I'm Selling My Rhett Shull Amp & Quitting

[@andrefludd]

To make it absolutely clear again, I am not anti tube and analog. I am pro right tool for the task. And for my current task, tubes and pedals aren’t the tool!

[@TheRockinDonkey]

Right tool for the right task cannot be understated. I fell into the trap of a tube amp. I hated that thing because it was simply too loud for my environment. One day, I realized that I didn't learn to play guitar so I could sit and fiddle with knobs. I just want to plug in and play. So I got rid of the amp. I don't miss it. I have more than my share of gear, but lately I just plug into a little Yamaha amp (I call it a space heater amp, because that's what it looks like) and jam. It's simple and gets the job done and fits my environment. I feel a bit of a kindred spirit with you on that front. Know and accept the limitations of your space and make the most of what you have. Keep doing it your way and don't worry about what other guys are doing. You're not them and they're not you. I don't follow Beato or Shull, but I know Robert Baker would be the first to tell you that you're not wrong to do it your way.

[@DerpleDude]

Hold up, you selling the pedals too? Where you selling these at?

[@MashaT22]

I totally understood where you’re coming from! Tubes and analog aren’t the end all. It’s okay to try something and find out it’s just not for you and your situation. You do you! Maybe you can review gear that’s affordable and similar to an AxeFX style board? Lots of people just don’t have he coin, and all this tech is rapidly getting better. Help us achieve tonal goodness through digital setups with a moderate footprint and easy hookups. These might rely on computers, use iPhone only setups (many folks don’t even own a computer or laptop anymore, or want a really lightweight mobile rig), and gear like AxeFX that doesn’t have to actively be plugged into a computer/mobile to work and plays nice with analog. That would help SO many people!

[@MashaT22]

@@DerpleDudehe said he borrowed the pedals from brands and have to ship them back. He spent an entire minute showing us all the shipping boxes lying in his hallway to return them.

[@DerpleDude]

@@MashaT22 I haven't had the chance to sit down and watch the video yet, thank you for the information

[@harlescooper3602]

I have finally learned that chasing equipment constantly is wasting my time, money and space. I now try to save all of that and work with what I have. I appreciate you sharing this and helping me stay on the path of creating.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

It's in the heart and hands, gear acquisition syndrome gets in the way.............ymmv.

[@_OopsieDaisies]

as a person who also has had to accept that no matter what i do, i'm never going to get clean power, I FEEL YOUR PAIN. i've turned the emi from the cell towers on my apt building roof into the background noise of many songs that i might as well have called it a concept album i definitely hit a guitar youtube wall where i felt i had already seen everything all those big dogs you mentioned were posting but i'm happy to give your channel a chance because i still love all that stuff :)

[@piotrpietrucha2685]

A fantastic contribution to digital/analog discussion. I'm also on the digital side. Since I'm using UAD Apollo I know there is no way back to the tube amp. The ability to practise in late evening, recording in no time to check the results makes us sound better in the long term. BTW you deserve much more recognition!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :)

[@edesbalazs]

Man I'm so glad you made this video. I also hope a lot of beginners will see this, before jumping in the rabbithole of analog gear. If any (english speaking) friend of mine will ask about amps vs modelers, I'll just send them your video.

[@andrefludd]

Thanks man!

[@vancesnyder2426]

When I started during the Pandemic, my musician friend told methat I had what I needed and just practice and play music. I love to collect, so I bought guitars, amps, pedals, pedal boards, subscriptions, watched hundreds of gear video's. Please listen to those who have gone before you and save thousands of dollars and 100's of unnecessary hours.

[@brandonbryson3317]

Tube amps are best for guys like me, who have a large garage that they can just crank it in and have a blast. Also for guys that like a simple setup and get most of their tone directly from the amp with minimal effects. Now, I know lots of people who enjoy plugging a tube amp into their two notes and playing it through their monitors like a plugin. That’s good and well, but it does nothing for me. I’ll just use plug-ins when I’m in that setting.

[@ItsVictoriaG]

“Also for guys that like a simple setup and get most of their tone directly from the amp with minimal effects.” Yup, I’m that kind of gal. I want to flip a switch and play. Anything more gives me analysis paralysis!

[@andrefludd]

Totally understand that. I use about 5% of the axefx3 features.

[@jonnylawless6797]

Dude honestly I used to gig with just a GT-1 going direct, only time I interacted with it was to change patches. My whole rig at the time, including case, guitar, pedal, and cables was like just over a grand in value.

[@norseman61]

I just plug into my Katana with a touch of reverb, delay, and gain (all on-board the amp) and I’m good to go. The only pedal I have is a CryBaby wah. Every so often if I’m feeling’ trippy, I’ll use some of the other Katana’s effects. If I’m traveling, a $50 used Scarlett Solo into my MacBook with Garage Band (free). Simple is good!

[@caiusmadison2996]

​@andrefludd this, it's overcomplicated and most end up staying on less than 10% of what is offered. I'm of the opinion that's by design. We used to understand more options than can be used, meant none of them are that great, and a handful are truly usable. Thats always gonna be the case for digital. I had an RP1 in the 90's, expensive multieffects pedal from Digitech. Loved it, because it did it right, had four pedal buttons to access the programmed spots and effects. This worked well, but to say that it's all usable somehow, no. Lol, half of those effects setting wjere absolutely like a drunk playing with modulation effects and then saying "Great now name it." I find the offers today are still suffering from this problem, and I really don't ever see it stopping. Imagine your job is to lock in these settings and they tell you "Hey, we need 500 setting today, not 100, and you better have them in 2 months or you bomb our contract and we'll hold you liable for delaying the release of this product we've already marketed as coming out at that time." Yeah, you me and Dupree would be trying out hardest to figure out how to set this many "usable" tones. However, they licklwy never check it much, just a few patches and wait for feedback later. That's another thing, great digital today, is rough as possible tomorrow no matter how much it advances, and it's still not got the time vested I to it analog gear has. That's why one is still the dream rig, and the other is the universal almost that never really is. Breakup doesn't come through on digital, amd digital breakup patches sound ridiculous and not like real breakup still, in 2024. So its really not ready, still, and that's a bummer. Hey, but you phone can send a commercial about what ya talked about 10 minutes ago, so give it time, eh?

[@LittleRajProductions]

I was a total anti-plugin snob my entire life and remained so up until about 9 months ago when I switched DAWs and realized how freaking tired I was of always chasing a sound whilst going from my analog gear into my interface considering that although you hear a lot of folks say that they set and forget their rigs before recording an album, most every track you will put on a album requires different variations of settings from your rig unless you're totally cool with zero drama emanating from said record. I couldn't be more on board with plugins all day long with the amount of writing, recording, mixing and video work that I do. I never wanted to be this guy but,,,,GO DIGITAL!

[@aligatorsandwitch72]

You're very quickly becoming my favorite guitar channel seeing how realistic your studio is.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :)

[@connorkeen6645]

Your videos are realistic, and you talk about what is and isn't truly accessible for a situation. I think you speak a lot of truth, and seeing your interactions with viewers makes me appreciate you even more. You are inspirational!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you. I appreciate that :)

[@joetowers4804]

All that you point out, all the drawbacks of analog, makes me so glad I went full digital over 10 years ago. I got S-Gear by Scuffham and I have slowly been learning Reaper. Now my gear is mostly a midi foot controller, an interface mounted to a pedalboard, and a Surface pro as the digital brains. Love it to death.

[@C36B]

Same page. I started with a Pod XT when it launched and never looked back. Now I have a kid, need to use headphones all of the time and really on Amplitube 5 for 95% of my playing. Happy as a camper.

[@stratnut]

I too have gone the Scuffham S-Gear route using Reaper. I've upgraded the IRs (York Audio) and the spring reverb (Audiothing Springs). With tweaking Windows, I can get very low latency (64 samples). I find it very inspiring to play through

[@jimandcathep9915]

I have tube amps, solid state amps, pedalboard, and an AXE FX 2 XL. They are all great and I love them all. They all have their uses at what their best at. The AXE is great for recording - if all you're doing is recording, the AXE is for you. The one thing I will say about digital gear is, its not forever. I have found with mine that while it is a great tool - it is ultimately a computer. Computers get old, break down over time, and become unsupported by the manufacturer. As computers change and operating systems evolve, companies stop supporting editing software etc. If you're ok with getting a new AXE FX every 5 years or so when a new model comes out then thats great ! I much prefer the ease of analog gear, especially when performing. Sometimes the Axe can be a never ending rabbit hole of " can I make this sound just a little better??" - and hours of tweaking. Good luck to you Andre, whatever you decide !

[@vibrolax]

I'm an old guy, who finally got an opportunity to play in a working band in 1990. It was hard enough to play in front of an audience, let alone having to deal with a finicky pedal board, a tube amps, 2 or 3 guitars, etc. I had to set up and run the house and monitor system, too. I needed things as simple as possible, so I used an Alesis Quadraverb GT, Vibrolux Reverb, and ART X11 to make all my sounds. They weren't the best sounds, but they were always accessible without an elaborate foot dance. After retiring from gig life in 2005, I learned how to scratch build tube amps, and how to get tone without pedals or digital effects. I couldn't have done it with time and performance pressure. I don't disrespect anyone who chooses ways to reduce their music-making workload.

[@jakemitchell1671]

Excellent video, and I really appreciate your honesty and openness. I didn't take it as "anti-KZbin" or "anti-analog" at all. I happen to be an old-school guy with tons of vintage gear, but every point you made resonates with me. The most important was the endless frustration that is DIRTY POWER. I live in a home built in 1969, and I've had to completely give up on the dream of getting quiet recordings. I've had electricians come out, tried various power conditioners, endless hacks....You cannot overcome dirty power without significant cost and space. I also genuinely sympathize with musicians caught up in GAS. It's very much an addiction, and I suffered from it for years. Thank God I was able to overcome it and peacefully settled on a few choice pieces of gear. However, my 25 year old son is caught up in it BAD, and he's slowly going insane, LOL. Every week it's a new guitar, pedal, amp, mic, etc.

[@wsteele1904]

I feel this 100%. I am new to guitar and I caught myself buying pedals and gear chasing certain tones I wanted to make. As everything started adding up expense wise, I noticed the stress also adding up, the stuff piling up all over my house and so I just tapped out and got a Boss Katana head w/ a 2x12 and I could not be happier. A great thing about it is that I also find myself practicing a lot more instead of going down KZbin gear review rabbit holes.

[@travismccartney]

Great points Andre! I'm an electrical engineer by training so I have the education and knowledge to understand the analog circuits and I enjoy that aspect of the hobby as well. I year ago I started down the path of leveling up my solder skills and began building my own pedals from off-the-shelf PCBs. For me and my skill set, it has been a fun way to explore different parts of the hobby and I can build great sounding pedals much cheaper than buying. I'm also was able to gain enough skill in soldering while building pedals to be comfortable opening up my tube amp and re-capping it myself and making some modifications to suite my preferences. I'm to the point now that I'm planning my first tube amp build in the near future. All that said, I don't think my tube amps offer me an experience that is sufficiently different to warrant the expense and care required of them for how (low volume) and where (my office) I play if I didn't also have the skills, ability and desire to tinker around with them.

[@andrefludd]

I’m didn’t know that about you! You should help me with these power issue lol.

[@travismccartney]

@@andrefludd You likely have an excessive amount of EMI (electromagnetic interference) and poor grounding. Power filtering can only get you so far in that situation, and the returns diminish quickly. You may be able to have a separate grounding rod placed to help with that aspect, but any other solutions get expensive quickly.

[@PaulOnGuitar]

I can totally relate to your experience. I used to record tube amps and analog gear for myself and some customers back in my student days and beyond as a side gig in addition to may main job. I went all the way from JCM800/HiwattCustom100 heads down to 5-watt heads and even ZVex Nano Head that is 0.1-0.5W. The main problems I encountered were poor sound at low volumes and the overall lack of consistency. I left my gear in a home studio overnight after recording a band, we came back in the morning and found the sound slightly altered. It was not something that could be noticed in a live situation but recordings sometimes demonstrated a 5-10% difference in results. Nobody touched the knobs or cabs/mics during the night. The only thing changing was air humidity/freshness due to the airing done before the morning session. I used to consider the air changes as the main perpetrator since this effect was less noticeable when I was recording the cabs in an air-tight sealed isolation cabinet box. However, a recent interview with Satchel (Steel Panther) added another possible factor. According to him, mains voltage could vary to the degree where it affected tube amp transformers and led to volume/tone changes. He fought this issue for years while touring the world with tube amps before going digital. The use of modellers removed all problems with volume/tone consistency. I am presently using a digital modeller with accidental introduction of tube preamps to its return loop and I feel that the ease of recording and my overall productivity have increased manifold. I am simply not Bob Rock to mess with analog gear for days looking into new ways to stabilise it and creating ideal conditions for its utilisation. Tube preamps with digital poweramp/speaker/effects emulators do a fantastic job for me.

[@joeydego2]

Great video too. Another vote for the AxeFX. I love tube amps and own many but gig with my FAS stuff. efficiency matters. Ive been so far down the analog rabbit hole my basement you cant even walk through anymore. I also shoot in a tiny space so I totally understand the struggle. My dogs bark upstairs and I can hear it through the mics. dogs, footsteps, water. Everything.

[@MichaelMakowski2006]

What a great video. Very refreshing that you shared this story, and your wrap-up was really on point with being honest with your actual goals and framing your expectations within the constraints of what is available to you.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@IndyRockStar]

i had the same issue. I bought a Furman power conditioner for $200. Works wonders and fits on a rack.

[@matthewf9500]

Went digital 3 years ago and don’t regret it. Helix and Fractal fm9 player.

[@jhumbrac]

I sold off my amps and pedals and joined team Helix myself. Love the flexibility and HUGE range of choices. I don't get gas anymore. I've actually gone from 6 amps, 40 pedals, and 20 guitars to 1 amp (as a backup), 3 pedals, and 6 guitars with the Helix. And even then I'll probably get rid of one or two more of those guitars over the next couple of months

[@matthewf9500]

@@jhumbrac yeah I went from solid state to tube amps. I was always worried about tubes going out. Now with modeling being as great as it is I’ve just used the helix and fm9 through the FR and I’m happier than ever.

[@carpoo]

I totally agree, even though I don't find your same frustrations since I don't make videos. I just bought my first amp, it uses a very good deal on a Peavey 5150. For 10 years I have used nothing but pedalboards and plugins and now I see myself buying the amp, cables and an attenuator to play at home. I do not want to say that they are worse for it, not at all, but in the moment we live in now, that young people cannot afford big houses, and many of us live in apartments with neighbors, analog equipment is too big for us, I I like to make this point, it is no longer just a sound issue, but a social one. I love your videos, keep it up!

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I love little old tube amps, especially Ampeg and Gibson (although Gibson has being going up fast) amps from their "golden era". Most of mine were under $1,000, including recent buys of a 1957 Ampeg Mercury (Atlas branded) and Jet for ~$700. Tube amps can easily be shipped without damage if you simply remove the tubes, and pack them separately, then cocoon the amp inside a box with padding all the way around, another larger box around it. I've bought numerous tube amps that were shipped without damage, because they were simply-properly packed. I've not tried digital platforms simply because I love little old tube amps so much, and the guitar players I love use them. That said, I've heard incredible sounding guitar playing through digital and modeling amps, but they are not for me - I'm old and a traditionalist when it comes to gear.

[@caiusmadison2996]

I am the same way, but my gear has been stacking since 94'. I have a Matchless chieftan(1st year) amd a Lightning(also 1st year) I have a Blues Deluxe and a Blues Jr. as well. I have numerous guitars(13 currently but that's low for me) and pedals that fill a closet from all eras even before I was born. I cannot find anything digital I've ever liked, it always comes off as flat sounding, scooped like a friggin 80's sound no matter what you do. Great for if you're wanting that tone and iI do like that tone, but if it's all I have, it's not acceptable. I also don't like how with a million options, you end up sounding like nothing and everything all the time, meaning you never comes out of that amp, not your tone, other's tones are coming through.

[@IndyRockStar]

what you're describing is everything every guitarist goes through. I just dropped $300 on Mogami line out cables to eliminate noise from the OX box I just bought. It never ends. I get it man you're not alone. Art is pain. Art is release.

[@caiusmadison2996]

It's a cost for the very best live sound you can have. It's not for everyone, for sure. My suggestion is a home rig should be the modeler, and live should be a sound you are known for and its because you're decided on YOUR tone. Modeling users have no recognizable footnote, and that's due to this modeling craze. They choose entirely different tones per song, which can be cool for sure, but where the guitarist's spirit in that? Constantly fully revamping your sound, means you are undecided and it will hit or miss as a result imo. It TAKES from developing your sound imo, and it's because it gives so many options that you feel obligated to use them all as much as can. I just feel that the old school approach is why these got popular. Many musicians of past and present sent those presets in. You are chasing their analog tone digitally. Instead, I posit, make your own.

[@InspiretoVictory]

This series needs to continue. This is excellent. Your commentary on this experiment is profoundly real. It is well thought out and well explained. And I don't know if you realize it, but you are addressing problems that so many of us face. Whether we're an occasional guitar noodler that would like to share some recordings or someone aspiring to be a full blown, high budget KZbin guitar channel. I would think there is a wide audience for this type of content. I know I will be continuing to watch all your videos as I just came across your channel recently. Also, I want to thank you for being so authentic in a world of click baits and gimmicks.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you :). I’ll def continue these types of talks moving forward.

[@countrylapi9245]

My new Line 6 Spider V Mark ii 240… GOOOOOLD! Your videos get so real. Discussing your 3-1/2’ x 6’ space, your noise issues when you pause during flushes!… that’s as real as it gets… and the De’Angelico behind you with P90’s… love it. I’m sub’d my man!

[@dimitriid]

Honestly people really need to think about where analog amps come from: vacuum tubes were tech that we have used for over 100 years. It's unreasonable to expect us to still depend on 100 pound vacuum tubes amp and if I even take it a step further, I would say that the overall progress of amp modeling and entirely digital sound chains has been negatively impacted and held back by audio elitists demanding to still use vacuum tube amplifiers. Sorry but if an audiophile doesn't thinks digital modeling is good enough they should demand products are improved instead of demanding to still use the equipment that's been fundamentally unchanged for over a century.

[@popeye089]

I use both but find I love my tube amps more. I won’t say it’s the sound but they have a feel. An amp is an instrument unto itself. It’s part of the tone journey some f us have. Whatever you use, digital or analog, learn to use it to it’s full potential and respect what other people choose to use. Their is no better or best, just what is better for your musical voice

[@CKS64]

Great point

[@incubrian]

videos like this are the best! i learned about you from your parker vids, but this is spot on as well. i've long been a proponent of things like line 6 podfarm/HD500x, or things like the boss ME50. not only is space a vastly overlooked issue but also TIME. the time and "rigamaroll" to dick around with setting up "real" amps and FX is just a hassle. and most listeners wont tell the difference, hell most seasoned pros cant tell that i am using digital variants of things. when i want to dial in a phase sound, its SO much easier to dial in the model. i have the real phase 90 downstairs, but that requires a PSU, patch cables, and effort to get it patched in. and then if you need to make any changes, its even more time and energy that could be spent playing rather than teching. these are those overlooked variables, and its so awesome to see you showcase your space like this.

[@whenvioletsturngrey9597]

I bought a Tone Master, recently. It made me realize something. I can have everything I need, with a digital amp. I can play it fully breaking up at home(on the 1 watt setting). I can take it to rehearsal, or a show, & do the same at various output levels(or line out). & it sounds great. Inspirational, even. But, my lightbulb moment was that this is the future. Our tube amps will still be optimal for recording. They have that “little bit extra”. & what I see happening is that recording studios start collecting tube amps, to have on hand. The rest of us switch to these extremely versatile, digital modeling machines. I love my old tube amp but, the days of the band having to adjust to(or deal with) my optimum tonal volume are done. I can have that anywhere, anytime

[@llwonder]

Ox box was my game changer. I like having physical gear. There’s a vibe to it that I haven’t got with other digital gear. The ox box let’s my get rid of the downsides of analog and also enjoy tube amps and effects. Collecting is fun to me.

[@pedroleal7118]

I'll try to make a quick comment. First, we are all different. Different experiences ,contexts and needs. I'll also say that your channel is unique and honest. There's no one on YT that does what you do. It might not seem so, but your experience is really enlightning, and I'm sure , lots of people can relate. I totally get your point, but, coming from the analog side, I'm happy with my set -up and used to it. Was lucky enough to have experienced special guitars, effects, + studio recordings and a degree in 'sound engineering' (that I went thru, in order to understand what I was doing). I probably could modeled my amp and use all the digital advantages, but I'm ok with my tube combo+speaker (spreaded across the room), and take care of my tubes on a regular base (I know 2 old fellows that know a lot about tube technologie). Hope you'll continue with your channel, sharing your practical experiences. Good tube amps are expensive, as are boutique pedals. Take care! See U soon! ps you can often do the trick with a pedal volume+ three dirt cheap (but great) Boss pedals. The rest is in the hands. I often say to a friend/student of mine, no pedal will make you play better. It will make you sound different or even hide some defaults, but always work clean, so you can hear the imperfections. An amp is like a microcospe for the ear.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you for supporting!

[@tanker1960]

Lies, I see other channels plain outright lie, to sell gear for for the companies that pays them.

[@pedroleal7118]

@@tanker1960 I do agree, and that's why I appreciate André's channel , it's honesty and practical view, no conflict of interest.

[@tanker1960]

@@pedroleal7118 What is sad is there was a liar in the group, caught him several time speaking with Forked Tongue. I am thankful the only gear I am waiting for is the MT100, to compare with the Mesa Boogie MK V to see which fits my needs.

[@kyle8575]

Hey! About the pedal and losing tone thing. I know you're no longer using this setup; However, for future reference, you can use a boost pedal at the beginning or end of your chain. This will mitigate the "lost" tone if you run the boost pedal slightly over unity. The loss in tone is really just the signal strength decreasing. Also, BOSS pedals have buffered bypass. This helps your signal travel further without degrading. Some people have a stigma about non true-bypass pedals, but those are the same people who obsess over the Klon Centaur, which is buffered bypass... If you ever get more space and want to make a return to the physical gear, do not hesitate to get a pedal board. This solves that mess of cables and pedals. First time watching a video from you. I like your style and setup. Keep at it man. Edit: I am not trying to sell you on physical over completely digital. As your pinned comment says you are for the right tool for the task. Totally agree. I play with my band and small shows here and there so physical gear is what I prefer. Anyway, with all due respect, it seems like you had a somewhat misguided journey regarding the physical gear. Your pedal power needs to be an isolated power supply. What sucks is the companies making crap gear are able to slap on "isolated" to their product even though it's not actually what you're looking for (causing the hiss/hum). Then regarding pedals not receiving enough power is likely an issue with the required mA (milliamps). Majority of pedals only require 100ma, especially if its a drive pedal it probably only needs around 10-20. The really involved digital pedals generally require 200-300mA. A good quality true isolated power supply would likely have multiple power ports supplying this much. As I'm typing this I realize I could go on and on. The biggest problem with physical gear is that it does not just work as is. You have to spend time really researching and dealing with trial and error. That sucks! There is so much to learn which can be a big turn off, especially with the ready to go digital solution in front of you. However, once that learning experience is over it's really a joy. There is something satisfying about physical gear, especially when you get the sound you want. Having your sounds at the push of a button. I'm a programmer, so it's not a issue with computers directly, but dealing with software to use effects and adjust settings irks me. It's not as fluid. This really comes down to your situation though. When I was living at home I rarely used my pedal board and amp because it was just too little space and too loud! So I was plugging in DI and using Neural DSP with some headphones. I enjoyed that more at the time. I guess my point is, I truly believe physical gear can be better, but you have to go through the learning experiences and your situation has to be right for it. Edit 2: Your last point is a great discussion to have. I think regarding physical gear, you are right. It will not make you sound better, it will not make you write better. People have to realize that there are amazing budget friendly options when it comes to pedals. You can spend $40 on a great drive pedal, $70 on a good reverb, and so on. It's really easy to fall into the trap of more expensive = better sound. Something that totally turned me off to that was watching JHS videos. A ton of material on their channel showing how expensive pedals sound just like a sub $100 option. The most important thing as a musician regarding writing is just doing it. It doesn't matter how, it doesn't matter with what gear. Just do it. A good song will come across as such on nearly anything.

[@andrefludd]

Thanks for your comment and your detail. Even when I have a bigger space one day, I think I'll also prefer compactness. I guess something about growing up in a city does that to you. On the JHS pedal part, I've experienced that myself first hand SO MANY times. I can make my Boss Katana sound like my Axefx3 and it honestly isn't even that hard to do. I can't mimic the feel, but I doubt anyone would ever notice in my videos.

[@kyle8575]

@@andrefludd Whatever works and as long as you give it a good try for the experience you know (which is exactly what you did)! As time goes on I can definitely see physical gear no longer being a common thing. The biggest part I hate is moving all my gear Lugging around my amp on top of my pedal board and guitar is not much fun. Digital has gotten indistinguishable from analog as much as people want to argue over that. Bringing JHS up again, they secretly used a Kemper for an entire year and nobody noticed. They revealed it a month ago. If it sounds good it is good.

[@loydthabartender5794]

Great video and really hits home what it's like being a guitar player in an east coast city where horizontal space is a premium. This is exactly why I'm sticking to Fractal products. Yes they are a pain in the ass to dial in, even more so then amps, but once you get them dialed in all you have to do is plug in and turn them on and you are ready to practice, and all you have to do to record is open your DAW and hit record. No setting up mics, no acoustic treating your room, no power hum BS, no noise complaints. Tube amps sound great when you can crank them but I don't miss using one at all. Using one is like trying to parallel park a ferrari in a city. It's not what it's made for and you aren't ever getting the most out of it. As far as gear goes though I love buying guitars, but You can just slide those under tables when you aren't using them or even hang them on the wall. Tube amps, not so much.

[@MrAustinMusic]

I have always been a huge fan of the Orange Crush old school transistor/solid state technology. I've tried a fair amount of the newer modeling amps, as well as some tube options. All small options as I'm not a big performer. The solid state always did exactly what I wanted with far more consistency than tube amps (I could play 5 of the same model amps and get 5 slightly different sounds from tube amps). I always ran into the problem that I didn't know where to start or what to invest my time and money into for pedals. So I started going to the digital route. I bought AmpliTube max and loved it. Upgraded my interface which doesn't work well with Amplitube when other software for work is running. So I decided a pedal amp sim unit would do the job. I bought the Headrest MX5. It has more than enough different pedal options, amps, cabs, microphones, and works as an interface. My whole sound comes from that and a guitar. It was such a relief to slim down and not have to worry about extra investing when I wasn't certain of the results. Plus if I ever get sick of the sound of the amp I can just swap out the model and it completely helps adjusting for "ear fatigue". Good video Andre, sorry about the headache with this series, but I really enjoyed the discussion, as well as the Strandberg experiment. Looking forward to what you have coming next!

[@misterknightowlandco]

I have a mustang 3 v1. Fender combo amp. Best of both worlds. For when I have the space and can turn on an amp, it sounds great and it’s old school fun. When I need to be quiet, headphone jack right on the amp. When I want to record, there is a usb input so I can connect directly to a laptop or iPhone. I can do that quietly or loudly. I think 80-90% of people would be well served with a modeling combo amp. It’s everything you could need all in one stop.

[@Jesse615]

Dr. Andre, I so agree on you with this. I live in Brooklyn, in what is, by NYC terms, a decent-sized apartment, and am lucky to have an entire room dedicated to making music. But it is roughly the same size as the room you're in -- maybe a bit larger. I live on a quiet street, but the ambient noise can sometimes be an issue for me too. Nope, got the UA Ruby vintage AC-30 pedal and never looked back! Also, your point about mastering the gear you do have is spot on.

[@KenCarver]

I started playing in '73. By the time the 80's rolled around for live shows I was using 3 amps, 14 pedals, almost an hour to set it all up, and taking up more than my share of the stage. I went digital with Line 6 in 1999 and haven't looked back. Comparing my first digital amp (AX2, which I still have) to my current rig (built around the Helix), it still amazes me how far the technology has come. I'm an electronics tech by trade, and service amps for my friends. Knowing what I know about most tube amps, the fact that they make it to a gig and work most of the time demonstrates either luck or a darned good road case. (The exception to this would be the 70's Hiwatt amps...those things would survive a low level nuclear blast).

[@chadromney]

I like tube amps and haven't tried the new modeling stuff yet, so I really appreciate videos and channels like yours because I have goals to start recording this year and I know digital is in my future.

[@TheRockinDonkey]

Good luck with the recording. I hope it goes well for you. Just one piece of advice: if you find yourself getting frustrated with gear, take a step back and ask yourself if there's a simpler way you could be capturing your sound.

[@chadromney]

@@TheRockinDonkey really good advice. Thanks!

[@TheRockinDonkey]

@@chadromney Been down that road. Hope it goes well for you!

[@fcariani]

This is a great discussion of real issues we face being musicians with limited spaces (and presumably in an urban environment). My only two footnotes are (i) I keep my tube amp for live gigging but basically play a digital rig at home and (ii) dirty power gets in the way of my digital gear too.

[@petesmith6434]

I am a 70 year-old gigging and studio musician who has been working as a professional guitarist for 55 years. During that time, I have owned, and/or used, most amps, cabs and effects that were available during that time. As I got older, it became much harder for me to carry amps, cabs,effects units and several guitars to every live gig or studio date. Starting in the early 2000s I started making the move to emulators/modelers. Today, I no longer own any physical amps, cabs or effects units. I now own only a Fractal Axe-Fx III, a switch board and an expression pedal…that is it…all I ever have to bring to any gig or studio date. In my opinion, and that of my audiences and producers/engineers, there is no noticeable difference between analog gear and my Fractal unit. So, in conclusion I totally agree with your assessment!

[@kennypeoples6913]

Dr. Andre: I really enjoy your take on these things. I myself am 68 years old and have played for 55 of those years. I got to the point where I never trade of sell gear because I've got room and I like collecting. I own a 1976 Marshall MK 11 50 watt head a 4x12, as well as Vox, Fenders, Ampegs, and a nice collection of guitars. what I learned as I got older and things seem to have gotten heavier, is that I don't want to haul a lot of gear. I have always been a dedicated tube guy, but I took a chance when the Spark 40 came out a few years ago and for me it means I set it up in my home office, run a cord from the headphone jack to the interface and then to the computer. I can lift it with one finger. The tones are great if you know how tweak the settings. I do not like the amp without headphones. So what I am saying is that technologies get better every day. I also take the digital path out of necessity and I would bet that nobody could tell if I was playing a Plexi MK11 full throttle or the digital setting I use to go to the track. Live gigs still require me to haul a VoX AC15, and that's ok. Good channel by the way. Thanks

[@andrefludd]

Thank you

[@x3a3x3]

The spark is fun to play at home..

[@zoomzoom3950]

I have amps, cabs, organs, leslie, PAs, synths, etc. scattered throughout the house. 😁 Recently purchased the PolyChrome DSP plugin/standalone. Simple, powerful, intuitive, sounds great. Very impressed! Best $99 I've spent on gear in a long time. Doesn't take up more space either!

[@dlmyrs]

Great video, Dr. Fludd. Nice to see a great comparison between the difficulty of analog vs digital. I’m not smart enough to switch to digital….but was smart enough to get a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier again! And nice to see you over 12k subscribers.

[@shipofthesun]

Isolation cabinet. Solves the output noise and recording noise. You can crank the amp up until it sounds good, and still be able to have a normal conversation in the room. As far as power, I have a UPS that cleanly rebuilds the AC signal from the backup battery in my rack and solves grounding issues. Very clean, but to your point, my EH Stereo Memory Man has to have it's own higher current power supply to be happy and noise free. I'm not super excited about having too many pedals on the floor, so I have a MIDI rack that allows me to use a MIDI footboard, only 2 cables to connect to it which means I have more stage room to trip over. I need to get a MIDI looper so I can bring in the few footpedals I do want to use, but I need to fix my ADA MP-1 tube preamp to get the rack working first.

[@RJ_HTx]

A Fender silverface champ or Fender Princeton Reverb is probably all you need it to begin with. All of this that you talk about is the path that most of us have to go through cuz in order to find the stuff that we need, we got to buy gear till we find what we really need.

[@user-mi6ye8qv5h]

I agree, i moved into a house where my guitar room is 3 m x 3m, the orange tiny terror that was fantastic in a large garage was horrible in the little room, as was my VOX modelling amp. Sold them both and got a little Yamaha desktop amp - fantastic, perfect for the size room!

[@FrederickCouch]

I've been waffling about with this 'Gear vs digital' conundrum for the last year.....This vivdeo helped me realize what's important. Master the gear you have. That is the best advice I've seen on KZbin. Thank you so much for this video. I have a Behringer pedal I can tie to my vst host or DAW, so I get pedal like behavior, but otherwise, I'm sticking with digital.

[@stringsattached67]

I just subscribed because you're so transparent and that's a huge refresh from the norm on yt . Plus I'm also a Parker / vigier excalibur fan .

[@andrefludd]

welcome friend :)

[@DaNooch669]

All these things you mentioned is why I like analogue gear. It makes me think out of the box for solutions and it helps me understand what I'm using. It's not for everyone, and digital solutions are great too. But there's just something fun about finding a problem and figuring out a way to overcome it.

[@andrefludd]

I love finding and overcoming issues as well. For me, that issue to overcome is growing a community of guitar students and gear nerds, and also improving my playing.

[@IndyRockStar]

I spent 2 years in the gear trap... I had 17 guitars at one point. I really didn't want most of them. I just kept trying to "save money" buying "just as good as" gear. Long story, i decided anything I buy from now on will only be an investment. I sold everything, and bought the 5 guitars I actually wanted. I spent thousands chasing the Klon sound for example. I sold all those clones pedals and just bought an actual Klon, and same thing with the King of Tone V4. I bought a bunch of amps.... I really just wanted a JCM800. Sold amps, bought a JCM800 and used 1960B Cab that I refinished and loaded with the speakers I wanted (Cream backs and V30s). Did the same thing with my monitors. Sold the Junk and bought a set of Adam A7V. Sold the Helix, bought the Quad Cortex. Now, after 2 years my rig is exactly what I want and when see other cool gear on KZbin or where ever I have absolutely zero impulse to go get it. I already have the best (in my view). i did buy an OX Box, because well Marshall...

[@MelodyMaker218]

You like what you like. I personally like old school better for recording. It is just more fun to me and more organic. When I am playing and just having fun, I use the computer and plugins about 98% of the time. I just got a new guitar yesterday so I am stoked, PRS SE McCarty 594 Singlecut. Have a great weekend man!

[@thelastscarecrow6701]

I hope you don’t completely give up on the analog thing. The Revv was a great choice and would have eliminated several of the issues you were having. I am a big fan of the mini heads. They sound great at low volume. And I always make sure the amp has an effects loop and direct out. I do love that you got an attenuator with an FX loop in it though. I have never considered it. There’s been a couple amps I have wanted but no effects loop is a dealbreaker for me. When you recover from this, I suggest buying some thing like a used Peavey Classic 30 combo (great, cheap Jack of all trades amp) for $300 and use your AxeFX in the effects loop. Mess with it in your free time without the pressure of making a video. I think you’ll like it, and if not, you can sell it for what you paid for it. I love your videos by the way. Keep it up and you will be right up there with the list of guys you mentioned!

[@Dram1984]

I’ve tried digital modeling before but I constantly find it to just be a ton of work to get right. I can plug into my Princeton and it sounds like a Princeton. Or I can fiddle with modelers and IRs for an hour and get something close to a Princeton. If I could get the same “plug and play” ease out of modelers I’d jump in a heartbeat.

[@baileywatts1304]

I like stand alone amp in a box pedals for that reason. I've got a Fuzzlord FET120, and it gives a nice Orange sound. It's only slightly less versatile than the actual amp, but I plug it straight into my focusrite and it gives me what I want. There's a lot of those kinds of pedals that I enjoy because I don't need everything that the Axe FX has built into it. I'm almost all analog, but I am solid state through and through.

[@guillaumeledique3401]

Hey Andre, boy oh boy, I can sense the frustration all the way over here! Thank you though for that honest and candid opinion!!! As for not having the space, or the financial stretch your youtube heroes have, it is the fact that you are candid and trying to do the best with what you have that makes me enjoy your content more. Keep the vids coming!!!

[@duuprado]

There's an ongoing trend with fashion influencers here in Brazil which most of the ones that came from poverty/low income scenarios are now working with companies and brands that their own public can have access too, while also providing creative solutions. i had to bring in this comparison because it seems you really get the audience that you've got from the this type of videos you make! Thank you so much from keepin' it real, helping emerging artists to not stray away from the creation path!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you for supporting :)

[@antonharmacinski276]

I've owned one tube amp in 30+ years. In the late 90's I acquired a Peavey Sun head from 1979 because I managed to pick up a whole stack with 8 8" speakers for $50. Only owning a couple of Crates at that point I was really excited, but I can say, for me, it wasn't special. It was tall and impressive and it was loud, but it didn't sound that different once my effects and everything were hooked up. Like Andrea said, I know the sound I wanted and liked and used the gear I had to achieve it. If anything, it set me back be needing to be readjusted to my preferences and transporting it was a nightmare. I've got a the Marshal DT (or whatever their solid state line is) anniversary model (the purple one) with the slanted bottom cab and that's all I need. I'm a hobbyist so I don't have to lug it around like when I was younger chasing the dream. I also use the PODHD 500X. I loved my old Zoom unit and while everyone wants to hate on the Digitech RPs, I managed to get sounds that impressed people out of it. Yeah compared to any other equipment it's kind of crap, but it was an affordable option back then and not unusable like may would suggest.

[@scottcarpenter701]

cheers. feeling your pains. noise: my biggest problem other local stuff. my battery-backup-power-supply for my computer screams if anything is too close...which of course in my 'small space' is always close... one more mention: Idid have my amp deliveryed (amazon even) -- luckily it arrived fine.

[@wingedrhinotv]

Direct recording (I include both analog solutions like sansamps and digital solutions like amp modelers here) isn't just about space efficiency. You said it yourself in the previous video - you could hear a lot more in the room, but none of this came through on your recording. There's a gap between what you hear in the room and what goes into your DAW. When you go direct, your headphones capture the same audio that mine do when I watch your video. That's a ginormous amount of time saved as a producer / recording engineer. There's indeed a place for analog amps - it's for those who can afford the additional time, space, and money to enjoy a richer, slower experience. But the rest of us - we're just trying to get by while wishing a day had 30 hours in it.

[@johnskerlec9663]

I like your points as they are Andre. No need to re shoot. I fully understand the issues involved. 20 plus years ago my neighbor from below ( i lived in an apartment) asked if I was a musician. I asked why and she said they were hearing rhythmic sounds from above (me programing my midi drums). I tried to keep the noise down and still missed something. Analogue is great for live and rehearsal space, but digital can be less offensive to others, and it has the flexibility in sound to be very useful. Andre, I've got music up on Reverbnation as Tempus Et Chao. You can download for free, however, feedback is always appreciated. Keep up the posts if you can. Great work.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

I gave it a like right away sir! You poor guy. Yeah, I am so glad digital gear is here.. It's not the tools we use that makes us good or bad or great. It's the mind! I can't justify an AxeFx, although I love the sound of them and the effects and abilities it has, but I might go with a small Pod Go or something or maybe a headrush, or zoom, etc.. Digital is so much easier to deal with.. When I was young, which was a long time ago.. It was a pain in the you know what.. We had to drag either a combo or a head and cabinet plus any pedals, plus loads of PA gear and drums, and mics, and tape and ton's of cables, etc.. Everytime you played.. Not all of it. Usually there was either a backline amp or PA system, at bigger clubs, but I played at a lot of parties in yards with kegs of beer, etc.. or in the country at lakes, etc.. Even bikers parties.. That was always fun (and dangerous.. 😛) So, yeah, I don't blame you a bit for going digital. The audience will not know the difference and maybe a guitarists might, but who cares. It's the music that matters. Some people are just into gear.. That's ok.. Not me.. I want to know just enough to play and that's all I need.. Great video sir

[@aplanebagel]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your experience, I had many of the same issues with analog ( space, frictions like micing, outside noise mixing in and all , gear not working with one another ) It didn't sound like a rant, it sounded like someone sharing their reasoning about what cause friction to their process and why "the analog path" is not for you for the kind of production you are doing. :) It was a sound video for me ! ( helps i'm a digital player too )

[@rigorhead01]

Try playing in a cover band. You need all the same equipment, plus pa equipment, monitoring equipment whether wedges or in-ear-monitors, lights, a truck and trailer to haul the tons of gear to the venues, etc, etc But I love doing it. I love all the people singing along with me, I love the vibe and connection with the audience,!!

[@caileanhunt8679]

I understand your sentiment completely. I have a small apartment and the same power issues. After buying a tube head and speaker and eq power conditioner etc etc I've come to realise that I could have saved a lot of money and space just playing through my pc. It sounds fantastic and is much much easier.

[@1jennifer]

Rant or not, very enjoyable video, and this is the definition of quitting while you're ahead or quitting smart or whatever they say! I currently have 3 electrics, 1 acoustic, 6 pedals + HX stomp, and I'm still questioning all the time if that is too much for my needs and my space. I had a little blues junior and I love the sound and feel of tubes in general, but just not practical enough to keep. I'd like to get a nice set of studio monitors, but even that I'm putting it off because it still takes up space and just using headphones at the moment!!! Btw, loved your podcast episode, sounds like you're describing the story of my life--many ideas, very few i actually implement, give up quickly because "it's not good enough". also trying to grow from it more intentionally in the last few years...

[@andrefludd]

You summed up my life! Thanks for listening to it.

[@riangarianga]

I think the core issue you have is the valve/tube amp thing. Most of those problems don't exist with solid state amps/gear. For example, they won't easily break, or you would just need a DI from the output to the interface, without even needing to connect any speaker. These days they don't sound any worse, they feel equally great, they're electrically superior. I'm just a bedroom player, I've been in your same situation regarding space since I can remember (on the last 20-25 years I moved homes on average once every couple of years, I can just rent affordable apartments), and the foundation of my best-sounding approach yet is using a solid-state preamp paired together with my own IRs (taken from my own speaker collection, always mounted on a 1x12, otherwise I can't normally use any cab because of neighbours). Whatever gets in the middle between the pre and the IR doesn't matter that much. You only need to have a dead-quiet environment when you're recording the impulses for the IRs. That being said, I still practice the most with an old Line6 Pocket POD Express because... it fits in my pocket 😂and it's less of a hassle to start using it than any other gear, even if it's just pedalboard-sized (mine is normally stowed away to save space). Guitar, headphones, done. I don't personally like digital preamp simulations because I play noticeably different compared to when I'm hooked up to any analog pre, but otherwise the Axe FX approach makes total sense to me.

[@everynotecountsofficial]

I really enjoyed this video. As a guy that is trying to make descent sounding YT videos in a time efficient manner, I totally get the benefit of going all digital.

[@jamescaldwell1933]

Andre, thanks for the honest video. I agree with Your conclusions. I did not watch the video and think you were advocating for digital equipment and anti analog amps. I do not have a lot of money to experiment with buying equipment so digital amp sim devices and software have been very helpful to me. They have given me a taste of what various amps and FX sound like so I don't have to spend a ton of money collecting gear that as you said takes up a lot of space and can cost a ton. The key to being a good to great guitarist is not having 10s of thousands of $$ of equipment but making the most of the gear one owns. When one reads about the equipment of the guitar "gods", a lot of them had very simple rigs. I love Neil Giraldo and he has said in several interviews that he simply did not use pedals because he couldn't afford them. The sound came from Neil's hands. I still use my Line 6 POD XT that everyone loves to hate, but if you spend time creating tones and not just using presets, some great sounds come out of it. I also use an Avid 11 Rack that creates very convincing tones as well. A lot of metal players don't like those devises because of high freq "fizz" but I am a crunch player, not a metal player. And amp sim software has come a long way over the past few years. Nothing like having a studio full of equipment in a laptop or desktop computer. Conclusion: everyone should learn to use the gear they have, not just keep spending money going after that elusive tone. That's Keith Williams message on 5 Watt World as well: "the most tone with the least amount of gear".

[@marcuslee2186]

This is a really inspiring video! I bought a fender gtx50 as my intro amp with the hopes of getting a tube amp some day. Now I’ve gotten used to having so many amp voices and effects built in that I don’t think I can switch to another system.

[@GustavoSanchez64]

I haven't been playing electric guitar for that long but when I got my first one the shop was like I need all these different kind of amps and X cabs. All the stuff was going to cost more than the guitar itself. I started out with the single celestion v30 cab from monoprice for $160 and started buying a couple of amps with some effects pedals. Figured there had to be a better way as my wife doesn't want our bedroom filled with guitar stuff. One day I decided to try out amplitube on my ipad which I already had. Local shop had a sale on a Zoom u44 battery capable interface which I got for 70 bucks. Then I took an old Crown amp I had in my garage I used during my home theater days and hooked it up to the V30 cab. A month later and everything else was gone. My rig now consists of: ipad w/ amplitube and tonex single 1x12 v30 cab crown xls amp zoom u44 audio interface I can't see needing anything else for a long time.

[@Clockeman]

All true. After years of buying selling, collecting, all beyond my means...I have finally ended up with a Bluguitar Amp 1 and HX Effects. I tell myself I'll plug in my other pedals...but these two things cover all of it...the process is what it is but man it was years of f-ing around to find out I like to keep it simple.

[@jrlee243]

Sorry, you had a rough time. I guess I am just used to it. I have all the same problems but I just think of it as it's just how it is. I don't really know any other way of recording. Amps,cabs,isolation cabs,rack gear, And a Attenuator. I have little bit of the amp sim plugins but I never did use them. Work with what works. Glad you have found what works for you

[@wheresallthezombies]

I love pedals. That’s the only reason I can’t go full on modeler. Lately I’ve been using my pedalboard into the clean amp of the Nueral dsp Plugin or the tone king plugin.

[@tdemask]

Makes sense. Tube amps are great for gigging (but always carry a spare amp), but for recording or low volume using the digital stuff is so much easier and can sound great without ear destroying volume and tons of post processing. IMHO. And like you said, whatever you use, remember it takes time to dial it in and get the most from it.

[@GinoGenero]

At this point, I use an analog tube amp only on stage for live performance. Nothing else will do (for me). But in my home studio, I get a much better sound using digital gear. No worries about mics, placement, outside noise, loud cabs, etc. Like you said, the right tool for the job. I wish you the best in your musical journey and although it can be frustrating, don't forget to enjoy the ride.

[@jonathanstrand2474]

Exactly why I stopped at the compressor/limiter, and small Zoom recorder, my MB amp has an XLR out. I have a mixer……but recording analog IS too complicated, too fussy, I only remember how to operate things by using them. All that and blogging gear too! no, NO, that was 3 years ago, I play guitar for the therapy, no band, & Covid dashed all that. I’m lucky to have a sound proof house and all neighbors at least 50’ away, AND you are doing it in a closet!!!😬 i buy a pedal once in great awhile, I read the mags, same uTube as you, fortunately I’m old enough to stop collecting just to collect, even though I’ve done that, simple is better, I rehearse live to play live. I may never do that, but I will if I can. At the moment my band is Pandora…..& I like it, learning/absorbing from the best, I get better and better. That’s rewarding in and of itself, thanks for sharing your foibles with us, it’s reaffirming me ….at least🙂

[@TheDanification]

I like how you reason your way to your conclusion. I think it allows viewers to agree or disagree based on whether the factors you mentioned are important to them. Too many circular arguments on gear channels! Nice work!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@melomane01]

Space is a very important consideration, and many of us face challenges similar to yours. Unfortunately, you had to spend a lot of money to find out. Although my place seems to be bigger than yours, I only have one room that is used as a home office and a music room. In the snowy Canadian winter, the same room also hosts my bike trainer. It works, but it is tight. Hopefully, your video will help people who do not have a lot of space. Keep on the good work! 👍😄

[@andrefludd]

You may have also saw my trainer in the background! It’s not fancy but it keeps me healthy.

[@melomane01]

@@andrefludd I did! It made me laugh. Different cities, different countries: same "problems". I also have a REVV amp (G20) because I can turn it down to 4W for bedroom level playing. I also like the built in Two Notes Torpedo, although I don't use it much.

[@scottlovette5207]

I've been struggling with this digital/analog decision for the past several months with the reality of a small space. Digital is 99% there now I think and being able to save everything in a patch and not have to deal with the analog limitations is so tempting. Sometimes I want delay pre gain, sometimes post, on and on. Very timely video and you did a really great job covering all this. Just subscribed and looking forward to your upcoming videos and best of luck to you and your channel!

[@MrTabasham1990]

Best gear purchase I've made was the Yamaha THR 10II. Perfect for playing at home.

[@careywebber638]

I think that we are in a great time for any musician. There is so much great gear that sounds amazing and is very very compact! I appreciate you sharing.

[@atonofspiders]

Glad I liked the video when you asked , really tied it all together

[@andrefludd]

You the best

[@AlphaNumeric123]

Really like the quantitative analysis. Also it’s mind blowing blow small the room you’re in, because it looks so big. Breaking the 4th wall moment

[@paulg3686]

For me, and my thing, I just have a 40 watt Peavey amp (So, pretty cheap, and it already was worked on when I got it, so I shouldnt have any issues with it working). It has a master volume, so I can pretty easily get it to sound good at lower volumes. And it has an effects loop, but I never use it as I play shoegazey stuff, so I kinda like everything to be washed in distortion. And it has a great sounding reverb built in. It has enough volume in case I want to really gig with it. Pedal-wise I have a pedalboard of 8 pedals, and I dont worry about tone suckage problems, because I can just add more treble or presence or just use some other form of eq to make it sound right again. I always have the pedal-board on and I never change my settings. There actually isnt a ton of hum in my situation, but of course everyones power and stuff is different. My setup valued well, my money, and valued quality. My amp was only 450 USD used from a local store. My pedals and power and stuff got up to 1,200 USD. I like pedals though, and realistically I dont *need* the 3 gain stages, an expensive wah pedal, and the fancy strymon reverb pedal (especially because my amp has reverb built in). My whole setup and style is different from Andre's (you're awesome, man), but I think a lot of the cost and everything could have been *way* reduced had he go a bit more of a "budget" route. Expensive amps and pedals dont always make the biggest difference. A cheap amp can carry you most of the way, and then plain boss pedals can pretty much work for you. But of course, digital is an awesome, way more convenient way to get what you need/want. Just because I, and a lot of other people, as super nitpicky and choosy about their sounds and setup doesnt mean that anything that isnt what we like is wrong. Digital really is just...a lot simpler to record, its very consistent, and it sounds pretty good.

[@denniskielton2447]

Mannn what a GREAT video about why digital is winning these days. Unless you're just being sentimental, there's NO reason to stick with analog anymore, digital stuff sounds just as good, and can be made MUCH better since it solves most of the inherent flaws of analog amps. (some people like he flaws, which is why we spend 1000's trying to re create them digitally.) There is just LITERALLY no argument for analog anymore. And yeahhhh I have HORRIBLE power at my place as well, it's ridiculous. And yes dealing with outside sources is craziness in the city as well, I feel ya brother. I have yet to try a couple things, but as far as I know from my year as an electrician, if you have bad mains or bad grounding in your house/apartment, it doesn't matter how much filtering or treatment you try, it'll still be there. It happens the most in old places, mine is over 100 years old. So far, I've bee defeating the outside stuff by doing pretty much everything at night, everything that requires mic's. Everything else is DI, but still the dirty grounds are straight up awful. There's some crazy expensive studio stuff I've heard of for it, but still I've heard a few sparky's (electricians) tell me it won't matter until you fix the mains. my interface has a ground lug (a screw out the back, that you tie a wire too, then tie it to something thick and metal that goes into the earth) but I haven't tried it yet. Found a hum reducer thing for $70 on sweetwater, but have yet to try it. But dude, don't quit KZbin, you're awesome. I love your stuff, and believe you're one of the few who deserve to be listened to. Keep it up!

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@SeanHurst]

I suspect there are a lot of us that feel the same way. After owning several tube amps (which I love to this day) I went to modelers and I do not regret it as I get more consistancy with less issues and constant tweeking. (unless I want to) of course there is a difference in sound but I really dont notice it anymore. no miking problems and it sounds the same in the sudio, clubs, and the bedroom (I am not playing in large venues :)

[@lueysixty-six7300]

I'm 1000% thinking of going As FX - or something like it. I spent a small fortune over the last few years , building up a "cool" pedalboard...and it has turned out to be more headache than joy. And no pedal sounds better than going straight into the (tube) amp. And more than that...I have found that I have been playing my solid state little practice amp..rather than my tube amps. It's just simple...it has everything set up, good to go at the flip of the on switch. All this points me towards going digital. I have been thinking that instead of my next guitar I am slowly saving for, that I'll instead get an Apple computer...and go from there..with Garage Band..and then whatever multi FX / amp modeller makes the most sense to me. I cant really bring myself to sell my analogue pedals though... It's kinda personal, how you slowly select each one. And I think you'd lose a lot of value, too..

[@gun_toting_lefty]

THAT'S what I'm talkin' about. I have an old, Stage 212 Combo amp. It's a transistor amp. I love it! People say transistor amps sound "sterile", but that's what I want. I can color the tone any way I want without all that tube "warmth and grit" getting in the way. I had a Marshall JCM 800 head and a Sunn 412 cabinet. IT WAS GREAT! But had to let it go, but I still had the Stage. Does it sound like a Marshall? No, it sounds like ME.

[@t.p.sheppard1270]

I’ve looked at this video and a couple of others. Really enjoy your way. Just subscribed. Look forward to start at the beginning and work through what you’ve posted so far.

[@andrefludd]

Thank you!

[@kimseniorb]

if you’re a studio dude the soft sims just don’t sound good enough. if you just practice or play gigs and satisfied with the sound - its ok to use it.

[@x3a3x3]

I got into the fractal modelers 3 years ago and never looked back. Best setup and sound I’ve ever had in 35 years of chasing my perfect tone…

[@mcburney74]

I agree making things less complicated especially with the room your in and not fighting it and controlled volume and not going deaf also! I have tube amps and single pedals after bouncing back and forth from that too multieffects pedals and as the technology has gotten better stumbled onto the Zoom g5 with Amp moddeling and run it in the front of a old Peavey 212 Solid-state Mono and or Stereo at 130 watts a side at 4ohms ! I have everything at my disposal from a fender deluxe for cleans ,Vox,Marshall too Diezel,Vht Bogner,Mesa Modern for Heavey Gain or classic!I use the line out from the Zoom g5 which is a hot signal and have the volume at 1 on the amp and Eq Bass ,mid ,treble at 9 o'clock with any other features as Presence off !Since that reference done the same with my tube amps 15 watt,60 watt and a 100 watt and had same great results other than coloring from the amps !I stick with the Solid-state as its more dependable ,less costly burning up tubes !Every once in a while I will run my pedal Stereo out thru my tube amps as the cabs are separate and different speakers too make it fun and magical while jamming with the drummer!But all and all in a small space driving the preamp hard in the amp it sounds like it's on a 11 lol and don't go deaf in the long run ! I know the other option is Power amp in too the Amp bypassing the preamp but I find driving the preamp works best for Me

[@JoeyColors]

I get the impression that you are -- like myself -- an urban dweller who lives in a multi-family residence, where space is limited and one must be considerate of neighbors. Add to that the prevalence of the traffic outside one's home, and it becomes apparent that digital is an absolute necessity for anyone trying to record one's music. Like you, I don't have the space to own multiple amps and speaker cabinets and microphones, and go through the work necessary to find the perfect microphone positions. Your experiment resonates with my own experience, and provides further confirmation that I am heading in the right direction. Sorry for the frustration and expense you have endured, but I thank you for sharing your experience and sparing others from having to replicate your hardships.

[@andrefludd]

100%. That is my exact situation

[@norseman61]

Believe me, come summer-time, you won’t miss the heat that the amp would put out in that tight space!

[@andrefludd]

It was already getting hot even in my winter temp

[@Aaa-pz6nh]

I just use a tube amp with and UAD Ox, part analog part digital. Haven’t looked back, sounds amazing and works well.

[@lunamatic9775]

I'm sad (but not that sad, now that you've shared your reasons) to see the Analog Experiment go. I've had a long path toward digital myself. Moved around a lot and have never stuck with anything but the most basic combos. I hardly touch my analog equipment anymore, only when I play live (which is not that often because I have a day job too). I loved how you shared your AxeFX settings. It would be great in future videos to just quickly share what settings you're using either in the description or on the video. Much success to you my friend!

[@andrefludd]

I’m going to for sure show some more analog mixed with the axefx. And I already have the next experiment planned. Play authentic ;)

[@megadeth1818]

yeah i realized pretty early on analog was a no go simply from a convenience standpoint. imagine how of a pain in the butt it would be taking all that stuff to the gig let alone on tour. i got one guitar for playing live, a pod go loaded up with ownhammer IRs and pedal size power amp for just in case i need it. i can carry the entire rig in a gig big and setup/tear down in about 1 minute. and the tone is actually amazing too!

[@andrewfrazier1182]

I totally agree with you Brother. I myself have a Ton of analog gear I have acquired over the years, but they Suck trying to do recording in your home or making KZbin videos. Digital is the future, which is now and the best! Don't get me wrong I love love all my analog gear, but only in a Live setting!

[@davecooper360]

I have recorded amazing awesome guitar tones with Crate practice amps. In fact, they may become my favorite recording amps now that I think of it.

[@ckmoore]

Space... that's why I got good headphones and sonarworks to have the best sound that I can, and its also why I want a headless guitar. .... loved your videos on the strandberg guitar, still hoping someday for a deep review of kiesel, lol. But then I saw your videos on the d'angelico, and I'm super impressed. Really wish I had the space for it! I may have to get one anyway. But that's my hobby at this point. My main efforts are art related and I need to record good quality voice overs for art related videos. I don't have a good recording space or treated room, so I picked up clarity to help with noise and RX to help with cleaning up left over artifacts (de-clicking/etc.). Haven't used these yet, but plan to use them in my new videos. My most recent video already sounds better using my new audio interface with my mic. Can't wait to try clarity and RX to help clean up the voice even more.

[@MaxFreist]

Hey Andre, appreciate you sharing even a failed experiment and your journey. I know how you feel, been there myself and went fully digital, hybrid and have a bigger analogue recording rig again right now. But making it work perfect is a challenge and there are so many pitfalls. I'm lucky to have the space right now and still have digital modelers - in the end there is no right or wrong, every way can work and sound great. Good luck on your journey ;)

[@MaxFreist]

In case you haven't sold the amp yet - playing it into a reactive load like the Suhr would be a very feasible and great sounding solution (coupled with IRs of course). Wouldn't take so much space and still be the amp and interface you are used to, which you like.

[@kylekarich]

Hey Andre, I've been watching your channel for a few months now - figured I'd comment because I've worked for Revv since 2017! Was a fun coincidence to see a D20 on the channel, even if it didn't work out for you haha. Keep up the good work dude 👍