The right amp for amp modeler?

If I run my guitar through an amp modeler (Line 6 Pod HD500X) because I want the sound of a Tweed, Jazzman or a Mesa Boogie then I don't think it makes sense to play it through a Marshall amp. Because even through the clean channel, my amp still has that Marshall tone. Right?

I'm thinking of selling my Marshall half stack and replacing it with a mixer, 2 channel power amp and two speakers (for stereo effects) - just plug the Line 6 straight into the mixer board. Does this sound like a reasonable plan? FYI, this is for my home rig where I entertain myself and annoy the neighbors. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Tx,

I just did that, sold my Marshall half-stack and bought an amplified PA speaker.

I don't have the Line6 pedal you just mentioned, but I will be getting it when my budget permits it.

For now, I'm using a Digitech RP-500 guitar effects unit (which has amp and effect modeling). The output of the RP-550 goes to a mixer, and the output of mixer goes to the speaker. You don't really need the mixer, you can plug straight into the speaker, but I also sing and plug other stuff.

I loved the sound of the Marshall, but the only problem is that not all effects sounded good plugged into the front of the amp. Some sounded a lot better through the effects loop. Plus, as you said, the amp itself colored the sound.

With it plugged into a PA speaker, I get the true sound coming out of effects unit, and my sound was never better! True that my Marshall had a sweet sound, especially for blues.. But changing sounds on the fly was a pain at best to impossible at worst.

I have a host of presets programmed into my pedal, and all I have to remember is which preset is for what number. One less thing for me to worry about on stage.

So Tx, in a nutshell, I'm very happy with my sound/ Wish I had done this sooner.

Next step is to buy 2 more speakers as my main speaker (using the one I have now as a monitor). This way, no matter where I play, I don't have to worry about adjusting their PA to your liking. I will have my own sound no matter where I go.

Good luck,

Itchin' to play,

Izzy

Originally Posted by: IzzyPhoreal But changing sounds on the fly was a pain at best to impossible at worst.

That's the norm with that setup. I went through exactly the same dilemma and ended up just running my effects unit into the front of the amp, essentially keeping the amp "clean" and allowing the effects unit to produce the needed extra drive for lead sounds.

Eventually, I sold my Marshall half-stack, but more because I just wasn't using it anymore.

When pro's record with amps, its almost always setup very specifically for optimal sound quality. Effect pedals like overdrive, distortion, fuzz etc, are placed in front of the preamp stage, then time-based effects like delays are placed behind in the effects loop. Further effects can be applied in post-production (reverb being the most common). Because of the tediousness of this, effect units with "amp modelers" have become very popular, and lots of people have done what you have, and just gone with the effects unit only. I know of one band that actually used a Line 6 Pod on a professionally produced album (they were signed to a label) but I'm sure lots of people have done that.

I will say this though... I have had the chance to hear quality amp modelers, and then just a really good amp (I have a Lanely Lionheart). For me, there is a very noticeable difference between the two; the amp sounds significantly better. For that reason, I've gone with both... I practice and record rough tracks with my modeling system. Every now and then though, I fire up the Lionheart and play through that. If I was going to be recording a final track, I would use the Lionheart and effect pedals to get the desired sound, and record that. But keep in mind I only use two sounds for most of my stuff, with a few others for specific songs. If I was looking for a ton of variety, the modeler would be the better option.

You guys might want to check out the Axe FX II... lots of guys just love that thing and does seem to sound really good from what I've heard on-line. Some guy on YouTube did a great little set of videos where he runs through every preset. Its a very impressive unit.

Thanks for the replies. I wish I had a rockstar's budget for a room full of classic guitars and amps, to be able to pair up a different guitar and amp combo for every tone. I also wish I had that level of talent :rolleyes:

But in working with my budget, I've picked up a Peavy PVi8500 powered mixer (8 inputs and 200 watts x 2) and a pair of Peavy PV115 2-way speakers. I think my $1500 investment (Line-6, mixer and speakers) delivers everything a weekend guitar player like me would need. With the mixer I can have friends plug in, I can amp my acoustic, plug in my old Dr Rhrythm beat box and even play MP3 tunes to jam along with. Plus its cool to just sit there and push buttons and explore all the sounds!

Time to put the Marshall and my old Boss pedal board on CraigsList...

Originally Posted by: tx_bandit I wish I had a rockstar's budget for a room full of classic guitars and amps, to be able to pair up a different guitar and amp combo for every tone.

...that's exactly what they do to! Take a look at this video of Peter Thorn's studio setup... I think it will make you feel better when you see the extent of what pro's go through to get their sound... it really has to be a career:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt70cvyb7IU

I think you're making the right choice. When I sold my Marshall, I did really well on E-bay (sold just the head on e-bay, the cab I sold locally). Some Pledge furniture polish will clean that pedal board right up and get you a few more bucks for it.