Disclaimer: NUX provided me this pedal, and I get to keep it as compensation for my work. However, whether the content is sponsored or not, you always get my honest opinion.
Features
- Stereo CYBER IR™ Engine with dual 1024-sample resolution.
- Independent Pre & Power amp simulation with the TSAC-4K white-box amp modeling algorithm.
- World-class amp modeling algorithm with full functions (e.g., 4 inputs for patch cable jumping).
Currently 8 classic AMP models. - One-piece die-cast aluminum chassis.
- AMP, 1.R., EQ, AMB effect blocks with free routing order.
- 2.86” color LCD display (960 x 376) with intuitive operations.
- 128 preset slots, independent L/R 60 IR slots.
- Built-in NOISE GATE, EQ, PHONES LEVEL, AUX IN LEVEL, and OUT LEVEL in global settings.
- NORMAL and INJECT input modes (INJECT parallels the power amp signal).
- USB audio interface, firmware update support, SOLID STUDIO editor™ software.
- USB-C MIDI, THROUGH jack (parallels the Power Amp signal), stereo balanced 1/4” outs with GND lift, and Phones Out for silent practice.
- Great dynamic range: 110dB.
- Ultra-low latency: 0.85ms (bypass), 1.9ms (effects engaged).
Specifications
- INPUT Impedance: 1MΩ
- AUX IN Impedance: 10kΩ
- OUTPUT 1, OUTPUT 2 Impedance: 100Ω
- Phone Impedance: 10Ω
- Dynamic Range: 110dB
- Sampling Rate: 48kHz/32-bit
- System Latency: 0.85ms (Bypass); 1.9ms (Effects On)
- Power: 9V DC (Negative Tip)
- Current Draw: < 600mA
- Dimensions: 105mm (L) x 115mm (W) x 58mm (H)
- Weight: 450g
WHAT IS NUX Solid Studio MKII?
Solid Studio MKII is an amp modeler that can be used alongside your real amplifier as an IR loader and DI solution—or you can use its digital amp modeling features to create full pedalboard rigs for band practice and live shows.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Like almost every NUX product I’ve ever tried, the Solid Studio MKII feels high quality. Everything from the packaging to the unit itself gives me confidence to take it to a live show.
The visual design of the pedal is good, though I’m questioning the choice of font here (is that really Comic Sans?!). Besides this (funny?) font choice, the pedal looks and feels great, and I was in a rush to plug it in.
WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE MKI?
First, I should mention that I demoed the original Solid Studio in 2018, and a lot has changed since then. While the original had some cool IR loading and power amp simulation features, the MKII version is on a whole different level—it’s now a full-blown amp modeler as well.
All the IR loading features are still there, and the unit can now do dual IRs (Left & Right). The Solid Studio MKII’s IR loader gives you options you might be used to with other modelers, including different microphone and microphone position options to fine-tune your tone.
Amplifier modeling has been added as well. As of writing, the Solid Studio MKII ships with 8 classic preamp models, with more to come via updates. It also features 5 different power amp simulation options, with additional options expected in future software updates.
I especially liked the EQ block, which offers powerful tone-shaping options you don’t often get on a unit of this size. There’s also an ambient block with 8 classic reverb/delay units for simple, “always on” ambience for your tone.
HOW DOES SOLID STUDIO MKII SOUND?
Just browsing through the presets, you quickly get a sense of what this unit is designed for: classic sounds done well. Not only do the Marshalls and Fenders sound good, but they also feel dynamic and “real” to play. I wouldn’t say these are the best amp simulations ever, but for the size (and price) of the unit, they’re above average.
What I found most impressive was how well the Solid Studio MKII worked with my overdrive pedals. I wouldn’t consider it a huge achievement if it only worked well with a simple overdrive (like my Caline Pure Sky), but the way it handled my REVV G3 distortion was truly remarkable. This pedal almost never works well with modelers because of the sheer volume and gain boost it provides. With the Solid Studio MKII, though, I got the gain (and volume) boost I’m used to!
I’m curious why NUX didn’t include some sort of effects loop on this unit, as that could have taken it to an even higher level of goodness. While there is an option to use the desktop editor to create your tones, you don’t necessarily need it—the user interface on the pedal is great, and it felt effortless to dial in all of my tones right from the unit.
IS NUX SOLID STUDIO MKII GOOD?
To me, Solid Studio MKII represents the next evolutionary step for NUX. It takes everything that made the original Solid Studio great and elevates it to a whole new level. The tones are excellent, the dynamic range is impressive, and despite the wide array of features, the unit remains easy to use.
Pair all of this with top-notch build quality and the consistent software updates from NUX, and you have a winner. I didn’t expect to love Solid Studio MKII as much as I do.
If you are interested in getting your own NUX Solid Studio MKII and support what I do, you can use the affiliate link below.
►►Get NUX Solid Studio MKII on Reverb: https://tidd.ly/44e3sPi
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