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Description
The Sustainor is the heart of every Rockman rig. It is certainly the most complex and the most charismatic of the Rockmodules: its development required several years from a complete team of engineers, probably working separately on sections of the Sustainor.
Though its sound signature is immediately recognizable, the possibilities and versatility of the Rockman Sustainor are almost endless, still over twenty years later. Certainly the first high-end analog amp simulator ever built, the Sustainor is, still today, an outstanding device, far above the classical preamp image that some people have of it.
Product specs
| Brand | Rockman |
| Model | Sustainor Model 200 |
| Finish | Black / Blue Panel with White Logo |
| Year | 1988 - 1992 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Amp Modeling Pedals, Preamps |
FAQs
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What types of tones can the Rockman Sustainor produce?
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The Rockman Sustainor is known for its classic '80s rock tones, offering a range from clean, compressed sounds to rich overdrive and distortion, perfect for achieving Boston-style guitar tones.
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Can the Rockman Sustainor be used with other effects pedals?
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Yes, the Rockman Sustainor can be integrated into a pedalboard and used with other effects pedals to expand your tonal options and enhance your overall sound.
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Is the Rockman Sustainor suitable for live performances?
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The Rockman Sustainor is versatile enough for both studio and live use, providing consistent sound quality and reliability, making it suitable for gigging musicians who need a compact preamp solution.
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Does the Rockman Sustainor require a specific power supply?
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The Rockman Sustainor typically requires a 12V DC power supply, so ensure compatibility with your existing power setup or consider purchasing a compatible adapter separately.
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How does the Rockman Sustainor differ from other preamps?
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The Rockman Sustainor is unique for its built-in amp modeling capabilities, simulating the sound of a full amplifier stack in a compact unit, which sets it apart from traditional preamps that may not offer such modeling features.
Videos
The Guitar Dojo | Nick Morrison
Tom Sholz - Rockman Sustainor Demo, Classic Gear Review
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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The new Rockman pedal excludes the original echo circuit, unlike its predecessor, due to the unavailability of the specific chip used in the 1980s models.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Users recommend using the Rockman with powered stereo speakers or a PA system for optimal sound, as a guitar amp's tone controls could compromise the intended output.
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It's advised to keep other amp coloration out of the chain when aiming for the classic Rockman tone, though running it into an amp's FX return can yield unique results.
Source
3.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this 1996 Guitar Player interview, Robin Guthrie says: "For clean sounds I use a Rockman Sustainer [sic]."
"For the solo CD and first 2 SymX CDs - the only amps I had, at that time, were a Marshall JCM800, Fender M-80, a Mesa/Boogie recording pre-amp. By the third CD ( Divine Wings ), I had bought the Tri-Axis and for some of the solos, I used a Rockman Compressor/Sustainer as a preamp ( in front of the Marshall...if I remember correctly ) - but only on that CD - thus - the 'Rockman-esque' tone on some of those solos. I always like to experiment and try out new things - different pre-amps, cabs , mic placement, etc." - Michael Romeo
The Rockman has created the name, the sound and the notoriety of the brand. The Rockmodules, introduced in 1986, rapidly became the core of SR&D's offer, and more than 20 years later, are still what the collectors look for. The Rockmodules were all designed to be high-end analog devices, and it's still what they are today: the manufacturers having targeted their efforts in the digital domain, the overall quality of the Rockman half-racks has been sometimes equaled, but no manufacturer can claim he has a complete range of analog guitar gear at this level of quality. SN: CD01465 & SP01738. Justin Hayward personal collection. Rockmans were part of Moody Blues/solo electric guitar D.I. sounds since 1982, and on all Justin home demos.
Album Usage
The Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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