What are some good amp modelers?

[dasfonzie]

I'm looking for something to plug my guitar into to make recording easier. I'm tired of my computer mic and it's annoying hiss.

I know about the Pod, but are there others, and which one generally colors the tone the least?

My budget is probably around $500, but if there's a real good for less, that's be preferable.

Thanks.

 

[Artie]

Re: What are some good amp modelers?

If you can find a Johnson J-Station on eBay, they're great. Good tone, and easy to use. There's a couple of us or so, on this forum that have them, and we can swap presets.

The downside, of course, they don't make them anymore. If it goes bad, service is tough. (But still available, I believe.)

 

[Jeff Dunne]

Re: What are some good amp modelers?

The best tone for recording direct would be to run your amp into a dummy load or attenuator, then it's FX send straight to desk, and use some impulse cab modeling in a program like Waves IR-1 or AltiVerb, but if that's not an option, the PODxt is the best, hands down.

 

[Mincer]

Re: What are some good amp modelers?

I like the J Station, and even better, the Boss GT 8/Pro. Both sound better than a PODxt, which I had for awile, but then sold for my GT-Pro.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: What are some good amp modelers?

A Vox Valvetronix AD60VTH head. Then, you can use it as direct recorder, or put it on any type of cabinet. If you buy a POD type thing, you can only use it direct. If you buy a modeling combo, you're stuck with the feeble cab/speakers.
If you buy a modeling head, you've got the best of everything.

 

[tone4days]

Re: What are some good amp modelers?

the yamaha dg stomp (or it's rack mount brother)

discontinued (sadly) but cheap on ebay

crappy presets, but best modelling and responsiveness for absolutely any style of music

a little kludgy for live use (needs to be controlled by a better footboard) , but outstanding in the studio

t4d

 

[Dirt123]

Re: What are some good amp modelers?

I'm a fan of the Tonelab. I use the SE, but the desk top version is cheaper. I do mostly clean to brown sounds, test drive it for yourself if you want hi-gain & metal tones. Not every body likes it for that.