The Theta pack

If you purchase the ISP Theta, these are what you get:

1. That big box. The Theta per se doesn't require that much storage space...
2. PSU. The Theta comes with its own power supply unit.
3. User manual. It looks more like a course-book. Contents include explanations of both the pre-amp & noise gate circuitry as well as some recommended settings.

If you are purchasing the Theta used, do take note of these inclusions. 

First impression: ISP Theta

We are now in May, time flies when your gear & guitar shenanigans keep you occupied. At least this applies to me. Trust that everyone had a good May Day holiday today.

I've been busy today with a single piece of gear- seen above, the ISP Theta. Nothing evolutionary, just a pedal incorporating a pre-amp section as well as a 2-channel distortion. To top it all off, there's noise gate to keep things at bay because the amount of gain on offer is obscene.

The real initial impression is the one at the store when I first tried this pedal (that would be Davis GMC) but the more applicable account would be the one today when I get to use the Theta with my own gear. The 14 knobs on board might scare many of us especially when we want something functional & to the point but I'm glad ISP did it this way. The controls ensure the pre-amp & distortion sections keep the 2 offerings detailed, not overlapping & dedicated in the delivery of tone. They are in fact, standard EQ, gain & level knobs which are details familiar to us, nothing new, yes? With this in mind, especially the pre-amp inclusion, you would only need a good clean channel to propel your preferred tone. I tried both tube & solidstate amps for this one & both manifested fine tones, nothing averse to report. 

I've only tested the Theta with a humbucking guitar today so hopefully, the next installment would disclose some single coil chemistry, I hope to plug in a P-90 equipped guitar in there as well.

Some closing words: The Theta is worth it if you wish for a dedicated gain source. It's made pleasant by that noise gate which the ISP name is renowned for- no-brainer combo goodness, this one.

Went, bought

The intention was to check this out...

... but since this was there too & they were on my to-get list for 2014, it was a done deal. Never assume that a trip to the guitar store with a singular intention would not end up in an outcome quite different from the intended plan. Distractions, distractions...

Theta- in...

If you've read the reviews, if you've watched the demos, if you've wished it'd be here then be informed that it's available now at Davis GMC now. List: $399...

ISP: Theta

This is so... my kinda pedal! The ISP Theta: Pre-amp + double gain distortion with an in-built noise gate- what's there not to like? We note the inclusion of noise reduction features in the current high gain pedal designs- noise is being curbed at the source, this is a good thing. Also, we note the inclusion of extra gain for those of us who are into distortion overdose. Having 2 gain adds to saturation in addition to intensity. For many of us, it's the saturation consideration more than intensity issues, it helps us with our pick attack. On my to-get list before the year end.