Preamp/Processors

[orificium]

I have a huge dilemma<sp> here. I need some recommendations on preamp/processors.

I've mainly been looking at rocktron products. Voodu Valve, Chameleon, gainiac, piranha. I've tried out the voodu, and I thought it sounded really good. But from what I hear the Chameleon is better. I've been told, no tubes, or multi-tube.

Can anyone give me a good recommendation on a preamp/processor? Also is it best to go with tube?

I've also been told more people have been going with heads now-a-days. Would that be a better idea? I was figuring it might save me some money and space if I Were to get a combination preamp/processor and a power amp through a cab.

Thanks for any help.

 

[the boogieman]

Welcome to your quest for TONE. It will last the rest of your life. There are many factors to consider when making a gear choice. Here are just a few:
1- what sort of music do you play?
2- do play live or just record?
3- what is your budget?
There are three parts to TONE Other than guitars and technique):
1- preamplification
2- amplification (power amp)
3- effects (dynamic, time-based, etc.)

In my experience, trying to get one box to do everything - regardless of the price - has been nothing short of frustrating. Granted, I have not tried a few of the *very* high end products, but in general, I think my findings hold. With regard to the tube vs. solid state battle, years ago in my day, solid state units were very brittle sounding but had decent clean sounds. Now, with the proliferation of better modelling algorithms, companies like Line 6, Johnson, and even Roland are getting closer to approximating tubes sounds. IMHO, there is no real advantage to buying something to replicate something else. Proponents of solid-state gear claim that it is more trouble-free (no tubes to replace), but I have had reliable tube gear that has traveled A LOT and had few problems. Personally, I have played MESA gear for about the last 15 years, and have to say it is the best stuff out there, period. It has been more versatile, more reliable, held its value better, and above all provided me with the TONE. As far as processing goes, if you have great TONE to begin with, you will find yourself needing less effects - funny how that works out. I hope we can get a good thread giong here. I love to talk shop. Good luck in the quest....

 

[MrLip]

Shouldn't this be in the guitar forum??

The MESAs I've played in the past have mostly been great. I used to have a TRIAXIS and that was definately the best sounding preamp I've owned. Too bad I was dumb enough to sell it. I also love those dual rectifier heads. Although, there was one mesa combo amp that I played through that sounded a little brittle. I can't remember the model number.

What do you mean when you say preamp/processor? What kind of processing are we talking about? Digital effects?

 

[jasfast5]

When I heard the false rumor that Rocktron was going out of business...I took my last $700 and hunted down another Voodu Valve (as a back-up). I can't imagine playing guitar without one. The massive spectrum of tones just blows my mind...from Vai-like screaming distortions to very warm, milky jazz. I use it to play out, which draws a lot of guitarists to my rig asking "What amp are you using?" I also record direct with it...sounds fantastic here also...I haven't even considered micing an amp because this thing sounds so good direct. After years and years of amps/preamps/amp simulators...nothing even comes close to the Voodu Valve in flexibility and GREAT tones.

 

[orificium]

I'm not quite sure whether it's better for me to get a head, and then a digital effects processor or get a preamp/processor like the voodu and then a power amp. I really need something versatile. I like everything from acoustic to death metal heavy distortions.

I'm looking to spend somewhere around 500-700. Right now the Dual Rectifier (which more and more looks ideal) is out of my range. But until then, I'm lokoing for something. I may just end up biting my tongue, and waiting til I get enough money for dual recto.

From what I understand, nowadays more guitarists are going with heads. So I was told a lot of rack gear manufact. are going out of business.

I'm looking for some ideas on preamps or heads in my price range that will give me nice clean sounds all the way to heavy crunchy crispy distortions.

 

[the boogieman]

Sorry, orificium, I got so excited I forgot to actually answer your questions about suggections. Since your budget is a little limited, I would suggest a getting a pre/power amp - in whatever configuration you choose - then worry about effects. Again, I still don't know how you will be using your gear (live or studio), and it does make a big difference. At home or in the studio you can spend a little time to dial in settings, be they metal, jazz, whatever. In a live setting, most need the ability to get different tones immediately, so single-channel amps are usually out of the race (unless you want to go into the hell of pedals).
As far as suggestions, I really recommend going the component route. In a four space rack - about the size of a head - you can fit a preamp, power amp, and even a processor depending on the pieces, of course. My reasoning for this is based on my flaky nature, and that of guitarists in general (no offense, guys). If you own an all-in-one piece, if there is something about it that you find lacking (that's always the case), then you have to scrap the whole piece or buy an additional one, which takes up more space, cash, etc. Separate pieces allows you to keep the stuff that you still dig, but replace ones you may have outgrown or have gotten pissed off at and thrown in the pool.
Specifically, I have seen MESA gear, such as the Studio Preamp for around $150-250 (it has two channels, EQ, recording outs, and FX loops), and MESA 50/50 power amps (what I use) for around $300-350. Of course, there are many other options, but my suggestions are here to get the ball rollin'. MrLip's right - this SHOULD be in the guitar forum, but.....