New Thing Nobody Talks About: The OX Box

[rooster]

I'm dropping this here under this header 'Trainwreck Discussion' as a favor to anybody who owns any version of a Trainwreck circuit amp or loud amp in general. Universal Audio makes an amp attenuator - the OX Box - that I think is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. It is light years beyond anything else out there. Period. (Note: I don't work for or am I in any way affiliated with the UA ppl.)

Yeah, I said that. It's not cheap and it's way more than just a simple amp attenuator. (And BTW, the amp attenuation feature in this product is better than anything I've ever used, which would include the short lived Faustine Phantom attenuator and I'm pretty sure everything else out there. Wasted $$ on my part.) Getting into it's features, if you are into live performance and need a FOH balanced stereo or mono signal to the soundboard - that is quite beyond any single or multiple mic setup that you might bring or find available - this unit is, again, ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. Of course it's capable of interfacing with a DAW for recording guitar tracks, but it also offers a HEADPHONE out mix that incorporates everything the FOH or DAW signal might offer - or just dry guitar if you prefer. The sound and FEEL are amazing and inspiring, don't be put off by any digital signal routing internally, this is after all, a Universal Audio designed and built product. Also be advised, if you want to control all the intricate adjustments the internal software contains, you will need an iPad that will support OS 11 as a minimum. (iPad Gen6 @ Walmart or Amazon $250).

Imagine putting headphones on (AKG 240 MKII open ear model in my case) and hearing the most inspiring guitar tone of your life. This OX Box will do it, even with a clean 100 watt Fender Twin (with reverb turn off!). Google it, Pete Thorn OX Box or a host of others. It's been out since January 2019 and I recently caught a Blackberry Smoke show in town where both guitar players used the OX on their Marshall 1/2 stacks. Amazing guitar tones and plenty of inspired guitar solos with FOH being sent via OX Box. Seriously, do yourself a favor and check this OX Box out, you will not be disappointed.

[wpaulvogel]

I’ve been following it for 6 months and really consider buying it. All the amps I have are wonderfully loud and I love this but I can tell my hearing is suffering. I don’t know how to play a Express “quietly “. Even my 2 EL84 Liverpool amp is deafening. I’m working on getting the $$$ together for the OX.

[Colossal]

There is no playing any Trainwreck quietly

[2tone]

I'm dropping this here under this header 'Trainwreck Discussion' as a favor to anybody who owns any version of a Trainwreck circuit amp or loud amp in general. Universal Audio makes an amp attenuator - the OX Box - that I think is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. It is light years beyond anything else out there. Period. (Note: I don't work for or am I in any way affiliated with the UA ppl.)

Yeah, I said that. It's not cheap and it's way more than just a simple amp attenuator. (And BTW, the amp attenuation feature in this product is better than anything I've ever used, which would include the short lived Faustine Phantom attenuator and I'm pretty sure everything else out there. Wasted $$ on my part.) Getting into it's features, if you are into live performance and need a FOH balanced stereo or mono signal to the soundboard - that is quite beyond any single or multiple mic setup that you might bring or find available - this unit is, again, ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. Of course it's capable of interfacing with a DAW for recording guitar tracks, but it also offers a HEADPHONE out mix that incorporates everything the FOH or DAW signal might offer - or just dry guitar if you prefer. The sound and FEEL are amazing and inspiring, don't be put off by any digital signal routing internally, this is after all, a Universal Audio designed and built product. Also be advised, if you want to control all the intricate adjustments the internal software contains, you will need an iPad that will support OS 11 as a minimum. (iPad Gen6 @ Walmart or Amazon $250).

Imagine putting headphones on (AKG 240 MKII open ear model in my case) and hearing the most inspiring guitar tone of your life. This OX Box will do it, even with a clean 100 watt Fender Twin (with reverb turn off!). Google it, Pete Thorn OX Box or a host of others. It's been out since January 2019 and I recently caught a Blackberry Smoke show in town where both guitar players used the OX on their Marshall 1/2 stacks. Amazing guitar tones and plenty of inspired guitar solos with FOH being sent via OX Box. Seriously, do yourself a favor and check this OX Box out, you will not be disappointed.

Have you compared it's sound quality with the Power Station?

[rooster]

I'm not so sure about that, Colossal. Not anymore.

No, 2tone,I have not run into the Fryette device. It's certainly less expensive, that's maybe a plus, but then there's UA's recording legacy and reputation for quality high end recording tools, hardware and software. And part of me sort of likes the idea of a built in 50 watt Class AB amp in the Fryette - but as I think about it, well, I am trying to knock back some volume? If the attenuator does it's job well, I really can't imagine re-amping the reduced signal. Maybe as Dave Hunter suggests somebody might want to amp up a Champ or something like that I suppose....but you can do this with the OX for that matter, just use a combo amp instead of a speaker cab. Well, but then you'd have to add an EFX processor to the Fryette. Here Dave Hunter used an POD HD and thought it sounded good. I wonder what he would think of the UA modeling algorithms? Both devices received EP Awards by two different reviewers so they impressed GP mag equally. Haha, maybe Dave Hunter needs to compare the two products?

I think it will be a while before either product is sitting on a shelf in a local store, although the UA rep came by my local GC with the OX Box. Meanwhile, beyond any videos out there, here's the two GP mag reviews:

https://www.guitarplayer.com/gear/revie ... -amplifier
https://www.guitarplayer.com/gear/unive ... mp-top-box

[2tone]

I'm not so sure about that, Colossal. Not anymore.

No, 2tone,I have not run into the Fryette device. It's certainly less expensive, that's maybe a plus, but then there's UA's recording legacy and reputation for quality high end recording tools, hardware and software. And part of me sort of likes the idea of a built in 50 watt Class AB amp in the Fryette - but as I think about it, well, I am trying to knock back some volume? If the attenuator does it's job well, I really can't imagine re-amping the reduced signal. Maybe as Dave Hunter suggests somebody might want to amp up a Champ or something like that I suppose....but you can do this with the OX for that matter, just use a combo amp instead of a speaker cab. Well, but then you'd have to add an EFX processor to the Fryette. Here Dave Hunter used an POD HD and thought it sounded good. I wonder what he would think of the UA modeling algorithms? Both devices received EP Awards by two different reviewers so they impressed GP mag equally. Haha, maybe Dave Hunter needs to compare the two products?

I think it will be a while before either product is sitting on a shelf in a local store, although the UA rep came by my local GC with the OX Box. Meanwhile, beyond any videos out there, here's the two GP mag reviews:

https://www.guitarplayer.com/gear/revie ... -amplifier
https://www.guitarplayer.com/gear/unive ... mp-top-box

The Power station works great with Trainwrecks. It also has effects loop. I use mine to reduce volume. 6L6 output is very neutral, linear. There are people that like the sound of the PS more than the Ox..

[rooster]

Well....

2tone, after sharing that you own a PS you said, "There are people that like the sound of the PS more than the Ox.." I'm a bit confused as to what kind of endorsement or personal product review this might be. Obviously you own a PS, but to say that "there are people that like the sound of the PS more than the Ox"? Is this supposed to throw some added weight onto your opinion?

High school was a long time ago, 2tone.

[Tony Bones]

Just so we're all clear, this thread is specifically about how awesome the Ox is. Dissenting opinions and discussion of other attenuators is discouraged.





















di

[2tone]

Well....

2tone, after sharing that you own a PS you said, "There are people that like the sound of the PS more than the Ox.." I'm a bit confused as to what kind of endorsement or personal product review this might be. Obviously you own a PS, but to say that "there are people that like the sound of the PS more than the Ox"? Is this supposed to throw some added weight onto your opinion?

High school was a long time ago, 2tone.

Rooster. I don't give a damn who likes what I was just adding some data, based on responses and discussions about all the new attenuators/reampers etc. I'm not selling anything, and not trying to bolster my statement. Get real, and quit being so snippy. I'm out of here

[Reeltarded]

I have spoken against the price vs feature.. umm.. it's a super simple attenuator with a poorly considered line/effects setup.

No loop ins and bring your own power. If you want to use any other effects you are stuck with in front of amp or after the internal stuff. It's a trap.

[Reeltarded]

Here:

Make a $39.00 Load with a line out
Use any effects in any order you like
Use the cabinets and the power amp you already own

I just saved you hundreds of dollars.. in some cases a couple grand.

[rooster]

Wait? The OX is made from $39 worth of parts? C'mon. I know can safely say that no one on this forum has dissected an OX six months after it's market release. And seriously, to say that UA has done nothing unique here, better here, than to put $39 worth of parts in a box and charge $1200 for it is naive. I wish you could do it, Reeltarded, then I could go buy something for my studio or a new guitar.

I love the 'can do' attitude, but attitude alone won't duplicate this device. Nor will it put it in the backseat along with 20 other $200 - $600 attenuaters out there. It's unique and I think it's going to change what amp a cat might take to a gig or how a guitar recording is made. Let's circle back in a year. To those with ears, go listen to one of these things.

[norburybrook]

the OX is very similar to two other products around. the first of these the torpedo was quite a few years before UA 'copied' the idea

the two Notes Torpedo:

https://www.two-notes.com/torpedo-studio

the boss Waza

https://www.boss.info/uk/products/waza_ ... _expander/




Both these devices are attenuators, and more importantly IR players.


This is the main difference between just using an attenuator. You basically can run you ramp silently with a reactive load and use any speaker IR and virtual mic/ position.


this is where these boxes shine.


I was going to buy an OX for the studio but when I saw it was OSX or OS11 only I stopped right there as I only have an old ipad and refuse to buy any more Apple products.


MC

[Reeltarded]

I will never not use a mic. You know what kicks ass? Power Soak. I wish I had more. Easy to add a line out.

I hate current ideas not designed by musical engineers with a bit of experience and maturity.

There is no loop in.. where is the loop?

[norburybrook]

the Waza has a loop


M