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Guitar Amp Modelers
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<blockquote data-quote="Bob Leonard" data-source="post: 129399" data-attributes="member: 51"><p>Re: Guitar Amp Modelers</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Like you John I have also followed the transition of transistorized amplifiers to todays modeling amps wondering if some day the technology would come to a point where the replication of a complex tube circuit could be produced using a DSP. I'll agree that the latest technology available can almost faithfully replicate most of the more well known and desirable amplifiers. A VOX AC30, Fender Deluxe Reverb, Marshall JTM45, etc. have been around long enough to be recognized instantly. That being said, replicating the sound is one thing, but replicating the feel which translates back to the player is another matter entirely. That feel which translates back to the guitar can be a subtle as a harmonic or the amount of perceived pressure used to bend a string. This is what's lacking in modeling amps IMO, the same thing that was lacking in the first transistorized amps of the mid/late 60's.</p><p></p><p>Now, with all that being said the use of a modeling amp is becomes more acceptable depending on the style of music played. Mimicking stomp boxes has never been much of a problem because they are an added effect and with few exceptions based on the reaction of some 3 legged dummies, a few diodes, or a single chip. But even those emulation can be inaccurate. As an example the SM57 of the stomp box world, the venerable tube screamer suffered from the use of newer technology when the tone and response characteristics changed as the latest chips were manufactured to tighter tolerances, enough so that sales dipped and Ibanez felt compelled to release a re-issue using specially manufactured loose tolerance chips. To someone who is not a player, or a player with no experience with these older units, the difference may go unnoticed, but to most players the sterile sound of the new chips meant everything.</p><p></p><p>I have had a chance to try the Kempler and the Fractal modelers, and I'll have to say they are amazing. The emulations are for the most part spot on and just fine for that person who needs something to cover a dozen styles of music, or for someone who wants to replace their stomp boxes. I found some differences, or failings if you please, in that emulating a small open back cabinet with a D120 in it compared to replacing a D120 with a clone speaker. Close but no cigar. I also found it difficult to emulate a number of compressors, specifically a Ross compressor. Delays and reverbs were fine, but the reverbs didn't come close to anything I've ever heard coming from any Fender with the word reverb attached to the name. I did like the Leslie emulation I was able to dial up and just about everything else sounded just fine. I didn't feel either unit was very touch sensitive. The best experience was when I pushed the modeler through my board, through a small QSC amp, and then to the cabinet of a Super Reverb loaded with Warehouse 10" speakers (4ea.). Thanks to my friend Tim who took the time bring the unit over for the listening test and who put up with my constant requests for changes to his settings.</p><p></p><p>John, Your not so good ear was spot on. Many of the Peavey transistorized amps fall into a small line of acceptable solid state amps. It's no secret that a good number of amplifier manufactures shot themselves in the foot after turning to the 3 legged dummy as the replacement for the tube. However, Peavey was not one of those companies. Put them in a category with a couple of the old Gibson amps, LAB 5, Roland JC120, or SG Systems (hybrid). Many is the country stage I've seen where Peavey amps rule supreme when set beside a Twin Reverb or equal, a statement that holds true to this day. Ask yourself why BB still uses a LAB 5? There are exceptions to every rule.</p><p></p><p>For me, and with the style I play, there is no modeler made that can replace my beloved Fenders, and very few boutique amps for that matter. And after I blueprint an amp, well nice try. But that's not to say modelers don't have their place, and what's one old fart got to do with their acceptance. Not much I would think. So, maybe before the dirt nap when I can't pick up the old iron, maybe then will be the time for me.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Bob Leonard, post: 129399, member: 51"] Re: Guitar Amp Modelers Like you John I have also followed the transition of transistorized amplifiers to todays modeling amps wondering if some day the technology would come to a point where the replication of a complex tube circuit could be produced using a DSP. I'll agree that the latest technology available can almost faithfully replicate most of the more well known and desirable amplifiers. A VOX AC30, Fender Deluxe Reverb, Marshall JTM45, etc. have been around long enough to be recognized instantly. That being said, replicating the sound is one thing, but replicating the feel which translates back to the player is another matter entirely. That feel which translates back to the guitar can be a subtle as a harmonic or the amount of perceived pressure used to bend a string. This is what's lacking in modeling amps IMO, the same thing that was lacking in the first transistorized amps of the mid/late 60's. Now, with all that being said the use of a modeling amp is becomes more acceptable depending on the style of music played. Mimicking stomp boxes has never been much of a problem because they are an added effect and with few exceptions based on the reaction of some 3 legged dummies, a few diodes, or a single chip. But even those emulation can be inaccurate. As an example the SM57 of the stomp box world, the venerable tube screamer suffered from the use of newer technology when the tone and response characteristics changed as the latest chips were manufactured to tighter tolerances, enough so that sales dipped and Ibanez felt compelled to release a re-issue using specially manufactured loose tolerance chips. To someone who is not a player, or a player with no experience with these older units, the difference may go unnoticed, but to most players the sterile sound of the new chips meant everything. I have had a chance to try the Kempler and the Fractal modelers, and I'll have to say they are amazing. The emulations are for the most part spot on and just fine for that person who needs something to cover a dozen styles of music, or for someone who wants to replace their stomp boxes. I found some differences, or failings if you please, in that emulating a small open back cabinet with a D120 in it compared to replacing a D120 with a clone speaker. Close but no cigar. I also found it difficult to emulate a number of compressors, specifically a Ross compressor. Delays and reverbs were fine, but the reverbs didn't come close to anything I've ever heard coming from any Fender with the word reverb attached to the name. I did like the Leslie emulation I was able to dial up and just about everything else sounded just fine. I didn't feel either unit was very touch sensitive. The best experience was when I pushed the modeler through my board, through a small QSC amp, and then to the cabinet of a Super Reverb loaded with Warehouse 10" speakers (4ea.). Thanks to my friend Tim who took the time bring the unit over for the listening test and who put up with my constant requests for changes to his settings. John, Your not so good ear was spot on. Many of the Peavey transistorized amps fall into a small line of acceptable solid state amps. It's no secret that a good number of amplifier manufactures shot themselves in the foot after turning to the 3 legged dummy as the replacement for the tube. However, Peavey was not one of those companies. Put them in a category with a couple of the old Gibson amps, LAB 5, Roland JC120, or SG Systems (hybrid). Many is the country stage I've seen where Peavey amps rule supreme when set beside a Twin Reverb or equal, a statement that holds true to this day. Ask yourself why BB still uses a LAB 5? There are exceptions to every rule. For me, and with the style I play, there is no modeler made that can replace my beloved Fenders, and very few boutique amps for that matter. And after I blueprint an amp, well nice try. But that's not to say modelers don't have their place, and what's one old fart got to do with their acceptance. Not much I would think. So, maybe before the dirt nap when I can't pick up the old iron, maybe then will be the time for me. [/QUOTE]
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