Modeling amp suggestions?
- Thread starter JfromHouston
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presa_tito
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
yeah, I'm pretty well sold on it. It's already a killer price for what you get, hopefully it goes down even more before I have enough cash to buy it.InstituteOfNoise said:
DiminisheD-7th
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
hullo
if you dig Line6 tones, and dig the tone you get out of your flextone, you can just get a POD 2.3 / XT (especially the "Pro" versions), buy a poweramp with the wattage that you need, and use the POD (or any other modelling preamp for that matter, like the V-amp by behringer) as a "head" practically.
with enough wattage you can drive pretty much and cab.
the thing to remember is that most modelling gadgets also model cabs, so getting a "flat-er" sounding cab would be best to carry out the tone of the preamp, or just turning off the cab sims.
just another suggestion to think off, and i think its cheaper than most of the other ones brought up here.
hullo
if you dig Line6 tones, and dig the tone you get out of your flextone, you can just get a POD 2.3 / XT (especially the "Pro" versions), buy a poweramp with the wattage that you need, and use the POD (or any other modelling preamp for that matter, like the V-amp by behringer) as a "head" practically.
with enough wattage you can drive pretty much and cab.
the thing to remember is that most modelling gadgets also model cabs, so getting a "flat-er" sounding cab would be best to carry out the tone of the preamp, or just turning off the cab sims.
just another suggestion to think off, and i think its cheaper than most of the other ones brought up here.
InstituteOfNoise
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
The Atomic Amp just shipped yesterday. That is the best choice for the POD. It even has a template to load the Tonelab and I believe the V-amp in it.
Here's what it looks like... Click here to see the Atomic Amp
The Atomic Amp just shipped yesterday. That is the best choice for the POD. It even has a template to load the Tonelab and I believe the V-amp in it.
Here's what it looks like... Click here to see the Atomic Amp
Benjy_26
25's Nemesis
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
J, i run a Boss VF-1 into a Peavey Tube power section and it gets great tones at all volumes. When I play in small places, I turn on the speaker sims to get a fatter sound at lower volumes, but when outdoors or at a larger place, I turn them off and crank the power amp for mre authority. It works well for me, especially with a power amp that you can use in either 50watts or 100watts bridged (like mine).
J, i run a Boss VF-1 into a Peavey Tube power section and it gets great tones at all volumes. When I play in small places, I turn on the speaker sims to get a fatter sound at lower volumes, but when outdoors or at a larger place, I turn them off and crank the power amp for mre authority. It works well for me, especially with a power amp that you can use in either 50watts or 100watts bridged (like mine).
UCSDBoy
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
I think I'd rather get one of those new Voxes, at this point. I'd buy the atomic reactor if it was like 200 bucks cheaper. I'm sure it's worth the money in terms of design and construction, but comparatively speaking a PODXT/Reactor isn't the most cost-effective setup.
I think I'd rather get one of those new Voxes, at this point. I'd buy the atomic reactor if it was like 200 bucks cheaper. I'm sure it's worth the money in terms of design and construction, but comparatively speaking a PODXT/Reactor isn't the most cost-effective setup.
PUCKBOY99
Irish Flagologist
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
That's an interesting design, but for the money I'd go with 2 TECH21 Power Engines for 60 watts in stereo/120 mono. POD into the Power Engine is bada$$....SansAmp PSA-1 into the Power Engine is AMAZING!!!!
TECH21 is great quality & the support you get from Lloyd & Co. is FANTASTIC ! :bigok: :beerchug:
InstituteOfNoise said:
That's an interesting design, but for the money I'd go with 2 TECH21 Power Engines for 60 watts in stereo/120 mono. POD into the Power Engine is bada$$....SansAmp PSA-1 into the Power Engine is AMAZING!!!!
TECH21 is great quality & the support you get from Lloyd & Co. is FANTASTIC ! :bigok: :beerchug:
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InstituteOfNoise
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
PUCKBOY, I've heard em all. The Tech21 sounds decent on clean and lite crunch, but real crap on higher gain models. As does the Hod Rod Dlx. Another ket here is that the patches you design in Studio mode, stay in that mode in the Atomic. Any other POD to amp setup usually requires retweaking and usually using without Cab Sims as the general rule. It's nice to go from one to the other without changing anything.
Also, I love stereo as much as the next guy, but realistically most clubs that you'd use this in have mono PA's. So the stereo real is sort of self serving.
The thing to remember is that if you like what you hear then thats all that matters. Some are happy with "just good" tone. Some look for the pinnacle of that setup. The Atomic in my opinion takes it that much further. For me the extra money for the Atomic is well worth the difference in sound.
PUCKBOY, I've heard em all. The Tech21 sounds decent on clean and lite crunch, but real crap on higher gain models. As does the Hod Rod Dlx. Another ket here is that the patches you design in Studio mode, stay in that mode in the Atomic. Any other POD to amp setup usually requires retweaking and usually using without Cab Sims as the general rule. It's nice to go from one to the other without changing anything.
Also, I love stereo as much as the next guy, but realistically most clubs that you'd use this in have mono PA's. So the stereo real is sort of self serving.
The thing to remember is that if you like what you hear then thats all that matters. Some are happy with "just good" tone. Some look for the pinnacle of that setup. The Atomic in my opinion takes it that much further. For me the extra money for the Atomic is well worth the difference in sound.
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Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
I've never disliked modeling amps, I just think they have their place. In rehearsal or onstage, they don't do it for me, tonally. But, at 11 O'Clock at night, when you don't want cops banging on your door, they fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they're finally getting to a point where they sound pretty convincing on tape, too. I'll never stop using tube amps, but modelers make good tools for the toolbox.
UCSDBoy said:
I've never disliked modeling amps, I just think they have their place. In rehearsal or onstage, they don't do it for me, tonally. But, at 11 O'Clock at night, when you don't want cops banging on your door, they fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they're finally getting to a point where they sound pretty convincing on tape, too. I'll never stop using tube amps, but modelers make good tools for the toolbox.
PUCKBOY99
Irish Flagologist
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
I've never heard the Atomic & I'm sure if you already have a POD, you can't go wrong. And the fact that you don't have to change your settings is a definite plus. My only complaint on the SansAmp PSA-1 is that when you turn it off, it goes back to patch 0. Not really a big deal 'cause most people only turn it off when they're done using it!
The cleans & mid dirty channels on the Tech21 stuff is where I'm at....if you want something w/a more metal sound/high gain type amp, I'd say go elsewhere too. But if you're using pedals for your gain & O/D, the clean patches work very well !
As with everything, play it all & let YOUR ears tell you what to get!!!
InstituteOfNoise said:
I've never heard the Atomic & I'm sure if you already have a POD, you can't go wrong. And the fact that you don't have to change your settings is a definite plus. My only complaint on the SansAmp PSA-1 is that when you turn it off, it goes back to patch 0. Not really a big deal 'cause most people only turn it off when they're done using it!
The cleans & mid dirty channels on the Tech21 stuff is where I'm at....if you want something w/a more metal sound/high gain type amp, I'd say go elsewhere too. But if you're using pedals for your gain & O/D, the clean patches work very well !
As with everything, play it all & let YOUR ears tell you what to get!!!
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UCSDBoy
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
I've had the PODXT since it came out so I'm biased towards the VOXes, just because they're new. =) I agree with the other guy - I don't really care if it sounds tits on or not, as long as it sounds good. I think the POD is great, but Line6's amps have always sounded sterile to me (and I'm a DSP/modeling fanatic)... in a real situation I'd rather have the real thing or hopefully the new VOXes.
I want to see a face-off between a POD/Atomic and a VOX (just because I'm not going to try them out myself =)). I know IoN got first stab at those Atomic Reactors and wrote the only real review on the net so I trust his opinion a little less (sorry man) than I normally would. I think the VOX sounds like the better deal... I really don't care whether my settings are the same live or not, **** like that... hey there's probably only a half-dozen settings I really use anyway...
I've had the PODXT since it came out so I'm biased towards the VOXes, just because they're new. =) I agree with the other guy - I don't really care if it sounds tits on or not, as long as it sounds good. I think the POD is great, but Line6's amps have always sounded sterile to me (and I'm a DSP/modeling fanatic)... in a real situation I'd rather have the real thing or hopefully the new VOXes.
I want to see a face-off between a POD/Atomic and a VOX (just because I'm not going to try them out myself =)). I know IoN got first stab at those Atomic Reactors and wrote the only real review on the net so I trust his opinion a little less (sorry man) than I normally would. I think the VOX sounds like the better deal... I really don't care whether my settings are the same live or not, **** like that... hey there's probably only a half-dozen settings I really use anyway...
InstituteOfNoise
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
UCSD... don't forget that the Atomic will hold the Tonelab as well. Hey what ever you hear in your head and actually get that out of an amp, modeller, or whatever, more power to you. And your right, you shouldn't just trust me... Trust you own ears!
UCSD... don't forget that the Atomic will hold the Tonelab as well. Hey what ever you hear in your head and actually get that out of an amp, modeller, or whatever, more power to you. And your right, you shouldn't just trust me... Trust you own ears!
Closed Eye
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
Some questions for you Line 6 guys:
1. Would the Line 6 Spider II be considered a "true" modeling amp? Would you suggest buying it or saving up for a Vetta II or POD?
2. I've been reading reviews and posts on the Line 6 BBS about the Spider II and people have been saying that when you plug external effects into the input they sound tinny, messed up, or don't sound at all. Some people have surmised this forces you to by those Line 6 effects boards in an attempt to make more money and corner the customer into using only Line 6 products...is this true?
Thanks for the help!
But what if I want to use a distorted channel setting on the modeling amp with my effects? I don't want to use a gain preamp (dist. pedals are a thorn in my side at the moment) with a modeling amp, but use the distorted channels on the modeling amp in conjunction with the pedals.
Or by "best clean setting" do you mean "cleanest distortion" setting?
I'm a little unclear as to what you mean, fill me on the details!
SA, TX is indeed San Antonio! I agree it's a pretty lovely/cool city, but the bad part is that there's really only two kinds of music: Metal and Tejano.
Things like Jazz, Punk, Garage Rock, and more eclectic styles of music get lost in the mix...
Some questions for you Line 6 guys:
1. Would the Line 6 Spider II be considered a "true" modeling amp? Would you suggest buying it or saving up for a Vetta II or POD?
2. I've been reading reviews and posts on the Line 6 BBS about the Spider II and people have been saying that when you plug external effects into the input they sound tinny, messed up, or don't sound at all. Some people have surmised this forces you to by those Line 6 effects boards in an attempt to make more money and corner the customer into using only Line 6 products...is this true?
PUCKBOY99 said:ABSOLUTELY!!!....but the trick is to use them on the best clean setting you can find.
BTW...is "SA/TX" San Antonio? If so, lovely city!!!!
Thanks for the help!
But what if I want to use a distorted channel setting on the modeling amp with my effects? I don't want to use a gain preamp (dist. pedals are a thorn in my side at the moment) with a modeling amp, but use the distorted channels on the modeling amp in conjunction with the pedals.
Or by "best clean setting" do you mean "cleanest distortion" setting?
I'm a little unclear as to what you mean, fill me on the details!
SA, TX is indeed San Antonio! I agree it's a pretty lovely/cool city, but the bad part is that there's really only two kinds of music: Metal and Tejano.
Things like Jazz, Punk, Garage Rock, and more eclectic styles of music get lost in the mix...
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PUCKBOY99
Irish Flagologist
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
HAHAHAHAHAHA....I was in San Antonio for quite some time while in the Air Force. The first time I walked into a McDonalds & the menu was in Spanish, I had to make sure I didn't cross the border or something!!
GREAT Tex-Mex though (Go Figure!)....my favorite kind of food!
As for the distortion/clean channel comment, I use a Mesa Boogie Bottle Rocket as my only pedal (aside from a wah). It kicks things up a notch, but you need to tweak it a bit so it isn't too muddy. I used to have a lot of pedals & it just got real messy on the dirty channel. So I used the clean channel exclusively & a distortion pedal for dirt. It can be done, but you have to be patient & get the mix just right.
BTW & FWIW: The guy I deal with all the time @ Guitar Center offers me his own Line 6 trades for my Trademark 60 ALL THE TIME !!! I walk in the door, he says "HI" & then it's, "Ready to trade me that TM60 yet?"....I'm not sure why he just doesn't buy his own, but I'm guessing he's stuck with his Line 6 Spider until he can dump it!!!!
If there's a store near you that carries TECH21 stuff, do yourself the favor & check it out. The BEST that can happen is you'll hate it.....the WORST that can happen is you'll want more!!! :laugh2:
Closed Eye said:
HAHAHAHAHAHA....I was in San Antonio for quite some time while in the Air Force. The first time I walked into a McDonalds & the menu was in Spanish, I had to make sure I didn't cross the border or something!!
GREAT Tex-Mex though (Go Figure!)....my favorite kind of food!
As for the distortion/clean channel comment, I use a Mesa Boogie Bottle Rocket as my only pedal (aside from a wah). It kicks things up a notch, but you need to tweak it a bit so it isn't too muddy. I used to have a lot of pedals & it just got real messy on the dirty channel. So I used the clean channel exclusively & a distortion pedal for dirt. It can be done, but you have to be patient & get the mix just right.
BTW & FWIW: The guy I deal with all the time @ Guitar Center offers me his own Line 6 trades for my Trademark 60 ALL THE TIME !!! I walk in the door, he says "HI" & then it's, "Ready to trade me that TM60 yet?"....I'm not sure why he just doesn't buy his own, but I'm guessing he's stuck with his Line 6 Spider until he can dump it!!!!
If there's a store near you that carries TECH21 stuff, do yourself the favor & check it out. The BEST that can happen is you'll hate it.....the WORST that can happen is you'll want more!!! :laugh2:
Closed Eye
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
The menu was in Spanish? Wow, I guess a lot's changed since then...the Micky D's menu isn't in spanish anymore (eng-a-lish only) but every damg advertisement, informational pamphlet, and just about everything else is bilingual. It's cool, but it gets annoying sometimes...
Yeah, I'm fed up with distortion boxes as of late, so I'm not going to go down that route...I considered a Trademark and have been looking into the Tech21 products for sometime, but the only place that sells them I hate going to! So, maybe one day I'll have the courage to go that place and try one out...
BUT, if I were to get a POD Pro or PODxt rack unit would I need an amplifier in order to hook it up to a speaker cab? or does it have enough power to push itself?
Like: POD rack -> amplifier -> speaker cab or can I just do POD rack -> speaker cab?
The menu was in Spanish? Wow, I guess a lot's changed since then...the Micky D's menu isn't in spanish anymore (eng-a-lish only) but every damg advertisement, informational pamphlet, and just about everything else is bilingual. It's cool, but it gets annoying sometimes...
Yeah, I'm fed up with distortion boxes as of late, so I'm not going to go down that route...I considered a Trademark and have been looking into the Tech21 products for sometime, but the only place that sells them I hate going to! So, maybe one day I'll have the courage to go that place and try one out...
BUT, if I were to get a POD Pro or PODxt rack unit would I need an amplifier in order to hook it up to a speaker cab? or does it have enough power to push itself?
Like: POD rack -> amplifier -> speaker cab or can I just do POD rack -> speaker cab?
InstituteOfNoise
New member
Re: Modeling amp suggestions?
The Spider II is a huge step up from the first Spider amp. I know guys who use the Spider II head as a backup to their Vetta Heads or for gigs where it may get trashed a bit. It sounds great for what $499.
As far as the PODxt in an amping situation... yes you will need a power amp to feed the speaker cab. There are 2 schools though and most go with the first way. 1) treat the POD as a preamp to a tube power amp and usually create sounds without cabinet emulation. 2) run the POD as itself into a full range system like a PA or keyboard amp and take advantage of the cabinet modelling. Quite a few I know use a Behringer 802A mixer into the Behringer B300 powered monitors. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, nor cheaper, just a matter of taste.
For me the PODxt into the Atomic Amp is my new favorite small rig. I'm just floored on how great every patch sounds.
The Spider II is a huge step up from the first Spider amp. I know guys who use the Spider II head as a backup to their Vetta Heads or for gigs where it may get trashed a bit. It sounds great for what $499.
As far as the PODxt in an amping situation... yes you will need a power amp to feed the speaker cab. There are 2 schools though and most go with the first way. 1) treat the POD as a preamp to a tube power amp and usually create sounds without cabinet emulation. 2) run the POD as itself into a full range system like a PA or keyboard amp and take advantage of the cabinet modelling. Quite a few I know use a Behringer 802A mixer into the Behringer B300 powered monitors. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, nor cheaper, just a matter of taste.
For me the PODxt into the Atomic Amp is my new favorite small rig. I'm just floored on how great every patch sounds.