Some of the models are for amps I have sitting in another room, though, and here's where I gotta go with the real amp folks. Much of it may be the real 4X12 cabs that are hooked up to the real amps, but I'm not sure, but in any case, I can testify that the JCM 800 2204 (model may have been 2203 - I have a 1986 2204), JMP lead (model was probably for a plexi - I have a 1971 post-plexi), and Orange OR100 (I have a new sort of re-issue one) models sound but more felt like anemic papier mâché miniatures compared to the real things. But that's not to say the models didn't sound good - I almost wish they wouldn't reference real amps, but would just be what they are - then I wouldn't be bumming out on them.
Anyone have an opinion about the best amp modelers? I've used Line 6 stuff for a while. I currently have a customized Line 6 Vetta II as my primary amp, and have recorded direct with it in the past. It's still very usable and I've gotten some pretty nice tones out of it (albeit with a ton of work), but lately I've been really impressed with NI Guitar Rig 5 since upping my home studio game. I haven't tried any of the newer stuff, and Fractal is way out of my price range. At some point, I will have to upgrade, and a Guitar Rig Live setup is starting to seem pretty appealing. Anyone have anything to offer in this regard? Pete
Don't mean to say they're expensive - just that plugging straight into a computer isn't likely to work well, and it's not entirely obvious how to get around that unless you're using an interface of some sort, and even then you may have gain-staging issues that don't exist with an amp. I really say this in defense of modelers - for a long time, a lot of what I thought I didn't like about the models was actually attributable to a bad input signal.With regard to "quality" input circuits with high headroom?
No one seems to question the inputs on pedals, the majority of which have a 9volt supply and thus the input overload point is at best about 3V rms.
Very acceptable converters are now as cheap as chips, look at how many sub £100 AIs there are?
Dave.
Don't mean to say they're expensive - just that plugging straight into a computer isn't likely to work well, and it's not entirely obvious how to get around that unless you're using an interface of some sort, and even then you may have gain-staging issues that don't exist with an amp. I really say this in defense of modelers - for a long time, a lot of what I thought I didn't like about the models was actually attributable to a bad input signal.
the DSL-1 amazes me at how loud this little thing really is for a 1w amp....
https://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz250/minerman_01/My%20Music%20Pics/DSL-1HamporangePPC112-2_zps17dc7efa.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
I'm setting up a scratch pad studio with the Eleven Rack and EZ drummer on a small notebook.
If I can get it working I will post up some characteristic tones.
+1
The 1 watt Marshalls are amazing.
I had the DSL1 & JVM1, sold the DSL to a friend and kept the JVM, both sounded very similar in tone.
I put some NOS tested RCA's in it and wow, insane tube tone from these lil amps.
Not cheap, but worth every dime.
Yeah man, love my DSL-1, I almost got the JVM-1, but opted for the clean channel with a gain & volume over the single volume & presence knobs on the JVM-1, I don't know myself, but I thought they'd be about the same really....Still, love this little amp, best piece of gear I've bought in a long time...
I did some tube rolling in my DSL-1 too, the clips I've posted have:
V1: Mullard
The 12AX7/ECC83 should not be used in a power position vacated by such as the 12AU7/ECC82, they are not built to handle the power and will die. They also, as you have found out sound poo!
I mention this because some of the range of Blackstar amplifiers (and others) use the 82 as a post PI driver and fitting an 83 results in very bad sound and early demise of the valve.
In general, unless you REALLY know what you are at it is unwise to swap valve types, even "pre amp" types because they rarely improve the tone and can often be damaged and take internal circuitry with them resulting in the passing over of a large wad of lager vouchers to an amp tech!
Amplifier makers generally know best!
Greg, I believe, is merely expressing his frustration with the downward trajectory of the range of topics requests which he finds expidentially linked to the quest for a preset easy answer to the question of tone, taste and testicularity.
The 12AX7/ECC83 should not be used in a power position vacated by such as the 12AU7/ECC82, they are not built to handle the power and will die. They also, as you have found out sound poo!
I mention this because some of the range of Blackstar amplifiers (and others) use the 82 as a post PI driver and fitting an 83 results in very bad sound and early demise of the valve.
In general, unless you REALLY know what you are at it is unwise to swap valve types, even "pre amp" types because they rarely improve the tone and can often be damaged and take internal circuitry with them resulting in the passing over of a large wad of lager vouchers to an amp tech!
Amplifier makers generally know best!
If I'd grown up on Line 6 I'd probably think almost any modeller was good....