Felix Olschewski

Why I sold my POD HD300 and kept the Boss ME70

Felix — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:09:14 +0000

I think it is ok to say with confidence that the new generation of Line 6 HD amp modeling sounds amazing – and a lot better than their previous devices and most of what the competition is doing. That includes Roland/Boss’ own COSM technology.

A couple of months ago I bought a used Boss ME70 which is basically a multi effects COSM-powered device with a stompbox-mode and individual (separate!) controls for every parameter. That means that I can access, say, the distortion or chorus directly. I love that because I don’t think in “sound banks” as most other guitarists seem to do. Iwas happy with the unit, absolutely aware that it does not sound perfect. But it does its job as a tool and keeps me composing.

Then, by accident (I swear!), I bought a used POD HD300. It sounds amazing, absolutely fantastic. It also has a stompbox-mode and a lot better sounding amp modeling. Not only can you chose your desired amp but also the cabinet, microphone and early reflections as well as sag, bias and hum – quite technical stuff that concerns the characteristic behaviour of old tube equipment. It even features a simulation of an ENGL amplifier which I totally love. But for several days this device made me so antsy that I had to sell it despite its clear superiority to my ME70. Why?

Because it kept me from making music and got me tangled up in an endless setup-loop. Do use the XXL cabinet or the treadplate? The SM57 or the 421. Or the ribbon mic? They both sound great. Which one is better? To cut a long story short: The POD offers so many options that I suffered from what Barry Schwartz would call the paradox of choice: According to his theory, the greater our choice is in a certain situation, the more unhappy we are with it. I think Barry is right. Instead of settling with what I got (as with the ME70) I was constantly fretting about whether I got the best sound.

The POD is a great device but it makes me play with sound instead of composing music. That’s why it had to go.

Black Summer

Felix — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 08:06:33 +0000

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Actually, I never wanted to record a track like this one. It seemed “too simple”. It was a lot of fun anyway and I never mixed anything as hot as this one: As far as mastering is concerned, this one definitely is no proponent of high dynamic range. But still: Lots of fun writing, recoding, mixing it. In the end that is what counts. I love it.

Oh, the name: Take this, you lousy excuse for a summer!

The Blueberry Song

Felix — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:07:22 +0000

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

This is one very original Death Metal song with highly profound, albeit German lyrics. It is also officially my very first vocal performance. Here is a translation of the lyrics:

Blueberries uh Blueberries x 9 uh Blueberries oah Blueberries

Blueberry season is upon us. Feast as long . . . → Read More: The Blueberry Song

Gloomy Mood

Felix — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 13:40:14 +0000

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

I just don’t know where to go with this one. It was inspired by an E-Piano preset on my trusted Korg SP-250 and is complemented by some rather decent drumming. I guess one day it will just find its place in a song. For now I will . . . → Read More: Gloomy Mood

Flori the Giraffe

Felix — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:27:08 +0000

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

I contributed this track to the children’s App “Flori’s Birthday” for iPad/iPhone. It has become a haunting melody for me but I still like it.