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Post by Colchar on May 3, 2022 3:33:27 GMT
We don't have a modelling section here, so I decided to put this post in this section because I am more interested in amp models than effects.
At times like this I wish I was still over at GC so that I could throw this out to the hive mind over there.
I’ve decided to try a modeller. As mentioned elsewhere here, I will be moving from a fully detached house into a townhouse in the fall so a modeller will be a lot more neighbor friendly than my tube amps (Orange AD30 and a ‘70s Traynor YGM3, with the Traynor possibly on its way out). Plus, a modeller will be versatile and I like the idea of that versatility. Unfortunately, I am also a bit of a technophobe so I plan to program a handful of patches that I can use and don’t want to go too deep into the editing when doing so. Hell, I would prefer to avoid IRs if possible as those are getting too technical for me.
At first I will use my Boss GT-100 into a studio monitor, but I want to buy a more modern unit. I will continue to use a studio monitor (or two?) as a speaker even after buying the new unit.
Because I have no experience with modellers (the GT-100 has only been used in stompbox mode) I need some advice on which to get.
Right now I am considering:
Boss GX-100
Boss GT-1000
Boss GT-100 Core
Headrush MX5
Headrush Gigboard
Headrush Pedalboard
Line 6 Helix LT
Can anyone here comment on any in that list that they have played? Pros and cons of each? Which would you choose?
My priorities are good tones from the amps and ease of use. I do not really use effects so only need functional effects. Amp tones and ease of use far outweigh effects for me. I only play at home and never record so my needs are quite simple. I play classic rock, ‘80s metal, blues, and some country so I do not need any high gain or modern metal tones. And the older I get, the more I am coming to appreciate a truly great clean tone from an amp.
Based on all of that, which of the units listed would you recommend?
Thanks in advance.
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Post by Colchar on May 3, 2022 23:10:28 GMT
So I can get a used Headrush Gigboard for a reasonable price.
I can also get a new Boss GX-100, a used Helix LT, and a used Headrush Pedalboard for within $50 of each other. I believe the GT-1000 is also available used in the same price range.
But I borrowed a monitor from them so will dip my toes in the water using my GT-100.
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Post by laristotle on May 3, 2022 23:31:01 GMT
Have fun experimenting. Wish I could help, but I know less than you regarding that stuff.
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Post by markr on May 4, 2022 0:56:35 GMT
I know I have more than one of these in pedals and direct drive XLR’s, I know how to use them! I fear I am to simple to use such a device. I am challenged!
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Post by Colchar on May 4, 2022 14:34:52 GMT
I borrowed a studio monitor from my local store and played around with my GT-100 last night.
I didn't love the amp models. Some were decent, others really weren't, but all had a similar quality to them. Not sure how to describe it except maybe to say that none sounded really distinct (although that probably isn't the best way to express what I mean). That being said, I quickly came to realize why modellers would have so much appeal and how much potential they have. So last night's experience didn't sour me on modellers, it just made me realize that I need to try more modern ones to see how they sound. Either that or do a deep dive into the settings on the GT-100.
I will pop back into the store later today to rent (or borrow) another modelling unit to see how I like it. I will try as many from my list as they have available for rent. Hopefully I will find one on which I really like the amps.
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Post by edwardbloom on May 4, 2022 14:59:54 GMT
would the virtual amps and effects in my pod gx be considered a modeling amp? i don't actually know. i use powered studio monitors for it, and i can get some pretty useable sounds with it. even if it is, it's certainly not on the level of the equipment you're talking about. however, one thing i would point out - maybe you've already considered this, but maybe not:
no matter where your sound comes from, expensive modeler, s.s. or even a tube amp, the really good sounds aren't going to happen until the speaker is moving some air. if volume is a concern where you are going, I THINK finding some "acceptable window" of tone is where you will find something close to satisfaction. at low volumes, you can only do so much.
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Post by highdeaf on May 4, 2022 15:01:49 GMT
I was resistant to digital amp tech for quite a while. The constant upgrades from 'just like a real amp' to 'more like a real amp' were annoying. Either you are or you aren't. Well, it is a constant striving for 'perfection' and perfect is the enemy of good. Also, we can't forget our old friend 'marketing', for which we are all subjected to constantly. Anyhooos, you probably have a list of pros and cons already (and probably know most of mine), so I will say I haven't seriously played any of those on the list. By seriously, I mean a few hours. It takes at least that long to get a feel for one. But from what I've read, the Helix has the bet support network (tons of users on TGP, compared to the others ---- if that matters). I think they also have the most active support, with multiple upgrades along the way. Again, I'm only saying that going by what I read and the activity I see on other sites. I doubt there's a bad choice in the bunch. UI is a huge a factor. If you're going to be spending hours in front of it, you better not hate what it looks like or it's menu structure or whatever. Helix scores huge points for that, from what I read - often beating out Kemper and Axe-FX. And in my experience, hands on the box is what will get you the amp tones you want. They will all start close but you may have to spend a bit of effort getting that last 5%. So whatever you choose should be for the long haul, a brand that will stand the test of time. Of that list, I would put the Boss and Line 6 brands at the top.
I haven't shopped for any of this for years now (I  my Kemper and no one else makes an amp head configuration). I wonder if the little Axe-FX FM3 might also be in your price range? I hear good things about it, but compared to Kemper and Helix, they strike me as very 'deep dive' devices. Again, no personal experience ---- yet ---- but that's the impression I get from reading.
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Post by highdeaf on May 4, 2022 15:59:05 GMT
I didn't love the amp models. Some were decent, others really weren't, but all had a similar quality to them. Not sure how to describe it except maybe to say that none sounded really distinct (although that probably isn't the best way to express what I mean). That being said, I quickly came to realize why modellers would have so much appeal and how much potential they have. So last night's experience didn't sour me on modellers, it just made me realize that I need to try more modern ones to see how they sound. Either that or do a deep dive into the settings on the GT-100.
IME, there are a lot more 'bad' amp sounds than 'good' in my KPA. Maybe that's a factor of taste or maybe it says something about the wide range of musical styles out there now.
I'd wager to bet out of the 18,000+ free profiles available on the web site, I'd dislike 80% of them. It matters not, because I really only need a dozen good amp tones. Upgrading then becomes a bit of an issue, as I find tones I like a wee bit more than the ones I already use. But I don't have to look if I don't want to.
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Post by highdeaf on May 4, 2022 16:18:37 GMT
would the virtual amps and effects in my pod gx be considered a modeling amp? i don't actually know. i use powered studio monitors for it, and i can get some pretty useable sounds with it. even if it is, it's certainly not on the level of the equipment you're talking about. however, one thing i would point out - maybe you've already considered this, but maybe not: no matter where your sound comes from, expensive modeler, s.s. or even a tube amp, the really good sounds aren't going to happen until the speaker is moving some air. if volume is a concern where you are going, I THINK finding some "acceptable window" of tone is where you will find something close to satisfaction. at low volumes, you can only do so much.
I dunno, I separate those two scenarios and don't directly compare them. You are never, ever going to duplicate loud pant-flapping feel at low SPL, whether modeler or real amp, attenuated or master volumed way down. It just isn't going to happen.
So the real trick is to get great loud sound when you can use it but have the ability to sound really good at more reasonable levels too, knowing the two aren't really going to be comparable. Apples to hubcaps, if you will.
I hear great guitar tones on my hi-fi. Old Zep, Who, DP, early Metallica, etc. I can get those tones with a modeler at the same levels I listen to them on the hi-fi, using FRFR. If I listen to those guitar tones off those albums through headphones, I get those same tones, just as righteous or nasty as the album tones, through headphones with my modeler.
Live 'amp in the room' stuff is a different kettle of fish. I don't like IR's through FRFR for live playing. I've tried it and it doesn't quite work for me. Bypassing the IR's / cab sims and going into a real guitar cabinet is the shit for me. And playing quietly this way, I find the cabinet makes a big difference. I know guys who just love their 412s and won't play on anything but. But at low volumes I think they blow goats. My best guitar cab for low to medium AITR sounds is my 112 Thiele with a EVM speaker. It sounds good --- but weighs as much as a combo amp.
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Post by laristotle on May 4, 2022 16:25:03 GMT
.. do a deep dive into the settings on the GT-100 You may find this site useful. Scroll down (~ half page) to get to your toy. |
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Post by Bill h on May 5, 2022 15:24:11 GMT
.. do a deep dive into the settings on the GT-100 You may find this site useful. Scroll down (~ half page) to get to your toy. Can’t speak to anything on your list but I have some experience with modeling amps. Spend the time to learn the all the features and I think you will love it. I have heard the boss stuff is pretty good but never tried any of it. |
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my Kemper and no one else makes an amp head configuration). I wonder if the little Axe-FX FM3 might also be in your price range? I hear good things about it, but compared to Kemper and Helix, they strike me as very 'deep dive' devices. Again, no personal experience ---- yet ---- but that's the impression I get from reading.
