Chase Bliss announces Pre-orders for its Ultimate Generation Loss MKII 2-in-1 Stereo Magnetizer
Ever since Tom Majeski’s move to Chase Bliss we have been excitingly awaiting the latest evolution of his Generation Loss platform. And the recent announcement is every bit as good as we had hoped - with a tonne of new features compared with the previous edition - and most importantly now including 10+ Tape Models onboard, and Full Stereo Ins and Outs courtesy of TRS cables.
I’m not going to break down every facet of the new edition, but rather concentrate on the innovations - and what is markedly different from the previous version. There is no Manual yet, and the Quick Start Guide provided is somewhat rudimentary - but that is all we have to go on!
Topology is actually very similar - with most of the same labels in the same places - while 3 knobs get new primary functions and the HP and LP positions are inverted.
The MKII also contains a Classic mode that is a 1-for-1 recreation of the CooperFX Generation Loss. Now stereo compatible!
So we see Model as the primary control where LP is secondary. Chase Bliss says there will be 10+ Tape Models onboard, and lists VCR (default), Camcorder, and Toy Casette as some of those options.
The Generation knob gets Saturation as its now primary function - replicating tape preamp saturation and compression.
And the HP knob gets Failure as its primary function - where Failure introduces Mechanical Artefacts common for older and worn machines - where you can ramp up said textural effect.
Additional Options
We have a number of SECONDARY / TERTIARY / HIDDEN OPTIONS on the new pedal - which is a touch of a pet peeve of mine - but eh! If you hold down both footswitches - then you can access :
- Aux Onset via the Wow knob : Sets how long it takes for the AUX effects to set in
- Hiss Level via the Flutter knob : Sets the volume of the hiss introduced by the NOISE toggle (amount)
- Mechanical Noise Level via the Saturate knob : Sets the volume and type of mechanical noise introduced by the NOISE toggle - i.e. 'transport noise'
- Crinkle / Pop Level via the Failure Knob : Sets the volume of the crinkles and pops introduced by the FAILURE knob
Customize Dip-Switches
We have a number of new dip-switch options owing to the new stereo nature and new Failure function of the pedal in particular :
- MISO - Mono In, Stereo Out. For using the Generation Loss MKII to split a mono signal into a stereo image
- SPREAD - Introduces a unique kind of stereo motion that uses the FAILURE knob to create a malfunctioning stereo image
- DRY TYPE - When engaged, all of the pedal’s effects except Wow & Flutter are applied to your dry signal. This makes it possible to create saturated, malfunctioning chorus effects
- DROP BYPASS - Removes the drops (volume manipulation) from the effect of the FAILURE knob
- SNAG BYPASS - Removes the snags (pitch warping) from the effect of the FAILURE knob
- HUM BYPASS - Removes the mechanical noise from the effect of the NOISE toggle
Changes in AUX Functions
MKI - Mod | Gen | Filter
MKII - Stop | Filter | Fail
- STOP - Tape-stop effect that slows your wet signal to a rubbery halt
- FILTER - Bypasses the selected tape model, letting your signal pass through unfiltered
- FAIL - Maxes out aspects of the Failure knob, to produce the effect of complete malfunction
Bypass / Dry-Thru Options
The Generation Loss MKII has a variety of bypass and dry thru options, depending on how you have the pedal configured. In its default state (in either stereo or mono), it is true bypass with analog dry thru.
As is almost always the way - I'm already overcommitted for this month and don't really sensibly have budget for the Generation Loss MKII in this cycle - and particularly after the unexpected Beetronics Zzombee - so I won't be putting in an order until the start of July.
Prices are $399 for US Customers, and €469 for Europe / UK - which amounts to approx £410 - while shipping is inclusive!
This alas means that my MKI Generation Loss has become somewhat redundant - I presume second-hand prices will collapse now! The MKII makes a lot more sense for my Stereo Rig, and this is for sure the right form-factor for me!
I know quite a lot of you will be keen to get your hands on one of these too!
Pre-order Video Announcement! and Walk-through Demo
