Roger Linn Design AdrenaLinn

This is a toy. I hate to be so rude but I bought this unit in part based upon the reviews I read here and a general interest in getting some new and possibly unique sounds. There is so much potential in this unit but it is destroyed by two problems:
1> the bypassed level is not fixed and varies with the main Output Level control. This makes it nearly impossible to use in any situation other than home practicing and recording. There is no practical way to use it as a 'stomp' box effect and,
2> the input range is far too restrictive. The only real way to use this as most people would want to use it is to have all your other processing and your preamp AHEAD of this unit and there is no way it can handle that kind of level without clipping all over the place. The ideal place for this unit is in an effects loop just preceeding the master volume and power amp. Unfortunately there are many problems including input overload, internal digital overloading (especially when a drum hit coincides with a resonant filter peak) and possibly some output stage overloading as well.
I feel bad writing this but I think this is a wonderful concept that is ruined by a few minor mistakes. I am returning mine and awaiting an inevitable fix to these problems. Then I'll buy another one in a heartbeat.

Super sounds, some of the nicest modeling I've heard. The modulation effects are fun as are the drum patterns. Very handy to have all in one little box. I hate to rave about the sounds because the implementation so completely limits it's usefulness.

Only had a few days

I have written to the mfg regarding these issues. The resopnses so far have been less promising or understanding than I expected. I think they will eventually get the message.

You'll have little luck using this in any real gigging/jamming situation UNLESS it's the only sound you want all night. Forget switching back to regular tones in any kind of convienent manner.
It's fun but very, very limited at this point. I thought it would be proper to add a few realities to all these otherwise glowing reviews.

It's a little quirky to get around in unless you're just going through the presets. Editing patches didn't take too long to master, but I've not tried to make a drum pattern on this badboy yet. I bet the emagic sounddiver would help a lot. One slightly annoying thing (especially for live use) is that when saving a preset, it give you an audible "beep" when it's saved. Not very good if you just want to tweak the output volume of a patch and save it. The manual is OK.

as all the others have said, this is a very interseting box. At first I was running it through the effects loop of a Digitech 2120, and the amp models sounded horrible. Since then, I've put it in front of that box, and now I think they're pretty damn good. Good enough to leave my 2120 home and take to a small gig, for sure. I did have one BIG issue that's since been resolved. I got a version of the ROM that had a REALLY big and nasty bug. As soon as it started getting a MIDI clock from something, I got a huge amount of noise in the signal! Totally unusable! An email to tech service and a day later I had a new chip set from Roger. Plugged it an and my problem was gone. My main issue with this box is that I wish it had stereo inputs, AND a way to take a line level signal. I'd really like to run this box through some line level effects loops, but can't because anything hotter than a guitar peaks this unit OUT even at it's lowest input setting. I can see some of the presets getting a little "tired" after a while, but with the way this box can work of it's drummachine, it's almost infinitally tweakable. Now if I only had infinite free time!

seems built like a tank. I've not had it fail at a gig or in the studio.

GREAT. Got a new chipset in a single day... OK, I'm in Oakland, and they're in Berkeley, the next town over but you've got to admit that's good turnaround. I do wonder how the hell they could let such a glaring bug out the door though.

I'm going to give it a 10, but I'd crank that up to 11 (not louder mate, bet'r! innit?) if they'd offer a stereo version designed to work in a line level situation. It would truely be my dream box.

This is a deep product, but once you get a handle on the basics you can get going pretty well. This is NOT a simple device, but the learning curve offers great rewards

I don't think this unit has a true bypass switch, and its difficult to adjust levels. See comments below regarding factory presets. Overall tonal quality is very good, and the effects are exceptional, but getting them requires a bit of work.

Seems very well built; time will tell.

I exchanged a few emails with the Roger Linn tech support and they seemed pretty helpful. I sent a few emails last week and haven't gotten a reply, however. Their web site has a forum, which seems rather quiet. Hopefully, that will pick up as more users get into the Adrenalinn.

I've had the Adrenalinn for a few days now, and want to say that this is a marvelous device. I am really impressed with all the power "under the hood" and the more I use it the more I can appreciate the engineering that went into it. It truely opens some doors that no other pedal I've owned can do, and it will get a lot of use once I work out some user presets.

A few comments:

1. Factory presets show off a lot of power in the unit, but like most presets the levels are all over the map. Some are way too soft, others are way too loud. This is disorienting and a hassle when trying out presets. Seems to me that some effort should have been made to make the transisiton from one preset to another more even. Having to jump to another mode to adjust the mix level between the drums and audio level is a bit of a hassle, and I wish there were dedicated level controls for each of these, but space probably doesn't allow it.

2. Many (most?) factory presets interact with the drum machine in such a way that if you don't have the drum machine running you wouldn't find the preset to be interesting at all. I think they should emphasis that the presets should be explored with the drum machine, as some people may not realize this at first.

3. So far, I haven't been able to get unity gain in the bypass mode. It may be a matter of spending more time with the unit. The main volume knob contols all audio, and I wish it only controlled the drums and processed audio. Is the bypass switch for this unit a "true bypass" switch?

Again, I have to say this is really a unique, well engineered unit, and expect that we'll be hearing this on recordings and stages in the near future. The trick will be to come up with custom presets so we don't all sound like we're using the same factory presets. Good job, Roger & company.

Dave Patterson / Knobville

Superficially, you can simply opt to turn a few knobs to utilize the awesome presets / drum patterns built internal to the unit. If you want to edit some filter sequences or drum patterns, be prepared to sit down for a good while to really gain an understanding of the process.. not that it's illogical; it's just that while in the throes of the creative process, you might not want to have to sit down and "learn" how to program the unit on the spot (you don't want it to mess with your flow, etc.)..

Needless to say I don't have the Emagic Sound Diver program whereby the above comment would probably be moot. But anyway all of my favorite tools have been kind of hard to use (for the uninitiated anyway) - and so this quality may add to the "voodoo" of the unit for me. At the very least it's a testament to its flexibility.

Nonetheless I'm giving it a (rather conservative) 6 in this category because it's still quite simple to get the unit to pump out some inspirational tones to get you grooving right out of the box...

So far I'm mostly using the AdrenaLinn with a recent Gibson ES-335. Honestly, the 335 sounds better through this unit than any other ACTUAL amp that I've played it through. (!!!!!)

The unit is never noisy - in fact, it sort of makes all of my other recordings sound amateurish. Admittedly, at the tail-end of a chord ring-out you might notice the threshold acting on the guitar signal - but that's the only time you'll notice it and it's results (total quietness) are well worth it...

The drum machine is everything I hoped it would be. Some darn fine preset rhythms built-in, with full programmability should the desire arise (with ease of use being the only caveat). Fun sounds - they're a great match for the electronica vibe that the filter effects produce.

Leading us to the effects themselves: in a word, they're first-rate. Utterly unique. That is, I'd find it hard to believe that some parts of my recordings were derived from an electric guitar if I weren't sure that I'd played them myself. The higher-gain amp models combined with filter sequences are my "straight-out-of-the-box" favorites. Combined with a drum pattern (which can also be sent to the amp model / filters) you can get a great groove happening pretty easily. Great for songwriters who live in apartments and whose primary instument is the electric guitar.

I've only had it for about 2 weeks now (its also kind of a new product). Therefore I don't feel that I can comment on its reliability - although I probably would feel comfortable gigging with it (with maybe only a minimal backup plan) if lugging a guitar amp with me would be impracticle.

I think that the AdrenaLinn is a great match for the style of music that you could expect to make with it - Electronic rock... maybe in time I'll discover more ambient uses for it (probably would like to route a guitar synth through it at some point). I've also used it as an effect for vocals (distortions mostly) with success. I think it's a great songwriting tool, in fact its much more valuable to me than I could have hoped.

I would buy it again if it were lost or stolen. Seems to me that this is leaps and bounds ahead of any of the other amp modelers on the market. Linn Designs definitely raised the bar.

This pedal sounds unbelievable right out of the box.
Editing without a computer will be trying and time consuming, more on this later.
Manual is sufficient enough for starters but be warned this thing goes very, very deep.

So far I have ran a Chapman Stick and Warmoth strat through the box, I plan to try everything I've got at some point. The Chapman Stick through this thing was an eye opener. I normally run my signal chain into a pair of Fender pro juniors.
This box has a noise gate in it. I haven't noticed any unwanted noise from the unit but, you do have to balance the gain settings to get the right balance if you use the drum machine portion of the box.

You can get recognizable sounds from this effect unit, especially in the flanger section. So far as emulating your favorite artist with it, well, that is up to you. It is a very, very unique sounding effects unit.

This unit excells at many things, things you may have not heard before. It's hard to describe what you can get from this thing but it is very, very interesting and fun. It has good distortion/flange presets but it also contains a myriad of other stuff. Filters and a step sequencer/drum machine rhythms/midi implementation ALOT is packed into this box. Presets don't begin to scratch what it can do. Amp modeling is included as well and not bad amp modeling at that! It sounds very good indeed.

Everything is in a hammond type of stomp box (although this is not really a stomp box per se'). It appears that it will last a very long time with normal care. I would depend on it.

I can't recommend using anything on a live gig without some kind of back up or plan "B". This box is expensive, you could develop a unique style with this thing that may not be reproduceable without the same box as a back up.

I haven't dealt with Roger Linn's company. The website looks well thought out and gives plenty of contact info as well as registration support. I feel there would be no problem getting technical support.

I like ambient/experimental style music and this box could not be a better match for that style of music as well as other styles. It's a perfect match. There is not enough space in this review to go over this box or it's features.

I have been playing for a long time, 20+ years. I have a wide variety of effects, guitars, amps etc. This box is one of the best I've ever found for unique yet usable sounds.

I would most certainly replace this unit if it were lost or stolen.

This is a "best buy" type of effects unit. It reminds me of how I felt when I bought Line 6's DL-4 and heard what it can do but only 10 times better. It is a rhythm machine/effects unit. It can be used simply with the presets or programmed. A word about programming: The box has midi implementation and you can use Emagic's Sound Diver editing software with this thing. See Roger Linn's website for the editing download that goes with the software from Emagic. I can't wait to try the software because it will simplify programming. If you are into deepness you will like this box. It has some amazing potential here. The step sequencing and modulation routing alone can keep you exploring for a long time. It is just amazing what has been put into this box.

Editing without the software will be disturbing, not only that but you can't see the big picture of what you are editing.

There are complaints about no headphone jack, not that big of a problem use a headphone amp or a mixer. Live performance will be tough unless you have a midi footcontroller. I recommend Axxess Electronics MFC5 for simplicity. Using this ting live and loud will be head spinning to say the least.

I thought the drum machine aspect of this box was cheesy at first but turns out to have it's use. You can use it with or without the drums anyway.

There is nothing out there to compare this to.

I wish it had been invented sooner.

It helps and inspires to make music. You can create a song idea with one strum on this thing, it's pretty mind blowing.

The number of reviews should increase on this thing. It is one of the most interesting boxes I have ever seen or heard. You can run anything through it and it spits out some amazing sounds.

Easy to use, but a quick tour thru manual is very helpful. This pedal is really about as complex as you want to get with it. You can go way deep into editing or have lots of fun with the presets.

I use this on all kinds of gear....anything that puts out a signal....and it works great. The sounds are surprisingly good in the drum department, but hey, its ROGER LINN behind this baby, so it has to be PHATT as hell sounding!! I do not hear any extra noise to speak of. This thing is endless sonic heaven!!

dont know, but it seems very sturdy and well put together

The web-site is better than most of the big mfrs......Roger Linn is obviously trying to show MAJOR support for this pedal. There all kinds of great information on the site. I have never contacted him, but he seems like "one of us" from what you gather on his site. Cool innovative Dude for sure!!

This is the best FX pedal I have ever bought. I have been buying pedals for over 25 years and I have too many....but this one will never ever leave-----its just way way too useful!!! My FAV BY FAR!
If I was only allowed ONE pedal--------this would definately be it!!
Trust me, just get one of these, and you will be amazed!!!

eay as pie to use...simple layout..small like a floor pedal..had drumm loops in it and amp models as well as some fun filters to tweek and inspire you..

UPDATE!!!
I TALKED TO SUPPORT AND I WAS TOLD A CHEAP HEADPHONE AMP WOULD DO THE TRICK....SO THIS WILL WORK GREAT!!!

seems solid and well made like a good stomp box

UDATE!!! PHONE SUPPORT ID GREAT TOO..JUST GOT THRU AND AM IMPRESSED...rOGER ANSWERED THE PHONE AND I TALKED TO SUPPORT...
I GIVE IT A 10 NOW!!!

uPDATE!!!
OK....JUST GOT THRU TO PHONE SUPPORT..THEY ARE VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFULL...

eay as pie to use...simple layout..small like a floor pedal..had drumm loops in it and amp models as well as some fun filters to tweek and inspire you..

sounds good recorded and thru monitor speakers..ONLY BUMMER IS NO HEADPHONE OUT!!!! THATS A BUMMER..I MEAN SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD BE EASY TO DO AND INEXPENSIVE....
QUIET AS HEC..I THINK THERE IS A PERMANENT NOISE GATE WHICH I WISH WAS ADJUSTABLE..ITS LAID OUT WELL AND GOOD DELAY AND EFFECTS AS WELL AS AWESOME FILTERS....
GUITAR MODELS ARE PRETTY GOOD-THE MATCHLESS AND FENDER IS THE BEST..THE MARSHALS ARE GOOD BUT THE BOOGIE MODEL ISNT TOO SWEET ALTHOUGH PASSABLE!!

seems solid and well made like a good stomp box

good internet support they return my emails within a few hours...but when i call its always a machine and i leave a message...maybe its rogers house i dont know....lol

its fun fun fun!!!! and easy to use...no headphone out so i am subtracting for that...phone support is lacking too so a point there...
models of amps are ok but thats really not the power of the unit...the unit shines with the interesting filter sounds to be added to the guitar sounds or the drum beats...it records well and is INNOVATIVE FOR SURE!!!

There are 100-factory/100-user presets which are both drumbeats/rhythms and groove filter FX/amp-modeling, or a combination of the two-> (Drums run through the effects and/or the amps?!!).The drums are digital as is all other processing. These drums are verrrry well sampled! There is lots of power here and the rhythms cover a wide array of styles-rock, rap, blues, funk, dance and more. The effects are a collection of tremolos, flanges, filters and envelopes, and delays either by themselves, or sequenced (to a filter or a drum sequence). The guitar specific type presets are straight amp/minimalFX type simulations of various Marshalls, Fenders, Boogies, Matchless, and Soldanos. The simulations are very life-like and dynamic (and I own plenty of real tube and solid-state/digital equipment). Once I tweaked the EQ to match my settings on my Laney VC50, I fell in love with the Modern Marshall sim in this box. Editing just to get up and jamming is simple. To really dig deep you are probably going to want an editor (SoundDiver is shown in the manual) because this unit can get as complicated as you want!

Start with the drums: 9 bass, 9 snare, 9 highhats, and 15 percussion. Most are standard faves from classic drum machines- a few are sort of acoustic sounding- once again I'll say these are well chosen and sampled instruments for the job here- remember you can route the drums through everything else too! All types of music can benefit from this in some way or another. The effects kickass! I'm talking stuff like you aint never heard! This is one of those things that people will try to keep a secret-no kidding! Its effects are very dynamic and most (presets) are designed to be played INTO dynamically. The amp sims are also dynamic and respond well to volume changes on my guitar even though there is a noise gate. Velocity and aftertouch-Yes. I own a VG88 and this, although there are only bass-mid-treb, drive, and amp model parameters, it sounds at least as it does(good dist. vs. dist., overdr. vs. overdrv.)

Polyphony- does not say, dont know if it applies to this. Effects- see above. Not expandable (as far as I know) although the sonic abilities here are almost limitless. It has midi in and out, accepts MMC, midi clock, and midi note info- including velocity, bend, controller, pressure, and program change (it is also possible to trigger envelopes by midi).It sends midi clock and Sys Ex (for backing up presets). Sequences are 32 steps for the drumbeats and 32 steps for the filter sequencer. Flexible?- Its an amp sim.,a drum machine (by Roger Linn no less-He made the first drum machine!?!),and its an effects processor/synth(?)/groove filter of very deceiving depth. Only a swiss army knife will do more for the size!

I have only had this for a day and a half. Appears to be well-built. Its a metal case like a stomp box (it is one?), with 4 knobs, 4 buttons, 2 foot-type switches and a mini trim-pot. Uses a 7.5 volt wall-wart. Probably would gig without backup. Ill give it an 10 for now because its new and its working.

Its a new company by Roger Linn. The guy still supports anything else he's had anything to do with designing acccordingto his website. Never had to deal with them. Again, because this is new Ill give them full credit-their site also seems ready to support this product.

I would definitely buy this again, and it is well worth the price. I have played guitar for over 20 years and I consider my ears to be tonally knowledgable. I tend to buy the latest, greatest and craziest effects (guitar synths, V Guitar, etc). Although it is not a completely original concept (Roland has a groove effects unit, Korg Toneworks has their Pandoras-which have rhythms and effects/amp sims), this product takes the conventional design of other drum/groove boxs and ampsim/FX and adds a synth like mod matrix/mod sequencer. Last but not least : Two other people were listed in the manual as having been part of the design team- a Mr. Tom Oberheim-(Oberheim Synthesizers fame!) and a Mr. Dave Smith-(He was the founder of Sequential Circuits, invented the Prophet 5 synth and he invented MIDI!).P.S. This review is based on a product I've only had for a day and a half- I have not gone past factory presets with only some editing to the amp sims. FINAL WORD: These things should become legendary in a short time !!! and no I dont work for these guys!