A 4 Star product that really deserves 3.5

The product itself is great, and really affordable too. To me it sounds just as good as Boss Katana's or other new digital solution preamp section.

The enclosure is as good and tough as it can be, the knobs feels a little cheap but nothing like it would be an issue. There is onboard cab sim, but I did not try it as I used my Two Notes C.A.B. M+ and York Audio Impulse Responses which produces way better results.

Being the proud owner of a KSR Ceres, I think I was just expecting a little too much from the FS06. I really wanted it to fill the holes left by my Ceres; cleans with more character (Ceres clean is crystal clear) and maybe the Boogie emulation could do... But it didn't click with me. It sounded very dark, and even with the brightest settings it did not bring the sparkle I was hoping for. I know, I'm comparing a top-of-the-line analog preamp vs an affordable do-it-all digital one. But isn't it what people need to know in the end? I could sugar-coat and say it's better than it actually is, but I found it just didn't sound as good as I expected.

With that said, I'd like to point out at another issue with Flamma products line: they have the FS06 Preamp and FS02 Cab IR and both were made to be used together, at a VERY affordable price. But there's a problem here; the Flamma CAB IR (along with many other Impulse Response Loader-pedals) lacks a Power Amplifier simulation onboard. What does it mean? Well if you look at a standard basic signal chain, guitar is plugged into a preamp, which goes into power amp, which outputs to speaker cabinet. So here you have the FS06 Preamp and FS02 CAB, but no power amp sim. You really have to try a power amp sim in your signal chain, even more if you're running direct with the FS02 CAB IR or other solution to hear the difference in what one would call "oompfh" or "life" to direct audio. Having a choice of 6L6 or EL34 tube sim is critical to overall tone depending on the preamp you're using.

I can't say if the FS06 sounds good or not through a nice effects loop on a nice amp, but I can tell you that if going direct, power amp simulation is a must. So Flamma don't have it; they don't have another cheaply priced product that can fill that gap. That's really something one should be aware of before considering this product; the FS06 does not have a problem itself, but Flamma does not offer some kind of solution for this on the FS02 CAB IR. The cheapest solution for this would be to pair the FS06 with a Mooer Radar instead of the FS02 CAB IR, which is a IR Loader with onboard Power Amp Simulation, now that would be a good pair. I think the Radar is a little more expensive that the Flamma FS02 and it may not look as good but it's actually a way better product. Other good options that sports onboard power amp sim to pair with the FS06 with would be Nux Solid Studio (full-sized version), Two Notes C.A.B. (obviously), or DSM Simplifier DLX (also the first "single-channel" Simplifier by running its FX Send to Flamma FS02 input. This works since Power Amp simulation on the Simplifier is PRE effects loop).

So by itself this product a 4, but really it deserves 3.5. If Flamma creates a FS06+FS02 hybrid with the preamp models of the FS06, the Impulse Response loader of the FS02, added power amp sim and effects loop now this could become very interesting, provided they keep their prices just like they are now.

Fantastic preamp pedal.

Fantastic preamp pedal especially for the money. You have more amps to choose from than the Iridium or ACS1 without getting overwhelmed with choices like you can with the line 6.

It is very nice that you can save your settings. It always stinks when your pedal knobs get bumped.

Changes I would like to see on a Version 2:

Inwould prefer having the input & output Jack's moved from the sides and put on the top. Because it would make it easier to add onto compact pedalboards. If I take it off my pedalboard this will be the only reason why.

It would also be rad it it had a second foot switch to cycle through the amps and not need to use your finger.

Great and affordable preamp

7 types of famous amps clean and drive channels cab sim True Bypass great pedal!

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