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

[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  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 ).

[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.

[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.

[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!!

[Systematic Chaos]

what was the distortion like on it?

PM'ed you....

[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 

[rnolan]

Very nice SC  a good candidate for Other Preamps in the audio clip area

[Systematic Chaos]

Very nice SC  a good candidate for Other Preamps in the audio clip area

Understood