White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

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dan_abnormal
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White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by dan_abnormal »

If you could have only one: which one and why?

Have you say. Thanks.
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by skullservant »

Monarch, just how I roll with overdrives.
Had the White Light for a bit, and it was cool for what it was, but I found the Monarch to kind of transcend the realm of overdrive and started using it as a preamp as well. Really great versatility there
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by Casavettes »

I haven't tried the white light but I had the monarch and am currently playin through a crimson drive
It's a tough choice.. They both just sound awesome
But personally I like the crimson drive a little more for its openness and harmonic content
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by sultanofswig »

Currently using the White Light and Monarch together on my board. I have the Monarch always on in a low-med gain setting & the White Light in front of it in full Distortion+ glory, high gain setting with the weight cranked. Been thinking about switching them around to get the nice cleaner chime of the WL with that sweet growl of the Monarch at higher gain settings. Probs would still keep the Monarch behind the WL in the chain, just because of the amplike character of the pedal.

If I HAD to choose just one (& I'm glad I don't) I guess it would be the White Light because it's a bit more versatile for what I like to do. The Weight knob & compression switch really come in handy. The Monarch is a really fantastic overdrive though, a really unique voicing imo (I know it's supposed to be an Orange-in-a-box kinda thing but whatevs).

I haven't played a Crimson yet but the demos sound fab. I think the clear ILF answer is we need all 3.

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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by FlyingVFanatic »

Ive got a crimson drive. Its reaaaaaly good. I tried a monarch out and didnt like it at all..... Which was weird, id heard good things and i like the sound of orange amps... Not came across a white light yet... So my vote is crimson drive, but i want them all cause they are pretty
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by revancha »

I love the Monarch (though I don't know if I'd say it sounds like an Orange). I've been able to get great sounds out of the White LIght, as well as the DOD and MXR pedals its based on, but never sounds as unique and "chewy" as the Monarch.
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by Almonds »

I tried the Crimson Drive at a store here and almost walked out with it. It's really pretty sounding
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by sultanofswig »

"chewy" is an excellent adjective for the Monarch. Well played.
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by pena_55 »

I have all the above. The White light is great for fattening up single coils. The Crimson Drive is a borderline treble booster and great for stacking on pretty much anything else. The Monarch is just really thick and and super heavy, much like an Orange amp. I actually enjoy stacking all three of them. If I had to choose one, I'd say the White Light.
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by patrick »

I've only tried the White Light, but that's the best overdrive/distortion I've ever tried; it can go from really mild chimey sounds to almost Pumpkins-y tones when you crank the Gain and Weight.
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by rhargis14 »

I tried out all three of these at my local store recently. The Monarch is cool and can sound super huge and is still dynamic, which is sweet but is not really my cup of tea. The Crimson Drive is a sweet pedal, very nice tones all the way through the gain and tone ranges. Solid pedal. My favorite of the three was the White Light. That weight knob is magical, I can't explain what's so awesome about it, but it is really amazing. I kept finding myself switching that one back on just because it sounded so damn good. If I find the funds, I will totally pick this one up.

But seriously, this is EQD we're talking about here: it's impossible to make a bad choice. :)
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by benjuro »

rhargis14 wrote:...But seriously, this is EQD we're talking about here: it's impossible to make a bad choice. :)


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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by Casavettes »

so i got my second crimson drive, first one i ended up returning to get a talons
and as much as i love the talons (i know its not on this list)
the crimson drive sings. i'm in love with it.
i think i'ts because it borders every so slightly into fuzz territory.
such a beautiful and dynamic sound.
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by rhargis14 »

Casavettes wrote:so i got my second crimson drive, first one i ended up returning to get a talons
and as much as i love the talons (i know its not on this list)
the crimson drive sings. i'm in love with it.
i think i'ts because it borders every so slightly into fuzz territory.
such a beautiful and dynamic sound.

I love my talons so much. One kick-ass versitale pedal! Too bad I can't get it to play nice with the Hoof side of my Hoof Reaper. :idk:
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Re: White Light vs. Monarch vs. Crimson Drive

Post by Casavettes »

maybe the gain is set too high on the talons? or hoof
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