v-amp versus the real thing...

[jkokura]

This is a post I just made in another thread, and I thought I'd quote it...and then ask a quesion:

To set it up, someone asked about how to mic amps properly. They were frustrated with the lack of satisfaction in what they had recorded. Someone suggested the Beri V-amp. I said that I didn't like it, and wouldn't buy it... here's a link if you wanna see it in context.... http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=178362

"Ah...but see you've missed my meaning...as well intentioned as I'm sure you are. With no disrespect, I'd like to say that it is common for people to want a 'pro' sound (notice the quotation marks), without realizing how much there is to it. They want a quick, easy, cheap, simple solution that will make they're latest beat sound like the real kit tracked in a professional studio, or a guitar tone that was a combination of thousands of dollars in mics placed by professional engineers with experience infront 6 boutique amps that are tracked numerous times and then bounced to a stereo mix...

My point is that people like easy, and sometimes people point them to shiny new toys that advertise 'pro' sounds. I'm NOT suggesting that anyone's doing it here, nor do I feel that the Beri unit is a bad purchase! Lot's of people use them and love them and get great sound from them...my point is I believe that it's more worth it to learn to do it by placing the right mic in front of the right amp.

I'm sure you'll agree that as useful as that Beri unit, or a pod, or anything else like them is, there's NO WAY they come close to a properly miced tube amp! I love the tone I can get with a e609s, an MD 421, an NTK and a pair of MK012's on my vintage Fender tube 112...somehow there just isn't anything like a solid E chord ripped...and it's more satisfying to hear my final mix, and it sounds good! (Once again reiterating that I'm not saying it's impossible with the v-amp, I just don't get the satisfied feeling with it...)

Please understand I'm not trying to offend, just state my opinion..."

So my question is...and it's dangerous...but am I right or wrong? Why do you think so or not? Please don't bash me right away, I'm more than willing to admit I'm wrong if I am...

Jacob

 

[stetto]

I'm sure you'll agree that as useful as that Beri unit, or a pod, or anything else like them is, there's NO WAY they come close to a properly miced tube amp!

I agree, but I believe the Vamp has uses beyond that, and at the price, is worth having in the arsenal for those uses.

I don't use my (bass) Vamp as much as I use to, mostly because I've learned to sculpt a pretty good sound going direct. But I go through the Vamp or my SansAmp equally and sometimes serially when recording guitar. I have neither the dough or the space for the guitar rig I'd want in my studio...And when I want a mic'd essence I simply amp the Vamp through a Celestion G12L and mic it.

For finding and maintaining a signature sound, yeah, I agree with you. But I'm not in the signature sound market anymore and the wider range of motion that a modelling amp gives me is priceless...

Eric

 

[ocnor]

.My point is that people like easy, and sometimes people point them to shiny new toys that advertise 'pro' sounds.

I think that you are missing the point of amp modellers. Alot of us have spouses and children. Often the only free time to record is when everyone else is asleep. Also a good number of people live in places that prohibit loud noise. As beautiful as a mic'd up tube amp sounds it just isn't a practical solution for everyone.

 

[Lt. Bob]

I have 13 nice tube amps ..... ranging from old Ampegs to Mesa's and Marshalls and Laneys.
A really nice collection which I use live ...... but for recording I often use my POD or V-Amp. It's just easier and as long as I can sculpt it for each individual part .... it sounds fine. Live .... it's not responsive enough but it's just so much easier to throw down a git part with it.

Hey Stetto .. I'm thinking of getting the bass V-amp for all the bass models. How is it?

 

[stetto]

Hey Stetto .. I'm thinking of getting the bass V-amp for all the bass models. How is it?

Hey Lt., I think I'd love to have that tube amp collection of yours ...

The Bass V-Amp Pro is a pretty versatile lil' unit. I personally bypass the effects generator, as I have all the effects I need outboard, thank you. The V-Amp is a LOT better than the presets; in fact I haven't even heard a preset on mine in over a year...

The nice thing (for me) about the Bass V-Amp is the fact that they added modelling for electric and acoustic guitar schemes as well as keyboard.

My main amp for bass is a 70s era Acoustic 370 (God bless you Harvey!!), and the V-Amp can come pretty darn close to that bowel-moving bottom, so I actually have the V-Amp in a separate rack with a QSC power amp as backup on those rare ocasions I should play out...

Lt. Bob, I think you'd like it...

Eric

 

[mistermike]

The V-AMP series are versatile, and very cost-effective, units for recording. As was mentioned above, it's a snap to plop down and plug in. I've been amazed at the tones that have come out of my VAMP2 when recording guitars, including using it in conjunction with external effects. Ditto on the VAMP running my bass thru it. It just has a doggone, down-home good feel to it. I've even recorded some very nice acoustic guitar tracks using the VAMP California Black modeler. And a few hundred for a couple of VAMPs is a heckuva lot easier on the pocket book than what I'd have to pay for a wall of boo-teek amps, not that I wouldn't go that route "TOO" if I had the cash.

mistermike