Most of us guitarists stopped being clumsy in front of a computer a long time ago. In fact, it isn't only musicians who face the challenge of computing. It's really anyone, whatever their trade. Either you're in or you're stuck in the Stone Age. The product I have in my hands is a powerful tool for handling just about any need with ease. I expected nothing less. Digidesign usually wins me over with its attention to detail and the good quality of its gear.
What Is the Eleven?
First of all, you could say it is an interface for sending audio and MIDI signals to your computer. It's hardware designed especially for working with the guitar, although it allows recording and manipulating any kind of signal: vocals, MIDI samples, and so on.
The second part and, in my view, the most powerful, is its role as a guitar multi-effects unit. Within this block, you can work in the studio or live. The processor is set up to be connected to an amplifier, so we can process guitar signals in the conventional way. But it also has outputs with cabinet simulation, that is, a set of studio tools for guitar that let you record any kind of ambience and effect.
This last block wouldn't be especially new if we didn't add one important point: the excellent quality of the final results when processing our guitar. In any case, the full description of the Eleven Rack could be: interface plus multi-effects processor. Let's get to know its possibilities a little better. Let's start by quickly unveiling its front and rear panels to get an idea.
The Rear Panel
a) Stereo effects send and return.
b) XLR and TRS ¼" outputs to send the signal to the mixer.
c) TRS ¼" (jack) output to send the guitar to the amp.
d) MIDI in and out.
e) Expression pedal input.
f) Digital inputs and outputs: AES/EBU, S/PDIF.
g) USB connection to sync the unit with the computer.
What's in the Box
The unit comes very well equipped: Digidesign includes everything we need to get to work right away and make the most of the new guest in our rack. Haven't I told you? Yes, it's a 19" rack format: it takes up two rack spaces.
The included items are as follows:
a) Eleven Rack and the basic accessories for connecting it.
b) Quick-start guide (also in Spanish), manuals, etc.
c) Software: Pro Tools 8.0, sample libraries for the included virtual instruments, and loops. A third DVD with instructional videos comes with the processor.
d) Licenses and so on.
Front Panel
I like the aggressive touch in the processor's design. Digidesign has always been known for its sobriety, which, in my opinion, has an explanation: since it initially worked mainly with professionals, its products have always been clear, simple, and free of unnecessary distractions or frills. Lately, with its interest in the home market, its finishes pay more attention to visual harmony, but always with the elegance that characterizes all the gear it makes. On the other hand, since this is a unit conceived primarily for the guitarist, that edgy orange touch on the front gives our rack just the right punch. I like it.
I think it's worth describing a few things that weigh, or should weigh, when choosing one product over another. Details that sometimes go unnoticed at first and tend to take their toll over time. We certainly won't make a mistake in that respect with the little orange monster (the Eleven). Its controls, both knobs and buttons, as well as the inputs, outputs, and so on, are robust and solid and guarantee perfect operation over time. There has been no skimping on build quality. It doesn't just look professional: it is.
The display that shows presets and editing parameters is large enough that we can use it without straining our eyes. Its bright color (also orange) also gives us optimal visibility live or in low light.
In short, the front panel gives us everything we need to select, control, and edit all of the processor's parameters. As for connectivity, on the front we find the headphone output, an XLR mic input (with the option to switch on phantom power for condenser mics), a TRS ¼" (jack) input for the guitar, a PAD switch, and a direct output (also TRS ¼") for the amp. As you can imagine, there are also controls for gain, volume, tempo, display scrolling, etc. (check the photo for more details).
Effects and Simulations
I'm not going to describe it step by step, effect by effect. I imagine you already get the idea. Basically because it has it all: chorus, flanger, phaser, reverb, delay, rotary, tremolo, overdrive, saturation, and distortion (of all kinds), plenty of amp and cab simulations, and a very long etcetera.
In the Studio
I'm more interested in, and I think it gives you more useful information, emphasizing the quality of its recordings. Over the course of my career I've tried many modeling units. It's a rather delicate field, especially if the guitarist facing the device wants absolutely realistic, professional results. Although I know other products of this type with more than interesting quality, I have to express my amazement at the Eleven. Its sounds and possibilities are, without a doubt, magnificent.
Live
That's what I can tell you at the studio/recording level. As for its live performance or working through a guitar amp, here's what I think. I believe the field of effects for working with an amp is much more advanced than studio simulations. So I think its contributions aren't as revolutionary in this respect as in the previous one. In any case, the fact that we can use the unit both in the studio and live, whether live direct, or even in the studio with an amp, makes the Eleven a truly versatile, multipurpose all-rounder.
Other Details
We shouldn't forget that it isn't just a guitar processor. It is also an interface that can be used with Pro Tools 8 (L.E. version included). This means (for the benefit of those less versed in the subject) that the unit gives you a complete recording system on your computer plus the effects unit in the studio and live.
Tuner
There are more details besides those already mentioned (such as phantom power). For example, it's worth mentioning that it has a fairly reliable digital tuner. Given the clear visibility of its LED display mentioned earlier, we get a tool that is entirely convenient and useful.
Editing
Another feature that makes this "gadget" a great "beast" is its flexibility in preset editing. And not only the versatility, but also how comfortable it is to do. Why? Because by being connected to your PC or Mac you can tweak, adjust, save, edit, and so on, your sounds at the click of a mouse. You can even manage each of your pedals in great virtual recreations on your computer screen.
Conclusions
Frankly, and although I've already said so, it's a product that has pleasantly surprised me. Although I know from previous experience that Avid and Digidesign are trustworthy brands, guitar modeling is a very delicate area. At least for me, and always speaking of serious products.
I could sum up by saying that, in my view, it is a basic but complete interface and, at the same time, a great guitar processor. Personally, I would seriously consider buying one, even if I only used it as a multi-effects unit and modeler in the studio. Even given more powerful interfaces, its processing capabilities are worth considering. To finish, if you're a guitarist looking for a first taste of recording on the computer, I'll tell you without hesitation that, all things considered, this is one of the best options on the market today.
