Tweedle Deux - Ampless Solution+ (demo/review)

[CoolGuitarGear]

Tweedle Deux is not just a pedal, but a workstation platform, for studio and live work. In effect, it is a No-Amp tool, with a basic rundown of what it offers:

• Clean Preamp: From British to American classic amp tones
• Cab Sim: Fender/Jensen and Marshall/Celestion speakers with Presence and Resonance controls
• Master Volume/Boost: High headroom master volume that doubles as a clean boost
• Reamp: The ability to reamp/record tones within Tweedle Deux directly, or out to a different source, together with impedance adjustment
• Reverb: Studio quality reverb with a broad range of qualities, e.g., spring, room, etc.
• Input/Output Interface: Various TRS/TS, XLR jacks
• Other: Headphone jack and Aux-In jack



Watching the accompanying video demonstrates the various uses/sounds, but I will cover some details and opinions on Tweedle Deux. First, basic operation includes a selector switch that allows you to choose Direct Input (1-2 guitars), Reamping, or to use the Master/Boost. And if you choose DI, you can have stereo input via a TRS cable, together with stereo out (you will require XLR to XLR, or XLR to ¼-inch out, as needed).

Now, the clean TMB tone stack preamp is super clean, clear and sparkly; there’s a bit of gain when cranked, but only enough to provide a slight breaking up quality. It not only sounds fantastic playing clean, but is an awesome pedal platform for distortions, drives, and modulations. I previously have been using a Quilter Tone Block 202, and I may return to it for a different flavor, but I’ve been using this preamp exclusively for the past few weeks and have been enjoying it immensely. What’s cool is that a toggle switch allows you to run the preamp on its own, together with the Reverb, or bypassed completely (for connection of other preamps… look for my review on the DAWKINS preamp pedal, which also uses the Cab Sim on Tweedle Deux).

The Cab Sim is very impressive. I have my favorite IRs, but this takes it to a completely different level, in terms of sounding natural and sounding GOOD… very raw like a typical speaker. The Presence and Resonance settings help to take this over the top, as you can dial in easily and quickly to just the right combination, whether playing clean, a bit dirty, or hi-gain. I tend to prefer the Fender/Jensen speaker for clean to overdriven dirty, whereas the Marshall/Celestion (I presume V30) is my choice for harder rock and metal. I’ve since abandoned my IRs. Also, you can bypass the built-in Cab Sim and use a different source, whether an IR or something like the UA OX Box.

The Reverb sounds very clean and natural, although some may prefer coloration or some type of modulation mixed in the reverb. But if you’re looking for something more basic (no ‘space reverbs with long tails), then I suspect this would meet the needs of most people. Adding a bit to my lead adds a nice zing to the tone.

With my present setup, I don’t have much use for the Master/Boost. However, this is fantastic for those older amps without a master volume, and the boost is one of the loudest and cleanest I’ve heard. With a 33V high headroom, it can amplify signals upward of 20dB without tonal distortion. This also serves to push a tube amp’s gain. As well, you still have access to the Reverb.

I’m not one to Reamp, but I did do a setup to give it a try, and it works flawlessly and very well (see demo). In essence, Tweedle Deux Reamp converts pre-recorded tracks into guitar-like signals and connects them to out to a pedal board/effects, etc., for further processing. Amazingly, Tweedle Deux’s price is about the same or not much more than most Reamp pedals/devices on the market, and if you ever need it, there it is.

The price is as impressive as this pedal (if you want to call it a pedal) for all you get, and at only $189 USD (an introductory price, soon to be $219 USD)… the price of most typical pedals on the market. It weighs only 1.3 pounds (610g) and is the size of a dual-sized pedal, making it perfect for a pedalboard, or to toss into a gig bag. It does sound 10% better running through a power amp (or a power amp sim), but still holds up extremely well on its own. Tweedle Deux also requires an 18v input (negative center. If your power supply lacks an 18V output, an inexpensive solution off Amazon is the STRICH SPS-30 power supply, which runs under $35 USD (or $48 CAD). This power supply also boasts several 500mA 9VDC outputs and a 12VDC output (the 18V also can be switched to 12V). I’ve been impressed with Liberatoe products, for sound quality, two-channel diversity, and exceptional pricing, and the Tweedle Deux is no exception.

A few things I would like to add is that Tweedle Deux comes with two sets of knobs – color-coordinated and all black. There’s a lot going on with this pedal, so having different colored knobs may be preferred by some users. As well, the package includes a Y mono patch cable, so that you can record and monitor (mixer/DAW) simultaneously. This means a channel of the DAW can record dry signals while the other is for monitoring with effects. Liberatoe covered just about every possible playing/recording requirement. A highly welcomed new addition to my studio!

https://www.liberatoe.com/peripherals-parts

[CapnLockheed]

Yawn.....