Description

The Richie Kotzen Signature RK5 Fly Rig is not simply another version of the Fly Rig 5 with his name screened on it. The RK5 was developed in close collaboration with Richie, whose input was invaluable. Meticulous about every facet of his playing, singing, songwriting and tone, Richies attention to the details of this pedal was nothing less. For the bulk of his 2014 tour with the Winery Dogs, Richie used the final prototype while we were busy getting everything lined up for production. Richie is also using the prototype for his 2015 solo tour.

While Richie primarily uses his RK5 live in conjunction with his standard amp rig, this sleek, compact unit embodies an entire rig on its own. At its heart, is the all-analog SansAmp, which makes it possible to go direct to a PA or mixer. For effects, you have the essentials: a reverb, a delay with tap tempo, a powerful boost, and Richies Signature OMG overdrive.

For fly gigs across the globe, jamming at the local hang, and last minute sessions, youll be the first one ready to go. You can stop stressing over what to pack and agonizing over what to leave behind. You can stop dreading cheesy backline loaners and overheating at the mere thought of your touring rig going down. Just pop your RK5 into your guitar case and head for the door.

FEATURES

• SansAmp tube amplifier emulator, is pre-voiced for clean tones with 3-band active EQ, Level, and Drive to adjust the overall amount of gain and overdrive
• Reverb, within the SansAmp section, is based upon the Boost RVB pedal and emulates the rich ambiances of a vintage spring reverb without clattery pings, canyons of doom, or other annoying artifacts
• OMG overdrive, based upon Richies Signature OMG pedal, brings in the organic distortion of single power tube Class A amplifiers, but with a tighter, quicker and snappier response. Includes Level, Tone and Drive controls
• Boost, within the OMG section, kicks in up to 21dB of pre-amp gain
• It can be used independently to boost the SansAmp and/or DLA functions, as well as on its own to boost the gain of your amp
• DLA is based upon the Boost DLA pedal and voiced to give you the sounds of a vintage tape echo and features Level, Time, Repeats, and Drift, which adds a random element to the modulation for authentic textures
• Dedicated Tap Tempo switch makes it super simple to just tap in the delay tempo you want during your performance
• All-analog signal path; reverb and delay are mixed in parallel
• All-metal housing
• Metal footswitches and jacks
• 1/4″ high-impedance input
• 1/4″ low-impedance output
• Silent-switching, custom footswitch actuators
• Utilizes included auto-switching 12V DC power supply which self-adjusts to 100V-240V and can be used anywhere in the world with the proper plug/travel adapter for the host country
• Dimensions: 11.5″ x 2.5″ x 1.25″
• Weight: 18.6 oz.

Tech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig – Version 2

The Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig was developed in close collaboration with Richie, whose input was invaluable. Meticulous about every facet of his playing, singing, songwriting and tone, Richies attention to the details of his RK5 was nothing less.

Since the debut of the original RK5 in 2014, Richies needs have changed, both on and off the road. Therefore, we jointly developed a version 2, to incorporate some new features and follow the same form factor as later Fly Rigs, such as the Bass and Acoustic.

The RK5 v2 retains the same delay with tap tempo, a powerful boost, and Richies Signature OMG overdrive. New features include an independent reverb with choice of room size, a rotary speaker mode, compression, fuzz, a tuner, headphone capability and an XLR Output.

Another difference is an on/off button for the SansAmp section. Richie previously would use his RK5 both with and without the SansAmp engaged. Currently, its either on or off during stage shows, so he no longer needs a dedicated footswitch. When Richies on tour with ever-changing backlines, hes always able to get his tone, and at lower volume. On Richies latest releases, The Damned and Riot, all the guitars were recorded direct.

If youve seen Richie on tour in recent years (and if you havent, you simply must), you may have noticed he uses two RK5s. He has continued this practice with Version 2 so he can quickly switch between different settings of each of the effects.

Richie is actively involved and responsive in the entire design process. Having both a working and personal relationship with Richie, is a tremendous highlight in our history.

BOOST + COMPRESSION
BOOST is an independent pre-Boost for solos, up to approx 12dB.

COMP Switch engages old school, all-analog, FET-based technology from the 50s and 60s, which is inherently warmer, more transparent and more musical than other methods of compression.

OMG OVERDRIVE + FUZZ
OMG is based upon the Richie Kotzen Signature OMG pedal, which provides a wide range of overdrive, from clean to aggressive. You can add personality to a clean amp or use it for extra punch with a dirty amp tone. Controls include Drive for the overall amount of gain and overdrive, and Tone with specialized voicing for adjusting the high-end and mid-range.

FUZZ Switch changes the character and attack of the overdrive to a fuzz-style tone, making it thicker and woolier.

RK5 OMG Inset
RK5 RVB and Tuner Inset

SANSAMP
The all-analog SansAmp technology enables the RK5 to run directly into mixers of recording desks and PA systems, as well as augment your existing amplifier set-up. It can also be used to record directly and enhance previously recorded tracks. The SansAmp section of the RK5 includes 3-band active EQ, and Level and Drive controls. It focuses on clean tones within the tube amplifier sound spectrum. To dirty things up, you have the flexibility of using the Drive control, the Boost function, or you can add overdrive from the OMG section. Or all three. Each method achieves different tones.

REVERB + TUNER
Independent footswitchable reverb features a single, continuously-variable control. It provides a smooth, full sweep to easily dial-in the amount of reverb desired. Choose between large and small room sizes. Chromatic Tuner is operable via the REVERB/TUNER footswitch. You simply hold the footswitch down to engage the Tuner, which simultaneously mutes the signal path.

DELAY + ROTO WITH TAP TEMPO
DELAY is voiced for the sounds of a vintage tape echo. It features Time and Repeats controls and dedicatedTap Tempo footswitch. Theres also a Drift control which adds a random, unpredictable element to the modulation in keeping with its vintage roots.

ROTO changes the Delay function into a rotating speaker effect. Tap Tempo then controls the speed. Just like the real thing, it will ramp up from slow to fast to gradually reach a new speed. Drift then controls the distance of the virtual mic to the rotating speaker. At maximum, it adds a tremolo-like effect by modulating the volume in sync with the tonal modulation.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
1/4-inch 1megOhm input
XLRoutput with ground lift
1/4-inch low impedance output
Headphone button switches the 1/4 output into headphone mode
Rugged, all-metal housing
Metal footswitches and jacks
Silent-switching, custom footswitch actuators
Measures 12.5l x 2.5w x 1.25h
Weight: 20.7 oz.
Utilizes included 9V DC Universal Power Supply: Model #DC9.

Made in USA