You need to check out the ANAGRAM, the latest bass multi-effects workstation from Darkglass Electronics. The ANAGRAM fuses the newest Darkglass technology with 15 years of innovation, and it is undoubtedly going to revolutionise the bassist’s game. The ANAGRAM’s platform is designed specifically for bass players to expand their sound-making capabilities, offering a wide range of tonal options.
If you were excited about the recent release of the multi-dimensional bass drive and octave pedal, Kaamos, and are into Darkglass’s range of pedals, such as the Luminal, Duality, Microtubes, or the Alpha Omega family of pedals, you’re going to love the ANAGRAM, as it has all that and much more!
As a bass player, I’ve been waiting for this kind of multi-effects unit. Once I took it out of the box, I had to perform a quick and easy firmware update. After a few days with the ANAGRAM, I felt at home using the block-based setup. It’s all about setting up signal chains with a simple drag-and-drop interface. I could combine up to 12 blocks in series or split the signal to access 24 blocks in parallel, which is awesome for getting the tone I want. More on that later. Plus, the high-res touch display is one of the coolest I’ve seen, especially compared to the Line 6 HX Stomp and other gear I’ve used.
What I found useful with the ANAGRAM is that it offers three intuitive and versatile modes for controlling the signal chain: Preset, Scene and Stomp.
Preset Mode:
It’s where you can instantly switch to entirely new sounds. It allows you to store your distinct presets and easily navigate banks on the fly via the footswitches.
Scene Mode:
This mode suits me the most, as I can shift between distinct parameters in the signal chain, instantly adjusting my sound to suit the needs of any song.
Stomp Mode:
The ANAGRAM behaves like a conventional pedalboard, allowing you to bypass or engage up to three individual effects at any time.
The unit offers over 50 customizable effect blocks, including well-known Darkglass overdrives, preamps, reverbs, modulation effects for creating synth-type sounds, delays, and cabinet simulations. Future firmware updates from Darkglass are expected to expand the range of available effect blocks, further enhancing the unit’s versatility.
For those who need to know, ANAGRAM is powered by a hexacore processor that delivers ultra-low latency real-time performance. At its heart lies 32-bit, 48 kHz audio processing, providing an ultra-low noise floor and professional-grade sound. Paired with open-source Neural Amp Modeller (NAM) integration, it allows you to deploy thousands of existing quality, user-generated amp and effect models. It also integrates with the free Darkglass Suite software, which will enable you to create and share presets, load impulse response-based cabinet simulations, and configure your presets via the USB port.
Handy additional features include headphone monitoring, tap tempo synchronisation, a tuner, a looper, interactive global parametric EQ, and a mixer.
Back to the point of splitting the signal to access 24 blocks in parallel, you can process different segments of the frequency spectrum individually without affecting portions of the tone on the opposite side of the frequency spectrum and not have to worry about making changes that will affect the lower register of the bass. You can do this by dialling up different levels for the upper and lower row and selecting a crossover point and frequency. Very cool indeed! Splitting the bass tone allows you to control the overall level of the bass’s high and low end. Big tick 👍
The Ins and Outs
- Stereo instrument input
- A stereo effects loop or dual assignable expression pedal inputs
- Balanced XLR and ¼” outputs with PRE/POST functionality
- MIDI In/Out for total control
- USB-C (PD compatible) multi-channel audio support for seamless integration as a professional audio interface
- Powered via 9v power supply (supplied) input or USB-C (PD)
As I mentioned earlier, this is the type of multi-effects unit I’ve been waiting for. Having experimented with traditional single-type pedals over the years and later ventured into multi-effects, I’ve found my nirvana with the Anagram. Not only is it easy to use, but it sounds great and even has that bit of analogue warmth I’ve been searching for in a digital pedal, which I thought I would never find. It’s perfect for the type of gigs I do, which include corporate events, cover bands, and originals, as it allows me to set up my presets within Scene mode to cover any genre.
The unit is built like a tank with an anodised aluminium chassis, which not only looks great but also feels high-quality. It comes with a stylish and functional carry case. Additionally, the inclusion of MIDI In/Out ports allows for the connection of an external controller, accommodating any needs for an expression pedal.
Check out the Deep Dive Video below, and the good news is that the Darkglass ANAGRAM is now available in stores.
Find Your Darkglass ANAGRAM Australia Dealer Here: https://linktr.ee/darkglass_aus
