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Blast from the past: Rocktron Chameleon Original (aka "Blackface")

Started by Systematic Chaos, May 03, 2015, 06:08:08 AM

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Systematic Chaos

Anyone remember these??
I got one in the early 90s, around 93/94 just when they came out....Awesome unit with even more awesome sounds and options. Back in the day often called the first "Modeling Preamp".
Back then I had it paired with a Boogie 50/50 and a Kitty Hawk 4x12. Sold it along the way, somewhen around 2010 IIRC...
They still go for around the 200€ mark these days over here, but I was lucky last week and snagged one for 50€. Some minor rack rash but else like new; no sound issues or whatsoever. I had almost forgotten how good these sound!!! The built-in CabSim is very dedicated and I could get some real convincing tones via headphones.
The preamp section has a Pre-EQ and a Post EQ with variable/user programmable freqs and bandwidths so it takes some time to get the glimpse how they interact, also with the adjustable Variac setting.....
Everything else is solid Rocktron quality FX, Multiple-Voice Chorus, Stereo Delay, Modulation FX, Reverbs,....plus the HUSH.
Also, contrary to later products (Chameleon 2000,....), this one was still Made in the USA.



Steve Swanson from Six Feet Under *used* one.....here´s how it can sound (Chameleon>Velocity 300>4x12)

rnolan

Hey SC, I do recall them but never got to use or hear one (up close). Great score SC  :thumb-up: IIRC there's a few other here who have one. I do remember seeing one in a rack pic. (probably MJMPs rack LOL there's 1 (or 2) of most great things  >:D ).
Studio Rig: Stuff; Live Rig: More Stuff; Guitars: A few

MarshallJMP

Never owned one of these,i have used a rocktron intelliflex in the past,but was a long time ago.

rnolan

I remember the Intelliflex got a good rave when they came out. I had my Quadverb (and no money...).  I did see a Chameleon in some ones rig pics though, I remember cause I liked the name.

Hey SC, interesting clip, audio is very boxy though, you don't really get to hear it very well, though I'm sure it sounds great in real life.
Studio Rig: Stuff; Live Rig: More Stuff; Guitars: A few

Soloist

Those units sound awesome! If you go to Rocktrons website under the patchbay there is a lot of user patches you can download. Great price by the way. :thumb-up:
Live Rig:
Fractal Audio FM3 ver 1.06
Boss GT 100 ver.2.11
Switching- Radial Engineering Big Shot I/O v2 - Radial Engineering Pro D2 Stereo Direct Box
Power - Live Wire Power Conditioning Distribution System
Monitors  - (2) FRFR-112 Headrush Stage monitors
Axes - Charvel So Cal Pro Mod-Jackson DK2MQ Pro-Jackson USA Soloist-Ibanez RG3XXV
ADA gear: MP1- MP2 - MT200
Studio gear- way too much to list.

rabidgerry

what was the distortion like on it?  I nearly bought one for a laugh a few months back as it sold for f*ck all!!  But Then I realised i've major GAS issues and I don't mean farts.   :o

I bought a Peavey Rockmaster instead!!  Which is basic and awesome!!  4 tubes of goodness!!
"whadda ya want? we want Heavy Metal"

Guitars:1986 Westone Dimension IV, 1989 Korean Squier Fat Strat Silver Series, 1998 Korean Squier Fat Strat, MIM Fender Fat Strat - FR, Squier Stagemaster Deluxe - Thru Neck x 2, Squier Stagemaster 22 Fret - 1st Gen, 1999 Squier Showmaster - Anniversary Edition, Squier Showmaster, Tokai FV40 Flying V

Effects:  Ada Mp1, Peavey Rockmaster, Boss GX700 Boss SX700 * Amps:   Rocktron Velocity 300 - Koch ATR4502 - Peavey Classic 50/50
Cabs: 4 x Bugera 2 x 12"
Midi Controller: Behringer FCB1010

Systematic Chaos


Systematic Chaos

Put it in a 2U SKB Shallow XRack I had lying around, together with a Roland Duo Capture EX Interface.
Chameleon´s balanced XLR Outs into the Roland, set to Stereo Direct Monitoring.
All in my home office now, nice noodling and home recording setup  :thumb-up:

rnolan

Very nice SC  :thumb-up: a good candidate for Other Preamps in the audio clip area
Studio Rig: Stuff; Live Rig: More Stuff; Guitars: A few

Systematic Chaos