Tech 21 SansAmp GT2 Tube Amp Emulator

[ericlingus]

I've been thinking about getting this. I play death/black metal. My setup is a schecter c-1 guitar,behringer 210 vtone amp,57,firebox,cubase. How'd you think it'll sound as a distortion pedal. Or how about recording direct with it? I hear either way sounds good. What do you think? They seem to have several differnt distortion pedals out there. Would this be the ebst you'd say?

[gvarko]

I had an older model Tech21 and it had a great sounding Mesa emulation. The distortion on the pedal was the best I have found so far. Don't hestitate, buy it now..

[Gear_Junky]

I used to have a few of Tech 21 gadgets - the GT-2 (SansAmp), Bass DI, Acoustic DI and the XXL drive box and the Trademark 60 amp. I liked them all for their purposes.

Yes, you should be able to use it as both a distortion and amp emulator to record direct. Many people will say that it's not the same as recording an actual tube amp. Maybe, but you may still like it.

and even if you don't, you can usually get most of your money back on eBay.

I personally recommend buying all the Tech 21 stuff used (like on eBay), if you can get it much cheaper than new. This stuff is built like a tank, so it doesn't break or wear out much.

If not for Tech 21 I'd be playing the boring Peavey solid-state amps, etc. (Tech 21 Trademark is solid-state, but it emulates some tube amps very nicely).

[David Katauskas]

I can't speak specifically about the GT-2, but I can say that the Tech21 products are great. So is their support staff. They truly are a top-notch company.

If the GT-2 sounds anything remotely like the PSA-1, then you'll probably like the sounds you'll get out of it.

[stetto]

I've got a GT-2...I don't use it that much anymore...I guess it's ok, but a lot will depend on the guitar and pickup, I think...The distortion and mic aspect are alright, but there's something missing to me...

...Funny how I wound up with this unit; I was in a guitar shop in Scottsdale AZ (in fact I think it was called "The Guitar Shop"), looking through the pre display, and some nut behind me says "Are you gonna be all day, or can someone else get a look?"...So I says, without looking back, "Who do you think you are, George Lynch?"...Someone laughed, and I looked behind me, and lo&behold it was George Lynch... He had a big grin on his face and asked me if I was having trouble finding a guitar pre, and told the guy behind the counter to pile 'em up and plug 'em in...He demoed everything in the damn store for me and suggested that the GT-2 was the best bang for the buck...Nice guy...That was around the time that Lynch Mob started playing...

Eric

[Sonixx]

I've had a GT-2 for years... I don't think it's designed as an upfront dist pedal but as an emulator. I've tried it and didn't care for it... try it though.

My recommendation is to sell your behringer 210 and buy a different amp. Maybe a 5150 combo.

[Matt_Gill]

I'm selling a Tech 21 trademark 10 amp, Its basicly an amp based around that pedal, its the best amp ive eaver had, only reason for selling is that im more of a classical player now, eg. Double bass, violin, classical guitar, its been looked after and is in MINT condition. Take care,
Matt

[jonnyc]

Eric I'm actually starting to feel sorry for you and your never ending quest for a cheap yet professional "black metal" sound. You can go ahead and buy all the different cheap amps and electronics you can imagine but I have a feeling that you're never going to be satisfied until you get a "real" solution. Which is a decent amp. I can say I've used sans amp to beef up distorted guitar tracks so it may actually get you a small step closer. Really though try looking for an amp like mine. mesa boogie dc3, its super versatile and metal all the way. I've seen them go for around 500 bucks used.

[ericlingus]

I don't understand why you're giving me shit. What is so hard to understand about me wanting to get the best sound I can with what I have or what I can buy for it that is pretty cheap. What do you want me to do just give up and not bother recording until I get an expensive amp? I don't get it. And i'm having fun trying to get a sound I like outa my gear. I'm getting close to getting a sound I think is pretty good at least. There are plenty of black metal bands who don't have high end gear and I think their guitar sounds are pretty good. I would love to get a real nice tube amp. Someday I will im sure. But right now I just don't have the money and I would like to get my recording skills up to par. Thanks for the help you have given me though.

btw amps would you recommend I take a look at once I can afford it? How about the peavy xxx tube amps(can't remember the exact name) A 212 combo amp costs like 800. How are they?

[Fusioninspace]

I've learned to ignore the "your idea sucks and you have to do it my way" posts. I've had the Tech 21 stuff for years and have been very happy. 75% of your sound comes from your fingers, 10% from your pickups and 15% from the amp - ok, these are just estimates ;-)

If you like the sound - Go for it!

[Scottgman]

I heard that Floam can really help acheive good black/death metal guitar tones!!

[jonnyc]

Originally Posted by ericlingus

I don't understand why you're giving me shit. What is so hard to understand about me wanting to get the best sound I can with what I have or what I can buy for it that is pretty cheap. What do you want me to do just give up and not bother recording until I get an expensive amp? I don't get it. And i'm having fun trying to get a sound I like outa my gear. I'm getting close to getting a sound I think is pretty good at least. There are plenty of black metal bands who don't have high end gear and I think their guitar sounds are pretty good. I would love to get a real nice tube amp. Someday I will im sure. But right now I just don't have the money and I would like to get my recording skills up to par. Thanks for the help you have given me though.

btw amps would you recommend I take a look at once I can afford it? How about the peavy xxx tube amps(can't remember the exact name) A 212 combo amp costs like 800. How are they?

How about a 5150? I see those going on ebay right now for around 500-600. The only reason I'm giving you shit is because you're trying so hard to find a cheap solution to a pro sound, when really the solution is way more simple than you're making it. Just get a good amp! If you know of black metal bands that have good sounds with cheap gear then why don't you just buy what they have? Also I suggested a while back just using what you got. Tweak, tweak, tweak, and tweak some more until you get the right sound. And once you do with that behringer it'll be cake to do it with a good amp. Also I know you probably do this but if you don't layer your tracks. Set you amp up different each time and layer your tracks. I've gotten really good sounds with cheap amps that way.

[ericlingus]

yeah that's how I track my guitar parts. DIfferent settings for each performance. I know the solution is simple. Buy a great amp. Doesn't mean I CAN though! Although i've decided to be a little irresponsible and get a credit card to buy like 2500 dollars worth of gear. How much is a 5150 new? And is it a combo amp or just a head ? I know nothing about this stuff seeing how i've never owned an expensive amp. Actually this behringer amp is my second amp i've ever had. And yeah pretty much that's my plan. Try to get the best sound I can out of the gear I have now and once I get a better amp, I could make it sound amazing!

[jonnyc]

Originally Posted by ericlingus

yeah that's how I track my guitar parts. DIfferent settings for each performance. I know the solution is simple. Buy a great amp. Doesn't mean I CAN though! Although i've decided to be a little irresponsible and get a credit card to buy like 2500 dollars worth of gear. How much is a 5150 new? And is it a combo amp or just a head ? I know nothing about this stuff seeing how i've never owned an expensive amp. Actually this behringer amp is my second amp i've ever had. And yeah pretty much that's my plan. Try to get the best sound I can out of the gear I have now and once I get a better amp, I could make it sound amazing!

You can't buy the 5150 anymore I think, I'm pretty sure they replaced it with the 6505. There are both 2x12" combos and heads available on ebay for between 5 and 6 hundred bucks. Just remember when spending the 2500 bucks that the source being recorded is probably the most important step. I'd take the 2500 and get a kick ass half stack, throw a 57 on it with a decent pre and you'd have a great signal chain.

[ericlingus]

yeah but I also want other aspects of my studio to be nice. Not just have a great guitar sound. I need better drum samples. Like drumkit from hell. I'd like to have a decent condenser mic. Room treatment. The peavey xxx seems nice. Its like 800 for a 212 combo. I'll have to try em out. Then I can spend the rest on what I mentioned. How much would a pretty good tube mic pre cost? Or are they too expensive. I'm looking for a nice one. One that is better than my mic pres on the firebox. I'm only looking for dual channel at most.

[takk]

I have the GT2. I have to say for raw heavy distortion rhythm parts in a direct recording situation it is the best thing I've heard. I also have a Line6 Flextone II which is basically like the old POD, and the GT2 blows it away for rhythm (metal, crunch, fast punk, palm mute, etc...)

Now I don't know how the new POD XT sounds, but I'm looking into one of those. This is because the GT2 does not have any effects or much variety. It basically tries to emmulate a Fender, Marshall, and a Mesa.

I use the Marshall setting (all 3 switches in the middle) and knobs:

Level - 11 O'clock
Treble, Bass, and Drive - All at 3 O'clock

This will give you a very near Hetfield sound. Think Master of Puppets.

The Mesa sounds too fuzy to me, and the Fender sounds thin and dead.

Here are the drawbacks to the GT2:

Not very versitile, it does one thing good (see above)
No effects (Reverb, Comp, delay, etc)
Sucks as a distortion pedal, putting this thing in front of an amp is a waste of time. It is really just a direct box.

-Takk

[ericlingus]

yeah I would like a pedal for my amp. How about the tri ac?

[cellardweller]

Originally Posted by takk

I use the Marshall setting (all 3 switches in the middle) and knobs:

Level - 11 O'clock
Treble, Bass, and Drive - All at 3 O'clock

This will give you a very near Hetfield sound. Think Master of Puppets.

The Mesa sounds too fuzy to me, and the Fender sounds thin and dead.

Here are the drawbacks to the GT2:

Not very versitile, it does one thing good (see above)
No effects (Reverb, Comp, delay, etc)
Sucks as a distortion pedal, putting this thing in front of an amp is a waste of time. It is really just a direct box.

-Takk

Takk~Curious what kind of pickups/guitar you are using.

I agree, it was a total waste of time for me also as a distortion pedal. I really did attempt to make it work extensively.

I kinda think all three tones have their uses.
Maybe it's just my guitar/pickups, but it also seems to respond VERY poorly to old strings (Yea, I know DER! ).

If I remember correctly, it seemed that the "Marshall" sound was better using my Kramer/Dimarzio, as opposed to the "Mesa" with my Schecter C7/Seymours.

Recently, I actually got a sound I didn't hate using a boss MT2 (metalzone) pedal ahead of the GT2! Whoda'thunk!!!

[cellardweller]

Originally Posted by Scottgman

I heard that Floam can really help acheive good black/death metal guitar tones!!

This is the most misinformed post I've had the displeasure of reading this week.

You can only get good Black Metal tones from the EBONY FLOAM/Death metal=CRIMSON FLOAM.

I'm not even going into CHROME FLOAM, but if you know FLOAM like I know FLOAM... then you know what's known in CHROME FLOAM ZONE....

[ericlingus]

so are there any sansamp pedals that are good as a distortion pedal for my amp?