Thank you so much for having me for this video! LOVE the sound you got out of the Simplifier!

I'm 54 and there are things today I never would have dreamed of when I was 12 years old and just starting.

Sliiiiight correction, the “tubes” are actually analog models of tubes (essentially different bias/eq’s of different tube types) The box couldn’t actually fit 3 different real tubes in it while also having all those ins/outs lol😆 sounds flibbin incredible tho, love mine!

Line6 has been a leader for decades, challenging other companies to follow them and surpassing them just for them to make an appearance every once in a while with something revolutionary which would start the cycle all over again and people can’t seem to be aware of it…

Lovely tones there Mike, I have a good few modelling options now but you are making me think I need to look at this as well now 😂

Another epic talking head video and I really watch your videos more for the way you talk than what you are actually saying...although this video you have pulled out some very warm sound from a piece of gear I might actually buy....awesome!!! I am going to watch this video again...

At 3:47 you state that is has "3 actual power tubes" when in fact it does not. You wouldn't be able to fit one kt-88 in that box let alone a 6L6 and el34. I don't know if you meant to say it simulates those tubes or what but just want to clear that up.

7:56 Yo yo yo back up a little, you're in my personal space 😂

I’ve just used a Fender Mustang GTX50 in my bedroom. Yet videos like these have been essential in getting to know what my beginner-ish modeler is modeling. So thanks. I always lean towards clean sounds. When I dive too deep into fancy tones, think chorus, I find I change my rhythm to suit the tone. I kinda think the tone should support the playing. That’s just where I’ve gotten to so far.

Let's gooo Chile is Chile's best country

I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Somplifier… but my HX Stomp has a LOT of effects that I use… but having traditional knobs that you can use without menu diving would be very cool… but then I’ve gone down the midi rabbit hole and my HX is at the heart of that! Honestly there are so many awesome choices these days, most of which sound fantastic to the point where your final decision is all about use case and workflow!

This thing was the sweet spot for me. I tried for so long to get into the digital modelers and all that, but they directly clashed with my concurrent move to minimalism in all of my life. Every day I long more and more for simplicity. The Iridium was solid but lacked some features for me int he cable routing and chain department. When I found the Simplifier last year things started to click. There is definitely a learning curve, but no matter how many buttons and knobs you see, it's a tiny fraction compared to the virtual controls of even a Stomp or small multi-effects. For me, that was the key. It won't be as appealing to everyone, but for someone in my situation, this was the sweet spot.

The Iridium is the heart of my rig, I believe these days its up to us to get this stuff to sound good, I don't remember the last modeler platform to come out where everyone says its objectively bad since the HD days. Any amp in a box pedal today can sound great from UA to Mooer

Very cool! I’ve been on the digital modeling amps for the last 4 years or so. This is super compelling because I can just plug into the house PA without lugging a combo cab around. But then again...I'm not sure I'd want to. There's something special about hearing your own amplifier make your sound. I'd love to know if you gigged with it, and what kind of amplification you ran it through?

Mike, you get me crazy with all the gear you grind through. As a newbie, it make me want to sit back and relax while all the KZfaq gear heads burn themselves (and their viewers!) out. How 'bout sticking with one thing, learning it, and reporting back what you learned about it on your tonal journey? What works, what doesn't work, what doesn't matter from your perspective. Give it a thought. Thanks.

We are in the golden age of options for digital and analog. I have gone from helix/hx stomp to Tonex and now have a Friedman IR-X which is a 2x 12ax7 amp preamp coupled with a digital power sim. It’s essentially a 4 channel amp, but sounds as close to a real amp in tone and feel since my real amp in iso cab days. Have played an earlier Simplifier and was impressed.

Always enjoy your perspective. I decided a couple of years ago not to be only on one side of this dilemma. I love my tube amps, the pre-70’s stuff. Got them when they were still cheap. I also love the new technology but decided not to go down the pedal and modeler rabbit hole by trying new gear all the time. Went for the Helix with the Powercab Plus at the same time running a dry signal into one of my tube amps. I can’t be the only one trying this because it really sounds amazing. You can get that ever elusive tone and the amp in the room feel, literally. The Helix setup live works great, but at practice I add the amp.

I’m lucky to have both (Iridium and Simplifier Mk2) and the simplifier Mk2 took me by surprise when I first played it. It’s so small yet the tones you get are amazing, and the addition of XLR outs, effects loop, Aux In and Headphones In and the addition of an amazing Reverb sound are just perfect specially at the price point they’re at, even a few bucks cheaper than the Iridium. Again not to bash the Iridium but Simplifier has simplified my rig alot. My smallest, yet latest setup is MC6 midi controller, H90 (4cm) to Simplfier mk2, that’s it!!! Great video my brother!!!

I have the Simplifier but the regular one. I love it. As close sounding to a real analog tube amp. I have it on Fender setting. I have gotten a lot of compliments and some of my friends have purchase it because of me. I highly recommend it.

Love my simplifier v1. Would like to get the updated version soon. I would recommend it in a heartbeat!

Had the hx stomp, loved it, had the ruby for a period, loved it, had the dream, love it, tried many others. BEST AMP SIM! The warmth in the sound is out of this world

Wow, that might be what I'm after - thanks for the tip!

Would there be issues running something like an analog synthesizer into this? Or is it only for instrument level signal?

I've been using a hybrid setup - "real" pedals and preamps into a cab sim/DI box for front of house, with the "through" going to an amp for stage volume.

Great sounds and funny I was wondering if you like Sterling/music man guitars as you seem to like very well-balanced guitar sounds...now my question is how this pedal can work in a live situation?? how do you change sounds? can u store presents and use a MIDI Controller??

Bluguitar Amp X is gonna blow people's mind.

Simplifiers are so good! The cab sim on the bass simplifier is unreal

This really interests me while also being hesitant. I have a Helix Floor that I rarely use. Gotten great sounds out of it but there’s two reasons i struggle: it gives me extreme option paralysis so i shut down instead of using it, and i hate menu diving. I basically only use downloaded presets instead, and I hate that. Curious if the simplifier would be the solution. Three cornerstone amps. Reverb. Drive. Simple. No option paralysis and no menu diving. Then I can just go back to using my fancy pedals I refused to sell. Am I missing something or does this seem as obvious as I believe it is?

Love my tube amps, but the pedal that changed everything for me was the HX Stomp.

I use a BossIR200 with Laney 1x12FRFR on the left and a Blackstar CV10 1x12 6L6 on the right. Perfect blend of tube and digital.

In 2022, I got the Quilter Superblock US. It’s only Princeton, deluxe Reverb and Bassman tones and 10” or 12” cab, BUT CAN ALSO POWER A SPEAKER CABINET…. LOUDLY!!!! I likey!

I've always really liked the simplifier delux. any chance we can see a shootout with the irriudum or even tonex?

I have the same Simplifier DLX. and I love it. I've had it about a year or so. It sounds great.

How much is a weeks allowance?

Dude! I love your videos!! I’m 53 and for about the past decade have wanted to trim my work rigs. I love my helix and I love my tone king amp, and I love my USD pedals. I bet that it won’t be long until we buy guitars that incorporate this technology. The all in one is a touring/traveling musicians wet dream!!! Thanks for the content.

Also if you ever do a Kemper vid, count me in to watch that too!

I use a hybrid rig. I have analog drives and compressor in front of an HX stomp(for wet effects) that goes into a Fender twin reverb amp. When I record, my setup is primarily the same except I use an amp model in the HX stomp instead of the TR

I use a regular pedalboard into an AC30 and then I use a Helix into the AC30 if I don’t want to deal with my pedalboard. Sometimes I don’t want to deal with any of that stuff and just run my helix board with a AC30 amp model in the chain into the PA where my band practices. The helix is a life saver.

Option overload is a thing. I used to use modelers that had so many amps and cabs and fx that I spent most of my time tweaking and wondering if I was using the right amp/cab/fx. Instead of just playing. I finally found the amplifirebox and its simplicity is what for me back to just playing. And this seems to be an even better option. I’ll have to look into it. Thanks.

I have it since it came out like 2 and a half years... I love it, the Marshall tones are to die for. The only issue I have with it is that it lacks volume... You need a separate power amp or a powerful PA in order to get good volume and headroom. Otherwise it's a marvel of engineering.

I've played about 20 shows with the simplifier mk2 on my board and it's pretty awesome. 2 xlr outs make it super easy to set up, and I love that I can plug headphones in and practice at home at night. 12/10 would recommend. I'm committing to using it exclusively for 1 year, which should be 50-100 shows just to give it a fair shake. If I remember, or someone comments in a year or sso, I'll give my full report.

I want one of these! Very cool that it is analog; however, there are not any "actual tubes" in that pedal. It just simulates them. It would require 3 separate power amp circuits (transformers and all) to accommodate those 3 different power tube options.

I like an amp, pedals, and knobs I can see and get immediate results. No menus to scroll through. No option paralysis. If something dies I can unplug and go straight into the amp. I do like that it keeps it to a few options. Back in the 90s I had a friend get an ART rackmount effects unit. It had like 200 presets (what we call "IR"s now) some from big names like Vai and room for 300 of your own. It cost as much as a really decent used car. He used maybe 20 settings, including "off. How much do you need? What's your style Is it going to kill a Helix? No. It can't do what a Helix does. Will it kill the Iridium? It could definitely put a dent in UA's product.

Great video. Your channel should be more popular. I prefer using an analog preamp and then a digital cab sim. I'm using the Crazy Tube Circuits Crossfire as a clean Fender style preamp into a Two-Notes CAB M+. I use overdrives into the Crossfire and it sounds great. Also works without the CAB M+ going straight into an effects return or front of a clean amp.

I tried the simplifier and the ACS1 but kept coming back to the Iridium as it just sounds better. Still stick to the Cornell 18/20 when I need proper tube sounds though😉

The Tech 21 fly rig 5 V2, is an underrated analog option. Really good effects onboard and easy to use. If it had a better cab sim I think it would be incredible.

I thought about getting a Simplifier (was using a Two Notes CAB M+), but sold all the pedals/amps and went with the Fender ToneMaster Pro. Haven’t been as content in a very long time.

These reviews are great because they tell a story.

I like blind tests, and reading the comments and guesses. The pattern I see is that modelling, captures, profiles, plugins, IRs, etc. have gotten so good that is nearly impossible to tell analog from digital, and the differences don't matter. If it sounds good, it is good.

I liked this but the effects loop didn’t work well for me. Some effects got distorted.

I picked up the simplifier for a pretty good price mostly to use it for quiet practice playing. I’m new to the modeler game and feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what it can do. This old man needs a “modelers for dummies” guide.

This is fantastic! Now just a thought, but what if there was a completely analog all-in-on unit the size of something like a Helix with all your regular fx staples? If you end up finding something like this please make a video on it! I can imagine that combined with a simpler would be fantastic and it would mean so many beautiful knobs and switches to play with!

I use a load of different Tech 21 fly rig stuff. All analogue amp/cab sim, a few choice effects thrown in, depending on the model a built in tuner, and with something like the PSA 2.0 you have all analogue signal path with digitally programmable controls (midi switchable) and can imitate loads of different amp types

I bought a Simplifier DLX as a backup after being forced to go direct in a situation (venue had never requested this before) and having to learn the UA Ruby in about 5 minutes. Still prefer tube amps to digital FWIW, but wouldn't mind getting a Fractal at some point. Also would not mind trying the BluGuitar X once that is released and/or something from Korg that uses the NuTube and is all analog. (Actually I should test the Humboldt against the cab sim in my Silk Drive, come to think of it.)

Simplify your life and buy HX Stomp or Quadcortex, depend on the budget. I tried overdrive/distortion in front/in loop of Simplifier DLX and always get a lot of hum(noise canceling boss ns-2 didn't help so well). So if you like heavy sound my subjective opinion this gear not for you.

Mike, im an analog kinda guy but i have played around in the digital effects/modeling world a bit. Its challenging to dial in patches thru menues as each patch takes time to test on multiple guitars. And the noise floor on cheaper units keeps me from using them. I love my ADA rack gear though since its "kinda" hybrid and gets the tones i love but a pain to lug around. It stays home

In general I’d been a digital modeller and multi-effects guy since I got a Digitech GSP-21 back in the early nineties. But once I’d gotten into individual pedals, I’d always wanted that one box that would give me amp sim, cab sim, fx loop, headphone, and DI so that my pedalboard could have all the output options of my multi-effects units without having to cobble together a solution out of several products. The Simplifier was the first product I found that did all of that. Being analog didn’t really matter or not to me. I’m continually amazed that there still isn’t a competitor with all its features. I do have to say, however, that I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a Boss IR-2. It does lack DI, and it won’t replace my Simplifier in every case. But I’m excited about the MDP amp models in the IR-2. Because if you’re going to be digital, you might as well do something with it beyond simply trying to emulate analog.

The Bluguitar Amp1 mercury edition and iridium are hands down the best ever pedalboard amp or amp period....!! Try it please i would never lie about the greatest tone!

That thing looks like the Allspark from Transformers. Probably what it would sound like if you plugged a guitar into it.

I used a Fender Superchamp X2 for ten years straight. Then I got a Princeton Reverb 65 reissue.

I use the original simplifier as a pedal platform. I’m happy with it. Love the stereo effects loop, headphone jack, and xlr outs. It’s a “simple” piece of gear, but works well for me. I’d say only downside with using the deluxe is while everything is all in one it’s not something where you can quickly change gain or effects levels mid song. Between modelers and midi controlled boards we’re all used to more convenience to control our rigs. So for me the simplifiers all make more sense as a pedal platform. I bought the original simplifier when it first came out, sold it and jumped around and tried a few different things and now I’m back to it. Just works well and has all the I/O you could need.

Ohhhh man. I wish i had seen this vid before. I would have second thought buying an uafx Lion. Well here we are it sound amazing

I like the Iridium and enjoyed my helix, but I’ve got a board with the original Simplifier now and I love it! It functions and sounds like an amp, I can run stereo, and I having the XLR outs is the perfect finishing touch. Would love to try an updated model someday, but really don’t see the need to as this one is serving its purpose and then some.

As a long time Simplifier user, I really enjoyed it, BUT in the end I moved to ToneX. For me, the TX blows it away, more flexible with unlimited amps and cabs. I found the Simplifier could could sound harsh on occasion, and I then started pairing it with IR through a HX Effects. That lifted the Simplifier game to me. But still, ToneX was a game changer for me.

Now would you say this would be better than the Kemper as well?

I dont know when this effect came out but in Imo the pedal that does the ambient, or Shimmer effect is the big one.

It would be interesting to compare the voltage and current going into those tubes and the tubes of my 100w tube amp at the tube (EL34x4)that has the lowest power for comparison. Looking at the performance of the tubes and function in the circuits would be very cool. I suspect the EL34 tubes are doing more heavy lifting in my 100w amp. The tube effect for this 'Simplifier', I suspect would not be the same as the amps it models. Is the KT88 a preamp tube? I am also considering the monster transformers required to operate the power tubes and preamp tubes. This little device with 3 tubes has me scratching my head. I suspect current could be the sacrifice, with one tube at a time, but still that seems difficult.

I am an all digital Helix/HX/Powercab guy. I do love the tones I get, but it's also convenience of the things you can do with the unit.

I got the Helix a few years ago and I've still yet to see anything in the small-format realm that does what it does. I teach full time and do musical theater, so for me the I/O and fast footswitchable presets are a must. That said, if I was doing a set-and-forget rig with a handful of pedals, something like this would be super enticing.

“A week’s allowance”??? Sssshhheeeee… what kinda allowance were you gettin?! 🤣😂🤣

Sold my FM3 and moved to a Simplifier MK2. Done with fiddling with menus and getting lost in the tweaking. Sounds and more importantly, FEELS amazing.

Yes! This is the future! That's why I purchased the Friedman IR-X. Tubes, no more menu's, TONE!!!

I would like to see the Simplifier head to head to the Quilter Superblock. Both analog with a DI output, would be interesting

I love my nux trident

Digital has come a long way. Digitech RP100 was my first fx processor about 25 years ago when I got my first electric guitar. I haven’t tried any of the new digital stuff (except for amp plug ins). I prefer the feel of analog and tubes, but with all the technology out these days, I know I might be happy with a hybrid set up like a tube preamp pedal into an IR loader.

You should show the actual product and settings more !! ❤

Great video! I just want a modeler to make my pedalboard sound convincing live. Digital modelers like the Iridium have inherent latency, as much as I like it. Really interested in the simplifier :)

But will it chug?

Agreed. Use it all the time with my band - Six Bar Break

Crack the lid and show me those analog circuits.

Super piece of kit. I use the DLX as a stereo wet dry rig with a hx effects. Amazing sounds and has cured my GAS. It’s as much as anyone can need…

Compact Wet Dry Wet, all on your pedalboard. The analog feel is also nice, even if the tones aren’t the best out there (let’s be honest, we use drive pedals and stuff anyway)

The Simplifyer does not look very simple….oh, the irony…

The Iridium Reverb makes it worth it to this day. I have the helix and few other modelers for traveling but i still have tube amps. when i’m trying to match a tone, tube amps just _are_ that tone

You are such a nerd. I love it.

I'm definitely an analog person.

4.08 Besides the reverb there is no effect at all in this pedal, it is a basic analog amp and speaker modeller (no tubes either ofcourse, but that has slready been mentioned by other people)

Without detracting from the Simplifier in any way, Helix' amp/cab modeling & IRs are only a piece of what most Helix users actually use a Helix for - and it's the multi-effects capability that are the primary reason most people buy/use one. Helix' additional routing capabilities enable its use as an all-in-one, direct-to-PA for a solo performer or even up to a couple of performers, as it has 6 inputs (2 TRS, 1 XLR, 1 SPDIF, 1 MIDI & 1 Variax), 4 separate effects loops, external amp control, up to 3 total expression pedals + additional CV) and 6 outputs (or 8, if you count the stereo XLR's & TRS' channels individually). Which isn't to say that there isn't room for true tube modeling. Indeed, the Simplifier could be a great add to a tube tone purist's pedalboard even with a Helix, if they wanted a more "authentic" model of their favorite tube amp in their board. But Helix killer? No more than a battleship is a replacement for an aircraft carrier. It's just a function of what options you want in your board.

It is in theory the perfect tool, reality is different:) I could see that this would be a good thing for a jazz player or someone needing something physical, easy to use for cleans/ but the driven tones, just don’t cut it.

HD Prime is around $1200 and the Core is under $1000. That’s about twice the price for the Core which is an all in one board with hundreds of IRs and Clones beyond their normal stuff.

when're you trying out a fractal

Helix drives, amps etx are all great. The issue is most often the user, not being able to get it to sound good, orrrr using shit speakers/headphones etc, orrrr listening with one's eyes. I'm personally a hybrid person. I use an HX Stomp, an analog OC-2 copy (sounds better than the boctaver model, could be fixed with eq though) and an envelope filter in the FX loop, to have the physical knob for sensitivity and be able to put it anywhere in the chain easily. However, the drives, amps etc are all great in the Helix.

Had the OG Simplifier, then moved to the DLX… they’re definitely good… but now I’m using the Boss IR-200 & it just sounds better for what I’m trying to get out of it… For me, the Simplifier had to be kept clean, any “edge” and there is a harshness… what that meant is I had to back of the gain even more if I was going to use dirt pedals… BUT - it’s still a great piece of gear & no one packs as much in… stereo loop, stereo xlr AND 1/4!! It’s impressive for sure

its gotta be the Fractal Ax-FX any other answer is insane, they changed the game, and pretty much every modeler in the game today(outside the Kemper) is borrowing from the foundation Fractal Audio laid out

The Simplifier is certain;y NOT an all in one solution, unless you don't use mudulation, delay, or specialty reverb fx. So comparing it to anything other than the Iridum/ACS1/similar is apples vs oranges. Current;y $459, a bit more costy than the digital competition, but still not unreasonable for 3 amps. But I will stick to my HX Stomp. The amps sound and feel good to me, and it IS a proper all in one solution. Although, I've added the HX One in the loop as a way of conserving DSP. In case you are not aware, the nick name for the Simplifier is the Complicator, mostly due to the number of knobs and switches. The Iridium handled this correctly - it is so simple to use.

I’m an analog guy, but I’ll be the first one to admit that the digital stuff is almost as good nowadays

Mike, I realize this question might come across negatively, but it isn't intended as such. I'm curious. Do you consider yourself a guitar gear demonstrator or reviewer? Both roles are equally valid. I would just like to know where you're coming from. BTW... can't you make one of the funny videos once in a while... like you did to start your channel? I miss them!

6L6, EL34s and KT88s?? There's no way that could possible be true. Beyond the heat those would produce, I don't see how 3 full size power tubes could possibly fit in that enclosure.

Started all analog and now I'm all digital. Got tired of tap-dancing between pedals, bars and small venues will ask you to go straight to PA or FOH, they don't want anyone to listen a 100w tube amp, so it was an easy transition. Specially with the Helix, since it's how I record music nowadays too.

I’m a “ I would love to try this in the loop of my Helix” kinda person.