Revelation Preamp

Michael Hartz · Post by **Michael Hartz** » 19 Apr 2006 5:58 pm

WOW! I just got back from Brad Sarno's house. He graciously let me come over and hear and see this awesome preamp for myself. I was totally blown away at the tone coming out this thing. This is by far the cleanest, warmest steel tone I have ever heard! And with the different controls on it you can shape your tone ANY way you like. I now can see why Randy Beavers, John Hughey, and Bruce Bouton now have one. If you don't already own one of these you need one. I WILL be ordering one in couple of months myself. You may think the price may be a little high for JUST a preamp, I know I did when I first saw and heard about these. But your really comparing a Cadillac to Yugo here. This is the ultimate steel tone I've been looking for since I started playing 26 years ago. Thank you Brad for letting me into your home and for building the HOLY GRAIL of preamps. I wish you all the luck and success I know this great product will bring you.[This message was edited by Michael Hartz on 20 April 2006 at 10:45 AM.]

Dave Diehl · Post by **Dave Diehl** » 20 Apr 2006 3:24 am

Have to totally agree with you Mike. I got one a couple of weeks ago and it is a very nice unit. The more I use it the more I like it. Brad is also exceptionally good to work with.

Hook Moore · Post by **Hook Moore** » 20 Apr 2006 4:19 am

I agree totally. I am more than a little impressed with mine.

Thanks Brad
Hook

New cds available at

------------------
www.HookMoore.com
[This message was edited by Hook Moore on 20 April 2006 at 05:20 AM.]

Michael Sparks · Post by **Michael Sparks** » 20 Apr 2006 4:31 am

Brad,

If you're listening in, I had some quick questions.
1. Does the RTP work in conjunction with the SGBB, or is the SGBB unnecessary or redundant with the RTP?
2. Any history on how the RTP works with an N1000?
3. And lastly, regarding the RTP photos on your website, I see the tuner on top and the RTP on the bottom, but what's that middle rack unit?

------------------
Regards, Mike

Carter D-10
Nashville 1000
Fender Stage 160
Fender FV-1 Violin
Fender American Strat
Other boxes and goodies

Jeff Agnew · Post by **Jeff Agnew** » 20 Apr 2006 5:48 am

Helping Brad out just a bit:

1. The SGBB circuitry is integral to the RTP. You don't need them both. There is a three-cord hookup from your VP. So essentially your guitar runs directly into the RTP's BB circuit, then back out to your VP, then back to the RTP.

2. The RTP and 1000 work very well together. You just use the PowerAmp In jack on the rear. I've used this setup myself, among others. Lots of clean power, strong lows from the big cab and the 15. Hardly the lightest solution around but it makes use of your existing gear. A PX300 would even be better and a little lighter.

Auset Sarno · Post by **Auset Sarno** » 20 Apr 2006 7:01 am

oops[This message was edited by Auset Sarno on 20 April 2006 at 08:03 AM.]

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 20 Apr 2006 7:02 am

Hey Thanks guys. Mike, it was good to meet with you. It's always nice to really get to play with a piece of gear instead of just hearing about it. Nice pickin' too.

The Preamp includes a buffer stage nearly identical to the Black Box so the two aren't necessary. It would be redundant to use a Black Box with a Rev Pre.

The Peavey amps are great to use with the Rev because they have a "power amp input" on them. That lets you use the amp as a powered speaker while using the Rev Pre as the preamp. There are a number of guys using the Rev with the NV112's and also with the NV1000. I've even heard it with the NV400 and it worked great.

Thanks,
Brad
[This message was edited by Brad Sarno on 20 April 2006 at 11:04 AM.]

Michael Hartz · Post by **Michael Hartz** » 20 Apr 2006 9:49 am

bump[This message was edited by Michael Hartz on 20 April 2006 at 11:19 AM.]

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 20 Apr 2006 10:28 am

Michael Sparks, that middle unit in the photos:
http://www.steelguitarblackbox.com/page8/page10/files/page11-1003-full.html

That's an older TC Electronic M2000. Since those photos I've switched to the newer TC M300. I've been recommending the M300 lately because it's just a fantastic FX unit for steel and integrates perfectly with the Rev Pre. It's real easy to use and all parameters are accessed by an actual knob, no submenus. The M300 was recently discontinued and you can get them real cheap, like $150. I say gram 'em up. They followed it up with two new models, one is the G-Sharp which is basically the same unit, but also accepts guitar input levels in case you want to use it in a situation other than line level. The other model they replaced it with is now called the M350 which is also very similar except that it also has a USB connection for a computer and can operate as a computer "plug-in" in your mixing software. But for line-level steel useage, I say grab up a M300 before they're gone.

Brad[This message was edited by Brad Sarno on 20 April 2006 at 11:29 AM.]

Paddy Long · Post by **Paddy Long** » 20 Apr 2006 1:03 pm

Brad built me a 230V Rev Pre which I picked up in Dallas. I finally got it hooked up in my rack when I got back from my extended holiday and I have to say it is the bees knees! Wonderful clarity and tone, and so far I have just been using it dry with no effects at all, and it still sounds better than anything I have experienced before. I am still tweaking and trying different "tonal colours" but it sounds awesome wherever I set it. Thanks once again Brad for such a high quality piece of kit.

Scott Denniston · Post by **Scott Denniston** » 21 Apr 2006 4:22 pm

I've got Brad's Revelation pre. I've been reluctant to comment (testify) much because I don't play out much these days due to present circumstances. What I can tell anyone that's interested is that you can dial in just about ANY sound you want with it and overall it has a nice warm tube sound to it. I guess the only way I can describe my impression is that it is WIDE. You can adjust the lows and keep the highs and versa visa. As long as I'll put up with the rack & speaker thing I can't imagine a better pre amp. I've wrestled with my sound quite a bit in the past. I'm quite pleased with this. Thanks Brad!

Gary Steele · Post by **Gary Steele** » 22 Apr 2006 12:31 pm