Tech 21 XXL Guitar Edition
Obese, megalithic, dynamic distortion is what it’s all about. The XXL’s Warp™ control manipulates the structure and balance of odd and even harmonics and influences their relativity to the dynamics of your instrument and your playing style. Translation: you can achieve a variety of results, even within the same setting, depending on the manner and force of your pick attack. Originally in production from 1995-2000, some guitar players considered the XXL a little too over-the-top(!). Oddly enough, certain bass players seemed to like it just fine. So we decided to split the atom and try to make both camps happy.
The restructured guitar version features a very musical Tone control that shifts the center frequency of the high cut from 10kH to 1kH, which maintains the mid-range without getting muddy.
Obese, megalithic, dynamic distortion is what it’s all about. The XXL’s Warp™ control manipulates the structure and balance of odd and even harmonics and influences their relativity to the dynamics of your instrument and your playing style. Translation: you can achieve a variety of results, even within the same setting, depending on the manner and force of your pick attack. Originally in production from 1995-2000, some guitar players considered the XXL a little too over-the-top(!). Oddly enough, certain bass players seemed to like it just fine. So we decided to split the atom and try to make both camps happy.
The restructured guitar version features a very musical Tone control that shifts the center frequency of the high cut from 10kH to 1kH, which maintains the mid-range without getting muddy.
The median point of Warp yields traditional distortion, well suited for chords and rhythm parts. Extreme settings work particularly well with individual notes making them smoother, fatter, thicker and juicier. At minimum settings there are higher amounts of even harmonics, producing an overdrive like that of a Class A tube amp.
Characteristic of all Tech 21 products, the XXL will not depersonalize your guitar tone. It will bring depth and soul to any amp - vintage or modern, tube or solid state - or any multi-processor that otherwise leaves you uninspired.
XXL Sound Sample
Guitars First Half:
Rhythm guitar: Tyler Telebastar (Tele-style guitar)
XXL Settings: Level 10 o’clock, Tone 12 o’clock, Warp 11 o’clock, Drive 10:30.
Amp used: Tech 21 Trademark 30, set up with a clean sound, miked with a Soundelux Mic.
Lead Guitar: Tyler Studio Elite with same amp, etc.
XXL Settings: Level 10 o'clock, Tone 12 o'clock, Warp 12 o’clock, Drive 11 o’clock.
Guitars Second Half:
Rhythm guitar: Gibson Les Paul
Amp used: Tech 21 Trademark 30, set up with a clean sound, miked with a Soundelux Mic.
XXL Settings: Level 11 o’clock, Tone 12:30, Warp 12 o’clock, Drive 11 o’clock.
Lead Guitar: Gibson Les Paul with same amp, etc.
XXL Settings: Level 11 o’clock, Tone 12 o’clock, Warp 1 o’clock, Drive 12 o’clock.
Bass:
Recorded direct with a Millennia TD 1 pre-amp and the XXL Bass Edition pedal.
XXL Settings: Level 11 o’clock, Tone 11 o’clock, Warp 11:30 o’clock, Drive 10 o’clock.
All tracks written, performed and produced by Alex Garcia.
Note: Names of sample settings from the owner's manual are intended for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement or affiliation with the companies or artists named.
