[Rockman XPR] -A famous effector used by Bz guitarist Tak Matsumoto-

Hello

Hello. This is sukuta takafumi (@sukutakafumi).
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sukutakafumi

Today, I would like to introduce the Rockman's XPR, a rack-type effector.

I made a video on YouTube this time as well. I would be happy if you would subscribe to the channel.

Rockman is a brand developed by Boston guitarist Tom Scholz.
Unfortunately, the Rockman brand is no longer available.

Although it was an effector that was actively used in the 80's and 90's, it still has many fans who like if for its characteristic sound, and it is well-known in Japan for being used by B'z guitarist Tak Matsumoto.

○ Features of Rockman

• It has a characteristic mid-range sound like a slightly stuffed up nose.
  If you like the way Rockman is in the mid-range, I think you'll be really into this.
  Also, this mid-range is not the mid-range that comes out of the amp, but a sound which can only be produced after being processed by Rockman effects.
• It is a tight sound and emits only the parts necessary for the guitar.
  The low frequencies don't sound as heavy as modern amps, but you can get a nice sound with muted chords fairly easily.
• The texture of the distortion is large and rough.
  It sounds rough and mechanical when you first listen it, but as you play with it, the sound is smooth and it’s a rather easy-to-use sound.

○ XPR functions

The XPR gives the impression of a multi-effect unit and is divided into the following sections.

• Compressor
• Pre-distortion equalizer
• Clean distortion range
• Effects loop
• Stereo chorus
• Stereo echo reverb
• Output equalizer, volume

○ How to use the XPR sound

The compressor and distortion range determine the depth and sustain of the distortion, and the equalizer corrects it to determine the desired distortion sound.
Also, if you set it to a clean sound, apply stereo chorus echo, and reverb, you can hear with B'z RUN clean sound pop out.
However, basically, the echo and reverb feel like an after-thought, and I feel that it is better to use other units for these effects.
The Echo sounds like a plate or a short delay with a very short feedback time.

Perhaps many people who buy Rockman and the XPR want to produce the sound of Matsumoto from B'z, but with regard to the XPR, the sound of a similar character comes out, but you shouldn't expect to get the exact same sound.

○ Difference between this and the Sustainor and Distortion Generator

I haven't owned all three models at the same time, so I can't say for sure, but the Distortion Generator has a distorted sound like an effector, and the sound is narrow.
With the Sustainor, on the other hand, it becomes a great open sound.
However, I think it is the Distortion Generator that can easily produce Rockman's mid-range sound that you have in mind by playing it smoothly.
With the Sustainor, the sound is open and it feels good, but the mid-range feels weaker than the Distortion Generator, and I want a separate equalizer.
With the XPR, the sound is delicious, and becomes audio-like and raises it to another level.

○ Author's general comment

The XPR has a very interesting sound even in modern times.
Not only is it interesting, but it's also very musical because it responds to the temperament of the player.
Rockman is said to sound the same on any guitar no matter who plays it, but I disagree.
Once again, I felt that everything depends on the player.
Also, the settings vary greatly depending on the guitar and player, so you should always set them with your own ears and hands to your preferences.
The XPR reminds you of Matsumoto B'z, but I think it will be interesting not only for Matsumoto fans but also other guitarists.

▼The following equipment is used in the review video.

Guitar: Kanji Guitar Les Paul type (https://twitter.com/KanjiKawabata)
Effector: Rockman XPR
Speaker Simulator: Two notes

In addition, I am looking for manufacturers and individual builders who can loan me equipment for review videos and creating articles.

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