How do linear amps differ from regular guitar amps?
- Thread starter jmcorey
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PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: How do linear amps differ from regular guitar amps?
This is my basic understanding (and I'm sure the plethora of amp experts here will correct me). Is the Atomic a tube amp or solid state? Either way, I think the concept is closer to a PA or HiFi equipment than a guitar amp. Even with no tone stack, a guitar amp's output is anything but flat. One of these modeler amps is probably designed to accurately reproduce the ouput of the modeler (since it already has amp, cab and speaker simulation). Even if it is a tube amp, keep in mind that the most expensive HiFi amps are still tube based, some even use tubes like an EL34 that we would usually describe as brash and in your face. I think it all comes down to the design of the amp.
Regardless, I probably didn't answer any questions at all.
This is my basic understanding (and I'm sure the plethora of amp experts here will correct me). Is the Atomic a tube amp or solid state? Either way, I think the concept is closer to a PA or HiFi equipment than a guitar amp. Even with no tone stack, a guitar amp's output is anything but flat. One of these modeler amps is probably designed to accurately reproduce the ouput of the modeler (since it already has amp, cab and speaker simulation). Even if it is a tube amp, keep in mind that the most expensive HiFi amps are still tube based, some even use tubes like an EL34 that we would usually describe as brash and in your face. I think it all comes down to the design of the amp.
Regardless, I probably didn't answer any questions at all.
More-Gear-Than-Skill
New member
Re: How do linear amps differ from regular guitar amps?
Linear, is something that describes the amps response. Flat, or not accentuating any frequencies over the rest. Speakers, also aim to do this. But then it sounds sterile, and bad, for guitar. Guitar amps are actually hideously unlike this, and sound yummy for it. Look at response curves for bespoke guitar speakers...not linear.
Atomic make tube power amps, that make your pod louder, but with a sprinkling of this "incorrectness". So you model upfront in the pre-amp, and then power amp with a bit of mojo and breakup and speaker distortion. This is meant to make your digital righteous.
But i think your question is really about what would a guitar sound like going into an ultra linear amp and speaker setup. Like a nice home stereo?
Well, because of the flat response of the system, and the limited range of the guitar signale, it would sound thin, boring, lifeless. Like arse. You NEED a midrange hump.
Linear, is something that describes the amps response. Flat, or not accentuating any frequencies over the rest. Speakers, also aim to do this. But then it sounds sterile, and bad, for guitar. Guitar amps are actually hideously unlike this, and sound yummy for it. Look at response curves for bespoke guitar speakers...not linear.
Atomic make tube power amps, that make your pod louder, but with a sprinkling of this "incorrectness". So you model upfront in the pre-amp, and then power amp with a bit of mojo and breakup and speaker distortion. This is meant to make your digital righteous.
But i think your question is really about what would a guitar sound like going into an ultra linear amp and speaker setup. Like a nice home stereo?
Well, because of the flat response of the system, and the limited range of the guitar signale, it would sound thin, boring, lifeless. Like arse. You NEED a midrange hump.
CapoFirstFret
New member
Re: How do linear amps differ from regular guitar amps?
But having said all of this, Dr. Z's offerings are extremely linear amplifiers yet sound amazing. So once again it boils down to preference, components, and quality of build.
But having said all of this, Dr. Z's offerings are extremely linear amplifiers yet sound amazing. So once again it boils down to preference, components, and quality of build.
G
Glass Snuff
Guest
Re: How do linear amps differ from regular guitar amps?
All power amps are essentially linear. As soon as you add circuitry to change this, you have included a preamp. Ultralinear is a David Hafler design that incorporates an extra tap on the transformer... it changes nothing relevant to this discussion.
Guitars need a boost to the bass and treble to sound like we expect them to. Guitar amps provide this with preamps and speakers - running a modeler through them, which also provides this, tends to be too much scoop. Also, the sound of the guitar amp you're using will obscure the sound of the amp you're trying to model.
The question is, how can the Atomic make a set of EL84's break up like a pair of 6L6's? I won't call it a hoax, but it's leaning darn hard on people's "I need tubes to be real" insecurities.
All power amps are essentially linear. As soon as you add circuitry to change this, you have included a preamp. Ultralinear is a David Hafler design that incorporates an extra tap on the transformer... it changes nothing relevant to this discussion.
Guitars need a boost to the bass and treble to sound like we expect them to. Guitar amps provide this with preamps and speakers - running a modeler through them, which also provides this, tends to be too much scoop. Also, the sound of the guitar amp you're using will obscure the sound of the amp you're trying to model.
The question is, how can the Atomic make a set of EL84's break up like a pair of 6L6's? I won't call it a hoax, but it's leaning darn hard on people's "I need tubes to be real" insecurities.
Re: How do linear amps differ from regular guitar amps?
I was wondering about this!
I was wondering about this!
More-Gear-Than-Skill
New member
Re: How do linear amps differ from regular guitar amps?
And to further mess with things, our hearing is not linear either! So there's no point to pumping out all frequencies at the same level...
And to further mess with things, our hearing is not linear either! So there's no point to pumping out all frequencies at the same level...
