Review: Darkglass 'Aggressively Distorting Advanced Machine' (ADAM) 

I bought the NG, bought Neural DSP Parallax, and even their Darkglass Ultra plug-in. Maybe it’s because the NG3 can’t run in series. I don’t know. Just running out of options and have tried everything, was hoping this ADAM pedal would do the trick. Any help appreciated 🖤

Hi sam! To me, yes. The ADAM basically simulates every part of nollys actual signal chain in a way that the parallax and DG ultra do not. Parallax is close with the multi band distortion, but the ADAM is really great with its dual signal clean and distorted chains. Obviously even if Nolly recorded with this pedal for an album, there would probably be some processing applied to tame little EQ bits and stuff to fit in the mix, but this pedal basically has all the tools to get there, lots of eq bands, 1176 style compression, as well as 5 modeled distortions and the dedicated clean channel with Nollys own multi band processing to help keep the low end tight. I will say though that the two bottom pickups in series does have a distinct sound. I’m not as familiar with the NG 3 wiring as I only have the NG 2 but Perhaps you can mod the bass by removing the neck pickup, I’m sure it’s possible to change the wiring, there may even be a tutorial online or something. If not, I’d run the 3 pickup mode.

Also not sure if you a finger style or pick player, but the way that Nolly picks seems to make a big difference too

@@JoeCalderone Thank you so much for the in-depth reply! I’m definitely sold on this. As for the NG3, it can’t run the bridge+neck in series like the NG2, but installing a 6-way switch would open up that mode as well as the 3 pickup mode. I agree that parallax gets close. I’ve enjoyed using it (and DK ultra) and gotten good tones, but not THE tone. Something is missing. Battlestar Nostalgica rips btw, y’all never miss. Thanks again!

@@JoeCalderone I’m a pick player, definitely trying to learn to play through the string like he does. Very heavy handed.

Yes! On tour I ran a sansamp and harmonic booster before the ADAM. At home I either just use the ADAM or a Sansamp depending on my mood, but the ADAM usually wins out because I can capture a DI as well as an amped track

@@JoeCalderone Thank you for your reply. Are you using the 2112 Sansamp? What do you like about each unit? Do you prefer one for certain songs/tones?

This pedal works as an interface! You can capture your amped tone and DI at the same time through the USB connection. If you’re looking for a really basic audio interface, the Focusrite solo is pretty affordable.

Yes! And you can connect your Adam as a device to your phone via Bluetooth, and play along with songs on Spotify

I haven’t yet! From what I’ve heard I think I liked the ADAM a little better, but I still need to try the Photon. The biggest difference seems to be the clean circuit, where the photons is much closer to a regular DI while the ADAM’s is a bit more processed

@@JoeCalderone That's my understanding, too. According to Darkglass' manuals, both pedals have a Compressor near the top of the signal chain, but the ADAM has a SECOND, fixed multiband compressor in the "clean" sidechain, whereas the A-O Phi does not.