You Can Get A Great Tone From Entry Level Amp Modeling Units
Recording guitar has been a process that has dramatically changed in the last 6 years or so.
Amplifier modeling was around in some form or another before this time, but it is only recently the explosion of new units has made it possible for everyone to experience and enjoy them, even those on a low budget.
Are these amplifier substitutions really up to the task of the real thing? Spending hours with a professional experienced engineer will get you a better tone, probably, but dial in one of the pre-set tones from these units and tweak them for a few minutes, and you will not be far off.
I have done several A/B tests with my amplifiers (which I no longer own, so maybe this is a clue to what I am about to say!), and to be honest, I got just as good of a tone from the Amp modeler.
There are criticisms sometimes about the user not being able to get real feedback from these devices, but you can run it through an amp if it is essential for your track, or be creative and use an electronic bow type device, it works great and I have used one many times and no one ever guessed.
The introduction of the hardware/software modeling amp with Internet access, which all happens via a browser that is built into the accompanying software is also a huge leap forward for these devices.
You instantly have access to a wide database of tones, guitar lessons, news and articles on your favorite players, so you can download a great tone, and learn to play as you go.
The additional benefits to the guitar player who wants to record at home are also evident, no more annoying the whole neighborhood when your family are out of town! The intro unit most widely available comes in an appealing red color, the interface is very simple, and also really easy to use, just plug n play and install the software, check for software updates, sign up for an account (free for the first 10 days) and away you go, it takes less than 10 minutes.
The fact that these base units only have a USB port, 2 RCA stereo outs and a stereo input so you can plug an MP3 player or some other music device to play along with makes them simple and easy to use, add the single guitar jack input and the volume dial, and there really is not much to go wrong.
These modeling units are well designed and have stood the test of time, while there are more expensive ones available, the basic entry level unit will get you any tone you want.
Add the stomp boxes and effects units, the multitude of amplifiers and cabinets, as well as the different microphones and placement choices and you will soon understand why these devices are so popular.
If you want to get in on the amplifier modeling craze and not spend a fortune, the basic unit works as well as the more expensive ones, and the tones are unbelievable, you will wonder why you never bought one before.
Amplifier modeling was around in some form or another before this time, but it is only recently the explosion of new units has made it possible for everyone to experience and enjoy them, even those on a low budget.
Are these amplifier substitutions really up to the task of the real thing? Spending hours with a professional experienced engineer will get you a better tone, probably, but dial in one of the pre-set tones from these units and tweak them for a few minutes, and you will not be far off.
I have done several A/B tests with my amplifiers (which I no longer own, so maybe this is a clue to what I am about to say!), and to be honest, I got just as good of a tone from the Amp modeler.
There are criticisms sometimes about the user not being able to get real feedback from these devices, but you can run it through an amp if it is essential for your track, or be creative and use an electronic bow type device, it works great and I have used one many times and no one ever guessed.
The introduction of the hardware/software modeling amp with Internet access, which all happens via a browser that is built into the accompanying software is also a huge leap forward for these devices.
You instantly have access to a wide database of tones, guitar lessons, news and articles on your favorite players, so you can download a great tone, and learn to play as you go.
The additional benefits to the guitar player who wants to record at home are also evident, no more annoying the whole neighborhood when your family are out of town! The intro unit most widely available comes in an appealing red color, the interface is very simple, and also really easy to use, just plug n play and install the software, check for software updates, sign up for an account (free for the first 10 days) and away you go, it takes less than 10 minutes.
The fact that these base units only have a USB port, 2 RCA stereo outs and a stereo input so you can plug an MP3 player or some other music device to play along with makes them simple and easy to use, add the single guitar jack input and the volume dial, and there really is not much to go wrong.
These modeling units are well designed and have stood the test of time, while there are more expensive ones available, the basic entry level unit will get you any tone you want.
Add the stomp boxes and effects units, the multitude of amplifiers and cabinets, as well as the different microphones and placement choices and you will soon understand why these devices are so popular.
If you want to get in on the amplifier modeling craze and not spend a fortune, the basic unit works as well as the more expensive ones, and the tones are unbelievable, you will wonder why you never bought one before.
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