M-Audio JamLab

[Phillip]

I recently purchased Jamlab. I wanted temporary substitution for an amp. Mainly just for playing/practising, later maybe for recording.
But I was very disappointed. It is very simple hardware, which is ok for me. But the enclosed software (GT Player Express) is really horrible. On M-Audio site it says it's got an amp simulation. But it has got only stompboxes (distortion instead of any amp model). The sound quality was quite bad. In the default settings there is always noise gate on and you have to play very hard to get the sound through. If you turn noise gate of, you have a lot of noise comming from the speaker, buzzing, like a bad lead connection. I tried to alter the setting but it was useless. So I wanted to try different software (Revalve, Amplitube), but... It should support VST pluggins, but Revalve wasn't working and Amplitube as well. And card settings were bad as well. I expected something more adjustable, but this is so simple (just volume), that it would be better without any.
And this is my real problem :-). I wasn't satisfied, so I wanted to return it. I went back to Soho Soundhouse, but they told me, I can't get my money back. It is possible only, if I order by mail or internet. WTF???
They told me, they cannot sell it again, so they can't give me money back, I have to choose something different or they would give me credit (which you can spend in the shop). But if they can't sell it, why did he take it and why it is possible if you purchase by mail or internet?
So what should I do? I don't want to buy annything again from shop like this (not mentioning they are the most expensive shop in london).
I was thinking of buying something different via mail or internet, pay with the credit and then taking it back to get my money :-).

[Polaris20]

It's a software-based solution, and as such is usually non-returnable. They're probably not trying to give you a hard time.

I would try out Amplitube LE; it's not too bad, definitely better than GT Player. You can get it working, just do some researching.

[Algiman]

I'm pretty sure that the law for internet & mail order sales are diferent to the laws for buying from a shop in person - more protection for the buyer.

As for taking it back - unless you can show that there is something wrong with it, or it isn't fit for purpose, the shop don't have to take it back. Most will though if only too keep the customer.

[Dinosaur]

I was thinking of buying this, as it seemed like a very good idea, but now this post made me think twice. And I suspect it will work with Windows XP only, which certainly limits its portability.

Is there any better alternative at a similar price?

BTW, I was also thinking of the M-Audio Black Box with its pedalboard, pricier but looks good.

[Phillip]

Thanks for reply guys. The problem is they have this policy on every item, not only software based, so if you buy anything from the person in the shop, you can't return if you don't like it, only if it's broken. But most of the shops usually take the item back (mostly until 6 or 7 days of purchase), so thats why I was a bit dissapointed. Anyway, I will buy something different.