Rocktron Voodu Valve input needed

[Silverburst]

Hi folks, in my quest for a good singing leadtone, I might be going back to rack gear after all because of it's versatility, so my eyes fell on a Rocktron Voodu Valve. it seems to be known for it's good distortions. I'm getting too afraid of buying a specific amp/combo where you are most of the time "more" stuck with a certain kind of sound.

first of all, is there a difference between the "online" version and the normal version of the Voodu Valve ?

Suggestions towards other preamps in this pricerange are welcome, since the Voodu Valve has been around for 8-10 years or so ? and it's digital gear... the day that rocktron comes out with a fresh digital preamp, it's value will drop as well.

Thx.

[rgr]

Rocktron does have a newer digital preamp, the Prophesy.

As far as the VV goes, the difference between the regular and the Online version is marketing, that and the originals were made in the US and the new ones are MIC. I still prefer the Rocktron units to PODs and such, no, they do not have specific programs to mimic specific amps, you have to do the work to program in your sounds. I always thought (my opinion) that the Rocktron units were more "pro" and road worth than the red beans. That said, with a little work and creativity you can come up with some killer sounds. Also, the Chameleon is basicallly the same preamp/effects unit, the VV adds a tube in line between the preamp and effects section to warm up the sound, but the preamp is all digital. They sound very similar, while the tube does add to the sound some, it is debateable how much it adds. That said, if you have the choice, why not get the VV.

[Silverburst]

indeed RGR, no modelling amp, but I'm totally not into that. I cannot find the modelling concept more than a nice trick of engineering, but I'm looking for "versatillity" elsewhere.

The prophesy is indeed a newer bro but at least twice as expensive, so not an option, or I must get lucky

[rgr]

Originally Posted by pmike

The prophesy is indeed a newer bro but at least twice as expensive, so not an option, or I must get lucky

Yes, I understand, I was referring to your statement about the price dropping when a new one came out. A new one has been out for a while and the price hasn't dropped dramatically, that actually is a good thing.

As far as the VV vs the Prophecy, the Prophecy has gone in the direction of the newer Chameleons, it have 4 amp, dare I use the word, models to start with. Personally, I would look for an old MIA VV (the black face ones).

[Silverburst]

The Prophesy is already #2, it's another range in their preamp-series no ? I would expect more something like a Voodu II after 8-10 years of Voodu, and that would certainly have impact on the price of the Voodu.

I was also thinking... a Rocktron Piranha + separate Fx section. I've read a lot of Piranha and Voodu user reviews, but I can't quite scetch the Piranha-Voodu comparison as far as preamp, the basic sound, goes. I have my eyes on a used Piranha and Voodu online as well. Any experience with the Piranha ?

[rgr]

No, sorry, haven't tried the Piranha. It is a "real" analog tube preamp though, lots of "big name" guys have used them.

As far as effects units, the Intellifex sounds great, but only does basic delays, reverbs, and modulation, but it sounds great (did I already say that). The Replifex and Multi-Valve are also very good and do more "guitar-y" effects like phase, flange, rotary sounds, etc... The Multi-Valve is basically the Replifex with a tube, kinda like the Chameleon and VV.