Using Amp Modelling with a Valve Amp

[lsmith70]

I have recently bought the AC4tv Head with the V112TV cabinet. I am looking to also purchase either the BOSS ME-70 or the Line 6 HD300 to add effects to my sound. The main things I want incorporated in the multi effects pedal is the volume pedal and also a loop recorder, I will also be using the other effects regularly.

My main worry is paying extra for amp modelling. I read somewhere that you shouldn't use amp modelling with a valve amp. Is that just because it is unnecessary to use this with a good valve amp or is it not suitable for use with a valve amp?

If it is unsuitable, does anybody have any suggestions to other multi effects pedals with volume pedal and loop recording?

Also could you vote for either the Line 6 or the BOSS for an opinion!

Cheers!

 

[LeftyF2003]

Modeling amps like the Line 6 are designed to be played through a flat frequency amp. If you run a modeling amp sound into another amp it will color the sound and you will not hear it as it's designed to be played back. This is not to say that it might not sound interesting / different / to your liking, but it is not how it was designed to be heard. You may be better off getting a dedicated loop pedal and a separate volume pedal like the Ernie Ball 6180.

 

[lsmith70]

What do you mean by a flat frequency amp? Is that a solid state? And do these effects pedals act as an audio interface for programs such as Cubase?

 

[River]

What do you mean by a flat frequency amp? Is that a solid state? And do these effects pedals act as an audio interface for programs such as Cubase?

A POD X3 sounds delicious through a valve power amp. There are valve power amps designed with modelers in mind, one even has a bay for a POD.

Through an amp which introduces its own distortion (pre-amp or early-onset power amp), not so much. You might find some great tones, but it's a chore; i.e., what Lefty said.

 

[cynic79]

What do you mean by a flat frequency amp? Is that a solid state? And do these effects pedals act as an audio interface for programs such as Cubase?

He means a PA system or a keyboard amp. In other words, an amplifier that is designed to accurately reproduce the tone coming from the sound source.

You might want to look into something like the Line 6 M9 or M13. Those are designed to be used in conjunction with a guitar amplifier. You can certainly use the ME-70 or the HD300 with your amp, but it will require some extra tweaking of the presets. If you just want to use the delay and modulation effects from the device, you will need to make custom presets with those effects and make sure that you take out any amp modeling effects.

 

[in2madness]

I use this into a few valve amps. You can add an expression pedal for volume/wah or just to adjust any of the time based effects in real time. It has a looper. It is just a stomp box modeller so no amp models. I used to have a traditional pedal board but this thing is much better. Why? Because whilst you might argue that an individual pedal my be better than the model of the pedal when you start using few on a board and hooking them together they rarely sound as good as this because they don't integrate and work as well together as this.

 

[nicolasrivera]

Modeling amps like the Line 6 are designed to be played through a flat frequency amp. If you run a modeling amp sound into another amp it will color the sound and you will not hear it as it's designed to be played back. This is not to say that it might not sound interesting / different / to your liking, but it is not how it was designed to be heard. You may be better off getting a dedicated loop pedal and a separate volume pedal like the Ernie Ball 6180.

Not quite true with the Line6 products, you just don't own one to know that you can determine the output of the unit to any situation you encounter.

the Line6 modeler then reconfigures it self to the best sound possible in regard to where you are plugging it, in front of a combo or head, in the power section of a combo or head, to a PA, to a Line6 amp, to a digital input etc.

 

[Hector Arcadius]

I use a modeler with my valve amp, the same modeler that I was using with my SS amp. Bullshit! It sounds even better with the tube amp.


Between the 2, get the HD300. When it comes to modelling, always get the latest, unless your budget tells you otherwise.

Good luck!

 

[jcsk8]

I use an amp modeler, that is like a sansamp but with pre adjusted patches. I use it a lot onto my peavey classic 30, justo to color the sound. I use the clean marshall mode to "marshallize" the sound of the amp, etc. It´s very usefull. Also works with a boost, increasing the amp distortion.

 

[AxeBuilder]

As an HD500 owner, I'm biased and would recommend the HD300 to you. Both units can be programmed for output into a mixer or guitar amp (different levels and equalization curves). You need to keep in mind that the preamp models work better in conjunction with guitar amps (no power amp and cab modeling). Overall, I prefer the sound and flexibility of going direct to mixer or using a high-fidelity (keyboard or PA power amp) amplifier, but a guitar amp will give satisfactory results as well.

 

[braxxen]

This is a great amp for modelers Atomic Amplifiers - Products hope this helps .

 

[Syrus]

It is strange how people seem to forget these exist too.
They sound great, have USB out, a Wah and are easy to control.
I use this in amp form. I owned a pod and some digitech pedals. This modeller is the nicest I owned so far. It is also very affordable. So well worth a try.

VOX TONELAB ST - Thomann Nederlandse Cyberstore

Keep the VOX on max. headroom, so maximum watts and near breakup, then turn down the output on any of the modelling preamps you buy. That will make the sound nice and spanky.