YOU SHOULD GET AN AMP MODELER

[@rychenn2152]

Too late. I already bought a 5150

[@xanderraymondcharles]

I’m sorry

[@louddude]

I have modeller but still would love to have 5150) the only problem is I don't have place to run it properly and record, while modeller is not so demanding in this matter

[@SamBrockmann]

Better return it, bro.

[@TYLERtheMAGGOT1]

​@SamBrockmann Why? The 5150 is a great amp. I have a quad cortex and already missing having a tube amp. Will probably buy a 5150/6505 and get a better tone than the ones that come on the QC. Why return it? They sound amazing and ain't nothing better than running a tube amp through a 4x12. I just like my quad cortex since it has every effect that I need without having to spend hundreds of dollars on pedals and I can save money on buying profiles of amps without spending thousands. But with EVHs/Peaveys they're always affordable and sound amazing.

[@luisalbino4700]

Get the fender tone master pro

[@tonykay6020]

I'd love to see a video of you breaking down how you dial in your tones for your different products. I love seeing how others craft their sound and utilise different aspects of their gear to achieve their sound.

[@xanderraymondcharles]

i have a rig rundown with premier guitar that just came out last week

[@ZacharyMoonshine]

Almost 20 years ago, I started using a Digitech RP500 plugged into the effects return of my Peavey solid-state amp, and it absolutely ruled. I loved the sounds I got out of it. One day, I was rocking out so hard that I shook something heavy off the wall, and it fell on the Digitech, breaking it. When it came time to replace it, I found a good deal on a used Line 6 HD500 on Reverb and decided to go with that. I've been using it ever since, still plugging it into the effects return of my amps, and it sounds amazing.

[@Obssy]

I sold my RP500 in 2020, but I bought another one off Reverb at the end of 2023. I still love that unit. If they made an updated version with a touch screen and to ability to upload custom IRs I would buy it in a heart beat.

[@brianb.6873]

Just bought a Quad cortex today to downsize all the Mesas and EVH in my studio. Thanks for validating my purchase lmao

[@luisalbino4700]

Get the tone master pro by fender, Evh amps sounds better

[@they_arent_human]

I've had a QC since they released. Been a neural fan since nameless plugin was released. I also have 4 100+ watt tube amps and 4 4x12s. I use the QC the most for ease of recording demos and setup etc. But for serious recording id mic a cab. I dont think tube amps are going anywhere though. We still need amps to model. They said digital was taking over in the 80s. Yet here we are and tube heads and 412s are still king. They are what we'd all prefer if money, weight, convenience, etc weren't part of the equation. Use both. They both have their place and time.

[@williamsavant6430]

I totally agree.

[@misterringer]

yeah but digital amps sounded like buttcake in the 80's. They sound legit now. The only thing new tube amps are good for anymore is hearing damage in my opinion. To each their own of course. It's not like new amps sound drastically different than old ones, and the companies making the modelers often design their own digital amps as well to get some variations.

[@they_arent_human]

@@misterringer to play with a drummer that's not even hitting that hard i need at least 50w tube but prefer 100w . If solid state more like 300w. I dont see tube amps going anywhere.

[@they_arent_human]

@@misterringer it's been 40 years for digital to get to the point where it can decently mimic a tube amp. And still there is latency and artifacts issues if not done properly.

[@misterringer]

@@they_arent_human oh yeah some are still terrible. But the good ones are there.

[@TYLERtheMAGGOT1]

I have to add some context to that Jim root example that you added. He did say it didn't sound as good as the real thing but he did like it. Here's the quote after talking about the quad cortex. “But I'm still hanging on to the… nothing's ever gonna be a tube. You're never really gonna get that sag, you’re never really gonna get that organic feedback coming back. It is what it is" Now for me, I have a Quad Cortex and I love it. But as soon as I plugged in my friends 5150 stealth, it just sounded perfect and you get that feel that a modeler can't replicate. The part about saying it's better than the real thing i will disagree on but for the most part they're close depending on the profile. The QC captures of the stealth, as good as it is, isn't as good as the real thing itself, or at least the red channel it isn't as good. I'm probably going to buy the 5150 stealth and use my QC as a pedalboard when I want to play loud on the weekends and when I'm inside, I'll just use my QC just like anyone else would. Ain't nothing wrong with using a modeler for bedroom and quiet tones and use a loud tube amp on the weekends. I miss my evh stealth but i enjoy the quad cortex!

[@ChrisDavisTGI]

Only push back I have is, just because a product may no longer be supported for updates from the manufacturer, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use it anymore. The original axe fx’s absolutely still work. You may not be able to update them to the most recent firmware because the hardware inside won’t work with it, but it absolutely still works on the most up to date firmware for that particular unit. The other point is that, the tube amps obviously never get an update, they just are what they are forever haha. But I get your over all point here, solid video! I came from the analog world and being a tube amp purist forever, have been on the digital game for 10+ years now with no plans to switch back!

[@femali]

I still make use of my line 6 pod hd pro!

[@anshubhatia6609]

Even the original axe fx sounds so close to my old triple rec when played through the same mesa oversized cab. I only switched to the kemper stage because it’s even more realistic, but it’s all over 10 years old and they sound great!

[@Guddler]

@@femali I just bought one earlier in the year. As a beginner(ish), it was an insane amount of kit for £102 used !! OK, it can sound terrible, but when you get a sound you like, it sounds fantastic. My problem is the computer side, which kind of reinforces the point of the obsolescence. My Mac is complaining that the driver ain't going to work in a future version. So while the Pod HD Pro will still work fine from the front panel, we all know that's not a great experience and the computer side is going to cease to exist when I next upgrade the computer.

[@femali]

@@Guddler I never messed with the computer side, actually. I just mess around with the knobs. The cab simulation is lackluster, but I have enjoyed the sounds I got with third party IR's (from my Mooer radar in my case). Plus, plugging into a power amp and cab is fun, too (I just leave the power amp simulation off).

[@misterringer]

@@femali Could get some killer tones in that thing for sure

[@withinthrall1445]

The thing with the planned obsolescence, is that many of those older modelers still sound great. People will say things like the axe fx III sounds better than the first, but they’ll still sit down and listen to albums recorded on those systems and they still hold up. I own a digital multi fx unit from boss that’s from the 90’s, and it still is my favorite for effects. Remember you don’t have to go and buy the newest modeler when it comes out, just like you don’t need to buy the newest version of an amp or guitar you own when they come out.

[@majzako]

Yeah, I was going to say the same. Unless it's a subscription only service or something, it won't be obsolete, even if it hits end of life support. Sure it can get outdated, but you can say that about any piece of hardware. Only issue I can see if the company goes completely bankrupt, and the desktop or app editor is no longer available for download and you can't find a backup of it. But seeing as most of these units still let you edit straight from the console, it wouldn't be obsolete, just an inconvenience.

[@fajaradi1223]

I don't think they'll obsolete soon. But I'm afraid for repairability. These puppies is almost impossible to repair.

[@justinthompson1008]

Can’t do it. 2 channel Mesas and block letter 5150’s still exist.

[@YTisGay]

I still have a soft spot for the tube amps that I didn't sell. However, I personally can make patches on fractal that rival tube amps thru a SS amp and 412. Another plus, when I only have 5 minutes to jam out, I can complete that mission before my tube amps even warm up. I love both worlds.

[@Deathcorp666]

100% agreed your Mesa boogie and 5150 stuff will sound better than any amp modeler and it’s a lot funner to play out of and you can feel that shit coming at you man. These amp modlers are for these young kids that don’t know better, bro. Maybe they never could afford a good rig they can’t afford Siberian birch cabinets Celestion greenbacks or vintage 30s speakers ect.. You know the good stuff so they go buy something digital to try to create something they can’t afford to buy in the first place and never works out. 😂😂😂😂

[@shawnok1]

I feel you. I love modelers, they’re great tools. But, nothing like a Mesa

[@cheenu711]

​@@Deathcorp666 don't think it will sound better in a mix or in an A/B comparison but I do agree that it feels different. Nothing can replace that.

[@SilkandScrooge]

@@YTisGaymoney is the biggest factor. I’m just gonna get a multi fx and run it through my 5150 for now. Maybe one day when I’m a serious gigging musician I’ll get the all in one modelers set up to make it easier.

[@What11235]

I sold my axe 3 and love my synergy gear. Use whatever inspires and works for you. You do you. Cheers!

[@MotoRiff77]

I like all of it tube amps, synergy modules, Helix + powercab, Tonex + amplitube just try to dabble into everything

[@misterfox9468]

I bought an fm3 a couple years back. I needed a live rig and live in an apartment. Made the most sense.

[@jaredt3985]

I love digital for so many reasons. Cost, versatility, portability, reliability. But I still love cranking a real tube amp over anything. Digital is so convenient and the tones are so close as to be negligible. But playing a real amp through a great cab is just so inspiring and feels so damn good. It provides tactile feedback, and the dynamics are way different. In the end I love and use both, it’s not a versus thing imo, they both have their place.

[@trunks828]

Modeling has been a huge benefit for recording, practicing and keeping the neighbors happy. I tend to find myself recording at midnight these days. I can’t see myself switching back any time soon. Don’t get me wrong I still love playing a good loud svt/jcm900 but I find myself using them less and less.

[@WackorMiki]

Some good insight here. Thanks for this video. I'm using both technologies but onstage mostly I use analogue and digital modelers for over 15 years. I'd add a note to the idea of classic tube amps work like during the old days: they don't unless you "update" them. Caps dry out, pots wear, connectors break, tubes fry. They are like old cars: can work with continuous maintenance / care only. These updates can be expensive at times. The other thing I'd add: old modelling gear is not automatically obsolete. I am a recording engineer and it happened a couple of times when a Line6 POD HD outperformed a properly mic'd real conterpart in the mix. These still work fine. You can use old stuff as long as they work and you don't feel to spend money on the next shiny thing. Lately I just dusted off an ancient KORG AX3000G and during a live show, out of curiosity I went DI to PA. The in-house mixing guy had no idea he just got like stereo guitar input 1 and 2 XLR via my dual DI box. After the 3rd song I could see him smiling, dancing around and adding tempo delays and other stuff to the mix. After the show he said he hasn't heard such an enjoyable guitar source material for quite a while by mixing point of view. Is it an AxeFX FM3 or an updated Quad Cortex or some newer stuff with proper modelling, right? He was totally blown away when I showed him that it was a 25 years old unit. It's all about settings and playing (clarity and riff/solo/song construction).

[@MashaT22]

Xander, can you do a video on affordabe modelers? I’d love for you to try some of the budget units and give us your impressions. A lot of budget modelers are great but can’t handle the high gain metal tones and timed fx well. I’d love to hear what you think works well at several budgets - like super cheap, somewhat inexpensive, and a bit more but still attainable. Would be helpful to know which units have great tones and features for us rock and metal heads. I guess this can include modelers built into amps or pedals that will require some sort of cab/FRFR. Would be helpful to know which are best for home use and if any might be usable for gigs. Thanks, man! I agree that modelers and the available tones/fx have generally become really good in recent years to the point that we can’t tell the difference by and large. I wish they were all capable of pushing air like amps because that feedback is helpful to the player and the audience enjoys that feeling too. But still, they sound amazing and the portability is a no-brainer! I’d also love to know which modelers are capable of being updated via a mobile phone. Many of us don’t even own laptops or computers. I’d also be interested it learning how to use mobile apps where we just hook up an iPhone to an amp/cab/PA along with the guitar and voila! A mobile rig should be extremely usable these days, especially with a Bluetooth or wired foot pedal to switch between tones, but I don’t hear people talking about that too much. Would be cool to see you try something like that to see how well it works!

[@fortheloveofguitar8589]

I bought a Quad Cortex to capture my amp collection for ease of use and smaller foot print. For me it couldn’t capture my really high gain amps sufficiently for feel and lacked bottom end. Sold that one on. Tried again with the Tonex and have far better results. Really happy with it.

[@toerti9589]

Weight is the main reason for me, and the routing and easy setup live. Hx stomp + seymour duncan powerstage if a cabinet is available. Though i love to play my real amp and pedalboard in the rehearsal space. Just turning the knobs. The oomph from a 100w Tube power amp with a big transformer. Electricity moving through wires. I don't know, it's just something primal. Like sitting at an open fire instead of in front of an electric heating.

[@zumo9440]

I’ve been using the Tonex modeler for a while now, at first because I wanted to try amp modelers and it was cheaper than the quad cortex, I’ve been loving it, and am finding myself preferring it to my 5150, which used to be my main amp, due to convenience and greater versatility, plus it sounds dope af, I recently bought the smaller Tonex one because I love the small pedal form factor, and have it in my pedalboard as a necessity.

[@smoothsavage2870]

Arent you able to capture your 5150 on the Tonex One too? Have you tried that? From what you're saying, you like what the Tonex One already provides, but i'm wondering your thoughts on how your 5150 sounds after being captured by the Tonex One as well.

[@solomonicdemons680]

Minute 4:50. Thats why you gotta get a real amp not a modeler.....

[@loydthabartender5794]

One big point people often miss about modelers is how good they are for practicing. You have a box with an amp, a cab, effects and a tuner and a metronome. you have literally everything you need to do a full practice session with the touch of a button. If you're someone like me who can be easily distracted by computers, having the ability to practice at home with headphones without a computer is very valuable. Also the thing that always annoyed me about plugins was just the time to plug into my interface, open the plugin, then If i wanted to record something I'd have to close the plugin, open my Daw, create a new track, open the plugin again and hope I saved my preset. With a modeler I already have the thing hooked up to my interface, so all I need to do is open a DAW and hit record with the current tone I'm using. The 10-30 seconds it saves adds up and makes practicing and recording easier. My playing has improved drastically since buying an FM3 and it's because I can easily practice when working from home without turning on my non work computer.

[@imdartson3679]

Being able to practice with both a metronome and headphones is at the front of my mind. Just out of consideration for those around me. Which modelers have this?

[@loydthabartender5794]

@@imdartson3679 I use the FM3 so that's the only one I know about. It has both a very good tuner and a very good metronome. It should come standard on all modelers imo, but i'm not sure about the helix or the cortex

[@imdartson3679]

@@loydthabartender5794 Thank you so much for the reply. Its definitely something I need to investigate.

[@michaelrichardson8343]

Started with a Kemper 7 years ago, never missed hauling my Rectifier rig, never had an issue. Tone is always the same-It just works for me 🤘

[@travismiller7679]

I'm a tube amp guy, but if you drop a tube amp it's also going to break.

[@telecatsermaster]

Correct, but much cheaper to fix than 2k on a new quad cortex….

[@synonyx]

@@telecatsermaster I dropped my QC good within the first hour of ownership. It held up from a 4ft drop just fine.

[@travismiller7679]

Not necessarily. You're assuming the amp would be repairable but not the QC. If they were both damaged beyond repair then most larger tube heads are more expensive than a QC. And if they were each repairable then it would entirely depend on what broke.

[@TheStinkyDinkyBand]

I have the MLC S Zero 93 and if you drop it, it better not be on your feet. The spikes on that thing are the real deal! I know you most likely mean tubes etc… but these spikes. Definitely a weapon.

[@scottdavidson226]

Not a touring musician, but I do play in a local working band. I've been using a Headrush Pedalboard for a few years. I run straight to house and have my guitar in my monitor mix. It has been working really well for the shows. No one but me can hear the difference. At home, I use a tube amp when I play for me. It is a different experience.

[@NicksGuitarworks]

Modelers are the way to go for modern volume constraints. Most people have never turned the master volume on their amp up enough to know what their amp is actually supposed sound like.

[@Brian-qg8dg]

I like low watt amps.. slightly addicted to them. Volumes are high to cranked. So much response and controllable feedback etc etc.

[@NicksGuitarworks]

@@Brian-qg8dg that’s the move. A lot of people have more amp than they need. Hell. Plenty of pro acts were using little amps cranked up with a mic on it for the tone and setting the stacks up just for looks.

[@richf6111]

Small 15 watt all tube amps pushed hard through a 2x12 cab sound fantastic at gigs you have to get the valves hot and cooking to really see their amazing tone. You will never hear that with heavy 100 watt tube heads at small venues.

[@sqlb3rn]

Most people don't play in a metal band. My 120w head master volume is turned up at band practice.

[@richf6111]

Good point , but your wrecking you and your band members ears and most small venues don't let you play above a certain sound level. If u play big venues , totally understand.

[@creepymcpeepers]

Quad cortex is getting the parallax on it soon and the pitch shift on the parallax for bass is actually good

[@BrandonSills]

I've had a QC for 3 years now roughly. The idea of what it can do is simply fascinating, especially now with plugins making their way onto the unit. I just suck at figuring out and understanding this unit to the point I pull a few basic high gain tones that suit my work and don't have to barely clip unit output or audio interface input just to sound good. Strangely enough, I've thought about getting a Kemper again, or build up and try the Axe FX 3 out after having tried the 2 XL+ with a "meh" set of pickups in an older guitar. Still keeping the QC at this point until my frustrations hit their limit if they do. But I've been a modeler/multi-fx dude since 1998 for multiple reasons, as much as I'd like to own some real amps one day. It's either afford what you can get away with until it's toast, or what best suits your needs for a time... or some sort of "i guess" phrase to follow with that.

[@jademonolith]

I spend on gear proportionate to my skill level, not much.

[@matibrandrock]

I've been gigging with the boss gt1 for a couple years now for bar gigs, now that I'm joining a touring cover band I just ordered the line 6 helix, I'm really excited for it to arrive

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

I'm not against amp modelers or anything, but I just don't need one. I have a Peavey Bandit solid state combo that can be gigged, though I haven't played live in like 10 years, and although I have a bunch of amp sims in my DAW, I only really use one of them. Having access to all of the amps ever is great and all, but it just overcomplicates things and I've found that scaling things back is so much easier. I can just plug into my amp and play, I don't need to interact with software or get option paralysis, I can just play and it will sound good. Not worrying about my tone or needing to find something new is great.

[@stimpsonjcat26]

The bandit is an amazing little amp. It is simple, sounds good clean and distorted, and can get a lot of variety in sounds. I picked one up off a guy at work just to help him out for a 100$ and didn't really expect much but I was really surprised with it.

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

@@stimpsonjcat26 Absolutely. My only big gripe is the lack of a master volume. They have that great Transtube technology, but you still have to turn them up really loud for it to start working, at least on the modern version that doesn't have the T Dynamics knob. It would be awesome to get that tube emulation at low volumes!

[@stimpsonjcat26]

@@MichaelSheaAudio Throw a clean preamp pedal or something similar in the loop. I use a higpass filter that allows me to defeat the highpass filter and use only the volume. this is actually pretty much the same thing as a master volume.

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

@@stimpsonjcat26 Yeah I use the EHX Signal Pad, which is just a volume knob, but it would be nice if it was built in. XD

[@alexdoyleguitar]

Amp modellers for live for sure, clearly the way forward. In a studio, real amps maybe with load boxes if required. Can’t beat the response yet, that’s the big difference. Although a cab in a room is a thing but modellers through solid state power amps isn’t the answer. Not quite sure why people use an amp modeller at a studio when the plugins offer the same experience for considerably less and a better UI but of course if you want to then it’s the same principle. Room for both

[@multimike2030]

Positive Grid had the Bias rack amp which has an onboard 600w solid state amp, though in fairness I think it was strictly an amp modeler, it didn't have full pedal effects or anything. I haven't tried it, but I also haven't seen this being a staple like the Helix, Kemper, AxeFx and the like. Honestly, I love my QC and it sounds even better through a tube power amp. Just for convenience for me, since I play a lot of local shows, I bring either my B-52 AT212 or Peavey ValveKing 212 combo amps and run it through the return and it roars. Appreciate your views as always!

[@owlergg]

Started using a modeler this year and I'm never going back . I still love amps but the practicality of a modeler is hard to beat.

[@xDarthWonkax]

I absolutely love tube amps but I recently made the jump to the Helix Rack with the foot controller and it’s so extremely versatile. Having 20+ amps for the price of one or even half of one. Helps so much for having different tones for the three different style of bands I’m in. Plus not having to pedal hop is such a weight of the shoulders!

[@jimsgarage4937]

I used to play analog amps and tbh, the fact that you can capture, eq, compress and litterally shape your whole tone throught a small unit is to me the biggest advantage. A tube amp is badass don’t get me wrong, but having to travel with that plus a rack and a giant pedalboard just to get your tone is simply a pain in the ass to carry. Now that I own a Quad Cortex for almost 2 years, my gig life have never been easier. Good vid man 🤘

[@bee663]

You get options on modellers that the real tube amp doesn’t have like a depth knob on a JCM800 for example. I also like that you can get a slightly wider EQ spectrum with modellers. IR’s have come a long way and fractal audio dyna cabs in particular sound amazing IMO.

[@gkswift1999]

Great video! been watching you for quite a few years now pretty much since you started, love your approach towards everything and the fact that you're as down to earth as can be. Jim root is a god. Mick Thompson is a God. I've always kept up with both of them because they both have unique and complementing tones which is what makes the guitar work in Slipknot work so beautifully. Jim was with orange for so long and still is, but he's using the quad cortex because they are flying and doing a lot of shows with backline and flying there smallest aspects of staging ahead to the next venue so it makes everything easier for them to just throw the quad cortex in a flight case and bring guitars and clothing. You're absolutely correct about everything that you're mentioning. I'm a tone junkie from the '80s, Randy Rhodes was my first hero, and this stupid phone is spelling his last name wrong that pisses me off... anyways, I am the biggest fan of 5150 amps and I still believe they sound much better than any digital modeling although the tonex gets awfully close to it and close enough because nobody in the audience is going to notice that it's not a 75 lb amplifier sitting behind me. My question is: When are we going to get a gym root patch for the quad cortex? I mean seriously Rabea has One, the guitarist from Gojira, etc, so... JIM ROOT MUST HAVE ONE! I SAY WE PETITION NEURAL ABOUT IT!

[@cheenu711]

here's the thing, Tube amps are still great studio tools and I don't think they're ever going out of style. Many people who use modellers are actually not using the default presets or models but actually use amp captures and IRs of the real thing. Most guitar players will also agree that tube amps and digital modellers sound equally good but nothing can nail down the feel of proper valve amplifier. There's a reason why a product like Friedman IR-X sold so well.

[@GhostlanderX]

Modelers are the future, but I'll always love tube heads and pedals. I'm going to keep my Dual Rectifier, and pedals, at least for recording and basement jams. It's the amp I always wanted, it was on tons of albums I grew up on, it's an itch no modeler can scratch. But they can definitely scratch the itch for everything else, which is why I plan on getting one to cover any ground my rig can't.

[@TheKLeifheit13]

I'm a caveman when it comes to guitar, so I've kinda fallen back on a pedalboard including a full preamp and an ISP Stealth stereo power amp for a portable rig. I run a KSR Vesta preamp and am really loving it. Just didn't have the patience to try and get "my" tone from the modelers I've tried. I still heavily favor a real amp for my situation, but I wanted a solid portable option for when parking is a gnat's ass from Narnia and I don't wanna haul a head and cab too far.

[@ShreddingFinn]

As far as I know, Metallica uses Fractal, Megadeth uses QC, everyone is using them. I went to a three day festival, albeit not metal, I saw one head the entire time

[@misterpalmtrees]

As a bedroom guitarist, axe fx 3 was a steep but realistically the most money saving, convenient, purchase I've ever made. Living in an apartment also played a huge selling point. DEFINETLY a huge learning curve. But 100% worth it !! potentially saving 10's damn near 100's of thousands of dollars in gear haha

[@msolano00]

If you add all the different amps + cabs + pedals that you can use in a modeler, well, yeah, you made a smart decision and saved yourself a ton of money!

[@joanesinu]

A bedroom guitarrist who spent 3000$ money is saving money.... something is wrong.

[@misterpalmtrees]

@@joanesinu nope just was able to afford it. Having to haul a huge amp back and forth to the studio in a tiny car wasn’t gonna happen either. Lol

[@misterpalmtrees]

@@joanesinu less emphasis on “bedroom guitarist” lol

[@misterpalmtrees]

@@msolano00 big time !

[@josuastangl7140]

I've been gigging tube amps until 5 years ago and life is so much easier now with the QC

[@emmetts8]

Switched from an EVH5150 mkiii to a helix a few years ago. Just upgraded to a quad cortex a few months ago. Best decision ever!

[@danfitzpatrick4112]

Fantastic explanation! Totally agree!

[@cjburgess0304]

I think there’s room for both. I got a Fender Tone Master Pro late last year and I love it, I play on it all the time. But I also still really enjoy the more traditional amplifiers I already had before.

[@AntonioTENEBRION]

I dont think they are gonna die off i think they gonna evolve like the ENGL steve morse signature amp which is just an amazing tool

[@nickm.9474]

So many great points. It really comes down to the player and their situation. If guys on the biggest stage that have the choice to play through anything and choose a modeler then that really says a lot. Also maybe they don’t really care what they’re playing through. I am kind of surprised with Jim Root though. Haha. I still look at it this way. No matter what folks use they can either make it sound good or bad. Heard many guys using amps and sound terrible. All I can say is that the band I work for use amps and thier tone destroys anyone else. 😄

[@MartyMcDonnald]

Amp modeling is THE FUTURE!!! I absolutely love everything about it. I was always attracted to the idea of a "magic box" that sounds just like any amp you can think. And today the Quad Cortex is that magic box! And like you said, the biggest bands are using it. That's the ultimate stamp!

[@Maxze]

Helix has the Plug and play availiaility aswell! my guitarist is curently using a HX Stomp Live and im Using a Headrush myself and it's the best decision i've ever made to ditch my Orange AD Tube head and 8x10 haha... Feels good to not need 3 guys to carry a refrigerator up the stairs from our rehearsal to the van.. :D

[@michaelbogdanowicz4313]

Through a PA or Monitor system they can sound identical most of the time, but you can definitely feel a cracked tube amp into a 4x12 physically push you. Its a sensation that I find inspiring, and also prefer to dial in a tone faster by turning a couple of knobs rather than bend over on a modeler and go thru menus and save functions.

[@mr.bluenotedoobop]

I've sold almost all my pedals and ordered a quad cortex. I figure I'll run it through my JC40 effects loops to override the preamp and use that for home use. Can't wait.

[@finchman7654]

Some great points dude!!! heres my take. amp modeller-using in ears great,on stage monitors depends on quality but most sound terrible.Running seperate signal to power amp (powerstage 170 for me) works great but you just dont get the full power dynamics of a tube head (dual rectifier for me) Real amp-its the real deal, no asking or questioning 'does it sound like the real thing?'.....it is, cant get any more real........doesnt mean it sounds good tho lol. Ive crafted my sound round a dual rect to where im 90 % happy,i also take a signal off to my own in ears from my board and it sound sounds great...............lugging it around....yeh lol I really want to go the quad cortex route but cant until they add user scales to the harmoniser.

[@transmundanemusic]

I love amp modellers, but honestly....if you can get both, you should get both. If you can only have one, a modeller makes a lot of sense. But the thing about modellers is they'll never give the same experience in the room as plugging into a real rig. The experience is the equivalent of micing up a real rig, going into another room and playing while you listen through monitors. It's still a great experience, and in a mix, you'll never know the difference. It's just the in person experience. A tube amp with a good cab is irreplicable.

[@keithhoffman1864]

Blackstar Amped series is digital amp modeling with power amp. I use the Amped 3 into a 2x12 cab. Killer rig.

[@JPTyler]

Might I suggest the Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit floorboard? It does include a power amp section, thus it can push speakers.

[@killerratz]

I used to run a Kemper for a while but I went back to tubes/Mesa triple crown 100. But now I picked up a ampero stage ii. This unit is amazing and love it better than a Kemper anyday! Look it up or try one. The best part its under $700 and does more! BTW great Video! Keep it up I'm a new follower

[@BillyTheKidsGhost]

...Nothing like having everything you need in front of you, on a desk... As opposed to, bending over and walking around an amp rig plugging and unplugging stuff, half of the time.

[@cb4j]

I have an MT15 and have had urges to pickup the 5150 and other minis with a Two Note CaptorX. But I agree.. the quality of modelers have come so far. I think it's less advancement in the tech and more about the convenience of them and adaptation by the masses in recent years. The idealism has flip-flopped... and it's become a lot lighter on the wallet and studio/room space.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I’m doing my ghetto modeling. I plug my REVV G3 and other pedals into my interface and then use NAM or Genome plugin with poweramp captures and Cab IRs. It fun. 🤩 I did this because I knew I was gonna be lost forever tweaking in something like AxeFX. The more choices I have the more I fool around for hours not really doing anything. I enjoy twisting the knobs on my pedals and preamps and getting back to it.

[@bee663]

The DV MARK MULTIAMP also has a 500W power amp onboard ready for any cabinets.

[@hampussoderberg1129]

I have been maining a QC for a few months now. For me, it is mainly a question of simplifying the switching between the many sounds I need to make throughout a set. Having everything in the same modeler is just nice, that it also sounds great is amazing to me

[@brandnewyou5254]

I'd love for you to dig up an old Mustang clip where he says yeah jamming on stage you play the Marshalls and in the recording studio you bust out the DigiTech

[@bill-sr1vd]

I think you're overstating "obsolescence". Nothing has happened in the past decade that prevents the original Axe-FX from working . There are newer models that you may prefer, which is the same as tube amps, but it still works as well today as it did on day one. And, being a digital device it's a lot more likely to keep working than a tube amp.

[@insearchoftone9602]

I have been using the hx stomp for my amp tones for a little over a year now and I gotta say while it took some getting used to not having a 4x12 behind me it really isn't bad. The amp tones are good and they take pedals very well. The fact that it just takes up a corner of my pedal board is a huge plus. I will definitely be upgrading to the quad cortex eventually though.

[@Mojoclatan]

I went from a Blackstar Series One 100 watt head and a cabinet at lives shows to using a Line 6 HX stomp. I think that tone should be balanced against logistics. I can carry everything to play a gig on the Bus or train if I want to. With an amp, I cannot.

[@imperium7]

Another con worth mentioning: I was using the Helix live for a while, and at 2 different gigs, the power wasn't the best at either venue, and at both gigs, my vocalist accidentally stood on my power cable, causing the helix to shutdown and restart. This left me with 30 seconds of dead air, mid song, while I waited for it to boot back up. This hasnt happened since I've been using the QC, but could easily happen.

[@redhorsereincarnated]

Small combo amps are still popular for rock and country in small and medium venues.

[@joshsmith7033]

4:06 honestly, i think quad cortex owners are set for at least 10 to 15 years if not life. It sounds EXACTLY like a tube amp or whatever you model. The only way forward from here is backwards. And believe me, thats where were headed. They'll come out with the "next big thing" and it'll be shit but everyone will hop on board. Kinda like when digital amps came out and replaced tube amps.

[@Colin.W]

I believe the sound test would be better done in person, but any difference will not be so significant that you shouldn’t use modellers. They sound damn good these days and are transportable/cost convenient. Will use tube whenever I can but wouldn’t turn down the opportunity when modellers are needed.

[@ibrajimenez2098]

Its cool to have both! I sometimes use a tube amp for power section of an amp modeller. Sometimes i like bringing a combo tube amp to gigs ,Especially smaller without PA support.

[@mye_loma9362]

Been a tube guy for 30 years..... I think it might be time - but so many questions.

[@LesPaulVOS]

Nothing beats a real tube amp. But a modeler / profiler is great to own. I have an axe fx and a kemper. Kemper rules for me.

[@sqlb3rn]

Modeller is unnecessary unless you have a specific need for one. My FM9 sits in a gig bag under my coffee table cuz I never use it. I always just play thru my amp.

[@larrymann1272]

I’ve got a Blackface Chameleon running into a Replifex. All stereo running into pa system. The best sound i have ever heard.

[@renebauch9316]

For me it solely depends on the use case. At home i can use an amp or plugin, playing live nothing beats a modeler. Most artists use amps to record their stuff and outside of high gain metal, when someone wants to play around with how hard and soft you pick, modelers and plugins are (at least to this day) not able to recreate tube amps. But, it's about the dynamics not the tone.

[@paulkline3011]

I actually still use my line 6 POD 2.0. I programmed my patches 24 years ago when I first bought it and it's still what I like best. Run it through the effects loop of my 5150. Every show people ask me about my tone. Or comment on my 5150 not knowing I'm not even using the actual gane from the amp. Say what you want but its been working for me.

[@the_hippykiller22]

I almost went the modeller route. The thing is, a Quad Cortex rig with a poweramp would be more expensive than my 5150III 50w with my HX FX, so why would I? It's not very big or heavy, sounds amazing, I can switch channels via midi, why would I spend roughly 1000$ more to try to get something approaching when I can just have the real thing? It's easier, sounds perfect and don't forget that if I need to make on the fly adjustments at soundcheck I can, you can't really do that with a modeller, it won't sound the same. The vans we use for touring are big enough to accomodate the head and if I need to do a fly gig I can always use my HX Stomp which is my backup/home use rig. Also there's some reports of issues reliability wise with the QC. I've been thinking long and hard switching to a full digital rig, it doesn't make sense financially or in any other way right now. It's just extra steps and more money to get something 95% as good as what I have now. 50w heads and 2x12 cabs are where it's at for me. Now if we decide one day to go back to in ears and silent stage then I might switch, but I really think you're wrong thinking amps are dead.

[@666.marceline]

modeler + tube poweramp to scratch the itch ; )

[@Ottophil]

No no no. Tube preamp, class D power. Real speaker. Real mic

[@stimpsonjcat26]

@@Ottophil No, Any analog preamp and class d amp. I am running a Tech 21 psa 1.2 (way better sound than their pedal format psa 2.0) and it is great.

[@andybecker5001]

It’s hard to believe how good they are now until you plugin and play. I settled on Tonex pedal. No effects, but I cannot feel or hear any difference from amp.

[@sqlb3rn]

My 6505 has a tube power amp and the preamp sounds better than a modeller.

[@TheRealFoxeR]

I hope we start seeing companies making their own "amps" in their units. Fractal and Line 6 have made their own models that would be either impossible or just inconvenient to make in the analog world. The tech is there, and it's the only way that guitar tone will evolve past the last 40+ years.

[@martyjaay]

One thing I would be critical of, your modeller vs tube amp tone test was a false indicator. If you would have actually used at least one tube amp it would make your point valid (as long as most people voted for the modeller) The act of you choosing to not add one on the sneak was deception, people went into that with their guard up and absolutely overthought everything they heard. Do another honest one

[@josuastangl7140]

I agree. The voting might indicate which modeller sounds the most "real", but does not give any insight into whether it’s easy to identify a tube amp amongst modelers or if they sound close or not.

[@martyjaay]

@@josuastangl7140 glad I’m not the only one. A massive oversight in the main point of the whole video imo

[@josuastangl7140]

@@martyjaay The video is not useless, it still serves a great purpose, but I don’t think it quite proves the point he tried to make

[@martyjaay]

@@josuastangl7140 I agree, not useless. That one aspect just can’t really be considered in the video imo. You need clear parameters for this sort of data etc the people voting assumed that they were given all that they needed, but key aspects were left out in an attempt to make a point of people not knowing the difference but how could they if they had no chance because it was somewhat rigged etc

[@josuastangl7140]

@@martyjaay yeah if you say "Which one is the amp?" and it’s not extremely obvious that there is none (which it clearly wasn’t, so you could say it proves that it might be "close enough") then people will just pick one, which they think sounded the most "real". So it does kind of prove that they’re close enough as people didn’t immediately go "these are clearly all modellers", but it does not prove that people wouldn’t notice in an A/B comparison, because it wasn’t an A/B comparison.

[@user-mm3zd5yv5z]

I do think that in the future we will see a perfect reproduction of vacuum tubes, and complete the process digitally. But it's still incomplete, and I don't want to be confused by new product information, so I use OX and a tube amp for recording. I think digital is better for live performances, as there will be fewer problems!

[@paulcarter105]

As a bedroom guitarist. I Like running pedals in front of my orange super crush head. Mt2w with hm2w in front and boosted with ts9. Would love to try the new gen 3 katana head. For more versatility and the new pushed, contour and cab resonance. For more of a tube feel. Sort of a hybrid of solid state and modeling

[@psychreapland]

the planned obsolescence is really not a thing because u can still use tor modeller even if they dont update it anymore... u dont need to update it for u to use it. if you have something that sounds nice then use it

[@JoshuaMRichard]

The only reason I don't already have an amp modeler is because I don't have a live project. However I do use plugins for my guitar tones so technically I'm still digital. Have done a lot of research into gear for live rigs and would probably get the Headrush MX5 for my tonez.

[@acetechnical6574]

I have several. Hell these days there are enough of them that it's like playing with pedals in the 80s/90s. I use them to practise, write and record, and for taking out to teach. But if there is a human in the room hitting drums with sticks, I am playing through glowing glass and X'd V30s/Jensen JCH-1270s, and Im too old to ever change.

[@riccardocuoghi2071]

Mark Bass (and DV Mark) made a modeler with a stereo power amp. Sadly it was a flop, IR was bad but through a real cab it sound amazing

[@louderthangod]

If you’re a turn the guitar volume on 10 and leave it there then modelers are probably the way to go. I ride my volume knob a lot for cleans and in-betweens and tube amps still do that better than any modeler I’ve tried. The feel as a player is still a huge difference. Playing a tube full stack is so much more fun and visceral than a modeler. I love my Axe Fx, and it’s perfect for my apartment and I have no problem recording with it. I’d also argue that tube amps are not massively more expensive but actually more affordable. My main two amps are 20+ years old, my “new” to me amp is 45 years old and still going great. Up front cost, sure but if you’re planning on doing this for a while tube amps get quite cheap over time.

[@joshrexben]

I believe it really comes down to personal preference and needs. i have a 5150 iii Stealth 100 and a quad cortex. I feel like the QC doesn’t sound as good out of the box so it takes some tweaking but can definitely get there. However, some days I have the time to tweak the QC for what I want and some days I fire the amp up and what I’m looking for is almost immediate.

[@caleshtcincredibles]

I use a NUX Trident with power amp and cabinet , we play small clubs , the Trident is built like a tank no huge screen that can get broken , the NUX tone studio software is easy to use and tweak patches etc .......never going back to analog .

[@synonyx]

Got my quad cortex last week.... super impressed with it. The next day I sold my entire HX Stomp and Helix setups! Still want to try Fractal though. Seymour Duncan has an option to go from modeler to power pedal to cab. Still keeping my tube amps tho.

[@davidjoel111]

I’ve enjoyed Rabeas videos on how he’s running the quad cortex. Most of my gigs I can manage direct to FOH with my tonex and an hx stomp, but I have a few gigs coming up that I might have to go thru an amp, smaller stage, no good monitoring solution. But I still want to go direct to FOH. I’ve been trying to figure out how to split the signal with the hx stomp and it doesn’t seem to be possible. I’ve also dabbled with several of the neural plugins and I am enjoying the tones more than what I have on my tonex and hx stomp. I’ve been very tempted to get a quad cortex.

[@AnimalJohn85]

I like both worlds, use my helix on its tod for the most part but it has replaced my pedal board for running through my orange. Tend to set it up as you would a pedal board with seperate loop and front of amp instead of the 4 cable where its possible to bypass the preamp (its fun but a little over the top for my simple needs). Great vid sir :)

[@ronniek.5553]

Honestly i have a new ENGL Ironball SE it's small and what's great! love the idea thanks for the heads up also love your work

[@Liam_Doherty_UK]

Indeed. I use a QC live, but use an Ironball for recording. Perfect combination 👍

[@brandnewyou5254]

Just remember even though you play modelers faking a badass looking amp on stage is always going to be cool

[@gauravlama2079]

As a user experience the real amp is always the best, but as a gigging musician it’s absolutely impossible to lug around a real amp from home to studio and venue to venue. And the good learning experience of a modelling unit is that we can experience 100 amp models inside the board and learn the characteristics of how each amp sounds.

[@brandnewyou5254]

I tried to tell people this 30 years ago when I bought a DigiTech 2.1 Legend and nobody has listened because when you are rocking live as nothing like a good tube amp and a bunch of pedals and rack gear

[@Crunch104]

The more I think about modelling, the more I have no interest in it for live applications. If you need to get a power amp to power a speaker in addition to the modeler, why bother? To get different types of amps? I don't need that in a live situation. Live I need one main amp tone for gain, and one for clean. I don't need to model a dozen different amps live. Even in a cover band. I understand large touring bands wanting consistency in different venues though with modelers, and in the home studio, modelers are also awesome. Also, I love effect modelers a lot. I have a Line6 HXFX for live use and Native for studio. Great content man!

[@gkswift1999]

One last comment because I just heard the end of your video: A full stack used to look cool, but I've played through full stacks many many times over the years including a couple times when I was touring. Absolutely never again. they are dangerous, they do top over, they don't sound great and have always irritated the crap out of me when I'm playing because I don't want to hear it blasting into my head when I'm playing live. I want a true backline with guitars and bass, and the front monitors with nothing but vocals and the side fills with snare kick and hat. That's it. When you're running around a hundred foot stage, a couple stacks behind you get irritating. half stacks to me, two of them side by side with a 5150 on each, and especially if it's the oversized Mesa with the internal angled top, are the best way to go. that way it hits your pant leg, it hits the back of your head slightly, sounds thick and woody and not all high-end mid-range. :-) just my two cents buddy

[@deeforty]

To be fair dude , you've come a long way , friends with slipknot, knocking out riffs , and your theory lesson is awesome 👍👍, good man.

[@Chuck5691]

Yep, A very long way from the Joey Sturgis Tones rant video. That was my intro to "Stay Metal Ray".

[@hashachache]

I've a friend with loads of synths, so this is in terms of keyboards, not guitars, but it's interesting all the same.......when asked his favourite sounds (expecting him to answer strictly digital or strictly analogue) he answered, "My favourite thing is playing an analogue keyboard & a digital synth simultaneously, that is my favourite sound" - I did independent hands piano practice, it's quite useful - I just thought, it's so strange to think someone's favourite sound is not recorded anywhere, not played anywhere on any stage.......he just arranges the keyboards for himself, on his own, enjoys himself like no-one else.....& hardly anyone's heard it - but it seems digital's finally sounding as good as analogue......how could you organise the equivalent of my keyboards friend idea with electric guitars? Is it worth discussing with one of the Elijah guitarists. I like when a band has a Gibson thin note guitar, and another guitarist has a Fender strat fat note guitar.