3
Useful pedal amp, but needs external EQ to really shine.
The Kyro is very well built, the knobs are smooth, the switches crisp, and overall build quality very good with a real solid feel to the whole pedal. I particularly like the detailed yet restrained graphics, free from lurid lifestyle references (I play in a worship band).
In use, connecting it up reveals well chosen quality sockets, and a psu with plenty of cable reach, and the on/off foot switch is very positive, with no speaker 'clunk' as the pedal is turned on/off - so you can easily isolate the guitar without upsetting the sound guy!.
Putting it thru a Celestion Blue cabinet, the Kyro gives plenty of volume (!) without breakup, but notwithstanding the three EQ knobs (low, mid, hi) plus a 'brilliance' and a separate 'presence' knob, the sound is always smooth yet dull. There is a separate cab-sim switch but its so subtle as to be pointless.
So in use, I've had to use an EQ pedal to get the sound I like. (For comparison, for many years I've used a Tech21 which I had hoped the Kyro would have equalled).
Having said all that, the relief of not taking a combo every time I play outweighs the Kyro's sound once I added the EQ.
If Kyro's makers read this review I'd say make it 'brighter', and make the presence and/or brightness controls more effective. But would I buy one again, yes I think so.
In use, connecting it up reveals well chosen quality sockets, and a psu with plenty of cable reach, and the on/off foot switch is very positive, with no speaker 'clunk' as the pedal is turned on/off - so you can easily isolate the guitar without upsetting the sound guy!.
Putting it thru a Celestion Blue cabinet, the Kyro gives plenty of volume (!) without breakup, but notwithstanding the three EQ knobs (low, mid, hi) plus a 'brilliance' and a separate 'presence' knob, the sound is always smooth yet dull. There is a separate cab-sim switch but its so subtle as to be pointless.
So in use, I've had to use an EQ pedal to get the sound I like. (For comparison, for many years I've used a Tech21 which I had hoped the Kyro would have equalled).
Having said all that, the relief of not taking a combo every time I play outweighs the Kyro's sound once I added the EQ.
If Kyro's makers read this review I'd say make it 'brighter', and make the presence and/or brightness controls more effective. But would I buy one again, yes I think so.
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