Conference napalm::guitar

    
<  Okay I give! What is in a "Rockman" that makes them so expensive? 
    
	It's a small amp, pretty intelligent, and made for guitar/keyboard
    and bass players.   I don't know why they're as expensive as they
    are, but I can tell you, they utterly destroy anything in the market
    that is supposed to do what a rockman does.  It's the Krem-ala-krem
    of such products.  Arion makes a Hot Watt (??) and it can't hold a 
    candle to the sound and uses of the rockman.
    
    	Some units have channel switching from clean to heavy overdrive,
    also all have abilities to be hooked up through other Rockman units,
    also, they can be hooked up to your stereo or tape deck.  You can
    either play along with records and tapes, (great way to learn
    songs) or record straight to your casset/reel to reel tape player.

	Some have chorus and delays built right into them, some, (read
    the cheaper ones) just have chorus or one sound.  The Rockman II
    (I think they'er called IIB now) has four chanel selections,
    Clean, Ultra Clean, Edge, and Distortion.   A three stage volume
    switch, and delay and chorus.  Excellent sound all around.
    
    	Some guys use em live, I wouldn't though, just not right
    for that use as far as I'm concerned.
    
    	They're are a few differnt flavors of them.  They go from the
    rack mount (big bucks, down to the Soloist model)  The one I've
    got is a Rockman II.  It has delay, chorus, chanel switching,
    and is about the size of a Sony Walkman.  The soloist is just one
    sound, distorted, but cheaper then the Rockman iI or IIb.
    
    	There is the rack mount that does just about everything but
    make ice for you and tune up your guitar.  It's meant for a front
    end to a live/road set up from what I can see.  Not pratical as
    a personallized practice amp.  You want the Rockman IIB for that.
    
    	I've had mine for four years now, Love it, use it alot, never
    had a problme with the amp, but I must cinfess I've gone through
    a few head phone sets with it.  And these are basically cord problems.

    	If you're looking for a practice amp, this is it.  Buy a rockman
    II or one of the new versions, ROCKMAN IIB.  	(Supposedly)
    they are quieter, but I only use mine as a practice amp, so I don't
    care about the hiss.  It's just me hearing it.  Plus if you've a
    quiet axe, you wont hear it hardly at all anyway.
        

		<  how many people have had to have them fixed?  >
		<  Do you end up taking them to the factory for  >
    		<  anything or are they simple to service?       >
    
    	They seem pretty reliable, and the company is the only place
    I know where you can get em fixed.  I doubt they are something anyone
    can fix.  The other guitarist in the band I'm in bought a used one,
    sent it back for a check up.  It only cost him 15 dollars, and they
    gave him a new set of head phones.  There was nothing wrong with
    it at all.  But they cleand it up, and made it look brand new. 
    He only paid 30 dollars for the unit, 15 to have it refurbished,
    and 5 bucks for shipping.  The company is in Lexington Ma. and they
    only had it for a few days.  Wayne got it back inside of two weeks.

    
    		< What are the chances of getting some spec's on >
		<  them or even schematics?			 >
    
    	Off hand I'd say you'd have a better chance of calling the
    Kremlin with a bomb scare.  I don't think they publish schematics
    for public review.  Scholz is too afraid the Japs will steal the
    circitry like they've stolen everything else we've let them get
    their eyes on.

    	If you do get one, and once you use one, you'll want it, buy
    the approriate cables for hooking it up the various ways.  You'll
    love it.  .....   If you drop it,,,  you may be in trouble.    

good luck, hope this helps....
    

    How much are they going for new?
    

    Which ones..
    
    	Rockman IIbs probably up and over 225 to 250.
    
    	The rack mounts, Not sure but I think there like 375/400 

    
    	They don't give them away,.
    
    	I paid 220 when I bought mine.  This price, and above prices,
    probably include the battery pack.  
    
    	*** I Suggest anyone who's interested, go mail order on them

    	I didn't, and should have.  It's just like buying camera stuff.
    
    	The retail stores have to make a larger profit off individual
    sales.  Mail order house not only sell to the retailers that
    you buy from, but they also sell all over the country.  They sell
    them for much less, and by selling such large amounts, make profits
    on the big picture, instead of raping  the Joe Jackilly that walks
    into the store off west main street.
    
    	Try Rolls Music, Church Falls, West Virginia.
    
    	I'll dig up the number, and post it here somehwere if anyone
	is interested.

I'd like to get ahold of that address, if you would.  
    
    AA

    
    I've played with two guitarists who used them live, and they worked
    out great.

    Rockman's are great for getting a quick good sound to put on a tape.
    I've plugged directly into the console with a Rockman II and used
    the mix in the cans as a monitor.
    
    Also good for ultra-late night playing, when you're struck by some
    idea that cannot wait until the next day and your S.O. is sleeping.
    I use it lot when I come home from gigs to wind down for 15 or 20
    minutes.
    
    I agree with the person who said he didn't like them for live use.
    They have a very characteristic sound; if you don't play with that
    sound you're out of luck.  Don't get me wrong...it's a great sound,
    but it's not what I choose.  
    
    Go for the battery eliminator; I find it's easy to leave the switch
    on and eat the batteries.
    
    I thought Sholz R&D was in Lincoln.
    
    Adios,
    Johnny Jupiter
    

    Scholz Research & Development, Inc.
    134 New Boston Road
    Woburn, Mass 01801
    (617) 932-0551
    
    

	So I tried a Rockman last weekend an x100 and liked what I heard so
now I'm looking into the rackmount flavor which should be in next weekend.
        I read somewhere that you can buy rackmounts for the x100 now??..
    
						Thanks for all your info!

							Rick

    RE. Rackmounts for the X100
    
    For what's it worth...
    
    I just went through the purchase of a Rockman unit about a month
    ago. I was recording in a studio, and for kicks, I tried the X100
    they had there.  I loved it. I then tried to emulate the sound with
    my existing pedals. No go. I ended up popping for the X100. The
    next issue was that I wished to use it live. But how do I make it
    into a footswitchable unit ? Either modify the existing electronics
    (ooohh that could be tricky) or do they sell something that I can
    use ? Well, they do sell something, it is called a Rockmount, however
    I had to take the picture in to my local music store to convince
    them that such an item existed. They kept thinking I was talking
    about Rockmount modules (sustainor preamp and chrous delay). These
    sell for mega-bucks.
    
    Anyway, I convinced them to look at their files and whalla, they
    found a brochure on the Rockmount. It retails for $139.85, and appears
    to be just a footswitch to either include the X100 in the loop or
    not. What that means is you set the X100 the way you want it, either
    distortion, edge, CLN1 or CLN2, then you can switch in the X100
    or bypass it. I did not get the impression you could footswitch
    CLN1, CLN2, dist. or edge. You have to preset it to one position.
    The Rockmount does however supply power and the proper jacks for
    live operation, this means that you do not have to buy the cable
    kit (15.00) or the power supply (20.00). I also think it has a master
    volume too. 
    
    I didn't buy the Rockmount for my X100. I just position the X100
    in a easily accessible area and utilize the fast-finger switching
    technique. You'd be suprised how fast you can get. Just like
    quick-draw.
    
    I also bought the X100 for a Strat, I had some noise problems, and
    purchased a Seymour Duncan Hot Strat Stack to help in this area.
    It worked great. I also think that the newer Rockman units have
    better noise control than the older ones. I am pleased with my X100.
    I paid 219.95 for it and it has worked great. The hum I did get
    with the X100 wasn't all that annoying either with the std single
    coil pickups. I just wanted a cleaner sound. Our other guitarist
    also owns an X100 and a Les Paul and virtually has no noise problems
    when we play live. I attribute my noise to the single coil pickups
    not the X100. If you wish to get more information call ...
    
    
    Music Emporium USA 
    8101 Cessna Avenue
    Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879
    
    To order : (301) 869-5804    Info : (301) 869-5880
    
    This is where I first got a price of 199.95 on a Rockman X100 !
    
    Tony
    

	Well I tried the preamp sustainor/chorus delay and here's my 
impression:

	When I first turned it on there was the sound of waves crashing
on the rocks at Plum Island! Ugh! After playing with it for 5 minutes
I was able to eliminate a lot of the noise ,but still too noisy for live
or recording use. It was even noisier than the X100 I played on! At least
to my ear. As characterized by someone else,somewhere else it is somewhat 
limiting unless you do a lot of fiddleing and want that "Boston" sound.
	I liked the compressor and maybe the noise gate  as compared to 
other foot unit's I've used but I found it cost too much for what you get
and I will pickup a used X100 as they do appear for sale occasionally.
	The Chorus delay sounded nice but once again I prefer my Boss
footpedals.
	Maybe this was another defective unit as was also mentioned before?
Or I'm just too picky! A couple of people had similiar impressions.

						Oh Well,
						
					Thanks to all of you who commented!
						    Rick
                                                                   

    Rick,
    
    Like I told you:
    
    Get the Rockman X100 - you'll be happier.
    
    -Dan
    

    Ditto.
    
    X100 for me too. with Strat and Seymour Duncans.
    
    Tony

    Anyone try the Rockman X100 yet? This is a great idea.(?) Could
    be perfect for me, who has an apt and does not want to wake the
    kid when I practice. I have been quoted $220 from Acton music and
    $199 at Whurlitzers downtown. Is mailorder an option for less bucks?
    Anyone got details on availability,price,quality. Can this box and
    effect be used in conjuction with other amps? I heard this company
    was founded by the Boston lead guitar player, Tom Scholtz. I could
    have sworn (I was far away) I saw him wearing a shirt that said
    'Powered by Rockman' at the Rochester concert.
    
    Dave. 

	See notes 60 and 98....

    If you want some mail order info, look here for Rolls Music.
    
    I think it's here in Guitar Notes.
    

    Does anyone out there in guitar land have a schematic of a Rockman
    x100?   I am building a 4-way active switch to take the place of
    the slider switch on the front panel - the one that chooses between
    clean1, clean2, somewhat-distorted, and real-distorted.  I am
    interested in knowing what it is I'm switching.  Is it an actual guitar
    signal being routed to different sections of the device, or is it
    control signals for internal electronics, or something else?
    
    I would appreciate any help you could give me,
    
    Thanks,
    steve

    	I would think that slider would control the output of the signal
    path as it's assumed there are several stages of gain/eq. The only
    control for internal electronic's is the gain pot on the back of
    the unit. The internal component's consist of opamp's,discrete's,
    audio amp's and associated delay circuitry if I remember correctly.
    

    A friend of mine has a Rockman and says that it will mix the sound
    from your stereo's headphone output with your guitar sound, so that
    you can play along w/ your stereo all inside your headphones.

    The thing is, he was using a standard guitar cord to go from the
    stereo out to the input on the Rockman.  I had always been under
    the understanding that it was a bad idea to cross the left and right
    channel outs from a stereo amp.  Is that true?  Also, can the Rockman
    use a stereo signal?  That is, will it keep the channels seperate
    if a 3 conductor cord is used?

    Thanks in advance,

    Rob

    	The auxiliary stereo input(or low level out) can take the signal
    from the headphone output or the line out/monitorout on your stereo.
    	The input to the rockman from your stereo should be in stereo
    and will not damage your stereo.
    	By using the your headphone output you can control the volume
    of the music your playing along with. Line outs are preset.
    
    						Rick
    

    re. 0
    
    I can't help with the schematic question, however, there was an
    ad in Guitar of a company that will customize X100's to make all the
    effects footswitchable. It is called a ROCKBOX, it looked to me
    like all the switching was electronic. It also appeared that they
    modified the Rockman to accept a "D" shell 25 pin connector which
    connected to the rockbox. The rockman then goes in the ROCKBOX which
    looks like a giant long foot-pedal with 6 footswitches. The switches
    were Chorus on, Echo on, Dist, Edge, Clean 1, Clean 2.
    
    You send your Rockman to this company along with 250.00 and they
    return you the modified Rockman. This device also works with older
    rockmans. I didn't know what you planned on spending, or if you
    have any ideas what it will cost to modify the device. Just thought
    I'd pass this along for what's it worth.
    
    Tony                

    re. -1 et al
    
    I have finished the modification using CMOS analog switches activated by
    momentary on switches.  Total cost of modification is about $15.00.
    Wished I'd started the company mentioned in -1 -:).  .. P.s. the
    modification works great!
    
    steve

    I would be interested in getting documentation on your modification
    if you wouldn't mind. I have debated a long time about modifying
    my Rockman X100 but was a little worried about breaking it or whatever.
    It sounds great and simple, something I might be able to handle.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Tony   GLIND1::VALASEK
    

    
    I'd like a copy too.
    
    

In the interest of providing the most accurate information on the
modification, let me explain as best as possible what you can expect from
it.
	1 Some crosstalk between the clean channels and the distorted
	  channels.  When playing clean, there is a little "distorted
          channel" in the background - very little - but, it is present.

	2 Some loss of output level - all channels.

	  I'm sure these problems are related, and I'm thinking about
	  mucking around with the modification to see if I can fix it,
	  but it's not a priority of mine - in fact, its right after
	  mowing the grass.

	3 You get - the ability to select any one of the 4 sounds via
          a box with 4 switches on it.

The rockman that I modified is being used in a "live" situation.  The cross
talk is unimportant because it is buried in the program material - the
lower output level is unimportant because the rockman is being used as a
preamp - and the main amps gains can be turned up.   If this matches your
purpose, then the modification may work for you. 

I absolutely *do not* recommend the modification if you plan on using the
rockman for recording, or for headphone use -- the bleed from dirty to
clean channel will probably be unacceptable to you - it was to me.

Notwithstanding all I've said above, if you would like a schematic of the
modification, please send me mail at PYONS::JENSEN and we can arrange the
details.  Or, if you have questions around how the modification is designed
- I'd be happy to answer those too.

best,
steve

    I have owned the rockman original and the x100,and they were great
    but seemed to compressed at times.One day while brosing at Daddys
    in Nashua ,I stumbled upon an E.S.P. sound studio
    it has all the features of the rockman and then some.
    Agreed the arion hott watt is cheesy sounding as most rockman copys
    tend to be,but the E.S.P. Sounds great!!!!
    the price?{used} 59$

    The sound studio is ok, but it is built very cheesy in my opinion.
    The rockman is a bit more rugged, donacha think?? I broke off one
    of those little yellow things in no time!          
    
    Sounded ok though, not like the Hot Watt (yuk!)
    
    wjb

    
    
    Re .14
    
    Geeze, if the rockman is built rugged, I'd hate to see the sound
    studio.  If I just LOOK at my rockman the wrong way, something goes
    wrong with it.  Does sound decent when its working though.....
    
    rc
    
    

    I have owned my Rockman X100 for over a year now, and have been
    gigging somewhat regularly with it. My biggest complaint is the
    cables kit that comes with it and the power cord attached to the
    power supply. Neither can sustain much "road" abuse.
    
    I have already replaced the power cord on the power supply. It just
    started to crack and fray. The copper strands then became exposed.
    I fixed it by opening up the plastic casing, which houses a transformer
    and associated circuit board, and replaced the wire with shielded
    2 conductor microphone type wire. Since the power supply provides
    both plus and minus supplies.
    
    I am sure that in the future, I will need to build my own cable
    kits using better wire which will sustain "road" abuse. I already
    have one intermittent connector.
    
    I have no gripes concerning anything else though, the unit itself
    sounds excellent, and has sustained gigging very well. I have searched
    for something comparable before I bought the X100 and could not
    find anything.
    
    Tony 

	I'm going to look at a Rockman IIb at lunch today that was advertised
	in the Want-Ad. Does anyone have any opinions on the differences
	between the IIb and the X-100? Is the X-100 less noisy? is the IIb,
	being older, more rugged? Should I go for it, or wait for an X-100
	to come along? Any and all comments appreciated.

Thanks,
	Larry

    I just got my Rockman sustainor and have a question. Are you supposed
    to have a preamp to feed this thing? The instructions said to adjust
    the preamp gain until the clip led came on for loud chords. But
    neither my Telecaster or Strat Can even make that led at all. What
    gives???
    
    Anyone know or have the same problem?
    
    Thanks
    
    Jim
    
    

    I use my Rockman/Sus with both a Les Paul(which it was designed
    for) and a Strat,but I don't remember the instructions saying
    adjust preamp gain with until the clip led comes on. I figured
    you didn't want it to come on. hmmm.... I pretty much almost
    turn it up wide open in order to get the gain/sustain etc from
    the single coil pickups.... I have the capabilities to boost tone
    and signal going into it,but I rarely need to....
    	BTW the rockman instrument EQ is a good addition to the preamp
    if you want to get something other than that "Boston" Sound....
    
    
    							Rick
    

    Yes it's true you don't want it to clip. But, the more power you
    pump into it the more sustain you will get out. So you are supposed
    to adjust it until it clips (they seem to suggest that shis should
    be somewhat before MAX gain) and then back off a hair for max gain/
    sustain without clipping.  My guitars will not push that input to
    clip EVER! This indicates to me that there is much more sustain
    to be had from this unit. Thats not to say that what I get is not
    good but it seems to me it could be better if driven harder.
    
    How about feedback?? Do you have a lot of trouble with that?
    
    Jim
    

    	I am incorrect it does state in the manual that the led should
    flicker in the clean modes for the correct setting. I don't really
    use the clean modes,but use the 2 different distortions for lead
    and rythmn or background leads. I pretty much set the notch etc
    where they recommend and set the treble boost to the middle position.
    	I then adjust the 2 channel volumes one louder than the other
    for the extra gain boost. I use the instrument EQ after the Preamp
    and not in it's Effects loop. I have used the Effects loop but like
    using everything series. I then feed this signal into a dedicated
    amp which only uses the rockman signal and stereo options.
    	I get feedback from both of my guitars and this is in relation
    to where I'm located, But it is really minimal and is of the high
    pitch variety from my bridge pickups. I also have controlable feedback
    for those couple of note solo's. Which pickup position are you get-
    ting feedback from? And do you have any noise problems? With out
    question I get more sustain from a les paul than a strat. But the
    strat gives you a better edge sounding lead.
    
    							Rick
    

    Feedback is only a problem in either of the distortion modes and
    dosen't seem to follow a given pickup. The noise gate does it's
    job well... I mostly leave it at its lowest setting. Other settings
    are pretty much as recomended in the manual. I use the rythm volume
    setting for lower volumes this leaves both channels free for different
    effect settings.
    
    Jim
    

    	Is the feedback relate to where you are to your amp? What kind
    of amp do you use?
    	I will check out the led this weekend and see what happens....
    
    
    							Rick
    

    	On page 11 of your manual there are all sorts of suggestions
    as to ways of reducing feedback. It's under "The overdrive modifiers"
    
    						Rick
    

    
    Jim
    

    
    In this months Guitar_for_the_Practicing_Musician (I think, I was
    reading it in a mall), Tom talks about how he gets the Boston sound
    on stage using all of his SR&D gear.  This may help.  I hope.

Re. 25  Very true about affecting the effect,also it also doesn't help
    feedback problems that much. :^(  
    
    	Also I found that I couldn't get the clip light to turn on with
    the clean modes switched on,but could when in the distortion mode.
    
    							Rick
    

    (Hmm, this is an old topic...)
    
    I got sick of chorus on my overdriven settings, and I have never
    liked the X100's echo.
    
    With this in mind, I set out to make both effects independently
    switchable.
    
    It was a cinch.  All it takes is two small SPDT switches (got
    mine at Radio Shack).  What's more, with the switches that I got,
    the modification is very mechanically solid--the switches can be
    mounted in the opening where the old effect slider was.
    
    Steph

    Hey, John here again.  I have been flipping through some of these
    notes and I have noticed Rockman's have been mentioned a lot.  I
    have been thinking about buying one, and I was wondering if I could
    get as much information as possible about them (i.e. price, styles,
    effects, etc.).  Whatever opinion or fact you have about them, please
    let me know.  I am in the new Alpharetta complex in GA, so if anyone
    knows of any music stores that sell Rockman's please let me know.
    Thanks for your help.

Rhythm City or Atlanta Discount Music will probably have the best prices.

Bob  (also in ALF)

    John:
    
    	My group is moving out to ALF starting July 5 and I live about
    5-6 miles from the new site.  I'll be glad to let you try out my
    rockman if you would like to.  Just send mail and I'll catch up
    with you next week.
    
    
    Bruce

    Bruce... Sounds good!! I am with the ISG group, so when you get
    in just holler.  Have fun moving, I know everybody else has!!	
    
    John.

    Scholz has many "Rockman" products these days. From practice units to
    full-blown AMPS.
    
    Decide what you want it for, practice, playing out, both ?
    
    The cheapest is the Soloist  few features 129.95 most mail-order books
    Next is the X100 more features 199.95
    
    Both of these are totally integrated units with effects that are
    pre-set to one setting and EQ'ed as well. I use to have and X100 it was
    great to practice with but didn't like for live use. I also had a
    problem with the standard EQ settings, too much mid-range. I liked the
    DISTORTION and the CLN2 effects however, so I sold my X100 and bought
    some Rockman Rockmodules.
    
    I now have...
    
    Sustainor - has two independent channels that you can set up for two
    separate effects. Channel A is set to CLN2, Channel B is set to DIST.
    You can also vary the following....
    
       o Amount of compression and gain
       o Noise gate (Smart gate)
       o EQ depending on whether you are running with a guitar amp or
         straight into the PA board.
       o Boost volume levels for each channels
       o Rhythm volume level for both channels
    
    Next I have a combination Chorus/Echo module, I don't think they make
    these anymore, they are separate modules now.
    Anyway you can adjust things like...
    
       o Time delay for the echo
       o Decay time for the echo
       o Chorus time and sweep rate
     
    There are also a bunch of settings for Stereo but I haven't played with
    that, all mine is mono.
    
    I also have two Rockman type EQ's so that I can EQ one way for
    distortion, and a separate way for clean. 
    
    The main reason for my set-up is that I play out a lot and wanted
    something that was easy to use with little maintenance. I only have
    three footswitches in front of me, one for channel switch, one for
    boost/rhythm, and one for echo/chorus. I have wired the EQ's so that
    they automatically switch with the channels. The EQ's were an integral
    part of my set-up, they allowed me to achieve the sound I wanted
    without sounding like "BOSTON" ( not that it's a bad sound). Without
    the EQ's I would probably have gone with something else. What started
    me down the Rockman road however, was the distortion. I tried a lot of
    pedals and didn't like them as much.
    
    Anyway Scholz makes all of these products in little modules these days,
    I'll try to list most of them.
    
    Sustainor - 279.95
    Echo      - 139.95
    Chorus    - 139.95
    Distortion- 139.95
    Smart gate- 109.95
    EQ        - 139.95
    
    They are great for recording, straight into the board, no amp. That's
    the way I use it live. Straight into the monitor board, mix it with my
    vocal, and have both come out my monitor.
    
    Check them out, also look at the Yamaha GEP50, REX50, Digitech DSP-128
    etc. There's a lot of competition out there.
    
    Long-winded but hope it helps,
    
    Regards,
    
    Tony

    If you are considering a Rockman for practice, I personally
    can't think of a better way to go.  (I'm assuming, of course,
    that you don't have access to your own personal airplane
    hangar and three Marshall stacks :) )
    
    I keep my Walkman plugged into my Rockman and it provides a very
    handy, portable way for me to figure out songs and practice with
    tapes.  I don't have to get up, go over to the stereo, rewind, sit
    down, get up, ad infinitum.
      
    Additionally, the headphones pretty much assure that I'm
    not going to be pestering anyone trying to watch tv.  I have a
    regualr amp but with summer and open windows, my neighbors are
    easily annoyed.
    
    It's true: the compressed distortion is very mid-rangey and
    identifiable but it is not a bad or cheesy sound, and for practice,
    who cares?  My biggest delight is with the CLEAN settings on
    the Rockman.  I have a Stratocaster and the single-coil pickups
    provide a really clean, sparkling sound through the Rockman.
    
    Finally,  I like the fact I can switch between the two sounds
    instantly. No resetting master volumes, which of course means getting
    up, going over to the amp, resetting the controls, sitting down with
    that sound  until it's time for a new one.
    
    Okay, maybe I should practice standing up!  The point is, whatever 
    "live" limitations, or sound limitations, the Rockman has, it is
    certainly a terrific practice unit.  
    

    
    re: .6
    
    thanks for the info.  Can you please tell me what model you have,
    how much it cost, and where you got it.  I would be most grateful.
    
    jab

    Does anybody have any info on soloist or x-100 look a like type
    devices? I saw one in a music store but forgot the name. It was
    similar to an x-100.
    
                                           shum

    I'm not really familiar with many of them on the market, but there is
    (was?) one made by Arion which basically provides the same functions as
    a Rockman.  I guess it would be more like a Soloist, as it's  fairly
    inexpensive.  I have one of these that I got a couple of years ago. 
    It's not a great unit, a little noisy, but is great for practicing or
    when you're traveling.  When I bought it, I also played a Rockman
    Soloist and thought they were about the same.  
    
    The X100 is obviously a lot nicer.  If you're looking for something to
    use for a preamp to your system or for recording, I'd definately
    recommend this model over the cheaper ones.
    
    If you're interested, I might be convinced to sell the Arion unit, as I
    never use it anymore.  (I traveled a lot when I got it, but have
    changed jobs now and almost never do anymore).

    Greg
                                                  

    The cheapest I ever saw an X100 Rockman unit was for 179.95 from
    Victor Litz Music. Usually they go for around 199.95-219.95 at most
    music stores. You should also buy the AC adaptor and cable kit,
    about $20. They are great for practice.
    
    Regards,
    
    Tony

    I found the Arion a bit noisy, especially with single coil pickups.
    
    Dave.

    re: .11 - Arion being noisy
    
    No, that's fine!  It's a legatimate comment.  I thought I mentioned
    that in my reply (I intended to, if I didn't...).  I wouldn't want to
    sell someone something that I knew they wouldn't like.
    
    I didn't mean to misrepresent it.  It's not a Rockman X100 that's made
    by someone else, it's an inexpensive copy.  I thought that the Rockman
    Soloist that I played before I bought it was just about as noisy. 
    Sometimes price does have to dictate purchases.   At the time the
    Rockman Soloist was going for about $120, the X100 for about $200.  I
    bought the Arion for $75.  
    
    Even so, I found it useful in place of an amp when I was traveling  a
    lot.  People tend to balk at the sound of even the smallest practice
    amp in the next hotel room (or maybe it was my playing... 8^) ).  If
    that's what someone is looking for, it's not such a bad unit.  As I'm
    sure I said, it's certainly not suited for recording or preamping your
    normal setup, like a Rockman X100 is.
    
    
    Greg                                      
                               

I also saw something with ``Studio'' in its name (Portable Studio?  I
don't remember anymore) which was like an upscale X-100.  Red metal
case, effects levels on the chorus and echo, easily accesible gain
control.  I think it also had five settings.  For my money, it didn't
really sound any better than the Rockman.  I think the price was around $240.

Also, if you want to go really cheap, there are those ones which plug
directly into the guitar and you plug your phones into it.  It is
little bigger than the phone jack itself and have nothing but a volume
control.  I've never listened, to one, but it seemed like a novel idea.

Steph

	I've got one from BOSS.  Has chorus with depth & rate controls
	which can be switched to be a fixed length digital delay.  Also
	has a clean/overdrive switch.  Has both overdrive & volume
	sliders, bass & treble controls, and a control for the mike
	input.  Has two headphone jacks, inputs for a mike and a walkman,
	and a 1/4" jack for the playbus.  (Playbus is an idea whose time
	never came...  You can plug these boxes together so that two
	people could practice together.)  Haven't seen any in the stores
	lately, but then I haven't been looking either.  I paid about
	$125 two or three years ago. It's reasonably quiet and I like it.

    Re: .13
    
    See note #1122 for discussion of the Nobell Sound Studio headphone
    amp.
    
    							Brian

>    I keep my Walkman plugged into my Rockman and it provides a very
>    handy, portable way for me to figure out songs and practice with
>    tapes.  I don't have to get up, go over to the stereo, rewind, sit
>    down, get up, ad infinitum.

Can you tell me how you did this so that both signals come out of the 
same headphones? Do you need some kind of a Y-connector or something? 

It's a great idea! I usually practice with my stereo blaring the music 
loud enough so that I can hear it while wearing my Rockman headphones.
(this kind of defeats the purpose)

I use my Rockman X-100 to practice, but a Roland GP-8 for live 
performance use.

-Dan      

    
    Does anyone know of an address I could write to that would have
    a catalog on Rockmans and different types of modules??
    
    thanks.
    
    jab
    

    
     I used mine to play along with whatever material as a way of
    practicing. 
      
     I used a stereo cord from headphone out on the source (stereo,
    tape deck, whatever) to Rockman input. Simple as that....worked
    like a charm.
    
       Bob

    I use a stereo miniplug out of the cassette player (Walkman) and
    a stereo phono plug into the Walkman.  I bought the cord at the
    "Shack" and it is actually two cords....they didn't have a straight
    stereo 1/4" to mini cord in stock.
    
    So, I bought 1/4" to RCA shielded-pin style (male) and mini to RCA
    shielded pin female.  The whole setup retains the stereo of the
    original recording.  I don't quite remember, but I think if you use
    a mono plug into the Rockman, you'll only get the cassette signal in
    one ear.
    
    Scholz literature:
    
    Try writing or calling:
    
    Scholz Research and Development, Inc.
    Department A
    1560 Trapelo Road
    Waltham, MA  02154
    (617) 890-5211    
    FAX (617) 890-3206
    
    Ask for Tom. ;)
    
    Repair problems and customer service questions:
    
    Scholz Research and Development, Inc.
    Customer Service/Warranty Repair
    134 New Boston St.
    Woburn, MA 01801
    (617) 932-0551

..and if you're interested in teh sustainor and the chorus/delay modules
contact me for a deal...

dbii  DTN 271-6935

    
    Is it possible to put a Rockman in an effects loop and, if so, how
    would I go about connecting it up?
    
    I have the original Rockman, and there are only the Aux stereo and
    guitar/piano inputs.  Would the effects send have to be
    instrument-level, or will the Rockman compensate for that?  What about
    connecting the effects send to the Aux stereo input?
    
    
    Kevin
    
    

    	It can be done,but I wouldn't recommend it,for noise reason's.
    
    							Rick
    

    Charlie,
    
    I don't have the AUTO-CLEAN switch. In my attempt to not sound like
    Boston, I try to mix both sounds, which I think creates a unique sound  
    of it's own. I've been considering buying the unit the Rockman fits
    into, for foot-switch capabilities. Does this unit also give the user
    expanded echo/chorus control? Or the AUTO-CLEAN switch? Or is that a 
    factory mod job?
    
   >Dimension, rather than effect. Interesting concept. Do you mean rely on
    other pieces of equipment for effects? Not on my budget!
    
    Thanks for the info, and the address. Happy 90's to you!
    
    Bob
    
    P.S.
    Robbie Barton from "Trapper" sends his regargds. He wants to know if
    you've gotten over the cold you had at Grovers. 
    

    Dear Charles...
    
    Here's a question for ya:  Have you ever experimented with overloading
    the circuits in the SR&D preamp stage?  I've been working on this
    concept for a while now regarding a certain tone I hear in my head,
    which (for now) involves massive clipping of the input to the preamp
    stage of an amp (kinda like the boogie/laney theory).  I've tried this
    method on solid state Gallien-Krueger & Marshall amps with favorable
    results...curious to know if you've tried a similar approach with the
    SR&D preamp for leads...or do you just go with the amount of gain
    readily available from the sustainor?
    
    Cheers & wassail into the 90s,
    Buck 

    I was using three 100W Laney stacks for about a year.  Those heads
    have three pre-amp stages and, if you want, you can overload the
    preamps until it sounds like a fuzz box going through a fuzz box.
    I find it hard to control the sound when it gets that hot...and
    with the guitars I'm using, single coils, I have feedback problems
    if it gets too distorted.  With the Rockman I have to turn the
    compression down or I'll get some squealing.  
    
    I have double pre-amped the rockman modules, but what I got was
    not really a usable sound.....really white noisy.
    
    If you need hot hot hot, use the 'dist' setting with 'gain boost'
    button on and the compressor on +20.  That's a pretty hot sound!
    
    Or set a Marshall to the classic 10,10,10,10,10,10 settings..that'll
    do the trick.
    
    I'm not really doing 'Metal' music so I keep the neck pickup on
    most of the time and keep the compression down....but my guitars
    have built in overdrivers in case I want the crank without being
    anchored to pedals.
    
    gotta go,
    charlie

    Bob,
    
    no, the rack kit for your unit does not give you expanded effects
    or the autoclean circut.  Autoclean is a mixed blessing though,
    because it introduces alot of noise that I've learned to live with.
    For metal music, I don't know if you would use autoclean.  It just
    allows yu to back off on the intensity of your playing and the sound
    cleans up in a very natural way.  It is on the rack mounted rockman
    module.  I don't know the model name but it has two channels and
    I think it's called a 'sustainor'.  It is really a pretty good unit.
    
    I  leave the stereo echo and stereo schorus onn all the time to
    the same setting.  On occasion I pop on my Roland 2500, but only
    when I get in the mood for new sounds, and I usually disconnect
    it after sound check.  I'm using a Roland guitar synth for about
    four or five effects throughout the 75 min. set.  Other than that,
    I never like to stomp on pedals.  I really am mainly a singer who
    plays guitar, and all the pedals can separate you from the house.
    The guitar is really a bonus for me...I'm a fan of good guitar players
    but don't consider myself a good player, I'm more of a 'fun' player.
    
    See you,
    Charlie

>    Does the X-100 have the AUTO-CLEAN switch?  In my opinion, the AUTO
>    CLEAN circut is essential.  Without it, it is very difficult to
>    NOT sound like BOSTON. 
    
    We've sorta discussed this a lot.  To me, all the Rockmans have that
    unmistakeable "Boston" stamp on them when used in the overdrive mode
    that you just can't get away from.
    
    I've often felt that no matter what you plug into a Rockman, what
    comes out is "Boston".  I call those things "Boston in a box".  ;-)
    
    I have an X-100 which I love for practice and recording, but I try
    not to get too dependent on it because it's just TOO identifiable.
    
    I mean that as a credit to Tom Scholz, but I'm sure he'd not be happy
    to have people thinking that way about the product.
    
    	db

    db,
    
    I know what you mean about the X-100. Boxed Boston!! the SR&D sustainor
    rackmount has a circut called AUTO-CLEAN which really gives the
    guitar a much more realistic sound.  BUT you have to turn the
    compression down and you shouldn't use a bridge position humbucker.
    I've been using the neck position single coil and EQing 500 and
    700 down 5-8 db and kicking 1K-4K up 3-5db, along with the AUTO-CLEAN
    and the sound is pretty good for many things.  The clean sound through
    those full range SR&D cabinets can't be beat.  I've been taking
    the sustainor sound direct in stereo (with stereo chorus and stereo
    echo) and mixing in two Marshall 50W combos in stereo, which are
    on at all times except when I'm using the Clean sound.  I get the
    clarity of direct, the processing of the SR&D unit and the raw whack
    of straight Marshalls without effects. I would recommend NOT putting
    the Rockmna through a Marshall(or through an amp), but play through
    your amp straight with your best sound, mike it , and Y it into
    your Rockman and take that direct.  It's the best of both worlds!
    
    C.F.

    CF,
    
    The thoery you're using for your sound does seem like the best of both
    worlds.  I know Satriani is using a somewhat similar approach to tone
    with a Rockmodule/Marshalls combination.
    
    Why do you not recommend using a bridge position humbucker?  I'm
    curious as to your opinion.  I thought I remember Tom stating
    "somewhere" (NAMM?) that the Rockman technology was designed with the
    humbucker in mind, and that he felt the Rockman would not provide
    optimum sound when used with single coil pickups.  I may be off here,
    but that quote does stick in my mind.
    
    Buck

    I deleted some of the earlier replies because I thought that it
    was old news and I had never deleted an entry before and was 
    experimenting.  
    
    I hooked up the three Laney stacks with the three Rockman stacks
    the other day and I was disappionted with 1. the way the Laneys
    switched channels controlled form the rockman midi switch, 2. the
    way the laneys sounded.  
    
    My 100W Laneys are too loud!!!  they do not sound good at low or
    reasonable volumes.  At full volume they sound great but people
    die at that volume.  I think that I am going back to the Marshall
    50W combos(3) One of them switch channels and that drives the other
    two in stereo.  Combined with the r-man stuff it really is too good.
    the r-man clean 1 sound mixed with a Marshall clean sound is a too
    cool clean sound...the full out Marshall sound mixed with the 
    EDGE/AUTOCLEAN sound is also very great..............excuse me,
    but sometimes I get gadget happy..at least I'm not makeing you lood
    at diagrams.

    Charlie...
    
    I agree with the Laneys...they sound really nice when moving furnature,
    but at low volumes they sound too thin, like a big mosquito!  I
    remember the old days when you basically used the two Marshall combos
    in stereo...they always sounds great (nice "crunch factor"!), so the
    Marshall/SR&D mix could only be an improvement. 
    
    I'm interested to hear the mix myself.
    
    Buck

    jon.
    
    sr&d have come out with a new system called 'xp-100'. it has the
    new xpr preamp, a 100w stereo power amp and two small Bose-like
    stereo speakers.  it's kind of like a mini combo.  it really can
    be loud!!  the xpr preamp has a new 'lead leveler' pre-amp compressor
    which is an improvement over the old module compressors.  it has
    a three band pre-EQ and a five band post-EQ....both are fully 
    programmable... as is the output master volume that automatically
    adjust for 'perceived' treble loss as you turn down your volume
    or your guitar output.  it has a programmable stereo chorus, stereo
    echo and stereo reverb................alot more...the speakers separate
    so you can get them really far apart..aux stereo
    input/output...separatetone and volume controls on each spkr.
    programmable effects loop...it really sounds great..I've played
    through the prototype and was really impressed but I have not gotten
    a hold of one to try at a gig yet.. I'll keep you posted

    
    Does anyone know what the power input is for a Rockman?
    
    It says this on it:
    
    + 6.4V 200mA
    - 6.0V 200mA
    
    Does this mean one or the other or a total (12.4VDC)?
    
    If it is a total of 12.4VDC is it okay to let the ground float?
    
    guy

    
    No, the thing requires both supplies (gives a total voltage swing of 12
    volts).  Which is why you have to have the Scholz supply.
    
    							Brian

    Guy,
    
    I spoke with Gary Pihl at S.R.& D. about your power supply question.
    He said that the Rockman requires a bipolar supply, i.e. the ground
    as well as a 6.4v and 6.0 is needed.  S.R.& D. sells these for about 
    $20.00, but they are available through other manufacturers as well.
    
    c.farren
     

	Can this box be modified to put out a less severe overdrive/distortion?
Has anyone tried it?

	Dan

    	If I remember correctly you can get less distortion by backing
    off the volume control of your guitar. I remember the insides of these
    boxes having a lot of discrete components,without schematics I'd be
    reluctant to modify one. You'd be better off finding another box
    if you want more control,there were several clone "rockmans" on the
    market......which probably would offer you this....
    
    							Rick
    

I don't know too much about the real Rockmans, but I know that several of the
clone type units have a little trimmer pot that can be used to adjust the
distortion intensity.  I have a little Arion unit like this. Perhaps the 
Rockman does too.

Greg

RE < Note 98.30 by COOKIE::G_HOUSE "Greg House - DTN 523-2722" >

	Yeah, I just got the manual in the mail last night (I bought the unit 
used) and it says the trim pot on the back (as well as the volume of the guitar)
can be used to modify the amount of distortion in the EDGE setting.  It still 
seems to be not quite the sound I want but its close enough.

	Dan

Good, that's what I figured (kind of presumed that a cheap clone unit 
wouldn't add functionality that the unit copied didn't have).

Honest Dan, I don't think that you ever find the "perfect sound" (IMO).  I know I 
haven't.  You use what you find best (and either live with it or keep looking).

Greg

    
    RE: last couple...
    
    Greg, you still don't like your sound?  Sounded good to me the other
    day...
    
    Yeah, my original Rockman has the trim pot on the back, as matter of
    fact, I think it's labeled as Gain Control.  Could be wrong, tho.
    Been good 6 months since I looked at it close...
    
    J-Dot
    

re:.33

>  Greg, you still don't like your sound?  Sounded good to me the other
>    day...
 
Yeah, it's getting better.  That's the one I like the best right now, but I'm
pretty fickle.

Greg

    
    I use one live in clubs around Colorado Springs and I think it sounds
    great. I use a 50 watt marshall amp with one cabinet with 4 12" 
    celestian speakers and the crunch is unbelievable. It's a totally
    awesome sound. Thanks Tom for being so intelligent. I paid about
    $275 for mine. But well worth it.
    
    
    
    

    Has anyone ever gotten ahold of schematics for any of the Rockman
    stuff?  I'm not so interested in fixing one (mine aint broke) but just
    curious about how they work.  
    
    In particular, I have a Sustainor and use the Auto-Clean feature which
    is downright bizarre.  For those who haven't used the Sustainor or
    Distortion Generator modules, what this Auto-Clean mode does is keep
    the output volume constant regardless of where your guitar volume knob
    is set, instead varying the amount of *distortion* based on your volume
    knob settings.
    
    When I want it clean, I put the guitar at about 1-2, when I want crunch
    about halfway up and when it's on 10, it's on the edge of feedback. 
    The downside is that you have to go over to the module or your amp if
    you need to actually adjust your volume, but then lots of folks in here
    have sworn they never *touch* the volume knobs on their axes. 
    
    Auto-Clean is obviously some sort of AGC circuit, but exactly how it
    works is what I want to know.  
    
    BTW, while it's not the same as a great tube amp, for a hacker like me
    the Sustainor is just what the doctor ordered.  It's much more amp-like
    than any stomp box distortion I've used.  I'm using it together with an
    old Ampeg combo and it's a good matchup, since the Ampeg can get
    incredibly loud but stays clean until just before ear-bleed sets in. 
    With the Sustainor, I can add a variety of overdrive textures.
    
    							Brian

    I'm not sure how the circuit works, but I believe has what is 
    referred to as "gain-sensitive" inputs. The Groove Tubes guitar
    preamp operates the same way, which makes it great for recording.
    
    

    Does anyone know if there's anywhere in the UK that can service a
    Rockman II ? Mine has become decidedly sensitive to how the cables
    are plugged in (ie. guitar lead and headphones) leading to a lot of
    feedback. I "jiggle" the cables until the feedback goes away but 
    suspect it might have some joins coming apart.

Ross