always ready to make another combo!

http://www.thenocturnebrain.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nocturne-Brain-Preamp-Zombies/240721872969

You are aware that there are 18V cables available for the VoodooLab power supplies? Takes up 2 slots on the supply, though. I use them for the Fulltone FullDrive2 and the Xotic EP booster, and YES, it makes a huge difference. I fire up every pedal with 18V if they can handle it and highly recommend doing this!

The Hicadoolas

Last edited: Apr 11, 2014 00:47:00

Ha, and I was afraid to point that out in the first place
Here's a link. Cheers!

The Hicadoolas

Big_Ryan wrote:

i got to A/B the topanga and FRV-1 at practice yesterday and im still on the fence

the topanga doesn't have the ice pick high ringing problem but the drips don't cut through the mix all that great

How's the fence now?

I've picked one up, and have been comparing it to my Reissue Tank so will probably end up writing a review at some point.

I was a little disappointed by the lack of full-on splashy, drippy, bouncy, springyness for more OTT sounds, but it's definitely one of the best spring reverb pedals out there. I agree with what was said earlier about the 'separation' being just right. Not too little like the FRV-1, but not too much like my previous favourites the Flint and RV-7. It has an excellent 'physical' feel to it as a result, which is great.

Now I have an actual tank I can understand why some of you guys are never satisfied by digital pedals, but for something (comparatively) cheaper, tiny, 9-18v, offers more versatility - 100% wet mix, secret modulation mode, volume control and option for a buffered mode with trails - it's definitely worth a look.

i was in studio using it over the weekend and though i haven't officially laid down my tracks yet i think i am going to use the topanga over the frv, im judging it strictly on how i like the splashes when i palm mute and im preferring the topanga just for that

once i start working on my tracks in detail i might change my mind or go back and forth, im running it on 18v now and i dont notice that much of a difference but im sure its there

Snufkino wrote:

Big_Ryan wrote:

i got to A/B the topanga and FRV-1 at practice yesterday and im still on the fence

the topanga doesn't have the ice pick high ringing problem but the drips don't cut through the mix all that great

How's the fence now?

I've picked one up, and have been comparing it to my Reissue Tank so will probably end up writing a review at some point.

I was a little disappointed by the lack of full-on splashy, drippy, bouncy, springyness for more OTT sounds, but it's definitely one of the best spring reverb pedals out there. I agree with what was said earlier about the 'separation' being just right. Not too little like the FRV-1, but not too much like my previous favourites the Flint and RV-7. It has an excellent 'physical' feel to it as a result, which is great.

Now I have an actual tank I can understand why some of you guys are never satisfied by digital pedals, but for something (comparatively) cheaper, tiny, 9-18v, offers more versatility - 100% wet mix, secret modulation mode, volume control and option for a buffered mode with trails - it's definitely worth a look.

http://dinosaurghost.bandcamp.com/
http://sixtycyclehum.podbean.com

Snufkino wrote:

That's interesting. I remember the FRV-1 being a bit better than bringing out the drip with palm mutes than the Topanga, though it was a couple of years ago I had one. I hope a few comparison demo's start to surface.

I'm not really hearing a difference at 18v either (but could with the Belle Epoch). I think it comes into it's own when you crank the volume up and hit it with a lot of signal then it reacts similarly to a tank in that it dirties up a little in a nice, metallic way.

So comparing it side by side with my Fender tank again, and it's only really lacking in that OTT department. The tank has an up-front 'attack' with the splash that sounds great for OTT palm muting at higher (666 style) settings, which the Topanga just can't quite do. Other than that, it's favouring very well in terms of how it sounds, feels and reacts. And while I like those OTT sounds, it's not a NEED, so if I sell the tank it wouldn't feel like I'm compromising too much.

the problem w the FRV-1 is that is has a crappy AD/DA converter as it turns your entire analog dry signal to 1's and 0's along with the wet signal.. this isnt cool, not one bit. The Topanga is mindful of your guitar original signal.

http://www.thenocturnebrain.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nocturne-Brain-Preamp-Zombies/240721872969

RaistMagus wrote:

could you tell me some things about the 9v vs 18v power?

I don't own the Topanga, but all pedals that 'could' be run at 18V 'should' be run at 18V, IMHO. You get more headroom and the pedals seem to work smoother. I doubt that there is a noticable difference at low volume settings, but as soon as you are at live volume in a band setup you will be thankful for the more powerful tone.

RaistMagus wrote:

Would an average 18v power supply bought from the local electronics store do the job?

Yes, but ensure they supply enough mA for your pedal. Also, these electronic store power supplies sometimes don't have a proper isolation, as they are not supposed to be used with audio devices. You might get some interferences/humming.

RaistMagus wrote:

Could I daisy-chain both Catalinbread pedals on one such power supply unit?

Yes, if the power supply has enough mA for both units. Again, this might cause interference problems.

RaistMagus wrote:

Could I buy one more 1SPOT and use one outlet of each into one power plug and get 18v?

This is what you do with VoodooLab power supplies. You simply combine 2 outlets to one with a Y cable to get the power doubled. I do not know if this applies for the 1-spot supplies as well...and I wouldn' t try it, as it could fry the pedal

The Hicadoolas

Last edited: Apr 16, 2014 02:47:38

This is one of the best power supplies you can get on our side of the pond for a reasonable price!

The Hicadoolas

I'm not sure that this device provides enough power. 30 mA is not much for a time based pedal. The FRV-1 needs 37 mA, but I can't find the specs for the Topanga?!

The Hicadoolas

Last edited: Apr 16, 2014 04:38:50

I ordered the Dunlop wall wart yesterday. It's 1000ma.