Anyone using a modeling amp?

Michael

Michael

New member
Supporter
Anyone have experience with these? I play a lot through a PodXT, and figure in the last 10 years the technology has improved dramatically. I have Amplitube Fender on my computer, which sounds good through headphones. Any suggestions for a real amp with modeling features? Thanks.

 
Depends on what you mean by an amp. I use a Kemper Profiler plugged into an Atomic CLR, and for years I gigged with a DigiTech RP355 plugged into a Tech 21 PE60 or QSC K10. I do think the technology has improved since the POD XT. My advice would be to take your main guitar and best pair of headphones to your local store and try out as many different units as you can get your hands on. There's maybe some consensus that the AxeFX II and Kemper are the top of the heap in terms of emulators, but opinions vary depending on tastes, hearing and workflow preferences.

As far as actual head or combo amps with modeling features, beyond the Yamaha THR10 practice amp (which I love) and the Line 6 DT25 (which sounded decent but was incredibly heavy) I don't have any real experience in that area.

 
One of my all time favorite amps is a Line6 Duoverb. There's a near mint head on Reverb for $175. Powerful as hell and TONS of amp models with none of the cheesy effects.

I'm semi retiring mine in favor of the TM60-lighter, smaller and awesome.

I dislike the ones with built in effects.

 
I use Amplitube but through a preamp, a 25watt champ, and am going the unorthodox route of using the line-in instead of a USB, but my sound card is built for it. I like the sound of Amplitube3 alone, but I also like using the distortion and a little EQ from the amp too. The volume of the amp is always set to the lowest possible, I just switch on the gain channel sometimes and it sounds more authentic with the high overdrive tone to where you can do pinch harmonics and such while also being able to hear the personality of the guitar. It's difficult to find the right balance of inputs when you use a preamp and line-in but you can get some really good results.

If you have "record what you hear mode" with your soundcard, you can get studio quality recordings, especially nice with a webcam going too.

 
The original poster mentioned Amplitube. In comparing Ampltitube to Axe FXII, are they not two different things? One being software and the other hardware? I am not familiar with Amplitube and the USB route, but do those devices like M-Audio serve as a hardware preamp? If you plug your guitar directly into your computer's sound card without any source of preamp, Amplitube will produce a weak tone, since it's just processed computer code. So Amplitube needs a preamp of some sort?

 
Yep . A Seymour Duncan Convertible 60 watt combo - Hands-down , the BEST sounding Amplifier I've ever heard !

They're a little hard to find these days ....

D.~

 
Axe FX II XL here. Been using Fractal for the past almost five years, best purchase(s) I've ever made.

Here's a small sample of what it's capable of (all Axe FX II)-

 
I like my PV Vypyr 30 mini stack. Side by side comparison, it smoked my friend's Line 6/Bogner Spider Valve and cost much less.

 
DJL said:
LostArt said:
DJL said:
Yep . A Seymour Duncan Convertible 60 watt combo - Hands-down , the BEST sounding Amplifier I've ever heard !

They're a little hard to find these days ....

D.~
Click to expand...
how many do you want?
Click to expand...
Yeah , I saw you had a couple of the 100's - you also have the 60's ?? How much are those running these days ?? Any modules , too ??

D.~
Click to expand...
they are on my website

I have some modules just have to round them up.

I happen to love these amps

 
What kind of effects do you use? Do you want it for a band or home use? How many $$$?

I have a pod xt too and then when I got a Super Champ XD it has been collecting dust. You can download the fender fuze software for updated patches, I have never done it.

 
I have two dead Duncan convertibles and a dozen modules around here. I keep a line 6 Duoverb with the floorboard in the front room that always just works if I find 10 minutes to make noise. If I have more than 10 minutes to jam I'll drag my bassman ltd up from the basement though...

 
I'm almost afraid to admit it, but my amp is a FlextoneII HD. I used to run it for metal, and the high side of my bass rig. When I started playing lead with some buddies, I reset to factory and edited the samples to run the gamut from country to Nugent to Foo Fighters. Always sounded good, worked, and has been more than enough for me. I barely use any FX, so I never noticed any cheesiness. This amp is also why I haven't used an FX pedal in years.

ETA: I've also used amp simulators on my ipad when recording or practicing(my amp has been turned on TWICE since we moved into our new house in September). Mostly I just use GarageBand, but I also have Amplitube. I'll be recording some stuff on my Macbook soon (hopefully) but will probably use my Flextone through my Lexicon Omega into the MB.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
In the analog camp, I'm a fan of the Tech21 amps. I've had a PSA-1 for nearly 20 years, and have owned both Trademark 60 and a Trademark 10. However, I like having presets and internal effects, so I tend toward the...

Digital camp. I started 10 years ago with a Fender Cyber-Deluxe, and about 5 years ago got a Cyber-Twin SE. I've tried the Vox stuff, and on computers have messed with the Waves stuff and Amplitude, but just don't like playing guitar through the computer. The COSM guitar, amp and effects modeling in the Roland GR-55 is excellent, but using a guitar with a hex pickup and 13 pin cable is it's own can of worms. Still, for flexibility and range of tones (and access to synth features), it excels.

But when it comes down to what's a great amp that sounds great live and is minimal hassle, I keep returning to the Cyber-Deluxe. The Cyber-Twin SE is much more powerful, but to the Cyber-Deluxe just sounds better. Over the last 10 years I've tweaked up a set of presets that sound great, and I constantly get great comments on my tone. I've published my presets (which involved some back-door magic using unpublished features in the amp that are only accessible via MIDI system-exclusive), and there are several guitarists who have used them. The presets range from clean to distorted, over several amp models. I've also worked up a system controlling the amp with a Behringer FCB1010 MIDI foot controller, and it gives me a great combination of ease of use and powerful control access. These days you can put this system together for under $500.

There are a ton of options out there. My advice for all of them is to ignore the factory presets (they are generally useless) and look for the gear with a good interface (what good are great features if it's a hassle to access them), and plenty of memory for storing presets. Then spend some time with it.

 
serial said:
One of my all time favorite amps is a Line6 Duoverb. There's a near mint head on Reverb for $175. Powerful as hell and TONS of amp models with none of the cheesy effects.

I'm semi retiring mine in favor of the TM60-lighter, smaller and awesome.

I dislike the ones with built in effects.
Click to expand...
Serial,

While I've never heard a Duoverb they are intriguing. They also seem to have almost a cultlike or at least very loyal following. Do you know how the Duoverb compares to Line 6's HD-147?

 
Axe FX 2 Mk2 and Matrix 1000 for me.

The best set-up I have ever had bar none. I had the Ultra, which was OK, but the 2 with the latest updates is in an altogether different league.

My Fryette's, Mesa's etc have all been sold. I don't regret it one bit.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top