RadTone Harmonic Converger

I just purchased the HC Loop model for my GT-8. All you have to do is hook the HC up to the Loop and edit the FX chain so that the loop is AFTER the Preamp.

This little box is AMAZING! If you use high-gain amp models as much as I do, you definitely need this thing. It tightens up the tone of the GT-8, gives a nice presence boost, and gets rid of that annoying fuzziness caused by digital distortion. Heck, even if you don't use the preamps, the HC will make patches with distortion sound full and tight, with no apparent fizz--just remember to keep the HC after the distortion modeler. I found it best to set the blend pot (the only "knob") at maximum effect; once it's there, just leave it as-is when editing patches.

Sorry, but I can't really comment here. It seems built like a good ol' boss pedal.

Hadley was incredibly responsive throughout the whole buying process, responding quickly and courteously whenever I had any questions, etc.

I play a lot of heavy metal, so this thing was TOTALLY necessary for my rig. While it works best with high gain, the HC will also add a subtle change to clean preamp models. I run a Tak Matsumoto Les Paul through the GT-8/HC setup into my Intel Mac, and all I get is pure, tonal bliss. The HC isn't really necessary if you aren't running directly into a digital recorder or a PA, but if you have a modeler, what else would you be doing? Ther's nothing else like it on the market, and no EQ or filter will give you the same results. Just buy the darn thing if you've got a GT-8!

Easiest device on the market. Plug it in, set the tuning to your preference and play. Then leave it alone. No power needed. I bought the Headphones Out Stereo model for $US275

I now call it Radleys Wonder Box. My rig is Gretsch, Fender, Gibson Guitars > Boss GT-8 > Harmonic Converger > Marshall VS265 130W 2x12" with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. I have run the HC thru my amp only at this stage. It's everything everyone reports and more. My HC

1) Takes the fixxxxx out well,
2) greatly improves tone especially for all the distorted patches. This varies from patch to patch ranging from slightly better to hugely better.
3) gives an overall warmer, tube amp like tone,
4) takes out that brittle, tone you sometimes get and there's no more tinny break-up at end. Sustained notes just keep ringing with constant true tone.
5) provides much more clarity and brightness overall with a fuller tone. Reduces muddiness and you can really hear every note in a chord.
6) all the controls on the GT-8 instantly become much more responsive and so it's much simpler, easier to dial up the tone you want.
7) a lot of patches that were previously borderline usable or unusable now sound great.

It improves your overall sound so much people think you're playing thru a $10,000 Soldano valve amp.

I've also run it thru my Zoom GFX8 modelling processor. Is equally effective on that as with the Boss GT-8.

Radley hand makes these on order to your custom specifications. It looks as solid as a small brick but only time will tell if something goes wrong internally. The 3 jacks and the 1 control screw appear very high quality and rock solid. Needs no separate power and is fully solid state so appears very little can go wrong.

Hadley is a patient and considerate man and I have no doubts his after sale service would be 1st class. He answered all my silly questions prior to buying and seemed sincerely pleased I was so happy with his HC.

You'll notice the biggest sound quality improvements on distorted patches and tones but is excellent for clean tones too.
I've been playing over 30 years in many bands and used many guitars, amps, pedals and modelling processors. If I lost it somehow I'd have to buy another one. It's now an irreplaceable part of my rig. The HC is unique so now other product can substitute. Considering Radley hand makes these on order the price is reasonable I beleive.

If you use any type of modelling processor it's far cheaper and better to buy a HC for $275 rather than $3000 or more for a new valve amp.

There are no negatives to the HC. All the people here and elsewhere who have criticised Radley's HC are total wankers. Some have even criticised him for not alowing the HC to be opened up so the workings can be inspected (the HC self destructs if you attempt to open it up). This is obviously a totally transparent attempt at intellectual property theft. Radley invented this wonder box himself and has zero responsibility to tell anybody how it works. He has zero responsibility to allow corporate and other intellectual property thieves to open up his wonder box so they can figure out exactly how it works. No-one but Radley needs to know how it works. All the rest of us need to know is that IT DOES WORK. It works like a dream, so go buy one.

Cool, just plug it in-between the DI and the modeler (Line6 PODXT Live in my case) and you are done.

You do have to fiddle with your patches after getting the HC, but this is because your amps will now sound real, and you can back off on certain elements, as well as boost certain elements you couldn't before.

This thing makes my PODXT Live sound like I wanted it to in the first place. A replacement for my Mesa Boogie MarkII C+ amp I use for all gigs. I know, I know, "How can that happen... EVER?"

I play in a band that covers everything from Drowning Pool to Eminem. We do a lot of Hip Hop as well as today's R&B and I need TONE all the way through the music journey. I bought the PODXT Live for places that didn't' warrent lugging a rack-mounted Amp Rig up stairs or on a really high stage with 10 other musicians. (I also occasionally play with a 10 peice horn band)

I go from the PODXT Live's headphone jack > Radtone Harmonic Converger > Direct Box > Main Board

Gear? Guitars = Paul Reed Smith Custom 24, PRS Custom 22, Amp in this situation = Line6 PODXT Live modeler.

The HC is finally a second choice replacement for my main Boogie rig when I don't want to lug it. It actually works.

Sucks to have to buy an extra thing to make what I bought for a second rig sound like a real rig. Line6, hire or hire Hadley to make this thing internal to your products.

It is nice an sturdy, with high grade components (Jacks, pots)

Hadley is very good to work with. Since he puts these things out one at a time, you know he will make it work before it goes out the door. And if it doesn't, judging by our correspondence before the purchase, he will stand behind it. He takes the HC personally, a sign of a true artist in any way.

I was extremely skeptical before buying this thing. It is expensive for a pedal, and what musician has money to throw around to something that doesn't work? The Line6 fourm debates go on and on about wether this works or not, but that is because us musicians do not want to fall into the gullable column. We like to think we know gear and what is or makes "good tone" and what doesn't. (Which is all subjective anyway)

So I did the research on the net, read the reviews both positive and skeptical, and bought it without hearing any mp3 examples. (I didn't want to hear any shredders who use guitars other then mine convince me that it works, you never know what was eq'ed or tweaked.)

The thing that made me go ahead with the purchase was that all the users that DID actually buy the Harmonic Converger never claimed "I've been had", they all raved once they plugged it in.

I received it from Hadley, plugged it between my PODXT Live and direct box, and couldn't believe it. All the other HC users were right... with one exception... in my ear's opinion, It wasn't like a "Blanket was lifted from my amp",lke is commonly stated about the HC, it was more like, "NOW this PODXT Live SOUNDS like I'm using a real amp."

I couldn't be happier.

So skeptics, go ahead and pontificate (How's that for a word?) while I actually get better then great tones from my modeler. But don't come up to me at a show I am using the HC once you have submitted a bad review without buying one... "Whoa, how are you getting such a great tone??"

It's for me to know, and for you to buy one.

Plugg it in set it to zero and slowly turn it up until you achieve after the desired effect.

I got the stereo Headpone out version

My main axe is a MIM Fender Strat with Lace hot gold pups w/ an extra hot bridge pup and a wilkinson vintage trem and solid steel trem block and I monitor my GT8 with a couple of Crate KXB 15 keyboard amps (decent full range amps, loud enough to hear myself in any situation and super cheap). I always run direct to the PA at gigs or Church via a couple of DI boxes. My signal flow is as follows: Guitar- GT8 set to line/phones - Headphone out - HC - 2 DI Boxes(XLR outs to the PA and 1/4 parallel outs to my amps on stage)

My initial impressions are wow! Huge difference. Amp modlels that were previously useless have come to life, the ???59 Marshalls in particular I???ve always thought to be way to muddy, or the Vox clean previously had very llittle personality now sounds amazing. The ODs sound way better, still needs a little tweaking I haven???t worked one up using the ???Full Range??? Preamp yet I???ll try that next. I find I can be little more liberal with the Gain and Preamp EQ and still maintain clarity and balance letting an open chord ring out on a high-gain patch sounds amazing every note rings out. I know its been said a thousand times but its really is like taking the Heavy blanket off your amp. It feels much more connected and alive. Switching the HC back and forth from bypass mode and its plainly obvious. I can see why Radley considered keeping this his little secret but I???m sure glad he decided to share.

The unit feels indestructible, very solid, it has a finished professional look and takes up a little less space then a Dyna Comp Pedal. Kudos on the meticulous craftsmanship Hadley.

Generally responds promplty to emails, and is highly knowledgeable.

If you use a modeler as your primary rig (especially if you run direct to a PA or direct record)do yourself a favor and prick one these up.

Plugg it in set it to zero and slowly turn it up until you achieve after the desired effect.

I got the stereo Headpone out version

My main axe is a MIM Fender Strat with Lace hot gold pups w/ an extra hot bridge pup and a wilkinson vintage trem and solid steel trem block and I monitor my GT8 with a couple of Crate KXB 15 keyboard amps (decent full range amps, loud enough to hear myself in any situation and super cheap). I always run direct to the PA at gigs or Church via a couple of DI boxes. My signal flow is as follows: Guitar- GT8 set to line/phones - Headphone out - HC - 2 DI Boxes(XLR outs to the PA and 1/4 parallel outs to my amps on stage)

My initial impressions are wow! Huge difference. Amp modlels that were previously useless have come to life, the ???59 Marshalls in particular I???ve always thought to be way to muddy, or the Vox clean previously had very llittle personality now sounds amazing. The ODs sound way better, still needs a little tweaking I haven???t worked one up using the ???Full Range??? Preamp yet I???ll try that next. I find I can be little more liberal with the Gain and Preamp EQ and still maintain clarity and balance letting an open chord ring out on a high-gain patch sounds amazing every note rings out. I know its been said a thousand times but its really is like taking the Heavy blanket off your amp. It feels much more connected and alive. Switching the HC back and forth from bypass mode and its plainly obvious. I can see why Radley considered keeping this his little secret but I???m sure glad he decided to share.

The unit feels indestructible, very solid, it has a finished professional look and takes up a little less space then a Dyna Comp Pedal. Kudos on the meticulous craftsmanship Hadley.

Generally responds promplty to emails, and is highly knowledgeable.

If you use a modeler as your primary rig (especially if you run direct to a PA or direct record)do yourself a favor and prick one these up.

I own the Deluxe Combo HC. It??s a combination of a Stereo HC and a Loop HC, which could all be used at the same time (no sharing of parts or jacks).
In my opinion it??s a plug ??n?? play unit but just to some extent. The search for THE setting could take a little time. A different setting affects the tone in a different way. It??s a bit hard to decide between these tones but in the end you`ll you get the best sound you have ever heard of the GT-8.
It??s very important to re-design the patches where you use your HC because the real "wonder" happens when you create a patch "around" the HC.

A huge step forward. With this box in your chain you can nearly get any sound you want. This device seems to be extremely effective especially for high gain & metal tones (also for cleans but the effect is not that drastical if you compare it to the high gain patches).
It changes the timbre of the whole sound. The sound gets more punch, is more direct and warmer. Like lifting the cutain of the speaker. I don`t want to immagine playing without this device.

I use kind of standard setup (amps poweramp stage + gguitar speaker).
Due to my experience with the HC i can say that it??s also extremly effective with a standard rig (no FRFR). Every comment, which claims that the HC is just effective with FRFR rigs, don`t corresponds to the truth.
But that`s very subjective...

Seems to be very solid and trustworthy. Due to the fact that it is passive and filled with epoxy you don??t have to worry much about sensitive components and other problems which can occur. Just a little black metal box with a secret inside...

It was a pleasure doing business with him. A very patient and honest pro.

Nothing more to say...

My H/C is the comdo deluxe model (mono & stereo combined and you can use them both at the same time. I am using it mainly with the GT-8 (mono) & some times I use the stereo if I am using patches with two amps. The reason I choose the deluxe model is in case in future I can use it with other amp modeler like XTL or if I am jaming with others.
This device is simple as plug & play. Once you set it you forget it.

Superb. It is like transforming the gt8 from a toy to the real thing. It changes the sound dramatically from digital to musical. You start to sound like what you hear in records. Now I can concentrate in making music more. I have no experience on signal processing or effects but I trust my ears & the sound blow me away.

I don't do gigs, only using it in recording to pc. But I believe you can rely on using it anywhere. Although it is a home made device, it's like a professional company made device.

Hadley is a very friendly gentleman. He was very patient with me & all my annoying questions. Can't get better dealing with him.

I thought it was pricy, but let's face the result. I can not go back now playing without the H/C. It is passive, small sized, well disigned & it does wonders to the sound. What more you ask for.

I'm writing this review as a person who has tested both the POD Buffer by Red Iron and the Harmonic Converger. Both are good for many things, but for general Fizz & color the HC wins. For the record, I use the XTL (cab & mic modeling disabled) into the HC into a Mesa 2:90 powering my 4x12.

I give it a '9' for ease of use because it's not merely plug 'n' play. You have to figure out how much of the HC you want added to your tone... it's not just a high frequency filter/EQ, either. It changes every patch.

It is quite seriously what my POD has needed for years. It simultaneously 'beefs' up the tone as it helps it cut through. I can't imagine using my XTL without it.

I trust this little device. Since it's passive, not much can go wrong. It's like a little brick and the adjustment control is actually semi-internal... you need a clever little tool (supplied) to turn it. Nothing to break off or bend. Treat it like a very nice pedal and you'll be fine. I've only gigged with it once and it was flawless. I anticipate no issues, and I believe Hadley wil fix anything that goes wrong with it.

Hadley is a gentleman... honest as the day is long. A real pro. He takes a lot of heat on some of the boards from sceptics and never loses his cool. He gets an 11 on support.

Overall, it's a 9 because I can see how it would not be for everyone and it's a little pricey. That being said, I can't do without mine. And, it was custom made for me with my specifications taken into account before the order was even place.

If it broke, Hadley would fix it. If it were stolen, I'd have to replace it... I can't imagine anyone taking it though. Mine looks like a little metal brick with glow in the dark stickers on it (order one and yours will look special, too).

I am Hadley Hockensmith, designer and builder of the RadTone Harmonic Converger. I write this to to respond to the earlier post from a person who does not own an HC, and has never played through one, yet gave it an awful review. The main thing the HC claims to do is improve the feel and timbre of digital modelers, along with removing the bogus-sounding "fizz", that makes them sound artificial.

The HC is particularly effective on overdriven/distorted sounds, but it also warms up clean sounds as well (less chink-chink). Like most tube amps, the HC is not a neutral-sounding device - it is expected that that some changes to patches or Global EQ may be needed to get the maximum benefit from it's effect. It is unfair for anyone to "pass judgement" on a product they have never even used, muchless owned.

Yes, each HC is potted with epoxy before assembly, and for good reasons:

??? The epoxy acts as a giant heatsink, preventing overheating of sensitive components.
??? It also prevents part movement and intermittant problems caused by component and connective wire "jiggle".
??? It removes the temptation of dishonest people & companies to copy other's intellectual property to make an easy buck.

The end result is a product that is extremely reliable. (see all the reviews at <http://www.bossgtcentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=8181>)

Again, see all the reviews.

-Hadley-

It can't get any easier, just plug and play.

The Loop HC sounds great. I only had to knock 2db off the highs on my GT-8's global EQ and all of my patches sound 100% better. Here is a link of me and the HC doing my best Eruption cover. There is also a cover of Satch Boogie without the HC. http://bandmix.com/profile101372.html

Seems to be holding up and is built very sturdy.

Hadley was very easy to communicate with.

Overall I give it a 9. If it were half the price it would be a 10.