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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

What types of tones can the Rockman Sustainor produce?

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.

Can the Rockman Sustainor be used with other effects pedals?

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.

Is the Rockman Sustainor suitable for live performances?

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.

Does the Rockman Sustainor require a specific power supply?

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.

How does the Rockman Sustainor differ from other preamps?

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.

The Guitar Dojo | Nick Morrison

The Guitar Dojo | Nick Morrison

Tom Sholz - Rockman Sustainor Demo, Classic Gear Review

Video thumbnail for Tom Sholz - Rockman Sustainor Demo, Classic Gear Review by The Guitar Dojo | Nick Morrison

Tom Sholz - Rockman Sustainor Demo, Classic Gear Review

The Guitar Dojo | Nick Morrison

The Guitar Dojo | Nick Morrison

Video thumbnail for Ultimate 80's Tones - Rockman XPR vs Sustainor by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Ultimate 80's Tones - Rockman XPR vs Sustainor

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Scholz Rockman Sustainor & stereo chorus by MisterShred

Scholz Rockman Sustainor & stereo chorus

MisterShred

MisterShred

Video thumbnail for Rockman Sustainor Unboxing And Full Demo - Recorded In Pro Tools Along With The Rockman Stereo Echo by Marty5150

Rockman Sustainor Unboxing And Full Demo - Recorded In Pro Tools Along With The Rockman Stereo Echo

Marty5150

Marty5150

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

  • The Rockman Sustainor incorporates a unique compressor that targets only the midrange, optimizing sound for cleans, overdrive, and distortion with specific EQ curves.

    Source
  • The pedal includes a stereo mode switch behind the baseplate, allowing users to choose between mono and stereo setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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

5 star
4 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Mustaine uses Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor

Dave Mustaine

Guitarist, Singer

Metallica

...
Verified via Groundguitar

Used in the early days, coupled with Marshall JMP800

See how Joe Satriani uses Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Used on Flying In A Blue Dream, as featured in this advertisement for Rockman.

See how Robin Guthrie uses Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor

Robin Guthrie

Guitarist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via Robinguthrie

In this 1996 Guitar Player interview, Robin Guthrie says: "For clean sounds I use a Rockman Sustainer [sic]."

See how K. K. Downing uses Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor

K. K. Downing

Guitarist, Composer

Judas Priest

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in K.K.'s rack (on the bottom left side) from his website.

See how Michael Romeo uses Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor

Michael Romeo

Guitarist, Composer

Symphony X

...
Verified via Ultimate Metal - Heavy Metal Forum and Community

"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

See how Tom Scholz uses Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor

Tom Scholz

Guitarist, Bassist

Boston

...
Verified via Rockman

Tom Scholz is the inventor behind the Rockman product line.

See how Steve Rothery uses Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor

Steve Rothery

Guitarist

Marillion

...
Verified via Marillion

Mentioned on Marillion's official website.

See how Justin Hayward uses Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor

Justin Hayward

Singer, Guitarist

The Moody Blues

...
Verified via reverb.com

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

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
1
Yamaha D-1500 Digital Delay
1
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Alesis Quadraverb
Alesis Quadraverb Effects Processors
1
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Boss TR-2 Tremolo Tremolo Effects Pedals
1
Fender Jazzmaster
Fender Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
AKG C414 B-ULS
AKG C414 B-ULS Condenser Microphones
1

2 alternative and related items for Scholz Research & Development Rockman Sustainor, curated by the Equipboard community.

HTJ-Works RMS-100A

 

similar sound cheaper alternative mod

A high quality, full featured clone of the original Rockman Sustainor, in pedal form. Built to order by a small Japanese builder.

GOAT "Blue Series" Sustainor

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

A clone of the Rockman Sustainor, complete with two footswitchable channels.

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Rank

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5 artists using

Community setups

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jpc
    jpc

    Gear IQ 445