February 27th, 2008 . by Justin
Revisiting the pedal order question from last week we decided to take a listen to thickening up your OD by putting a boost in front of it. We used an MI Audio boost into a mild overdrive. I am sorry to say, but this boost isn’t a normal MI Audio offering. After speaking with Michael at NAMM this year he told me that there are only 2 of these bad boys in the world. It was a pretty funny story. We will have to have him on to tell it.You can find more MI Audio here: http://www.miaudio.com

TheToneCast Episode 22: Boosting an OD:
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February 25th, 2008 . by Justin
In our final installment with K & M Analog Designs we talk with Joe about the Two-Rock Classic platform. Take a listen as Joe talks about his experience of working with John Mayer in designing the Mayer Sig. He also gives us a great overview of both the Classic Reverb and the Classic Types I-III. Finally, Joe offers some insight into what we should listen for in 2008.
This being our final installment with K & M Analog Designs, we really want to take a second to thank Joe for being so generous with his time and knowledge. Over the last three weeks it became very apparent that when you consider a Two-Rock you really are buying equipment that both Joe and Bill will always stand behind. It wasn’t mentioned in the interviews, however K&M’s customer support is second to none. They will support their amps throughout their life cycle. Whether you own a new amp or a used amp, you can always pick up the phone and talk with the great folks of Two-Rock.
For more information visit them at: http://www.two-rock.com


TheToneCast Episode 17: Two-Rock Part 3 - The Classic:
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February 20th, 2008 . by Justin
There never will be a right answer to the age old question of pedal order. It is far too subjective to make any Newtonian claims. All we can do is offer examples of various configurations and let the creative muse decide on the setup that suits her ear. Take a listen as we demo both configurations Vibe>OD then OD>Vibe. We used an MI Audio Blues Pro and a Sweet Sound Mojo Vibe for these clips.
You can find our more about the Blues Pro at: http://www.miaudio.com/
You can find out more about the Mojo Vibe at: http://www.sweetsound.com/
We chose to use the Mojo Vibe to bring attention to one of our own’s battle. If you don’t know Bob Sweet, the designer and manufacturer of the Mojo vibe, is going though a tough fight right now. There are charity auctions in place to support him. Please take time to read about the battle and do what you can to help.
You can read more here: MusicToyz Bob Sweet Charity Information.

TheToneCast Episode 20: Pedal Order? Vibe>OD or OD>Vibe:
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February 18th, 2008 . by Justin
In part 2 of our 3 part series with K&M Analog Designs we talk with Joe about their flagship platform, the Custom Reverb. Take a listen as Joe Mloganoski talks about the evolution of the amp from its’ roots (the Custom) to the their latest model (the Custom Reverb Signature v2). Joe also takes us on a tour of the circuit and offers up some guidance for dialing in a Custom Reverb. Thanks again to Joe for taking the time to talk with us.
To find out more about Two-Rock amplifiers and specifically the Custom Reverb Signature v2 visit their site at: Two-Rock Custom Reverb v2


TheToneCast Episode 19: Two-Rock Part 2 - The Custom Reverb:
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February 13th, 2008 . by Justin
Herbie Hancock won a Grammy for Album of the year. We hope the awakening in the music world continues. To celebrate we pulled a unique pair of pedals out of the vault. Instead of thinking Maiden Voyage, we thought Head Hunters. We don’t have Mr. Hancock in studio, as you will soon find out, but here is a pairing of pedals you might consider if you are looking for some good old fashion funk. If you would like to learn more about the man himself, check out his site: http://www.herbiehancock.com/You can find out more about Emma Effects at: http://www.emmaelectronic.com/

TheToneCast Episode 18: Analog Synthy Sounds:
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February 10th, 2008 . by Justin
When surveying the landscape of tone, a company that stands out for it’s unyielding commitment to quality, innovation, and sonic capabilities is K&M Analog Designs. The makers of the Two-Rock line of amplifiers has been at it for close to a decade. We are happy to announce a three part series about Two-Rock amps past, present, and future. Take a listen as we talk with Joe Mloganowski about the early years of K&M, their partnership with Steve Kimock, and what Joe takes with him when he plays out. Check back next week for a comprehensive discussion about their Custom Reverb platform. Thanks again to Joe for taking the time to talk with us. You can find out more about Two-Rock amplifiers at: http://www.two-rock.com 

TheToneCast Episode 17: Two-Rock Part 1 - The Beginning:
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February 6th, 2008 . by Justin
Based on the response form last week’s episode featuring the Robert Keeley AD-9’s self oscillation feature, we decided to demo the pedals use as a slap-back delay. Take a listen as we run it through some poor country cliches. Again, you can find more information about all of Robert Keeley’s effects at his website: http://www.rkfx.com

TheToneCast Episode 16: Slap-Back...The Keeley AD-9:
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February 3rd, 2008 . by Justin
OceanEFX is a relatively new company, but that doesn’t stop them from offering a comprehensive line of stomp-boxes. Take a listen as Corby LaCroix talks us through the history of the company and their complete line of pedals.
Note: At the time of this interview the OceanEFX Pearl Drive was not in production. As of the airing of the interview, it has been completed. Below is a photo of the new Pearl Drive.You can find OceanEFX online at: http://www.oceanefx.com/

TheToneCast Episode 15: Corby LaCroix of Ocean Effects:
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