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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I’ve been using the Optima Air for several months now and have been quite pleased with its performance. I run a Gibson G-45 Studio (w/ a Fishman Sonitone) through it, and it does a phenomenal job resurrecting my tone from that horrible piezo “zing.” The preloaded IR files aren’t bad (I especially like the Martin D-45 and Taylor 314 settings); however, where it really shines is the ability to load third-party IR’s. I got one for a Gibson J-45 and it just about nailed my guitar’s natural, unplugged tone. The ability to EQ your tone and add reverb is also a nice addition—I set the reverb to about 1/3 and LOVE the sound. Before this, I used a Fishman Aura Spectrum DI (similar tech) but actually prefer the Optima Air.My only gripes: Wish it had an onboard tuner, and I wish it took a 9V battery (you’ll need to buy an adapter).Otherwise, great product!

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Before I bought this pedal, my amplified Taylor 224ce Koa Grand Auditorium sounded like cardboard through an acoustic amp. The annoying shrill sounded nothing like my guitar unplugged. I bought the NUX Optima Air on zzounds at a discount because it was used and "blemished." When I received it, it looked new to me. I am super happy with the condition of the unit. I did not notice any scratches or blemishes. The Optima Air made a huge difference. The preamp with an IR loaded (Martin D-45 piezo) made my guitar pleasant on the ears again. I didn't have to spend a lot of time dialing it in. Most of my dials are near 12 o'clock. The E chord sounds beefy and the D chord doesn't grate your brain. I will not amplify my guitar without this pedal!

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I bought a used Optima Air. It was good until it died one day. I contacted Cherub USA (the American vs arm of NUX) and got a quick reply. But one they learned I had not bought it new, they ghosted me. Two subsequent messages from me to prompt them have led to no reply. These have surface mount electronics, so independent repair places won't touch it. It HAS to be repaired by Cherub USA. Mine is now just an interesting paper weight. I hope this info helps someone.

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I bought this unit to to use third-party IR's I had purchased and downloaded for use with my Taylor. The unit was undetected by my Windows 10 computer. "Must have received a dud." zZounds graciously replaced. Same issue. My laptops run a whole host of usb devices. This one undetected. Can't even update firmware. Contacted NUX US customer service and explained the problem with great detail. The guy wants me to send a video of me plugging unit into my computer -- the most outrageously ridiculous customer service "assist" request I have ever encountered. Don't buy NUX. Their products don't work and their customer service is among the worst in the industry.

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