The Rocktron Chameleon On-Line is a programmable 24-bit DSP guitar preamp with effects, built as a one-space rack unit. Rocktron presented it as an update to the original Chameleon, which the company said had been introduced over 5 years earlier, with the new version taking "this classic to a new level."1
What it does
The Chameleon On-Line is a preamp and effects processor in a single rack space, aimed at players who want amp voicings and effects from one unit rather than a pedalboard. Rocktron's own pitch was breadth of tone: "No other preamp walks the line from sweet country to industrial metal with so much ease."1
Its preamp section offers three voicings plus tone-shaping controls around the gain stage1:
| Preamp feature | What Rocktron lists |
|---|---|
| Pentode voicing | Tube-style preamp voicing1 |
| Triode voicing | Tube-style preamp voicing1 |
| Solid State voicing | Solid-state preamp voicing1 |
| Gain modes | High Gain and Low Gain1 |
| Variac control | Variac control for the preamp1 |
| EQ | Pre and post distortion EQ1 |
For players comparing Rocktron's rack line, the Chameleon On-Line sits below the tube-driven Voodu Valve On-Line and the flagship Prophesy processors, and alongside units like the Repliflex.
Connections and power
MIDI input is on a 7-pin DIN connector. The 7-pin format is worth noting: beyond standard MIDI data, the extra pins can feed power to a compatible MIDI foot controller over the same cable.1
The power requirement is 9VAC at 2000mA, an AC supply with a high current draw. A standard 9V DC pedal adapter or daisy chain will not run this unit; it needs the AC supply designed for it.1
On the audio side, the specifications Rocktron lists are:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 470K ohms1 |
| Output impedance | Under 150 ohms1 |
| Maximum input/output level | +20dBu1 |
| Outputs | Stereo XLR1 |
| Dimensions | 19" x 1.75" x 7"1 |
The stereo XLR outputs suit direct recording or feeding a mixing desk.1
Background and users
The original Chameleon was introduced over 5 years before the On-Line version appeared, and Rocktron positioned the On-Line as the updated take on that design. A downloadable on-line version of the Chameleon User's Manual was made available through the product page.1
Rocktron's product page names Kat Dyson, playing with the artist formerly known as Prince, as a user of the Chameleon On-Line.1
Videos
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Questions
Is the Rocktron Chameleon On-Line analog or digital?
It is a digital unit. Rocktron describes it as a programmable 24-bit DSP guitar preamp with effects, meaning the preamp voicings and the effects are processed digitally rather than through analog circuitry.
How many rack spaces does the Chameleon On-Line take?
It takes one rack space. Rocktron lists its dimensions as 19 inches wide by 1.75 inches tall by 7 inches deep, the standard single-unit rack format.
Does the Rocktron Chameleon On-Line have MIDI?
Yes. It has MIDI input on a 7-pin DIN connector, which can also carry power to compatible Rocktron foot controllers.
What power supply does the Chameleon On-Line use?
Rocktron lists its power requirements as 9VAC at 2000mA. That is an alternating-current supply with a fairly high current draw, so it needs the supply meant for it rather than a standard pedal adapter.
What preamp voicings does the Chameleon On-Line offer?
Rocktron lists Pentode, Triode, and Solid State preamp voicings, along with pre and post distortion EQ, a Variac control, and High and Low Gain modes.
Who played the Rocktron Chameleon On-Line?
Rocktron's product page names Kat Dyson, playing with the artist formerly known as Prince, as a user of the Chameleon On-Line.
Sources (1)
- Rocktron CHAMELEON®, Rocktron Corporation (www.rocktron.com), 2024-08-28
