Floyd wrote On 03/02/06 20:47,:
Any of you using these amp modeling boxes? I'm not at all familiar with the
current generation of modeling gear. Do they make a useful addition to a
studio? Any testimonials?

Thanks

Floyd


Okay, we all agree, the real deal can't be beat. Tubes rock, models well...

That said, it is no secret I use Line 6 gear and heartily endorse it with the following caveats...

First, as it took you an inordiante amount of time to create your sound with the real tube amp, do
not think you can just "dial in" a sound and make it work like magic. Think back. How much time did
you really spend creating "that sound", YOUR sound? If you're honest with yourself, you'll admit it
took hours and hours, over the course of months and months. You just don't think of it in those
terms because the tweaking was a little bit here and a little bit there over a great span of time.

The process is exactly the same in modelled amp land as it is in the real amp world. Patience is
required. Why one would think you can get "your" sound in a few minutes is beyond me. Yes, you can
dial in a good sound right off, but to hone it down to THAT sound takes time, just like I said above.

Every amp, whether modelled or not, is different. I don't care if they have consecutive serial
numbers, they're different. This is why you will have to tweak your modeller just like the real amp
you're trying to emulate.

Remember, modelling is also emulation. Repeat after me: eemmmuulllaaation. It emulates, does not
precisely, exactly, can't tell the difference, recreate your favourite amp. What it does do is give
you access, so to speak, to a whole lot of amp types you could not realistically afford. And it does
so fairly well.

I've used the Pod and the Pod XT varieties, as well as the Flextone II (which is a Pod 2.0), all
with great results and great sound. Is it the Marshall/Fender/Dumble, et al? No, it is an emulation
of an amp and works "like" the "named" amp. It is NOT a Marshall/Fender/Dumble and should not be
confused with the real versions.

All of that said, modellers are a great tool and worth the investment, if only to give you variety
in choices you have available to use, whether on stage or in the studio.

I hope this brings a little clarity to the amp modelling questions some might have.

--Fletch