yek
Contact Fractal for your Custom Title
The contents of this thread, including updates, are available as a PDF Guide. Download it here.
SDD Preamp: based on the preamp in Korg’s SDD-3000
Around the release of firmware 17 it became known that guitar player The Edge (U2) had started integrating Fractal Audio gear in his rig. At the same time the “SDD Preamp” drive model was added to the Fractal Audio's firmware. The Edge is known for using a Korg SDD-3000 digital delay which features a built-in preamp. The SDD Preamp drive model isn’t mentioned in the current Axe-Fx II Owner’s Manual, but I'd say it's pretty safe to assume that it is based on the venerable SDD-3000, and that there’s a correlation between The Edge’s endorsement of Fractal Audio and the addition of the model.
The SDD-3000 is a fairly low-resolution (13-bit) 19” digital delay that was released by Korg in 1982. Its embracement by The Edge contributed greatly to its popularity. The built-in preamp operates as a volume control and has a character of its own. The Edge often runs the SDD-3000 without its delays, just for its preamp. There are no specific preamp controls on the original delay, except for Input Level and input and output attenuator switches.
More information about the original SDD-3000's preamp, use of the attenuators switches, Edge's SDD-3000 settings and the pedal reissue
Original SDD-3000 service manual
Unlike the preamp in the Echoplex, there aren't many clones of the SDD-3000’s preamp. The SDD-3000 has been reissued a few years ago as a pedal, with help of Dallas Schoo (pronounce: "shoe"), the guitar tech of The Edge.
Fractal Audio’s SDD Preamp model can be used as a boost, because there’s a lot of gain on tap. But its main attraction is its ability to compress the guitar signal a little and add sparkle without harshness. It enhances the tone, adds warmth and chime in a subtle way and makes the highs jump out and "tingle", reminiscent of U2. Its Clip Type is Op-Amp.
About CPU:
Link to the list of published threads
SDD Preamp: based on the preamp in Korg’s SDD-3000
Around the release of firmware 17 it became known that guitar player The Edge (U2) had started integrating Fractal Audio gear in his rig. At the same time the “SDD Preamp” drive model was added to the Fractal Audio's firmware. The Edge is known for using a Korg SDD-3000 digital delay which features a built-in preamp. The SDD Preamp drive model isn’t mentioned in the current Axe-Fx II Owner’s Manual, but I'd say it's pretty safe to assume that it is based on the venerable SDD-3000, and that there’s a correlation between The Edge’s endorsement of Fractal Audio and the addition of the model.
The SDD-3000 is a fairly low-resolution (13-bit) 19” digital delay that was released by Korg in 1982. Its embracement by The Edge contributed greatly to its popularity. The built-in preamp operates as a volume control and has a character of its own. The Edge often runs the SDD-3000 without its delays, just for its preamp. There are no specific preamp controls on the original delay, except for Input Level and input and output attenuator switches.
More information about the original SDD-3000's preamp, use of the attenuators switches, Edge's SDD-3000 settings and the pedal reissue
Original SDD-3000 service manual
Unlike the preamp in the Echoplex, there aren't many clones of the SDD-3000’s preamp. The SDD-3000 has been reissued a few years ago as a pedal, with help of Dallas Schoo (pronounce: "shoe"), the guitar tech of The Edge.
Fractal Audio’s SDD Preamp model can be used as a boost, because there’s a lot of gain on tap. But its main attraction is its ability to compress the guitar signal a little and add sparkle without harshness. It enhances the tone, adds warmth and chime in a subtle way and makes the highs jump out and "tingle", reminiscent of U2. Its Clip Type is Op-Amp.
Personal note:
I have the SDD Preamp to my disposal in almost every preset of my own. With Drive set at around 1.75 and Level at 3.75 (everything else default) it adds a delightful and addictive chime to any clean tone, subtle but so pleasing.
I have the SDD Preamp to my disposal in almost every preset of my own. With Drive set at around 1.75 and Level at 3.75 (everything else default) it adds a delightful and addictive chime to any clean tone, subtle but so pleasing.
About CPU:
- Fractal Audio's Drive models take up varying amounts of CPU. The SDD Preamp model requires a moderate amount.
- When a Drive block is engaged, CPU percentage will rise during playing, because CPU usage is "amplitude dependent".
Link to the list of published threads
Last edited:
