Recommend me a modeler along the lines of an HX Stomp

[larryguitar]

My POD (go ahead, laugh) finally stopped connecting to my computer (though it still worked otherwise) so my cheap self decided to get a new, moderately priced modeler. After watching interminable videos and reading countless reviews, I settled on the Valeton GP200LT. Most of the sounds are at least very good, and several are terrific-the Friedman models (there are 4 or so?) are stunning, IMHO. This is through studio monitors, FWIW.

Larry

 

[Mincer]

There are some great, inexpensive modelers out there. The modern POD series is still viable, as well as the Katana, the Fender Tone Masters, and even older Fractals that you can find at a decent price.

 

[donaldr]

Have you checked the Atomic modeler? Satchel from Steel Panthers used to gig a 5150 amp but switch to Atomic Firebox (using the 5150 model) like 5 years ago. He's now using an old Atomic Amplifire 3.

I'm using an Atomic Firebox and like it a lot. I paired it with an HX Effects. The AFB is like a 2-channel amp + 2-boost (I use it as my lead tone), I run the HXFX as a 6 switch pedalboard + tuner + tap tempo.




And here's my micro battery-powered pedalboard that fit in my gigbag:


Would have like an FM3 but it's a pain to deal with shipping/repairs here in Canada. Also too much parameters for me on the FM3.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Interesting. Where do you get the Firebox here in Canada?

 

[donaldr]

Bought it used from a guy in Toronto. Got it for $250cad (about $200usd) shipped in Montreal. The main reason for the AFB is that I can power it with a usb battery and 9v adapter.
I would probably upgrade for the AFB mk2 just for the preset management. FYI, the Cornford model is really good also.

 

[Mincer]

I used a Firebox for awhile, and it worked well. It got Fender sounds for me as well as the Blonde pedal from Tech 21 or the POD HD series. I did end up selling mine to help fund a Fractal.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Bought it used from a guy in Toronto. Got it for $250cad (about $200usd) shipped in Montreal. The main reason for the AFB is that I can power it with a usb battery and 9v adapter.
I would probably upgrade for the AFB mk2 just for the preset management. FYI, the Cornford model is really good also.

I pay in CAD as well, LOL. I thought maybe Long and McQuade or someone along the lines carried them. I'll try to find a used one, but I'm really liking what I'm hearing from the Mk. II.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I used a Firebox for awhile, and it worked well. It got Fender sounds for me as well as the Blonde pedal from Tech 21 or the POD HD series. I did end up selling mine to help fund a Fractal.

Do you think the Fractal is that much better than the Firebox?

 

[Mincer]

Do you think the Fractal is that much better than the Firebox?

It captures dynamic playing better, yes. If that's not your thing, then it matters less.

 

[DankStar]

Have you checked the Atomic modeler? Satchel from Steel Panthers used to gig a 5150 amp but switch to Atomic Firebox (using the 5150 model) like 5 years ago. He's now using an old Atomic Amplifire 3.

I didn't realize until now it's related to the studio devil plugin, that's interesting. There are a lot of plugins I thought would work great as a modeling pedal (like peavey's revalver).

What speaker are you using with your setup (like at home or practice)?

 

[donaldr]

I pay in CAD as well, LOL. I thought maybe Long and McQuade or someone along the lines carried them. I'll try to find a used one, but I'm really liking what I'm hearing from the Mk. II.

There's no Canadian distributors, so you buy direct from Atomic or you try to find a used one: good luck!!! I see some AA3, AA6 and AA12 on the used market, but very rarely an AFB. There's a Facebook group that you might want to check.

 

[donaldr]

Do you think the Fractal is that much better than the Firebox?

I hope so, it's like 4x more expensive. And 100x more parameters to adjust
The Marshall JCM800 model in the AFB is pretty dynamic IMHO. I can go from high-gain to almost-clean just by playing with the volume knob and switching from bridge to neck pickup. Add builtin boost and delay on the boost switch and have a nice lead tone.

But a Fractal FM3 might be a nice compact all-in-one unit (maybe pairing it with a Tech21 Midi Mongoose for more control).

 

[Mincer]

I hope so, it's like 4x more expensive. And 100x more parameters to adjust
The Marshall JCM800 model in the AFB is pretty dynamic IMHO. I can go from high-gain to almost-clean just by playing with the volume knob and switching from bridge to neck pickup. Add builtin boost and delay on the boost switch and have a nice lead tone.

But a Fractal FM3 might be a nice compact all-in-one unit (maybe pairing it with a Tech21 Midi Mongoose for more control).

Actually, I never thought about using something like the Midi Mongoose. Thanks, now I have to go explore that!

 

[donaldr]

I use one with my Rocktron Voodu Valve and my Eleven Rack. Very small, phantom powered on pin 5 or 7, 9v dc powered, and 9v battery powered. 2 expression pedal inputs.

 

[Mincer]

Ahh, the Midi Mongoose only sends PC messages, not CC, so you can't use it to turn individual effects on or off, just change entire presets.

 

[donaldr]

Midi Mongoose sends CC messages from the 2 expression inputs. I have an expression pedal on one input and I built a 1-button foot switch for the other input (acting as an expression pedal).

 

[Mincer]

Midi Mongoose sends CC messages from the 2 expression inputs. I have an expression pedal on one input and I built a 1-button foot switch for the other input (acting as an expression pedal).

Yes, but you can't turn off/on individual effects within a preset. That's what I'd use it for, but no go.

 

[donaldr]

That's what I do with the 1-button latch switch into the expression input. Doing the same with the expression pedal, heel=off and toe=on.
The Midi Mongoose is pretty minimalist, but small and affordable and light and battery powered. You might look for something else if you need more features

 

[donaldr]

Rex_Rocker : found an Atomic user group and there's an AFB for sale: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=953902166016852&set=g.1591432524452692

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Rex_Rocker : found an Atomic user group and there's an AFB for sale: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=953902166016852&set=g.1591432524452692

Thank you!