Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

[Econ]

Hi folks:

I've been a tube amp player for a long time, but have decided that modeling is the way to go for me know. I don't play put anymore and with a wife and daughter it is impossible to play at a loud volume in my house. Therefore, I think that a modeling amp is the best option for me. I have a Voodoo Amps modded Triple XXX that I would like to "retire" and will only use when I can have some privacy at home (which is very rarely).

The question is: Which modeling amp should I get? I want something that I can use at home to jam over some music. I also would like to do some recording with the amp. It is also important that the amp sounds good at low volume levels. Line 6 comes to mind, but I know they have the POD XT, POD XT live, POD XT Pro, the HD 147 and also the Vetta. Which one would you get? I'm drawn to the Vetta due to the double tracking feature and also the endless options in amps and effects, but it also intimidates me due to the tweaking needed to make it sound good (I don't know much about amp tweaking) and also it is the most expensive amp in the Line 6 lineup. I have also thought about getting the POD XT Pro and a power amp (I don't have a clue which one would be best) and hook everything into my Genz Benz cab. What can you recommend me? I play 80's metal and also like the shredders. By the way, I don't have the option to try any of these amps. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

HD147 is great, a bit simpler than a Vetta and more high-gain oriented.

[Twisteramps]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

Get the Vetta, you won't feel painted into a corner later. I'm still finding out cool features/tones on mine, and I've had it for well over a year.

Pete

[Ace]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

If you want to modeling, and you can afford it, I agree that you should get the Vetta. Don't be too intimidated by it. I figured out how to dial in a decent tone with it in a few minutes. I am not a modeling fan, but if you're gonna do it, do it right. The other guitar player in my band is using a Spider 2X12 for practice, and it sounds HORRID next to my rig.

[Megadeth79]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

Good topic Econ. I am also interested in Vetta, but does it sounds good in low volumes?

[dinkyjacksonman]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

Econ, if you really want to play it with low volume at home, Only the way is to get a small combo such as Line6 Flextone 1x12 or Behringer.
I had a Flextone 1x12 and was good enough for playing at home.

Also, another thing you can do is to get a 1x12 or 2x12 cab to use your Triple XXX.
I tried to downsize the gears and went with modeling amps but I went back with tube amps.
Only the way to get a decent sound out of your tube amp without playing it loud is to have smaller cabinet with lower output speakers.
If you like yoru Triple XXX, I am sure you will miss it.
So why not to go and find a different way to use it but with smaller watt speakers.

[GodOfRhythm]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

You could get a powerplate or some hotbrakes.

[dinkyjacksonman]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

Yea, Power soak or something [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[rocksoldier]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

Or maybe a small tube combo?

[Econ]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

I seriously thinking about a POD XT.

[GodOfRhythm]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

Well you could go that way, but it won't be the same as tube amp.

[Econ]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

I already have a tube amp. I just want something small, yet versatile for jamming at low volume levels.

[Grandturk]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

The POD XT is a really cool tool. I only (only!) use mine for practice and recording, so I can't tell you haw it does in live situations. As a practice and recording tool, it has replaced my Marshall completely. Its incredibly versatile and its sounds awesome. You get a ton of amps (72 with the upgrade, of which I probably use 10-15 regularly) and effects. You get total tweakability as far as cabs, mics and EQ is concerned. The 5150 and the SLO are my personal favorites. As an example of how versatile it is, I use the SLO model alone for 4 or 5 different sounds, from vintage-y plexi to full out tear your head off. For $300 or whatever, you can't go wrong.

[pcutt]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

The attenuator approach is my first suggestion (since I'm a tube bigot!). But here's something to keep in mind regarding the modellers. This is the era of the internet, and there's a lot of activity on the modelling forums in sharing ideas about settings and sounds that are better than the presets.

-paul

[Grandturk]

Re: Please help - I want to get a modeling amp

[ QUOTE ]
better than the presets.


[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, the presets are pretty useless - but I could walk up to anyone's amp and want to fiddle the knobs to get a sound that I like, too.