ART SGX 2000 & 2000 Express ?

[courtney2018]

Hi all,
I'm on a late 80's, early 90's, preamp quest. I wanted to see if anyone here has any experience with the ART SGX 2000 or 2000 Express? What's it like? Got any good tones coming out of it?

I've read some Harmony Central reviews on it and everyone seems to like it. Some have said that it's still some of the best gear to be had even today. Does anyone have an opinion on that?

I've recently acquired a MP-1, possibly going after a second one to modify, a Digitech 2101, and maybe this SGX. You're probably thinking why? Why get that when there are so many other great preamps out today that blow this thing out of the water. Well, it's not just about getting something better. Nostalgia has alittle bit to do with it, and you can also get really good deals on this old gear. Alot of it still sounds pretty good. Take the MP-1 and 2101 for instance.

So anyways, what's everyone think about the SGX 2000 or 2000 Express?

Thanks in advance!

[joeydego]

by far, the best Ive had, in that relm anyhow, was the rocktron chameleon.

[elcid]

That was the first processor (the 2000) I ever got way back in the early 90s. I dont remember much about it other than I really didnt care for it, although I'm sure I really didnt know how to use it either, and I think Ministry used it all over Psalm 69.

[courtney2018]

Well, I managed to score a 2000 Express off the bay last night for $160 including the shipping. So I'll let you all know if it sucks or not.

[velocity]

if you don't like it, i'll buy it from you!

[courtney2018]

Originally Posted by velocity

if you don't like it, i'll buy it from you!

LOL....I'll report back.

I picked up an old Digitech Twin Tube GFX1 off the bay last week pretty cheap too. I got it for $120 I believe. It came in yesterday. I was playing thru it last night. Sounds pretty good. Nice tube sounds. Probably need to be changed out for new ones though, but still sounded great. The effects aren't all the extensive. It's got delay, chorus-delay, flange-delay, eq, compressor, noise gate, cab simulator, and a programmable effects loop so you can put in anything you want.

Coming in the mail at the moment is the ART SGX2000 Express and a Digitech 2101 LE Artist.

[Gusfmm]

Courtney,

I used to have one, good unit, used it primarily until I got a 2101LE many many years ago... to this date. Better FX's quality, and better A/D/A.

So turning this a bit into a 2101LE feedback, there is nothing in the market to-this-date that combines the flexibility of the 2101LE under one single integrated housing. And I've tried many out there, from Lexicon and Boss, to TC Electronic and Eventides. Never cared about its tube distortion as the Triaxis takes care of that. But the 2101's tube distortion does sound very 80's heavy metal like, no question about it. So you will likely much enjoy it.

Suggestion: Hook up the MP-1 to the 2101's FX loop, guitar to the 2101's input, make your own algorithm keeping the distortion section off, and you'll be in heaven.

Only thing nowadays outdated on the 2101 is the 18bits A/D/A, which is standard 24bits out in the market now. But still, nothing comes close to it as an outstanding overall multiFX.

[courtney2018]

Thanks for the feedback on the 2101. I'm actually not using this stuff as my main sound. I'm still going to be using my GNX4 for all of that. I bought this stuff to add dimension to my recordings by having a range of several tube preamps. I can take my signal, split it up into each of these preamps, and recording them. No double tracking...one time thru and many different sounds.

I'm also not really concerned with the effects. I've got pedals for that if I want them, but all of this stuff will be recorded dry anyhow.

I'm looking forward to getting the 2000 Express and the 2101LE. Can't wait!

[racerevlon]

I had a 2000 Express and used it with the X-15 Ultrafoot controller. TONS of possibilities. Like ElCid said, that piece of gear is DEEP and you need to dig in to get the full capabilities out of it. There's a mixer section buried deep in there that you need to manipulate, and definitely change the tube straight away to whatever your preference is. The mixer section is the key to "sucking the marrow" from that unit. I used one primarily live for two years and had awesome sounds. Best preamp/multi-effects from that era IMHO when paired with the Ultrafoot--being able to control all sorts of weird stuff in real-time is cool. Nothing you can't accomplish with MIDI and expression pedals, but it was ahead of its time.

[elcid]

I've been 1/2 assed looking for a Twin Tube. Moreso for nostalgia than to actually use.

[linthat22]

Wow, I have a 2000 Express and hate the damned thing. My dad bought it for me when I was in high school when my Randall was crapping out. From what ya'll are saying, there might be some saving it. I need to replace the display because the backlight went out and the tube definitely needs to be replaced.

Hope you enjoy your purchase when you get it.

btw, I've had mine since 1994 or 95.

I still use my black face Rocktron Chameleon and have had that since the day it was released.

[courtney2018]

I've had some time to play with the 2000. I love it. I'm kinda stuck on the Plexi preset. I haven't really messed around with changing presets yet. I'm sure I will when I start to record seriously again. I'm throwing down song ideas at the moment, so when I sort them all out I'll get in there and do a few presets I like.

Cid, I love my Twin Tube. That thing is great. It's cheap and it sounds really good.

I actually picked up another ADA MP-1 over the weekend. This one is going to be sent out to be modded.

So right now I've got the:
- Digitech Twin Tube
- Digitech 2101 Limited Edition
- SGX 2000 Express
- ADA MP-1
- soon to be ADA MP-1 modified

I think I have enough to keep my satisfied for a while.

[shawn2571]

i didn't know there was someone like me out there that was obsessed with guitar effects processors and ebay? lol! i'm working on getting me an art gsx 2000 too! i watched a few youtube videos on it and they seem to have some cool 80's type tube distortion sounds to it? which is the music i grew up up on! i love the skidrow type sound! and boston of course but i doubt one could actually mimic tom sholtz sound? anyway happy jamming! peace!

[racerevlon]

I used to love playing with the "Acoustic Environment Simulator" on the SGX2000Express. I remember the "wood baffles" setting yielded a great, organic, mid-range grind. If you ever get sick of that unit--hit me up.

Cheers,

Race