone Course, is now available. Check it out here!
flatfiv.co/collections/rhett-shull/products/the-tone-course
I just wanted to tell you that out of the thousands of Kemper profiles I have... All of yours, which I think I have bought them all 🤔...
But they are my absolute favorite- the way you recorded your profiles... The quality and tone and overall sound, is just so well done! I wish more amps were in your possession, or that you would simply teach people how to make a profile. Anyway-. Just wanted to let you know- 👏🏻
Thank you for all your work-
✊🏻❤️
Can’t believe you got 4 likes just 3 years ago 😂
My OX has changed my life. It's one of the most useful pieces of gear I've bought in a long time. I'm the home studio / session player and I can make tracks when my kids are sleeping and my AC30 is dimed. I've been a UA fan for a long time and this unit did not disappoint. That said it took me a couple years to decide. In the end my choice was a) build an amp blast room or b) buy an OX. Happy I did! Thanks Rhett, love your videos!
Same for me! Best piece of gear, period
Just curious you still use it?
@@millmoormichael6630 Yes! Every day. Infact my OX is always hooked up to what ever amp I am using. I attenuate for volume and then record both mic'd and OX sounds. Still one of my most useful pieces of gear.
I’ve had an OX for a couple of years now. I work at a church and we have weekly services that I’m using it at to go direct. I’m also using it in my office for our recording projects. Having the OX means I have a silent stage on Sundays as well as the best guitar sound I’ve ever had and it means that I can record during my workday without bothering my co workers. I wouldn’t want to use the ox touring, but if your stage is an almost permanent install like a church and you can just leave it setup, I’m not sure there’s a better solution out there.
Righteous sounds Rhett 🔥
Man, this is a subject near and dear to my heart. I mulled over buying an Ox for probably well over a year. I loved the idea of it, but the cost was what made me pensive. I finally bit the bullet last summer and did it and good lord, it is likely the best money I have *ever* spent on gear. I cannot think of one piece of gear I have that's given me more value for the investment than I've gotten out of the Ox. Absolutely game changing.
Great review! I own one, and if i tell you that i live in the country where average month salary is about 350$, and i had to save money for months and months to buy it, ll of you should feel relaxed about buying one. So, OX is the BOX! If something is good, it is not hard to spend money on it.
I have the exact same thoughts about the OX. After using it for over a year, it rarely comes to gigs with me, but I use it in my home studio to do remote sessions, easily record content for social media, and just to make playing my amps at home so much easier! Great video, Rhett!
I LOVE my OX! Great video mate - great to see this series back!
I have an OX and absolutely love it. I can actually record my guitar now and that is just amazing. I am using it with a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier and I never even bothered getting a speaker cab for it at this point.
if you haven't played your Triple Rectifier in a full band setting with a Mesa 4x12 you are soooooo missing out. that's where that amp excels the most. untouchable in my opinion. i have not yet been able to recreate the sound in a recording.
the ox was a life changer for me......i am old school and love mics and cabs.....but bought the ox because of the necessity to be able to record while others are sleeping etc. it does exactly what ut says it will do while giving my amps many more tones to choose form because of the various cabs and mics inside the ox.
and god help us all for me saying this, but I recently bought an axe fx 3 to be the be all end all for my studio etc......and I worked with it for a month, dialing and dialing dialing and downloading and buying presents from "established" professional users and to me I could never get to sound as good as my amps through the ox. i did multiple blind recorded sound tests with my buddies who I play music with and every single time they picked tones that came from my amps and ox. not saying the axe wasn't good.....it is very good......but for me there was no justification in spending $2000 plus when I already owned amps I love and could use them with the ox.......so I was so happy with my ox I actually sent my axe back and took the hit for trying to return past the published return date.......which I appreciated them doing....i was glad to pay the restocking fee etc.....so this is no slam on fractal, they are quality and the folks operating the place seem very nice.....but rather one man's opinion of how great the ox performs.
Leo yes I’m aware. I’ve owned and operated a recording studio for over 25 years. I’m well aware of the complexities of the Axe vs the ox. My comment was based on just how the finished product sounded on sound clips and songs. I wasn’t trying to compare the capabilities. I was just sharing what my ears heard.
It's hard to replace legitimacy
@@Leo-jt3tc Youre comparing axe's capabilities to model amps, to this units capability to model cabs, not a fair comparison, plus he's using his own amps which is the whole point of this unit, you can use your regular amps, and not have to worry about good cabs/mic. Which is useful and I think is the difference, good cabs models go a long way If you check out Ola's vid on the Vamp 2 modeler, its old and sounds like crap average but when he turns off the cab models and uses his own it sounds awesome. Probably what is going on here with this unit, really nice cabs that make any amp sound good. I wonder how amp sims would sound through this. Use a laptop to do the amp sims, and this to be the cab, would be like a homemade Axe FX unit.
I don't play live anymore, but I do still record at home and, over the past 15 years, have gone through almost every type of isolation cab/attenuator/load box/IR loader/VST amp sim/amp profiler/et al. on the market; the OX has been the best sounding (and feeling - which is important when playing) solution for me so far.
I've done the same! I submit songs to licensing sites, make no money but get decent radio airplay, so i figure at least someone is listening to my songs. Funny thing is after writing about 80 or so songs, I can't tell which I used real amps or software anymore when listening back unless I check my notes. So I save myself all the headache and use Amplitube most of the time now. Nothing beats a tube amp when you are sitting and playing, but when I get a song idea at 11pm, Amplitube is a life saver!
Are you still using the UA OX for recording? Still find it to be the best solution?
I've owned the OX since it was released. I've had zero issues since then. I've run a Victory V40 and a Benson Chimera through it and have to struggle to get a bad tone. Rhett is on point with it being a bit much for live purposes. I've hauled it with me and it works perfectly in the mix, but a Two-Notes Captor X looks like a better alternative if you're more of a live player than a studio player. If you have a UAD Apollo interface, then there's no question that the OX should be your choice as it opens up more DSP cores and inputs on your interface via s/pdif. Rhett didn't really dive into the fact that you have an entire Master channel with Comp/EQ/Delay/Mod/Reverb that is post-speaker cab simulation (ie. only available via the digital outs, not the speaker cab out).
Annoying that UA don't include spdif I/0 on the Apollo Twin series, maybe an OX and RME Fireface UC would be a better combo for a home studio, especially when you get a ton more I/O for less $$$ and USB 2.0 is more agnostic, PC, Mac, Linux, compatible with many older & newer computers too
Richard Williams The Apollo Twin and Quad series have s/pdif in via Optical/Toslink cable and the OX has both coaxial and optical/toslink outputs. If you have an Apollo rack, you connect the OX via coaxial s/pdif only. The Apollo series will sample rate correct the Ox’s output to the setting on your interface. I don’t believe the RME will do that for you.
Tuesdays are my favorite day of the week now because of your videos Rhett! Thank you!
YES! I've waited for this, thanks Rhett :D
I’d love to see a comparison between one of your KEMPER profiles and the OX. :-)
I really like the sounds you’ve gotten out of the OX, but can you do a “Should you buy...” video on the Line 6 Powercab series?
Thanks Rhett! Just a quick note (sorry if it's been mentioned already) that the app can run on MacOS as well as Windows. Also, OX was 100% designed and developed by UA. No Softube collaboration. Cheers!
Does the ox model the cabs? Why is it so heavy? Does it have a speaker magnet in it? def interested in buying one
Dude for live situations the WAZA TUBE AMP EXPANDER it’s the right tool I bought one ☝🏽 to play in church it’s the best investment I have done in the last 2 years I can’t recommend enough
I also one the WTAE- but don't you find it a bit big for hauling around from one gig to another? Or do you just leave it at your space at church? That's the only downside to me- it's like carrying another amp head to a gig. Although- now that I think about it- if I go direct- don't need cabinets any more!
yjmsrv that is the only thing that I don’t like about it hauling around I play in 2 diferente church’s on Sunday and Wednesday and I never leave my stuff always bring back home but for what is the benefits I think 🤔 it’s worth
Great job, brotha. 🔥💪
Awesome to see the comeback of this series my man! The OX Amp sounds amazing, but I am not made of money at all haha. I would probably get it if the price went down.
RC32 there’s less expensive alternatives. Little bit different technology but just as good.
@@wheresallthezombies Ahhh gotcha
@@RC32Smiths01 yeah there's cheaper stuff from two notes, suhr has a really cool one, and the fryette power station is a little different but super awesome.
Rhett, I’d love to see an in depth video with you explaining what cables to use for different situations. When to use balanced vs unbalanced. When to use a shielded speaker cable, etc. Thanks.
Until I've bought my OX, I spent too much time watching gear videos on TH-cam and not playing much. But ever since that box of beauty sits atop my amp, I play guitar EVERY day (because I can do it with headphones any time of the day). And since it's hooked up to my soundcard and DAW permanently, I record all ideas instantly. So I can seriously say it was the best investment ever (however large) because it actually makes me/allows me to play and create music any time. Yes, I know you can create music on an unplugged or acoustic guitar, but many times the particular sound I create (thanks to being able to play loud and with all my stompboxes) sparks an idea. That being said, I STILL prefer playing through a real cabinet whenever I get the chance. Nothing matches that feeling of connection of all the components involved. But OX is the next best thing, in my opionion.
Assuming you haven't already made a video on this subject I would like too see all your guitar amps along with details of what you like and dislike about each one. Amp applications, selecting replacement tubes, biasing, speaker selection, etc. Love your videos, thanks!
Freyette does what the UA OX does and a lot more. I use mine for attenuation, as a power amp from a Kemper and as a load box into an apogee duet into a Logic Pro and a DAW.
Hey Rhett, great video. I'd like to see a 3 way comparison video between 1) amp recorded traditionally 2) amp profiled via Kemper and 3) amp recorded direction using the Ox. Use the same mic setups and potentially a looped guitar signal for all three and maybe try an amp or two played clean and dirty with and without wet effects. I think you'd do a really good take on that comparison!
Great video Rhett! I can't really live without my OX!
Remember the ox cab section can be set to DI mode and IR’s can then be loaded via daw of choice. Which effectively lets you use ox with any IR you would like. (Studio only, cant not load IR’s into the box itself as the tube amp expanded can) .
Thanks for the video Rhett! I bought an OX when it first came out and it's been such an upgrade to my home-recording process! By the way, there's also a DI setting, so you have the option to apply your own Impulse Responses afterwards.
Would like to see more gear for going DI live, maybe ampless pedalboard rig with a cab sim. Great and honest review of the OX!
Silvio Schmidt Im with you there. I have an iridium. I’d like to see Rhetts approach on getting great tones with an ampless pedalboard!
Well, I think is fair to say that Rhett talks about the in’s and out’s of going ampless and cabless in pretty much all of his videos.
@@dinoso You're correct. He's shown lots of ampless gear. I'm mostly interested in a video that compares them a bit and where he goes into more detail for the live situation. one question: how do you get great natural feedback on stage when going direct and in-ear?
Great review Rhett, I find these things interesting but as someone who doesn't home record or gig live,... yet, it's just an expensive but cool toy. You do gear reviews really well, have you considered a head to head test of some of the newer crop of 5 watt - ish tube amps available and how they perform as a pedal platform and a studio recording amp? I'm thinking of the new Supro Blues King 10, the Ibanez TSA5TVR tubescreamer combo, the Yeresov Gavrosh-8, Vox's AC4 or AC10, Fender's Bassbreaker 007, and maybe an offering from Blackstar and Marshall? There are so many new small, well equipped amplifiers out lately it's difficult to go and try them all or hear a few of them side to side for comparison. Also grab a few pedals to run through them, effects most people would want or even a multi effect unit like the Moor GE100 or Line 6 M5 or whatever you think is suitable. I realize it's a big ask so perhaps a series made with 5 watt world? Collaborations seem to be a hot ticket lately maybe something with You, Keith, Rick and Dave or a combination of you all. Could even approach Brad the Guitologist to look at the quality of the innards of the amps. Sorry that's kind of a huge ask now, but I really do enjoy your videos as they are well thought out and creative and you as with the others mentioned go in depth with how usable all the gear out there really is. Take care, Cheers from Canada!!
Rhett, your video editing skills are on point for this content. Good stuff.
Love the honest assessment of who this is best suited for.
I agree with you about the OX’s attenuator. It was disappointing, but the recording options are incredible. I haven’t mic’d a cab since I bought mine. One thing I wish I could do is to route the cab and room mics to multiple outputs and record them to separate tracks. Otherwise, it is wonderful.
I love my Ox Box...it sounds amazing to me when paired with (2) EV ZLX 12P and my CAA 2x12 cab and which ever on of my amps I am using at the time. There is no other rig set up I desire to have. I have found the tone I have looked for.
For the cost of the ox you can get a kemper that's what rules it out for me
Me too, if I'm spending the$$$ I'm getting a Kemper and done wit it! There's one more option-two rock amps are sick sick sick! Nah still get Kemper!
The OX digital outs will only run at 44.1 unless you use a Universal Audio interface. I didn't realise this until after purchase.
I’ve had it since it came out. Just love it for both recordings and live use. I agree that the attenuation doesn’t sound all that great, but what you send to FOH will...And now we can turn the fx on/off with a foot switch....
It is great to hear you play Rhett! most of your videos has a lot of talking (which is OK too) but it is great to hear you showcase your talent bro. Great work and great information on this video. Keep them coming and Thank you man!
One thing I have learnt watching gear demos on TH-cam. I need more money, a bigger home and a ton of gear or maybe just open/buy a musical instrument store and a recording studio, so I can hopefully try all this stuff, lol
Really enjoying your videos Rhett....very well done, honest and thorough!
I played through an Iridium recently at a rather large church. Sounded so good it made me sell my amp and buy one.
Before watching a second of the video. the answer is YES. it is the single best piece of equipment i have every purchased
In the pro live world, line out is almost always 1/4”. Meant to go into a DI box. The only time I’ve run across line out on a microphone cable (XLR) is from a DJ mixer which lets face it, is just glorified home audio. (Maybe an old instant replay machine as well).
Your tone in that live clip is sweet and GREAT feel dude...smokin.
That's a great honest review! Thanks. Much appreciated.
Dude you do the best reviews! Thanks so much. This video has been so helpful. Currently tossing up between the OX and the Captor X.
Great video Rhett. I've had my Ox since they came out. I agree with you about the attenuator. It's too bad because the rest of it is so good. I use it 90% for home practice with my NMV amps and play thru my studio monitors. Sounds really good. Only live use is with one group that has a really simple setup. LP R8 - boost - JTM45 - Ox - FOH. (No cab at all) Adding the new footswitch capability now I can turn delay On/Off and use the EQ On/Off as a volume boost. Really a great addition to the unit.
Awesome video. I'd love to see some gear talk about midi rigs - both for pedalboard and rack rigs
Always appreciate your videos Rhett. Especially the Fender Tone Master deluxe reverb. I've been using one for a couple of months and found your review to be spot on. Similar to this one in a way with the awesome quality direct out feature and attenuation. Very nice overview of the Ox. It sounded great.
Ox is a game changer for a home studio. One of those products you get up and running with incredible tones effortlessly. Any product that I’m not focussing on technology and focussing on creativity is a huge plus.
I have had my OX box for 2 years and use it to record and live. Whenever I play with in ear I have them with me and that's almost always. I can no longer imagine her without it. What you say about the XLR is what bothers me. I bought a case from Gator for touring. Awesome. In addition to mainly national tours, I also play musicals and in a show circus. The best solution for me to be quiet and to use all my beloved tube amps and stop boxes. More importantly the FOH are always happy!
I've pre-ordered a Two Notes Torpedo Captor X . Seems to do more in a smaller box.
Nice brief review! I'm thinking of getting one for home recording.
Great video I was thinking of purchasing for my studio so this helped make up my mind. Waiting on the IR response video
I have gone with bias, have it loaded on my iPad.... really like it, suits my needs.
UA makes good stuff. My favorite channel is a Solo 610 straight to an old power amp and a 600 watt Cab IRL.
I am getting a remarkable simulation of Rock. 🎸
Thanks for actually talking about the OX’s attenuator. Most of these online demos leave this info out. It’s the main reason that’s kept me from considering the OX for my situation. I was hoping for a product at this price point and company’s more than favorable reputation to be top notch in what it offers but that’s not the case here. On the other hand the Tone King’s Iron Man II seems to be the attenuator to get even though it’s pricey also. Thanks again for this informative demo!
Nice point 7 monitors brother......thanks for your time.
Very good point about the attenuator... it *always* attenuates... even when you don't want it to. I do also like it for studio use though.
Congrats on 150k subscribers
Great video! The OX is amazing! Definitely something I’ve looking at very seriously!
Thanks Rhett. Great video. I have to say that comparing Ox with competitors was my obsession for literally 3 months. I went back and forth between Ox and Boss Tae . Obviously they do slightly different jobs but here is where I’m today after A/B ing them like crazy. Standalone TAe has superior attenuation, I believe better reactive load and tons of routing option ( except lack of digital out ). Ox has significantly better speaker sim , control app, better effects. However , at some point I did “mistake” trying dry DI signal from Ox to my Axe Fx 3. Originally I only did it cuz my trs to xlr cable broke so I had to use my standard xlr to xlr studio monitor cable through axe fx. Long story short I tried Axe Fx 3 just for speaker sim and it was wow. Obviously it’s all personal but my high res speaker sim from Axe Fx 3 was way way more organic , natural vs Ox speaker modeling. Now I’m equally enjoying playing my amps through studio monitors at night as I’m enjoying my cabs. Just my 2 cents.
Good honest review. Thanks, Rhett.
Just bought an ox on sale. Very excited. It’s the coolest piece of gear in many years
Pleasantly surprised to see the the exact amp build I’m going for. Orange + ox … HELL YEAH
As many stated below, OX is a gamechanger. I got rid of isocabs, mics cabs... as it does it better and more efficient.
For your next gear talk I suggest talk about single channel vs multichannel amps.
Pretty CLEAR this is not good for LIVE. I too am confused on the lack of XLR connections. REALLY like the video series. Keep it coming!
Hi Rhett, great video, as always! I'd be curious hoe the Ox works with the HX stomp. would you consider making a video with the HX stomp & OX box?
Omg yes, the very first time i heard about impulse responses i was blown away, but then i saw myself losing hours in front of hundreds of them to actually not play at all, reminds me of when i was using big multi effects or just something like guitar rig and such. I know i sound like an old snob, but i love to just plug into my pedals my amp, turn a few knobs and boom i'm rocking out!
Also i'm pretty sure that the two notes product don't use actual IR as well, and it's a product that everyone uses and don't complain. I tried the torpedo remote with just a blues driver and the free cab you get... it's amazing, it's getting SO close to the real deal now .
I own a Blues Junior II as my main amp, I’d love to get something to make recording easier. I built an amp iso box to record with a mic, but the idea of having something like a head with a built in line out is very tempting, something like what you find in Huges and Kettners. Price is of course a concern, a different mic is less expensive than a new amp
Hey Rhett, one way you could clear up confusion about gear is to actually answer questions your customers ask after purchasing your Presets for example. I bought your original Helix presets you made with the Powercab+. I asked a question via Flat5 pretty much immediately about if you used one of the speaker cab emulations and if so which one. I never got a response. I then purchased your version 2, paid a small fee to upgrade even tho I could have gotten it for free and I also bought your Noah Guthrie patches. After I purchased the Guthrie patches I tried reaching out again with that same question. I reached out multiple times via Flat5 and Aaron there was super helpful. I even emailed you directly, never got a reply. Now I realize you're busy making these vids and selling your packs, but you gotta do better on your customer support. I've bought a few things from another very accomplished, super busy Flatfiver and fellow TH-camr. he is arguably probably one of the most recorded guitarists in the world. He replied personally the same day when I had a question. Now obviously I like your stuff, but the lack of customer care most likely won't see me purchasing anymore from you in the future. Just something for ya to think about. TC.
Ken Hitsman there’s no excuse for him not replying. Use Michael Britt’s Kemper or helix presets. He answers every time and has remained humble. He also only used ethical equipment.
The best experience I had (and continue to have) with my Ox is playing late at night. I literally have to keep checking that I'm not blowing sound into the room, because the sound is so real on cans. Such a great unit.
Yeah, it sucked to have to pay Apple for more gear just run the app. So be it.
I've done gigs with the Ox purely as an attenuator, sounded great to me!
Kinda off topic but... A great tip to audition IRs is to use a looper. Found that nugget when i dove into the modeling world. Been using the Suhr for a bit now and loving it! Keep up the great work Rhett!
I have a screamingly loud monster of an amp. It's a 45w plexi-style amp. I've been living in an apartment for a few years, and I finally got an OX about a month ago. I have never been so happy with any piece of gear. I feel like I can finally enjoy my amps and other gear again, even in my thin-walled apartment. I cannot stress enough how amazing I think the OX sounds or how much I would recommend getting one! Do it!
Thanks for the testimony I'm in a very similar situation
JohnR88 No problem! I use it with a good pair of monitor headphones, and it sounds fantastic. Even though I’m not a huge fan of guitar through headphones, the OX sounds great through them to me.
Thank you. These videos are extremely helpful.
Excellent review. Thanks.
Great useful info as always. Keep it going.
Would love a gear talk about your fender strat! I love hearing about how you got your guitars and what you love and what you don’t love about it 👍🏼
Was all set on buying an OX to go with my tube amp for home use. Waited due to the cost. Ended up buying a Strymon Iridium and couldn’t be happier. In fact, don’t really need the OX...or my tube amp, anymore as the Iridium fits my needs perfectly.
New to your channel. Absolutely phenomenal playing and incredibly informative. Greetings from Melbourne Australia 🎸😀
Pretty much for all live gigs I use the OX, I do not take a speaker and just use my monitor, whatever form it is (in ear or wedge) my amp is a 30th anniversary Shiva w/KT88 power tubes. I recently switched to this rig from an Axefx3 (which is great and for some shows I will still use).
This is an absolutely excellent and unbias review. Would love to hear your take on the new Torpedo Captor X
To be honest, the Ox Box probably wasn't the greatest solution until the latest firmware update that hit November 2019. It added thousands of dollars worth of cabs and you nailed it, the Room Mic feature is the bomb. The futz factor IS mercifully limited, which is a plus. You plug it into your head and in a few minutes you are tracking.
After auditioning a friend's for a week I bought one late-summer 2018. I'm with you on recording end - great sounds all around. I've never viewed it as useful for live situations (too big, too heavy.) It's easier to go with however small an amp to fit the gig.
I keep hearing that there has never been a better time for guitar gear. A “peak gear” age it seems. Conversely, there seems to be a great deal of concern about how relevant the guitar is to the development of contemporary music. Not the prevalence of people playing it, but its importance to developing genres and influence on future listening.
fossilmatic i was just thinking the same thing.
I think the concern is only coming from older generation and guitar makers. Guitars are here to stay, just like the piano and the drums. Regarding the next big influence on contemporary music - as big as how dominant the guitar was in the 70s? Maybe...Virtual Reality ASMR style music? Instruments will stay the same with all the computers we have. I think it is always up to techy entrepreneur ideas meeting the demands of the consumer.
I love the Ox in my studio, fantastic workflow and sound.
I'm running a Radial Headload Prodigy in my live amp rig. Always DI for IEM consistancy, but the Prodigy offers separate attenuated and non-attenuated thru to cabs. The Palmer PDI-09 is a great option if you only want a DI, also.
I have an OX. It sounds great with good tube amp heads. Lots of times just through the headphones.
If you can afford one, buy it.
I have an Ampete amp switcher to switch between 4 amp heads. A great combination with the OX.d
Aesthetically cool to be able to use real tube amp heads and the OX. Soldano, 65 Amps, Fender, Swart, Friedman, Reinhardt, Marshall, .BC Audio ..
I would love to see an in-depth kemper amp recording video as I struggle a lot to get "the perfect sound" from my kemper when recording through a soundiniterface
I use mine strictly for live use and I couldn't live without it. It's changed everything. One of the best investments I've ever made. 👍
You always tell it like it is! Great assessment!
@Rhett Shull Nice video. I would love to see a video about the Two Notes Captor X . I’m curious about the thing in live situations. Thanks man and keep up the good work 🤘🤘😎🎶🎶
Really interesting review, many thanks.
The Ox is a dream come true for sure!
Thank you sir, again. I made an order :)
Great! Just diving into this style of recording guitars so it’s super useful.
I’d love to see a video on how you would go DI in a live setting. Whether with an amp or ampless with helix, iridium, kemper.
I have the IK Multimedia Amplitube and the AxeIO system and really like that. Great for a worship/church musician.
Rhett have you tried out the Revv D20? I was looking at getting an OX when I discovered it. I happened to want a new amp as well. I'm crazy happy with it and love the built in Two-notes wos.
Very happy with the Ox Box and an EVH EL34 50w head pairing, but the Revv looks a VERY interesting approach that might be really great if you want a new head. Heard great things. Good luck.
@@JeffreyTheTaylor thanks! Plays really well with pedals and it's only 9 lbs!
Great video! Would love to see you do a video on the Two Notes Torpedo Captor which is around $270. A nice budget option for smaller wallets and nice segment for your cheaper gear videos.
For Live work... Fryette Power Station add an IR pedal and you're there for half the cost ...Best Bit of Kit i bought in the last few years