How To Achieve Real Vacuum Tube Saturation On Amp Modeling

[Jeffblue]

I had not too long ago made a deal with a gentleman on Strat-Talk for an Eleven Rack unit. Great amp modeling and effects. It was lacking real tube tone so I acquired a VHT Fryette Valvulator 1 (I already have one that I have mounted in the rear of a Line 6 Spyder 3 2X12) that I connected into the input. huge improvement. I then had a thought, the calculator has two outputs, "what if I route a connection from output 2 to the return of the effects loop as well?"

I did just that and the Eleven Rack sounds incredible. It works well and has huge amount of vacuum tube saturation.

 

[Chistopher]

That's actually a pretty cool idea. So you have tubes->digital->tubes?

When you are looking for a "tube-like" tone from your rig what are you looking for?

 

[Mincer]

Amp modeling has come a long way since the Eleven Rack- current units do this sort of thing much, much better. Your idea is a good one, although a little clumsy for gigging- I bet it will sound good at home.

 

[Jeffblue]

That's actually a pretty cool idea. So you have tubes->digital->tubes?

When you are looking for a "tube-like" tone from your rig what are you looking for?

What i am looking for is the warmth, ambience, touch sensitivity and harmonics that vacuum tubes give.

 

[Jeffblue]

Amp modeling has come a long way since the Eleven Rack- current units do this sort of thing much, much better. Your idea is a good one, although a little clumsy for gigging- I bet it will sound good at home.

Yes sir, I don't gig, but I'm always searching and experimenting how to improve tone. I do own an HX Stomp as well as a Fender Mustang Micro and a Sonicake Pocketmaster. I'm still convinced whatever solid state or digital rig you use the Valvulator on will be a huge improvement.