Hello Aaron. I own a JHS Double Barrel and recently bought this. I really like it's tone to be the base for my amp sound - since I have an Iridium on the way, I'm not sure where to place it in the chain: after my Cali76 and before the JHS DB or after the JHS DB, or even first in the chain. I really like the character it adds to the clean tone.
If you’re going to use an Iridium, I would place it LAST (right before the Iridium). Think of the Benson as the preamp section of your amp, and then the Iridium as your cab. So with all other pedals off, dial up the amount of character / gain you want with the Benson, then just leave it alone - that’s your square one “amp” sound. A great way to use it!
This would be a GREAT compliment to a Quilter, although I would probably run it into the front end of the amp and run the Quilter clean... that way you're just using it like a preamp in a standard amp
Great demo, and very informative! My question is whether or not this preamp would work straight into the return of an effects loop. I do it currently with my Strymon Riverside because it too has a jfet class a preamp. It sounds better than my Peavey Classic 30 preamp, and really helps me sound great at any volume. Thanks again for the great demo!
Toby Huff yes I believe it would work great in the effects loop! I use mine straight into the front end because I love the sound of my own amp’s preamp section.
Aaron Sternke Thanks for replying. I’ve got a little Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket, and I’m probably going snag one. Thanks for the advice, and merry Christmas!
@@javonwalker9367 it can go from a clean boost up to a fuzz'ish tone. Just depends on how you set it. Keep in mind this is a replica of their chimera amps preamp section. Treat it like you would an amp and it may make more sense
Moritz Lienhard it functions as a gain / overdrive. Since it’s probably a bit higher headroom than other overdrives, I’d put it at the end of your drives but before modulation / verbs / etc
Brian Danella way lower noise floor than either of those pedals - really high headroom / dynamic / studio-tool-like pedal but also easily tweakable and usable. Get one! No brainer
@@AaronSternke hey there, just a quick question. When I engage mine, it seems to induce quite a bit of white noise, I use it with the level at about 1 o'clock and the drive at about 7 o'clock. Is yours super quiet? Thanks!
@@nathanjmartin19 mine isn’t super quiet, no... although I wouldn’t say it’s super noisy either. Double check your power maybe! Preamp pedals in general can tend to add noise because they’re pushing so much voltage / level
If I use a cabinet simulator (Cabzeus), where do you think I could put this pedal in my chain; before the compressor, after the compressor, after the drive pedals but before the time-based pedals like an amp preamp would go, or directly before the Cabzeus?
Fabricio Alonzo depends on how you want to use it. A fun way to use it would be right before the Cabzeus, and treat it as your “amp”. Then just set it how you’d set an amp, and you’re off and running. I would advise subtler gain settings in this configuration. If you want to use it more like a traditional overdrive tho, probably earlier in the chain would be better.
Ryan Bisson that would be a viscous combo... currently haven’t really stacked it, I have my drives set more individually (except the Savage which I will sometimes stack)
would this work as a good always on tone shaping pedal for the beginning of my gain stages? or would something like the morning glory or the Timmy be better for that.
Any of those 3 you mentioned would be fantastic for always on / tone shaping... they're just different flavors. I'd define the Timmy as maybe a bit more aggressive, the Morning Glory as maybe somewhat transparent with nice low end, and the Benson as maybe more open and hifi but still with a TON of character. You really just have to try them with your rig tho and see what you like! Best of luck -
I never understood preamp pedals. What's the point of buying an Jackson amp combo or amp head if you're just gonna use a different preamp based off another amp's preamp(Benson in this case). So the Jackson Newcastle's preamp and its tubes are pretty much doing nothing the whole time the Benson preamp is bypassing the amp's preamp? Or is a the Benson preamp just preamping and taking over using the Jackson's preamp tubes? I never understood why people buy other amp preamp pedals that's PCB circuit based being used in a tube amp with 3 preamp tubes at your disposal..I understand if it's being used as a distortion/overdrive, but then they would be classified as such then no?
Tai Song understandable questions! I think of preamps as high quality boost pedals, with character. The way I’m using them, I don’t ever bypass the Newcastle preamp - I’m always going through it. But the Benson flavors it with its own stuff. The difference between preamp pedals and overdrives is that most of the time, preamp pedals aren’t compressing the sound nearly as much. Overdrives usually compress, saturate, distort, and boost. Preamp pedals are basically boost-only pedals, but the WAY they each boost is unique. So preamp pedals will sound drastically different into different amplifiers, where overdrives will have a little more built-in character. When I use them live, I’m effectively using them as boosts, or yeah you could say as overdrives
Peyote Slurpy totally different things - the EP booster is the preamp section from an echoplex pedal - in general the EP warms up the sound a bit and boosts it a bit. The Benson is a full-featured recreation of the preamp section in a Benson Chimera - much more flexible and versatile. Both have their uses!
Personally, I don’t really think it merits $250. This and the 1981 are just way overhyped in my opinion. Such a simple circuit and a a little mid and high boost with a little breakup for the amp. I have some $30 joyo pedals that sound just as good and have a bunch more option. Anyhow, enjoy your new Pedal. They are all a ton of fun
Matthew Buchanan to each his own! Gear is very personal. I will say though I personally think $250 is more than worth it for this pedal! These (and the 1981 pedal) are made by small companies who are charging what they need to continue in business. Joyo (and similar companies) usually copy others’ designs, so they don’t have to spend any money on R&D. In addition, they usually use cheaper components - plastic, more surface mount, cheaper enclosures, knobs, switches, etc. Can they still sound good? Yep! But I personally don’t mind saving my pennies and paying for good gear. As the saying goes, buy nice or buy twice! :-) YMMV!
clean tone in "guitar language" means your base tone before adding anything on it, like a stack of pancakes is "clean" until you add the syrup, butter, chocolate, etc..
the sounded the same only a bit lower ... you could have just turn the volume up and not buy the preamp ...but people need to spend their money on something
Thank you for posting a video that actually shows the dimension of the pedal and not just a 10 minute guitar solo.
But muh blues scale..
Agreed with Joseph, some of us just want to hear chords thru it. Greatly appreciated
I was searching for a good demo of the Benson preamp. I loved your guitar playing and your presentation man, so I'm definitely subscribing!
Peachy Reek thank you!
Wow, heard a few demos of this that were intriguing, but this one has sold me ... now where did my wife hide the credit card? :-D
Aaron excellent demos of this and the Broadcast. Torn between the two.
Today is your lucky day! Comparison between the Broadcast and Benson coming at noon PST today. Happy Thanksgiving! :-)
awesome! Happy Thanksgiving! @@AaronSternke
Hello Aaron. I own a JHS Double Barrel and recently bought this. I really like it's tone to be the base for my amp sound - since I have an Iridium on the way, I'm not sure where to place it in the chain: after my Cali76 and before the JHS DB or after the JHS DB, or even first in the chain. I really like the character it adds to the clean tone.
If you’re going to use an Iridium, I would place it LAST (right before the Iridium). Think of the Benson as the preamp section of your amp, and then the Iridium as your cab. So with all other pedals off, dial up the amount of character / gain you want with the Benson, then just leave it alone - that’s your square one “amp” sound. A great way to use it!
Killer - just put my order in!
Around 7:10 , that tone is awesome.
Aaron Pond thank you!
Sounds wonderful. I can see this pedal being used in many applications, but worship bands will especially love it I think. 🤘🏻
Why do you think worship bands will love it?
@@bongchu3364 Because Jesus digs a good preamp.
J Perkins made my day😂
Excellent Demo! - Do you think it would it be worth getting one of these and using it in a (Quilter) solid state amp fx loop? Thanks
This would be a GREAT compliment to a Quilter, although I would probably run it into the front end of the amp and run the Quilter clean... that way you're just using it like a preamp in a standard amp
@@AaronSternke great, thanks Aaron!
Great demo, and very informative! My question is whether or not this preamp would work straight into the return of an effects loop. I do it currently with my Strymon Riverside because it too has a jfet class a preamp. It sounds better than my Peavey Classic 30 preamp, and really helps me sound great at any volume. Thanks again for the great demo!
Toby Huff yes I believe it would work great in the effects loop! I use mine straight into the front end because I love the sound of my own amp’s preamp section.
Aaron Sternke Thanks for replying. I’ve got a little Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket, and I’m probably going snag one. Thanks for the advice, and merry Christmas!
Toby Huff merry Christmas!! 🎄
Would this pedal work for a fender twin reverb. For the cleanish dirty sound rite on the edge of break up?
Totally works. I use one with a twin all the time
Stefan Bukcev does it get to distorted ? Want a cleanish dirty just dat I can play a boss turbo distortion wit out a super volume jump
Stefan Bukcev where do you have it set up in your chain?
@@javonwalker9367 it can go from a clean boost up to a fuzz'ish tone. Just depends on how you set it. Keep in mind this is a replica of their chimera amps preamp section. Treat it like you would an amp and it may make more sense
@@javonwalker9367 signal chain is : Fuzz - Overdrive - Benson - Envelope filter - Delay - Trem - Reverb
I can't seem to wrap my head around where to stack this thing in the chain? pre- or post gain? first or last?
Moritz Lienhard it functions as a gain / overdrive. Since it’s probably a bit higher headroom than other overdrives, I’d put it at the end of your drives but before modulation / verbs / etc
@@AaronSternke Thank you for the quick answer. I'm currently torn between this and the Hamstead Odyssey.
Moritz Lienhard Odyssey looks amazing as well, I’m dying to try one
New to the channel man, how are you tracking that? Is it being mic'd up? Sounds lovely
Thanks! Yeah signal chain is Amp > Royer 121 > Vintech X73i preamp > Avid HDio > Pro Tools
Aaron Sternke dude it sounds fantastic!
Great video, thanks. How would you describe the noise floor of this pedal? Like a tube screamer? Like an OCD?
Brian Danella way lower noise floor than either of those pedals - really high headroom / dynamic / studio-tool-like pedal but also easily tweakable and usable. Get one! No brainer
@@AaronSternke hey there, just a quick question. When I engage mine, it seems to induce quite a bit of white noise, I use it with the level at about 1 o'clock and the drive at about 7 o'clock. Is yours super quiet?
Thanks!
@@nathanjmartin19 mine isn’t super quiet, no... although I wouldn’t say it’s super noisy either. Double check your power maybe! Preamp pedals in general can tend to add noise because they’re pushing so much voltage / level
If I use a cabinet simulator (Cabzeus), where do you think I could put this pedal in my chain; before the compressor, after the compressor, after the drive pedals but before the time-based pedals like an amp preamp would go, or directly before the Cabzeus?
Fabricio Alonzo depends on how you want to use it. A fun way to use it would be right before the Cabzeus, and treat it as your “amp”. Then just set it how you’d set an amp, and you’re off and running. I would advise subtler gain settings in this configuration. If you want to use it more like a traditional overdrive tho, probably earlier in the chain would be better.
@@AaronSternke Thanks for your reply bro, I will try
My dude! This sounds great, using it as a drive, how does it stack with the Hudson?
Ryan Bisson that would be a viscous combo... currently haven’t really stacked it, I have my drives set more individually (except the Savage which I will sometimes stack)
Aaron Sternke - have you had a chance to check it out on bass? Some love for the low end is always a welcomed video! Ha
As always, solid stuff.
Ryan Bisson just got a bass so I may do that!
would this work as a good always on tone shaping pedal for the beginning of my gain stages? or would something like the morning glory or the Timmy be better for that.
Any of those 3 you mentioned would be fantastic for always on / tone shaping... they're just different flavors. I'd define the Timmy as maybe a bit more aggressive, the Morning Glory as maybe somewhat transparent with nice low end, and the Benson as maybe more open and hifi but still with a TON of character. You really just have to try them with your rig tho and see what you like! Best of luck -
I never understood preamp pedals. What's the point of buying an Jackson amp combo or amp head if you're just gonna use a different preamp based off another amp's preamp(Benson in this case). So the Jackson Newcastle's preamp and its tubes are pretty much doing nothing the whole time the Benson preamp is bypassing the amp's preamp? Or is a the Benson preamp just preamping and taking over using the Jackson's preamp tubes? I never understood why people buy other amp preamp pedals that's PCB circuit based being used in a tube amp with 3 preamp tubes at your disposal..I understand if it's being used as a distortion/overdrive, but then they would be classified as such then no?
Tai Song understandable questions! I think of preamps as high quality boost pedals, with character. The way I’m using them, I don’t ever bypass the Newcastle preamp - I’m always going through it. But the Benson flavors it with its own stuff. The difference between preamp pedals and overdrives is that most of the time, preamp pedals aren’t compressing the sound nearly as much. Overdrives usually compress, saturate, distort, and boost. Preamp pedals are basically boost-only pedals, but the WAY they each boost is unique. So preamp pedals will sound drastically different into different amplifiers, where overdrives will have a little more built-in character. When I use them live, I’m effectively using them as boosts, or yeah you could say as overdrives
Does it kill the EP Booster?
Peyote Slurpy totally different things - the EP booster is the preamp section from an echoplex pedal - in general the EP warms up the sound a bit and boosts it a bit. The Benson is a full-featured recreation of the preamp section in a Benson Chimera - much more flexible and versatile. Both have their uses!
@@AaronSternke It is a very nice sounding pedal but +$250 idk
Peyote Slurpy good gear is worth it! It’s not overpriced for sure. But to each his / her own!
@@AaronSternke Yea Im just trying to talk myself out of buying it ; )
Peyote Slurpy haha I hear you! GET IT ;-) also tell them this video convinced you ;-)
I dunno, this sounds two dimensional... if that makes sense
Elon Mush to each their own!
Many raves for this pedal
Personally, I don’t really think it merits $250. This and the 1981 are just way overhyped in my opinion. Such a simple circuit and a a little mid and high boost with a little breakup for the amp. I have some $30 joyo pedals that sound just as good and have a bunch more option. Anyhow, enjoy your new Pedal. They are all a ton of fun
Matthew Buchanan to each his own! Gear is very personal. I will say though I personally think $250 is more than worth it for this pedal! These (and the 1981 pedal) are made by small companies who are charging what they need to continue in business. Joyo (and similar companies) usually copy others’ designs, so they don’t have to spend any money on R&D. In addition, they usually use cheaper components - plastic, more surface mount, cheaper enclosures, knobs, switches, etc. Can they still sound good? Yep! But I personally don’t mind saving my pennies and paying for good gear. As the saying goes, buy nice or buy twice! :-) YMMV!
That's not a clean tone!!!
Douglas Rayo 🤷🏼♂️
@@AaronSternke what do you mean by that?
To each their own clean tone! :-) I like a little crunch in mine :-)
@@AaronSternke mmm because of you and your clean tone I bought the Hudson broadcast electronic.
clean tone in "guitar language" means your base tone before adding anything on it, like a stack of pancakes is "clean" until you add the syrup, butter, chocolate, etc..
the sounded the same only a bit lower ... you could have just turn the volume up and not buy the preamp ...but people need to spend their money on something
Shhh. You don’t know what you’re talking about.