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NAMM 2016: Vox launch Starstream Type 1 modeling electric guitar
Vox has launched a new modeling electric guitar, the Starstream Type 1. The Starstream uses an on board effects system to generate a whole array of sounds from electric guitar to synth sounds.
Official info below:
The company that pioneered onboard electronics introduces a fresh new approach to the modern electric guitar. Equipped with the innovative AREOS-D system, this new line embodies a sleek, new cutting-edge design from VOX.
Created to provide a wide range of sounds including electric guitar, acoustic guitar, synths and other stringed instruments, the VOX Starstream Type-1 is the ultimate product if you are seeking a new way of looking at what a guitar is and what it can do. Whether you are playing with a band, in the studio or practicing silently at night with headphones, the Starstream Type-1 offers exciting new possibilities.
Incorporating the AREOS-D system, the Starstream Type-1 is the latest expression of VOX’s long-standing tradition of breaking through the boundaries of onboard guitar electronics, putting control over your sound at your fingertips.
The system integrates several essential elements: magnetic pickups for authentic electric guitar models; a piezo pickup system for rich-sounding traditional instruments; a powerful DSP engine; familiar volume, tone and pickup selector controls and a Control Module that provides instant access to important parameters.
Whether you are looking for the flexibility of 27 instrument models instantly at your command or desire the convenience of tailoring models to sound amazing through headphones, the Starstream Type-1 offers an unmatched sonic experience.
Advanced ergonomic considerations led to the unique frame construction. While traditional electric guitar designs are rooted in the 1950s, the Starstream Type-1 follows a new path. Its shape and form echo the forward thinking offered by its electronics.
The frame is three dimensionally contoured for maximum comfort, easily conforming to your personal style. Equipped with a smoothly shaped neck, unlimited upper fret access, warm-toned resonant wood body, specially voiced magnetic pickups and a balanced, easy to use tremolo system; this is the ultimate modern guitar.
Quick Overview
• Exclusively developed AREOS-D system, uses the guitar’s magnetic pickups to create the electric guitar models for greater realism and accuracy. The sophisticated approach results in a highly accurate and articulate representation of the modeled instrument.
• Nine banks of instruments with three variations in each plus two user banks to store up to six favorites.
• Five banks with classic and modern electric single coil and humbucking sounds, plus three variations of electric 12-string.
• Two acoustic banks featuring six different guitars including small body, large body, 12-string and nylon string instruments.
• Banjo, sitar and resonator models make up the Other bank.
• The Special bank holds two synthesizer variations, Synth and Bass Synth and a Sustain mode that produces a distinctive organ-like effect (depth of the Sustain mode’s vibrato effect is controlled by the Tone control). For Synth, you can control both Decay and Attack parameters at once using the Tone knob. Using the Tone control, both Envelope and Resonance parameters are adjusted simultaneously for Bass Synth.
• Onboard Drive and Reverb (model dependent) control for real-time adjustments to gain or reverb depth. Depending on the model selected, either Drive or Reverb can be stored in a user bank, set to on or off.
• FX pushbutton with an LED for instantaneous on/off switching of Reverb or Drive effect, depending on model selected.
• Synth sounds track effortlessly and respond dynamically to touch, pick attack and vibrato.
• Simple, intuitive volume, tone and three-way model variation selector controls make changes quick and easy.
• .” output for live performance or recording and 1/8” output for use with headphones for private listening and practice.
• 22 fret bolt-on hard maple neck with rosewood fingerboard with 12” radius.
• Sculpted mango body. 2 x XLM humbucking pickups. 2-point fulcrum vibrato. Sealed diecast tuning machines.
• Starstream Type-1 is available in five colour options
Three-dimensional Frame Technology
The innovative three-dimensional molded frame creates an ultra-modern look for the Starstream Type-1, and conforms to your body in a way that no wooden guitar shape can. Extremely comfortable to hold for long periods of time, whether on the strap or sitting, the Starstream Type-1 reduces fatigue while supporting the right hand for improved picking accuracy.
Resonant Mango Body Wood and Hard Maple Neck
Mango is a tropical hardwood with a warm, resonant sound highlighted by rich, smooth sustain that enhances the depth and realism of the guitar models. Combined with a hard maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, it provides crisp attack with a balance of sparkling harmonics, rich fundamental sound and even tone that brings each modeled voice to life.
AREOS-D Control Module
Many hours of testing, revising and reconfiguring the placement and purpose of all controls on the Control Module ensure that you will have the clearest, easiest and most flexible functions at your command.
There are no confusing complicated submenus – everything you need to have a seamless (and most importantly, musically creative) experience with the Starstream Type-1 has been developed to be convenient for every player.
Electric Guitar Models and Drive Control
Aside from providing convincingly realistic electric and acoustic guitar sounds, the Starstream Type-1 adds control of overdrive to electric models in a way that is user-friendly and modifiable in real time. The AREOS-D control system was specifically designed to allow you to easily and quickly change the amount of effect on a given model, turn that effect on or off and change an electric sound from clean to crunchy to full-out distorted while playing, without stopping to reset a parameter or needing to hook the guitar up to a computer and use software to modify the model before using it.
Preliminary Information – Specifications and features subject to change
Synths
Research during the development of the Starstream Type-1 showed that players nearly unanimously requested the instrument include classic synth models that track and provide user control over sound-shaping parameters during performance.
Most attempts to get pitch-to-MIDI synth patches for guitar to track cleanly have been disappointing. Using highly developed DSP logic and fine tuning information from the string resulted in synth sounds that can be played more comfortably than on most guitar synths with less fear of glitches or missed notes.
Special Instruments
Versatility was at the top of the list of necessary major attributes when developing the Starstream Type-1. If you want to double on other stringed instruments like banjo, sitar and resonator guitar, you will no longer have to carry additional gear that will only be used briefly.
Magnetic Pickups: The Source of the Electric Sounds
Electric models are built using the sound of the magnetic pickups and their position
information. Specially developed DSP, further enhances the realism and character of each model. Models built this way feel and sound more natural and exhibit the dynamic response you expect from analog electric guitars.
The Result
The Starstream Type-1 is an exceptionally versatile instrument, ready to be explored by the modern guitarist. If your goal is to have the flexibility to include a wide variety of instruments to suit your music, your mood or simply to explore new sounds, we’ve put everything you’ll need right in this guitar.
Starstream Type-1 Available Models
Starstream Type-1 is available with five colour options – two body colours and three frame colour options.
Starstream Type-1 Specifications
Onboard System: AREOS-D System, incorporating the Control Module, Magnetic Pickups, Piezo Pickup, Volume, Tone and Pickup Selector Switch
Body: Mango
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Neck: Fingerboard Radius: 310mm, Neck Shape: “C” Shape, Scale Length: 25 1/8″ (638 mm), Number of Frets: 22, Fret Size: Medium jumbo, Nut Width: 43 mm
Pickups: VOX XLM x 2, Piezo Pickup in each Saddle
Bridge: 2 Post Tremolo
Controls: 3 position model switch, Group selector, VOLUME knob, TONE knob, DRIVE/REVERB knob, POWER button and LED, FX (effect) /CANCEL button and LED, WRITE button and LED
Number of Sounds: 27 (9 banks x 3)
User Programs: 6 (2 banks x 3)
Outputs: Guitar output jack (1/4″ phone type), Headphone jack (1/8″ phone type)
Power: Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4, or Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4
Expected Battery Life under Continuous Use: Alkaline battery: 11 hours, Rechargeable Ni-MH battery: 15 hours * These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Colour Options:
Starstream Type-1 Black (VSS-1-BK/Black Frame with Semi-Gloss Black body),
Starstream Type-1 Red (VSS-1-RD/Black Frame with Semi-Gloss Red body),
Starstream Type-1 Frame Black (VSS-1-FBK Metallic Black Frame with See-Through Semi-Gloss Black body),
Starstream Type-1 Frame White (VSS-1-FWH/Metallic White Frame with See-Through Semi-Gloss Black body),
Starstream Type-1 Frame Red (VSS-1-FRD/Metallic Red Frame with See-Through Semi-Gloss Black body)
Accessories: Tremolo Arm, Adjustment wrench, Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4 (for checking the instrument purpose only), Gig bag