modeling amps

fast_frets · June 29th, 2006, 06:20 PM

hey everyone... I'm thinking of picking up a modeling amp for some stuff I'm doing where I'd like to have some effects and different sound options. while nothing beats the tele / deluxe guitar and amp combo for most things, I am interested in some greater sound options. anyone using a modeling amp or have any experience with them? any recommendations?

aunchaki · June 29th, 2006, 06:37 PM

I recommend you go all the way and try out the VOX Valvetronix AD60VTX. I love mine (I have the AD60VT, different speaker) and many here like the VOX modeling technology (though it's not perfect).

SteveLussie · June 29th, 2006, 08:25 PM

I would recommend the Vox toneworks or the Korg Pandora's Box, and to use a PA or keyboard amp for amplification. I have not been impressed with any of the self-contained modeling amps. At moderate volume they sound piercing and nasty.

andy__woods · June 29th, 2006, 09:32 PM

I would definitely go along with the Vox Tonelab and the Valvetronix amp line. I've got the small AD15VT, but love it.

dr_twangenstein · June 29th, 2006, 10:10 PM

Haven't played a Valvetronics, but I've heard a few and they are pretty cool. I borrowed an older Line 6 2x12 a while back. Can't remember the model but it was pretty cool for doing some of that phased out trippy Wilco kinda stuff.

Come to think of it. I've seen Pod 6's for around $100 used. That would work well with your existing gear if you can pick one up.

skip62 · June 29th, 2006, 11:35 PM

I HATE modeler's, but a friend of mine bought a Behringer V-Amp2. I honestly like it for a lot things, it does a very good tube amp simulation. Don't laugh until you've listened to it. The price tag is just icing on the cake. $99.00. I would put it up against the big Boss systems any day.

stantheman · June 29th, 2006, 11:47 PM

It's not technically a so-called "modeler" but I'd be very confident with a Tech 21 Trademark 60 for just about anything.

lostpick · June 30th, 2006, 12:38 AM

just get the pedal and go into a Classic: JC-120, Ampeg SS140, or a Twin, Super Reverb, etc as technology get better and the modelers resolution improves you can swap up and still have an amp that you can pop an analog pedal into if the the digital grain gets on your nerves. Plus you have an authentic analog clean for a safe haven.Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that digital grain....In an amp set to a volume where it start to just
break up a little, is how I use digital modelers, The slight analog clipping smooths out the digital courseness and it
sounds more natural...my next set up will be stereo amps
with a Yamaha Magic Stomp or Zoom G-2.. had a Behringer
..the Zoom G2 is $99 also and has higher resolution with
their new chip and its metal...read the reviews...

sixty4fairlane · June 30th, 2006, 12:57 AM

If you need a second amp, one of the Vox or Roland are quite good. If you go with a POD or clone like a X-Vamp they have more options to play around with. I've been enjoying the simplicity of the cube 30 lately. I've been using a X-Vamp, which takes alot of tweaking to be happy with. All this new stuff is quite good and as far as bang for buck its a brave new world we live in.

Ice9 · June 30th, 2006, 03:02 AM

I just picked up a VOX AD30.I like the amp,dont care for the speaker,BUT,thats just my opinion.I really like it as a practice amp.Havent decided if I'll take it out on a gig yet.

Ive been playing out with one of the newer Line 6 Flextone III,s.
Hated it when I got it.Bought a set of MIDI cables,and hooked it to my computer and got into tweaking some of the "deep edit" settings.
I get a lot of compliments on my sound,and I havent adjusted anything other then the master volume in about three months now.
I have the footswitch that allows four different presets,but I only ever use two.A vintage sparkly clean sound,and a screaming Soldano meets Mesa Boogie type dirty sound.Everything in between is with my guitars volume knob.
Good amp,works for me.

In the end tho,nothing beats or ever will beat,my Mesa Boogie MK III Simul Class head.

Mike

Chicago Slim · June 30th, 2006, 09:19 AM

I've owned a Roland Cube 30, and currently own a Vox AD50VTblk. I've also owned most of the amps, that they model. The Vox sounds a little better, than the Roland, and the effects are more adjustable. The Roland seems to be built a little better, but not by much.

I second the idea of (lostpick), of getting a modeling/effects pedal. I currently use a Zoom G2. I set up one bank for playing through one of my Peavey Transtubes (light, reliable and inexpensive). I set up another bank, to play through Twin Reverbs. The production company usually provides them for me, and I don't have to carry them, maintain them, or worry about them breaking. If they provide a JC-120, I use the Peavey settings. I set up another bank, for playing through a PA, as a backup.

If someone comes out with a pedal, that I like better than the G2, I only have to replace the pedal. Expext to spend some time building patches and tweaking your sound. This is not for everone, and that is where the Roland and Vox modelers, are easy to start with.

Gunslinger · June 30th, 2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy__woods

I would definitely go along with the Vox Tonelab and the Valvetronix amp line. I've got the small AD15VT, but love it.

I'd go for the Valvetronix, I got a 30W combo about a month ago and I am so pleased with it. If you ad a decent compressor to it you can get some real convincing Brent Mason and Brad Paisley sounds from it aswell as a whole bunch of other stuff. Probably not practical for live work but I've used it on sessions and its great for practice.

GS

J-man · June 30th, 2006, 02:19 PM

Yet another for Vox! I have an AD30VT, love it!

Melody · June 30th, 2006, 02:40 PM

I vote for the Vox as well I have the 30 watter great amp for that kinda stuff.

Wildhawk · June 30th, 2006, 08:42 PM

Fender Cyber Deluxe. Around $400 used.

Why? It sounds great and....

They come with a 5 year transferable warranty so you will probably get a good chunk of warranty time left on it. Important with computers in a box. All companies should back up the product like this.

64 channels of which 32 can have patches saved to. More than most other modelers. Why does a certain pricey one only allow 4 patches to be saved?
The included 4 button footswitch lets you assign any of of the 64 channels to it. You can add a MIDI floor unit for more options. Circuit design is more complex than most. Not just sounds on a chip. It makes a difference!

From Fender...

"The all-analog preamp internally configures itself before or after the tone controls to create real amplifier feel and tones, from Tweed and Blackface, through British and Modern. DSP effects like Delay and Chorus are placed post-distortion in the signal path, while effects like Touch Wah are pre-distortion for unparalleled flexibility."

Quality effects that you can deep edit.
Standard 65w with a 12" design.

Some say it's too complex and has a steep learning curve. I agree and disagree with this. It's as simple as any amp. Dial up one of the 32 presets on the jog wheel, tweak an effect if you want and start jamming . More complex than most. You have a ton of options available to create your own sounds. The user must be willing to invest time.

The Vox Valvetronix line is great also at it's pricepoint. They've sold a ton of them so something must be good.

June 29th, 2006, 06:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
fast_frets TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: idaho Age: 37 Posts: 52	modeling amps hey everyone... I'm thinking of picking up a modeling amp for some stuff I'm doing where I'd like to have some effects and different sound options. while nothing beats the tele / deluxe guitar and amp combo for most things, I am interested in some greater sound options. anyone using a modeling amp or have any experience with them? any recommendations?

June 29th, 2006, 10:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
dr_twangenstein Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Louis Age: 31 Posts: 234	Haven't played a Valvetronics, but I've heard a few and they are pretty cool. I borrowed an older Line 6 2x12 a while back. Can't remember the model but it was pretty cool for doing some of that phased out trippy Wilco kinda stuff. Come to think of it. I've seen Pod 6's for around $100 used. That would work well with your existing gear if you can pick one up. __________________ If I had to die for one word? Poontwang!

June 29th, 2006, 11:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
stantheman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: White Mountains Posts: 5,071	It's not technically a so-called "modeler" but I'd be very confident with a Tech 21 Trademark 60 for just about anything. __________________ Somebody Loan Me A Dime

June 30th, 2006, 12:38 AM	#8 (permalink)
lostpick Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Staten Island, NYC Posts: 1,012	I would not buy a modeling amp..... just get the pedal and go into a Classic: JC-120, Ampeg SS140, or a Twin, Super Reverb, etc as technology get better and the modelers resolution improves you can swap up and still have an amp that you can pop an analog pedal into if the the digital grain gets on your nerves. Plus you have an authentic analog clean for a safe haven.Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that digital grain....In an amp set to a volume where it start to just break up a little, is how I use digital modelers, The slight analog clipping smooths out the digital courseness and it sounds more natural...my next set up will be stereo amps with a Yamaha Magic Stomp or Zoom G-2.. had a Behringer ..the Zoom G2 is $99 also and has higher resolution with their new chip and its metal...read the reviews...

June 30th, 2006, 12:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
sixty4fairlane Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Shreveport, Louisiana Posts: 293	Roland, Vox, or the other ... If you need a second amp, one of the Vox or Roland are quite good. If you go with a POD or clone like a X-Vamp they have more options to play around with. I've been enjoying the simplicity of the cube 30 lately. I've been using a X-Vamp, which takes alot of tweaking to be happy with. All this new stuff is quite good and as far as bang for buck its a brave new world we live in.

June 29th, 2006, 06:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
aunchaki Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Western New York Posts: 1,308 24 Photos	I recommend you go all the way and try out the VOX Valvetronix AD60VTX. I love mine (I have the AD60VT, different speaker) and many here like the VOX modeling technology (though it's not perfect).

June 29th, 2006, 08:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
SteveLussie TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 11	I would recommend the Vox toneworks or the Korg Pandora's Box, and to use a PA or keyboard amp for amplification. I have not been impressed with any of the self-contained modeling amps. At moderate volume they sound piercing and nasty.

June 29th, 2006, 09:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
andy__woods Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Age: 23 Posts: 1,180 60 Photos	I would definitely go along with the Vox Tonelab and the Valvetronix amp line. I've got the small AD15VT, but love it.

June 29th, 2006, 11:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
skip62 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 337	I HATE modeler's, but a friend of mine bought a Behringer V-Amp2. I honestly like it for a lot things, it does a very good tube amp simulation. Don't laugh until you've listened to it. The price tag is just icing on the cake. $99.00. I would put it up against the big Boss systems any day.

June 30th, 2006, 03:02 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ice9 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: ORANGE COUNTY NY Posts: 348	I just picked up a VOX AD30.I like the amp,dont care for the speaker,BUT,thats just my opinion.I really like it as a practice amp.Havent decided if I'll take it out on a gig yet. Ive been playing out with one of the newer Line 6 Flextone III,s. Hated it when I got it.Bought a set of MIDI cables,and hooked it to my computer and got into tweaking some of the "deep edit" settings. I get a lot of compliments on my sound,and I havent adjusted anything other then the master volume in about three months now. I have the footswitch that allows four different presets,but I only ever use two.A vintage sparkly clean sound,and a screaming Soldano meets Mesa Boogie type dirty sound.Everything in between is with my guitars volume knob. Good amp,works for me. In the end tho,nothing beats or ever will beat,my Mesa Boogie MK III Simul Class head. Mike

June 30th, 2006, 09:19 AM	#11 (permalink)
Chicago Slim Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sebastion FL Posts: 333	I've owned a Roland Cube 30, and currently own a Vox AD50VTblk. I've also owned most of the amps, that they model. The Vox sounds a little better, than the Roland, and the effects are more adjustable. The Roland seems to be built a little better, but not by much. I second the idea of (lostpick), of getting a modeling/effects pedal. I currently use a Zoom G2. I set up one bank for playing through one of my Peavey Transtubes (light, reliable and inexpensive). I set up another bank, to play through Twin Reverbs. The production company usually provides them for me, and I don't have to carry them, maintain them, or worry about them breaking. If they provide a JC-120, I use the Peavey settings. I set up another bank, for playing through a PA, as a backup. If someone comes out with a pedal, that I like better than the G2, I only have to replace the pedal. Expext to spend some time building patches and tweaking your sound. This is not for everone, and that is where the Roland and Vox modelers, are easy to start with.

June 30th, 2006, 02:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
J-man Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Wales/Scarborough Age: 20 Posts: 6,371 9 Photos	Yet another for Vox! I have an AD30VT, love it! __________________ Write a wise saying and your name will live forever. - Unknown "The large print giveth and the small print taketh away." - Tom Waits

June 30th, 2006, 02:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
Melody TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 81 6 Photos	I vote for the Vox as well I have the 30 watter great amp for that kinda stuff.

June 30th, 2006, 08:42 PM	#15 (permalink)
Wildhawk Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Madison WI Posts: 404	Fender Cyber Deluxe. Around $400 used. Why? It sounds great and.... They come with a 5 year transferable warranty so you will probably get a good chunk of warranty time left on it. Important with computers in a box. All companies should back up the product like this. 64 channels of which 32 can have patches saved to. More than most other modelers. Why does a certain pricey one only allow 4 patches to be saved? The included 4 button footswitch lets you assign any of of the 64 channels to it. You can add a MIDI floor unit for more options. Circuit design is more complex than most. Not just sounds on a chip. It makes a difference! From Fender... "The all-analog preamp internally configures itself before or after the tone controls to create real amplifier feel and tones, from Tweed and Blackface, through British and Modern. DSP effects like Delay and Chorus are placed post-distortion in the signal path, while effects like Touch Wah are pre-distortion for unparalleled flexibility." Quality effects that you can deep edit. Standard 65w with a 12" design. Some say it's too complex and has a steep learning curve. I agree and disagree with this. It's as simple as any amp. Dial up one of the 32 presets on the jog wheel, tweak an effect if you want and start jamming . More complex than most. You have a ton of options available to create your own sounds. The user must be willing to invest time. The Vox Valvetronix line is great also at it's pricepoint. They've sold a ton of them so something must be good.