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Post by Charlie Hall on May 1, 2015 15:29:25 GMT
Hi Chris, I have emailed it to you so you should have it now. Regards, Charlie
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Post by GAJ52 on May 1, 2015 15:34:24 GMT
I have to agree with Chris (grip), I wish it had an on/off switch on the unit itself, my only power point in my music room is under the computer desk so I have to get on my hands and knees each time to use it, at my age that's not so easy these days ;-)
Glen
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Post by shindig53 on May 1, 2015 15:48:40 GMT
Beautifully packed - and what can I add but that in a quick trial just using a Line 6 Amp (AC30 comes out later) both 'Wonderful Land' and 'Apache' sounded just like I've always wanted and be striving to get on Quadverbs et al but never quite getting there. Its been worth the wait Charlie and John.
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Post by garystrat on May 1, 2015 16:13:44 GMT
Hi Glen
I use a wireless remote controlled extension lead for my effect pedals, individual sockets can be switch individually to suit without any need to crawl under desks!
Regards
Gary
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Post by GAJ52 on May 1, 2015 16:37:50 GMT
Hi Glen I use a wireless remote controlled extension lead for my effect pedals, individual sockets can be switch individually to suit without any need to crawl under desks! Regards Gary Never heard of one of those, thanks for the info, I'll Google it. Glen
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Post by grip on May 1, 2015 16:51:14 GMT
Hi Chris, I have emailed it to you so you should have it now. Regards, Charlie Received, Many thanks Charlie, Kind regards, Chris
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Post by Cruachan on May 1, 2015 17:19:39 GMT
I have to agree with Chris (grip), I wish it had an on/off switch on the unit itself, my only power point in my music room is under the computer desk so I have to get on my hands and knees each time to use it, at my age that's not so easy these days ;-) Glen Hi Glen, My current setup employs multiple surge protected floor extension socket bars with an on/off switch beside each socket. It's not at all unusual to have devices without onboard on/off switches these days. You can position the extension socket bar anywhere you like for convenience, even on a desk or a small table. Homebase or B&Q should have something to suit your requirements. Keeping potentially faulting electrical connections, like mechanical switches, to a minimum must, I am assuming, be a desirable objective on units such as the HCSE as part of the aim of maintaining audio fidelity. I suppose the other solution would be to pull the power supply lead from the back of the HCSE when you have finished, but this is fiddly and I'm not sure whether the PSU would protect itself by automatically defaulting to a standby or OFF state. Perhaps Charlie could tell us which solution would be most appropriate. Regards, Mike
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 1, 2015 17:25:31 GMT
Hi Mike, As far as I know the power supply is a simple AC to AC transformer without protection devices. Nothing fancy and really not much to go wrong. Regards, Charlie
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Post by garystrat on May 1, 2015 18:12:41 GMT
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Post by GAJ52 on May 2, 2015 8:32:50 GMT
Thanks for the info Gary, its on my shopping list :-)
Glen
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Post by kipper on May 2, 2015 10:32:46 GMT
what a great bit of kit thanks for posting. peter
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Post by frankmarvin on May 2, 2015 23:51:15 GMT
I have the Valvetronix VT80 used just as a straight amp on AC15 setting, sounds superb NOW cheers Frank.
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 2, 2015 23:55:47 GMT
Hi Frank, Good to know. What setting(s) were you using before? Regards, Charlie
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Post by milko on May 5, 2015 16:58:05 GMT
Hi Charlie! My H&CSE arrived today, slap bang in the middle of the one hour delivery slot, emailed to me by the carriers. What a parcel of joy to arrive! Anyway:- You asked for all experiences, packaging and unboxing included so here goes. 1) Delivery time. First rate, as above. 2) Packaging. It's OK - but could possibly be better. The outer wrapping was only thick corrugated packing paper which was bruised on a corner, and the internal box very slightly bruised. Hardware not affected. The actual unit was in perfect condition, as was the power supply unit. This is what really matters. However, I think some bubble wrap would be worthwhile, even if if added another pound or two to the delivery charge. It would also add some slight degree of waterproofing, if the recipient had requested "leave in front porch" say, and a tempestuous horizontal rain storm arose. Like now! Checking on the tracking history for my unit; it had left Ramsgate, gone to Sittingbourne depot; then the Birmingham hub; then a Chelmsford depot; then onto the Braintree depot; and finally to my house in Deepest, Northest, Eastest Essex. So a whole bunch of different vans, drivers, and handling, over a a few hundred miles, to achieve 40 miles as the crow flies! Hence my predilection for bubble-wrap! 3) First impressions of the unit. 'Wow'! Heart all a-'flutter' ! (Puns are fun) Looks terrific, and since it's the culmination of 5 years research and graft for you, to which we've all been privy, quite a moment to hold one 'in-the-tin' so to speak. The colour scheme is classy yet modern. The controls clear, very well labelled and sensible. The sockets appear to be solid quality. The switches also appear of excellent type. The recessed control knobs seem well protected, and the knobs themselves top quality. 4) POWER-UP! I like the fact there's no power on off switch. One could easily use a wireless remote socket if felt necessary, but since this unit doesn't use tubes, I don't see a problem. Less to remember on stage. The power unit itself appears to be very simple and thus hopefully reliable. It's probably worthwhile to carry a spare power pack if gigging. 5) DISPLAY. ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT!! This is the best display I've ever used in a magical-musical-box. Even without a trip to S***Savers, I can read this from across the room. Brilliant large characters on a very bright, clear, well lit display. The absolute business! 6) Patch naming. Quite adequate. I shall apply names of tunes to some of the patches in the user bank, rather than just echo type descriptors, but this will be fun and engage a bit of brain! Your editing instructions are extremely clear. 7) The sound? Nearly forgot! Well it's just amazing. The wow and flutter is very subtle; right on the money. The echo timings, decays, tails and timbres seem to be absolutely spot on. I have 5 EFTP units, and they're good, very good, like incredibly good, but this H&CSE blows them all out of the water. There's plainly a lot of blood sweat and tears in there. It seems to be more responsive to pickup selection and guitar and amp EQ controls than the EFTP units, but that may just be my impression. I'm aware I WANT this new unit to sound good, so I've had to try to be totally dispassionate in all this. OK :- ITS FANTASTIC! 8) The controls seem very logical. I haven't experimented with them yet, but I particularly like the fact that once you're plugged in, it's Meazzi all the way, whether or not the echoes are engaged. If you want to achieve true "Meazzi-OFF" bypass; then judicious setting up of an A/B box, channel B through different effects, to the second input on an amp might well achieve that. The fact of the matter, is that it appears to be relatively easy to achieve 'That Sound' through my AC15 and also my little Yamaha. I haven't tried it through my Fender Twin yet. I thought I was HBM for a moment as I sat and played along to a few backing tracks. All in all Charlie, I think you have achieved an amazing result. This unit is genuine 60s Shadows and beyond in a box! Absolutely authentic sounds. And the price is just incredible. So reasonable! This is not an ageing yesteryear product, but a brand new state of the art unit, that will hopefully have decades of life in it. I believe that the H&CSE will become a collector's item, rather like the Meazzi itself. Hot property indeed. The manufacturers say that the entire first batch sold out on two weeks, and they've started a back- order list for the second batch. I'm not surprised. Charlie:- Thank you so much. Astoundingly top work! Kindest regards, Milko
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 5, 2015 17:31:30 GMT
Hi Milko, Thank you for your excellent and detailed report. After the long build up and anticipation I am very pleased that you are not disappointed. I would like to mention John's input to the project too. He has done incredibly detailed work. He designed all of the editing features (we weren't originally going to have any), he also worked out every single curve for the individual EQ settings for the heads, and then programmed all of them into the digital filters, not to mention the complicated main EQ curves and wow and flutter settings. Derek or one of the team may see your post, but in case not, please feel free to report the packaging issue to them. Regards, Charlie
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Post by Andy Cook on May 5, 2015 18:13:38 GMT
Hi Charlie, John, & Derek Well it's here it arrived this morning ! It's just fantastic so much better than my magic stomp The echoes are spot on and the added tone wow and flutter e.t.c. just make it perfect and so easy to use Just one problem....... I can't stop playing, it's taken all afternoon to get round to posting this, All that's left to say is a big thank you thank you thank you Best regards Andy
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 5, 2015 18:18:27 GMT
Hi Andy, Thanks for your enthusiastic feedback. Very pleased you are happy with it! Regards, Charlie
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Post by milko on May 5, 2015 19:12:02 GMT
Hi Charlie ......... AND JOHN OF COURSE ! You're absolutely right. So rude of me to forget John's input to this project. I'm sorry John, but we've all been calling it "Charlie's New Echo Unit" for so long, it's kinda stuck but it's plainly, and only right, about time we got un-stuck! From what Charlie has said, John, you've made a tremendous difference to this project. It's plainly a true Hall AND Collins effort. I shall try some editing next week and remember your part of this epic production, John! So since it's not just "Charlie's New Echo Unit" but the "Hall and Collins Signature Echo" unit; what acronym to use now, to reflect on both of you clever rock sound boffins? The acronym H&CSE could sound as "HAKSEE" not such a smooth kind of sound, so I'll stick to HCSE; sounding it as "aitch-see-ess-ee" , (missing out the ampersand.) Oh well; gotta go. I've got hot thermionic tubes to get back to! The kid wants to rock! Thanks guys! Best kind of science to do! Kindest regards Milko
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Post by carlos65 on May 5, 2015 19:50:01 GMT
Hi Charlie John
My unit arrived this morning with in the time slot given Derek and his team have excelled in my opinion. I had chance to set it up and have a quick go but then had to go to work, so when I finish I will probably be up most of night and morning playing with the unit. First impressions wow and then wow again as for packaging mine came in a thick cardboard box very well packaged. I will give a more informed report tomorrow.
Regards Carlos
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 5, 2015 19:59:16 GMT
Hi Carlos, Glad yours has arrived safely and that your initial impression is good. Looking forward to your report! Regards, Charlie
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Post by harley on May 5, 2015 20:29:53 GMT
Hi all
Felt I had to add my input to this. My unit arrived when promised, great. Upon removing the box from the thick outer cardboard box I noticed the imprint of the 3 switches in the top of the inner colored box. It looked as if something heavy had been placed on top of it. Inside was the unit with the right hand switch missing and the securing nut and washers loose inside the inner packaging. I could see the switch inside the unit and it was obvious (remember there were 3 imprints in the box) that the switch had become dislodged in transit. It was friday PM on a bank holiday weekend so I didnt hold out much hope of getting anything done about it until today (Tuesday) I took some pictures and emailed H&C support suggesting I open the unit and repair it myself. I wanted to make sure I didnt invalidate the warranty before I opened the unit. 2 hours later (remember this was friday evening on bank holiday weekend) I was called by Derek. Couldnt have been more helpful and friendly. I suggested I repair it as long as it didnt effect the warranty. This was met with approval although he wanted to send another unit. It was only a dislodged switch I thought so no need for a replacement. Turned out the thread on the switch was damaged, probably when it had become dislodged. Another email to H&C support, this time on friday night. Another call from Derek. New unit is now on its way and will be here tomorrow. I have Dereks permission to swap the base to keep the serial number and he is arranging to have the unit with the faulty switch picked up from me at a time to suit me. This isnt a moan about a dodgy switch, this is a testament to top class customer service. The problem, most likely caused by the courier, has been resolved in the shortest possible time, I have been dealt with in a professional and friendly manner and all during a bank holiday weekend. Im glad to read all the glowing testaments to the unit and how well it sounds but I feel the company producing and shipping them deserves a big thumbs up for its customer service. Still desperately looking forward to hearing it for myself
regards Ian
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 5, 2015 21:07:38 GMT
Hi Ian, I am very sorry your unit arrived damaged. It must have been a severe impact to have damaged the screw thread. I am however very pleased that Derek has tried to put it right for you with the least inconvenience possible. Regards, Charlie
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Post by steveelec on May 5, 2015 21:19:56 GMT
Hi all, It is good to hear you are enjoying your new echo units. Charlie and John are two of the nicest guys to deal with and they have created a fantastic piece of equipment. I myself although a musician am not a guitar player but can hear the 'sound' that I know you all crave for.
With regards the packaging I will speak with the rest of the team and see if anything can be done to improve it, although apart from Ian's switch problem I do not think we have reports of any other units damaged in transit.
Steve
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Post by SteveBGuitarist on May 5, 2015 23:39:39 GMT
Hi Charlie, John, and Derek,
My unit arrived Tuesday morning exactly in the middle of the 1 hour time slot. I managed to get it unpacked, plugged in and play 3 or 4 tunes before I had to go off to work. I got home about 8.45pm and have just stopped playing (12.15am). The unit sounds absolutely incredible. All those little Hank style nuances are all there. I love the way the tail of the echo on Kon-Tiki breaks up into smooth distortion particularly at the end on the last A chord. Also the echo and tone on Wonderful Land is beautifully lush. This unit has been well worth the wait and is a credit to you all and the painstaking work you have put into developing this amazing piece of kit. I wish you every success with it.
Best Wishes Regards Steve B
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 5, 2015 23:51:05 GMT
Hi Steve B, Thanks for your excellent report. It is gratifying to read comments about sound characteristics I thought might not be noticed or appreciated! Regards, Charlie
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Post by Charlie Hall on May 5, 2015 23:53:30 GMT
Beautifully packed - and what can I add but that in a quick trial just using a Line 6 Amp (AC30 comes out later) both 'Wonderful Land' and 'Apache' sounded just like I've always wanted and be striving to get on Quadverbs et al but never quite getting there. Its been worth the wait Charlie and John. Hi shindig53, I am sorry I missed replying to your post earlier. Glad to know you are pleased with it! Regards, Charlie
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Post by lucky7 on May 6, 2015 8:37:54 GMT
hi John & Charlie, Steve Reynolds gave us all a demo of the new unit H&CSE at the Burnham-on-Crouch Shadows Club last night. In this 'live situation' the H&CSE sounded superb! On a closer look could find nothing to moan about, to the point of turning it over and seeing that the feet were screwed on; NOT just stuck with double sided tape. Well done both of you and many thanks to Steve for last night. I for one will be ordering one from the 2nd batch! Regards Ivan
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Post by John Collins on May 6, 2015 8:54:22 GMT
Hi Ivan, Thanks for the update. We had live use of the echo unit very much in mind during the design phase - hence the sturdy construction, large display etc. Glad to hear it worked well on stage. Regards, John
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Post by garyallen on May 6, 2015 10:35:41 GMT
Hi Charlie and John, Just wondering if you guys are getting any fan mail from fans of Jerry Hall and Joan Collins lately ? I googled the new echo unit and got images of the 2 ladies. regards gary
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Post by carl c on May 6, 2015 11:12:13 GMT
Hi Charlie and John, I can only ECHO the fantastic comments about the new unit. Its hard to put it down. It is Far better than the Q20 I have been using. I am still learning how to operate the new unit and I am using it with the standard settings IE 3 o clock. I have been using a Rivera Rockcrusher attenuator with my amp which allows me to run my amp at 8 on the master volume home or in larger halls and helps to get the EL84 soft sustain, Because of this should I be turning any of the controls down on the new Echo or just leave it on the 3 o clock settings. Hope I am not having another Senior moment. Regards and Thanks, Carl
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