Re: My Peavey 6505 compared to 11 amp modelers (can they keep up?)
I thought I'd also share my thoughts on all the platforms:
The real amp: 10/10
I love how this amp sounds! I also own the 20w 6505 MH and I loved that one so much that I had to get the big one as well. This amp doesn't only sound huge and crushing (when dialed in that way) but it also has nice mids that fill up the mix nicely like no other amp can. The top end is quite gentle which helps with the cymbals and vocals. Of course this amp can also be dialed in to sound better suited for extreme metal, perhaps by scooping more and by adding more presence and resonance, but for rock/metal I really love the sound that I got. The guitars sound huge but you can hear that there still is room for the vocals. A great quality to have for an amp.
In comparison to most of the modelers (in one way or another) the amp sounds up front without getting harsh and the single notes and chords sound fat and warm in an even way. The way the signal is compressed sounds very musical and natural. Great amp!
Axe Fx III: 9.2/10
Most people know how awesome this platform is! I use my Axe Fx III every day for various things and it also works super well with my tube amp setup. I don't think the Axe Fx models the amp perfectly in this case. Now, I'm not saying that 'every amp in the Axe Fx is inaccurate' but just that this isn't a perfect match. It still sounds pretty great though! My biggest gripe is that the Axe Fx often seems to sound just a tad to brash and also thin on the single notes. Could also be because it's a different amp that was modeled but this is my observation anyway.
Helix: 9.5/10
I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting the Helix to nail this amp as good as it did but the end result is impressive. I say that mostly because the 5150 amp model has been in the Helix from the beginning so it's basically an 'older model'. Didn't matter much as it's almost completely identical to the real thing. Great job Line 6!
TH-U: 9.3/10
Also very accurate! No resonance control unfortunately but a good responsive amp model! The saturation is slightly more gentle on this one than some of the others.
X50: 9.3/10
Pretty darn accurate as well! I love the general layout of this plugin and it's cool that the MKII 'mod' is also modeled.
Revalver 4: 6.7/10
It's definitely not bad at all but there is something strange going on with the overall dynamics. It sounds as if there is a compressor at the end of the chain that is 'pumping' too hard.
Termionik: 6.5/10
Not bad but it has some quirks. The low mids are too honky and the single notes sound too thin with this one. Shane is working on a new version now. He is a talented guy so I'm very excited to try his new platform.
Guitar Rig 5: 8.4/10
I wasn't expecting this one to come as close as it did! Quite impressive for an older platform. It did a way better job of emulating the 5150 than the Recto.
Amplitube 4: 5/10
Meh. Amplitube is a cool program though but imho the modeling just falls short. No IR loader is also a no-no for me....
Bias FX 2: 2/10
I feel bad about this. I don't like to be negative towards a company and they seem like great people. They're products look great and the marketing is great. I do think they should work on their amp modeling though.
Nick Crow 8505: 5.4/10
Not bad for a freebie! Not as impressive as some of the others though...
Pod Farm 2: 5.8/10
I always include this one just for fun and to be fair, it still sounds pretty good in the mix! Old but not obsolete!
I still would love to know what you guys thought!
