Does Misha X Live Up to the Hype? Blind Test + Full Mix Breakdown (feat. Aric Fowler)

Описание: Two reviewers, one plugin. I held my review until the hype cooled off, then did a true blind test of Neural DSP’s Archetype: Misha Mansoor X. After my hands-on, I pass the session to my friend ‪@aric_unhinged‬ Aric Fowler for a real-world mix demo so you can hear Misha X in context, not just solo tones. If you’re wondering about the Glitch, Laser, Clarity compressor, ambient cleans, tight rhythm tones, or how it all sits in a dense mix: this video covers it.

Aric’s segment walks through replacing guitars in one of his tracks using only Misha X (amps, cab sim, Precision Drive, time-based effects, EQ) and explains why certain choices work in a mix. We also talk about what we’d keep, what we’d tweak. Neural says Quad Cortex compatibility is planned in a future update, which could make the special FX even more compelling on hardware. 

Check out Aric's site for mixing/mastering services and to grab the EPIC Opaque Drive: https://substationonyx.com

Chapters below. If this format helps, drop a comment and tell us what to test next.

Want to learn how to film, edit, record, mix, or make guitar content like this? Book a 1-on-1 lesson with me: https://heartlessaudio.com/coaching

Specific gear used in this video:
🎸 ‪@gocguitars‬ Illumina + 6 String Headless Guitar
🔊 Auroratone Pickups EarthCrusher Rail-Style guitar pickups https://www.auroratonepickups.com
🎛️ Audient ID14 MkII Audio Interface Grab an Audient interface here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4kKW5oh
⛏️Dunlop Flow Guitar Picks you can grab here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/43KqnkY
🖥️ Logic Pro X

Grab all of the other music gear and camera gear I use to make all of my videos (Affiliate Links):
Music Gear:
The BEST guitar and bass tuner - Peterson Strobostomp HD: https://amzn.to/3XPRXcM
Peavey Invective.MH mini tube amp head: https://amzn.to/3R6M07s
Keeley Compressor Plus pedal which you can grab at this affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4ieQqoT
Walrus Audio x Yvette Young Qi Etherealizer Effects Pedal https://amzn.to/3FHrCr3
Audient ID 14 Mk II Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3FF6UYR Or any Audient Interfaces https://amzn.to/4kKW5oh
Joyo Audio Products: https://amzn.to/4kQhz33
Walrus Audio Canvas Power 8 (pedal power): https://amzn.to/3Raooik
Two Notes Captor 8: https://amzn.to/43Kp7OM
Ernie Ball Patch Cables: https://amzn.to/43J3ezq
Dunlop Flow Guitar Picks: https://amzn.to/43KqnkY

Computer Gear:
Apple Mac mini M4 Pro: https://amzn.to/4iMl0WF
Logitech MS Master: https://amzn.to/4inrrzM

Camera Gear:
Sony Alpha 7 IV: https://amzn.to/3XQTGyq
Viltrox 20mm Lens: https://amzn.to/4kS0vd1
Samyang 24mm Lens: https://amzn.to/3Fu1rEo
Fujifilm X-T50: https://amzn.to/3FpcrD4
K&F Tripod: https://amzn.to/3R7vRyH
Ulanzi Vlogging Tripod: https://amzn.to/3DHlmz6
Tripod Extension Arm: https://amzn.to/4kRnNje
MOFT iPhone Magsafe Tripod: https://amzn.to/4bSWiSf
Desktop Tripod: https://amzn.to/3DCwXQ3

Lighting:
Govee lights: https://amzn.to/3FEJQtg
Softbox light set: https://amzn.to/3FnDY7F
Logitech Litra: https://amzn.to/4bSuSfe
Small/Bright RGB LED: https://amzn.to/4bVajyT


Timestamps:
00:00 Intro: Two reviewers, one plugin
00:37 Why wait to review + expectations
01:32 Blind install & first strums
03:16 Clean amp exploration (Voice, Clarity comp)
07:58 Time effects: ping-pong delay with ducking, reverb test
12:13 Mod block quirks and gain staging
14:01 Rhythm amp dialing + Precision Drive shaping
18:10 Chaos/“octave fuzz” experiments on gain
21:25 Lead amp tryout + EQ section gripes
23:32 Glitch pedal deep-dive (Texturizer, Pitched, Sequence)
28:10 Laser pedal: fun vs usefulness
30:33 Solo vs mix: why Aric’s segment matters
31:03 Aric’s segment begins: full mix demo & methodology
56:56 Bus processing notes (EQ/Comp)
57:17 Back to Ryan: takeaways, buy-now vs sale, QC hopes