Tube distortion

carlos seo · #1 02-08-2001, 09:03 PM

What do you guys think about tube distortion (from amps or pedals)?

Doink · #2 02-08-2001, 11:19 PM

I don't think there's anyone here that would prefer a solid state rig over a tube rig (whether it be Marshall, Mesa, Legacy, Laney...).
Of course, pricetag's are the reason why Line 6 and the slew of imitators are so successful.

mecca777 · #3 02-09-2001, 12:06 AM

I agree with Doink. You can't argue with POD - the price/performance ratio is awesome on some of the new modelling gear. But when it comes to sheer playing pleasure, I can't see anything ever replacing a cranked tube amp.

dwswift · #4 02-09-2001, 12:51 AM

If we're calling the POD solid state, then I'd take that over any tube amp or preamp out there. *

I've tried Marshalls, 5150s, the Legacy... The POD (I use the POD Pro) is more reliable, consistant, and it's sheer versitility makes it more valuable to me than any tube amp I've heard.

Did I mention how great it sounds? *It RIPS... just ask Ty Tabor of King's X who used the Pod Pro exclusively on the last tour. *Even U2's Edge has one in his rack.

...I do run mine with an all tube VHT 2150 Power amp :biggrin:

(Edited by dwswift at 11:53 pm on Feb. 8, 2001)

Redeye2 · #5 02-09-2001, 01:21 AM

So, you're are not really taking tubes out... try it with a non-tube power amp and it'll not be the same. I have a JCM2000 100w head and it kicks ass! When playing it's just amazing how LOUD this ****
can get... even at 5 it's a headache on a 2x12". I love tubes...

Greg RG7 · #6 02-09-2001, 11:05 AM

First off, *some tube amps ARE great, but *to this day, I have YET to find a JCM MARSHALL or ANY Marshall that I think sounds great. *The Lower strings break up with no definition, and there is CLEARLY not enough gain. (4 preamp tubes? *puh-lease!)
* I decided to sell my 5150 combo, because as far as a home recording amp, it is the worst. *But at the time I did not want to go Solid state unless it was REALLY sounding good. *The Sansamp Psa-1 did it and for a rack mount preamp, I have yet to hear an equal. *The Triaxis sounds like crap compared to it, *and I have tweaked both. *POD PRO is a great "all in one unit" but the Sansamp PSA-1 is a great preamp that can be added to other rack units nicely. *
* * Cranked tube amps are the best sounding, but if you need consistancy and sturdiness and a REALLY clean tone, Solid state is it. * It all depends on what is important to your taste. *

jeff l · #7 02-09-2001, 11:14 AM

I love tube distortion. It's warm and organic and it breaths. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * However, I try to keep an open mind to new technologies such as digtal amp modeling. I'm very impressed by the accomplishments made over the last few years in this realm and it's going to keep getting more refined with time.

* * *

(Edited by jeff l at 10:16 am on Feb. 9, 2001)

**jemsite** · #8 02-09-2001, 11:15 AM

Quote:

What do you guys think about tube distortion (from amps or pedals)?

It is the only type of distortion i give any thought to

jeff l · #9 02-09-2001, 11:25 AM

Hey Greg,
* * * * * * * *I think the real magic is in the power tubes. To me that's where a Marshall really wails, when you open it up.

(Edited by jeff l at 10:27 am on Feb. 9, 2001)

goldboy · #10 02-09-2001, 11:59 AM

For anyone who has ever had the opportunity to stand in a big room with a Mesa Dual Rec Half Stack and turn it past 5 on master volume, and past 6 on the gain with the tone controls tweaked a bit...

you know why tube distortion sounds really good!!

(p.s. I attempted the same on the Line 6 Flextone and it didn't compare...keeping in mind it is a 2X12 configuration using *a patch to model the 4X12 with the A.I.R. turned on....the harmonics weren't there)

lgascoig · #11 02-09-2001, 12:02 PM

I like the sound of tube distortion, but if you live in an apartment you're kind of screwed for blowing the walls down to get a good sound. *I think the Line 6 stuff sounds pretty good (a heck of a lot better than plain ol' solid state) and it sounds good at 1 on the volume.

dwswift · #12 02-09-2001, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Quote: from Greg RG7 on 10:05 am on Feb. 9, 2001
POD PRO is a great "all in one unit" but the Sansamp PSA-1 is a great preamp that can be added to other rack units nicely.

I have to disagree with this. *I run a TC Electronic G-Force with my POD Pro without any problems. *It's linked via midi and I can control the patch changes with my Line 6 floorboard. *The Pod PRO has a stereo FX loop but I choose to place the G-Force after the POD. *I also run a expression pedal out of the G-Force for realtime control over my delay level. *Sounds are out of this world.

The POD Pro is simply a Preamp. *Anyone who thinks that the FX section on the POD Pro is supposed to be pro caliber is fooling themselves.

mecca777 · #13 02-09-2001, 01:37 PM

I think that the whole valve/solid-state debate depends on the style of music to a degree. Obviously a lot of tube amps don't have the split-second response that you need for highly-saturated death metal. On the other hand, I've heard so many players in the last couple of years with mega-gain amps who just disappear on stage. That's what made me stick with a medium-gain Marshall and a nice distortion pedal for leads. At least my guitar can be heard over the bass and drums.

Greg RG7 · #14 02-09-2001, 02:14 PM

I do agree, Tube distortion is the best, it will be for many many years. *The thing is, you need to look at your needs. *Volume control, consistancy, ruggedness, and all that. *If I moved my 5150 combo and bumped it into a doorway by accident, I was "telecaster man" for a few sessions. *
* *Like I said, I never thought I would see the day I would ever go solid state, *but I just cant live with the nature of the tube beast (replacing tubes, tube matching, being careful of bumping the amp). *My solid state rig is the closest I can get to High Gain Mesa Boogie Tone without worrying about all that. *Like I said, you take a Sansamp PSA-1 , and use a 30 band EQ with it to sculpt an exact tone, your tone will be lethal. *

carlos seo · #15 02-09-2001, 04:21 PM

OK... now that I've read many different opinions, I'd like to know what's the best rig for me. I want a really good clean tone, a crunchy *distortion for rhythm and a lead distortion that can cut through bass and drums (high gain and lots of sustain). I play mostly Vai, Dream Theater, instrumental rock and some classical.

I have a Fender Rock Pro 700 combo, hybrid amp. It's tube drive is okay, but I think it can't be heard when playing leads (high frequencies can't cut through the other instruments).

Please, help! Thanks!