Variable
Inspired
I did some fairly extensive testing with my direct-via-Fryette PS2 KSR Gemini's lead channel vs. the Solo 100. KSR got their start making SLOClones and then modding them for the metal crowd, so it seemed like a fun experiment to try.
My experiment was to see how close the KSR's Lead channel is without any modes engaged and only the Bright switch engaged (which matches how the Solo model is set up when you look at the Ideal parameters). I ran the same patch with the same cab IRs, and set up the knobs on the KSR to match the Solo 100 Lead model.
Results -- It's pretty hard to tell the difference. The tonal quality is almost identical, and I attribute any differences I hear to different tapers on the pots on the amp vs. the model. Obviously, KSR takes the SLO sound a bit further with the Modes and Voices and Fat switches, which is something that would probably take advanced parameter tweaking in the Axe. But if you want that core sound, it's basically the Solo 100 Lead model. Probably the only difference I could hear between the two is that the Solo 100 sounds very slightly more compressed and not as clear. But it's an incredibly small difference. Feel is about the same, and even rolling off the volume has the same effect. Turning OFF the bright switch on the Solo 100 model has the same effect of muddying and honking up the tone as on the Gemini.
I'm sure with boosts and the Fat parameter and other goodies in the Axe you can probably replicate everything the Mode, Fat and Voice switches are doing, except for the dual gain knobs you get with the Purple and Red modes on the Gemini since that adds an extra tube gain stage.
I'm sure if scoped it you'd see differences, but my ears can't really tell.
So, if you want a KSR, you're pretty much almost there. Of course, I'm still keeping the actual amp (I have the one with the first Crunch channel EQ mod, as it was previously owned by Joe Satriani!) since it absolutely crushes live through a 4x12, and the extra switches are very useful and save me a lot of tweaking to get the same sound in the Axe. Rock on!
And yes, I'm happy to do clips between the two if I have time sometime in the next year.
My experiment was to see how close the KSR's Lead channel is without any modes engaged and only the Bright switch engaged (which matches how the Solo model is set up when you look at the Ideal parameters). I ran the same patch with the same cab IRs, and set up the knobs on the KSR to match the Solo 100 Lead model.
Results -- It's pretty hard to tell the difference. The tonal quality is almost identical, and I attribute any differences I hear to different tapers on the pots on the amp vs. the model. Obviously, KSR takes the SLO sound a bit further with the Modes and Voices and Fat switches, which is something that would probably take advanced parameter tweaking in the Axe. But if you want that core sound, it's basically the Solo 100 Lead model. Probably the only difference I could hear between the two is that the Solo 100 sounds very slightly more compressed and not as clear. But it's an incredibly small difference. Feel is about the same, and even rolling off the volume has the same effect. Turning OFF the bright switch on the Solo 100 model has the same effect of muddying and honking up the tone as on the Gemini.
I'm sure with boosts and the Fat parameter and other goodies in the Axe you can probably replicate everything the Mode, Fat and Voice switches are doing, except for the dual gain knobs you get with the Purple and Red modes on the Gemini since that adds an extra tube gain stage.
I'm sure if scoped it you'd see differences, but my ears can't really tell.
So, if you want a KSR, you're pretty much almost there. Of course, I'm still keeping the actual amp (I have the one with the first Crunch channel EQ mod, as it was previously owned by Joe Satriani!) since it absolutely crushes live through a 4x12, and the extra switches are very useful and save me a lot of tweaking to get the same sound in the Axe. Rock on!
And yes, I'm happy to do clips between the two if I have time sometime in the next year.
