Video

Thanks for clarifying line level - this older rocker didn't quite understand that - but I do now. I have a Quad Cortex and a Kemper and I'll be definitely reviewing this. Well done - great video. Liked, Subbed.

Electrical signals can be generated many ways. The only thing we respond to either as the player or a listener is when the signal is transduced into sound. There are two extra factors as a player which are the UX design of the equipment and physical tactile feedback of the sound while playing. Tactile feel also affects the listener at sufficient SPL but differently since they are not generating the sound themselves. But it’s all about transducing sound.

Well I got A and C right in the sense that I thought they were the same device with some tweak 😂 I just thought A and C was real amp and B was Fractal because I thought B sounded worst lol.

I use a modeling amp (head only - no cab) live and have been for 2 decades. I have the first modeling amp ever made and I can make it sound like any other digital device I've heard. I constantly get compliments on my tone. I gig on a regular basis. I play through JBL FOH and it does make a difference what you come out of. If it makes you feel better to spend thousands of dollars and carry around a big heavy wooden box then buy an amplifier. You probably won't sound as good as me but.... you will look cooler.

❤ thx so much Exploit wise information

For recording yes, but for live you gotta have tubes you condescending JO.

All my guitar heroes play through real amps, even now. Nuno, Paisley, Timmons, Yngwie, Kotzen, Gilbert, Trapp and on and on and on. For me, that is very telling. PS - seriously great playing and very informative.

I would like to hear somewhere a comparison between a real tube Vox and a modeler or capture the Vox sound. I think it would be obvious which one would be the tube one. But who cares as long as the player is happy playing real music 🫡

Big 👍🏻 for the Redbox live use. Still using a palmer PDi 09 here. Just cuts through the mix with minimal messing about. I use both modellers and amps gig dependant. At home I’ll use plugins or a modeller but, gigs I’ll prefer an amp but not precious about using a modeller. What works.

Too much yapping

Hi, Matt New subscriber here. I use a QC into a Fender 12” Tone Master FR and perform in a Stone Temple Pilots tribute band - and one thing I still have not figured out how to do well is go from clean to dirty using the volume knob (think “Army Ants”) on my guitar. Is this even possible to do? Is it smarter to use an expression pedal to set up a clean to dirty tone from your amps gain settings? Or use the expression pedal to control an overdrive pedal? Any tips on this one? Thanks!

I don't even worry about it. I don't even use guitar amps. Namely because guitar amp speakers are frequency range limited. Notably the old marshals. We would simply disconnect the speaker and run the speaker wires to some 3 way 5x9 car speaker to get the range back. Remember, in the right hands a $50.00 Harmony Sunburst or GS1 guitar can sound like a $5000.00 guitar. If you want more confidence use the Fender SS/1000 super strat.

ok i wouldn't jump to any conclusions using a jcm 900 and 2x10 that's not exactly the ideal amp experience. i work on live gigs with many guitar players with modelers it's always the same the source tone disappears and you hear mainly effects they are also forever lost in the rabbit hole of too many bad options, it's sad that they have to wait for updates like sardines and pay more without a clue if it will work for them or not, never ending trial and error. real tube backline amps on the other hand are too bright and mid forward so it drives the sound guy and bandmates insane...the answer is to use a really good amp that suits you and the venue if youre after the best tone.

It's both. And enough of the right speaker mix.

As the brain has a very short memory when trying to compare sounds and is easily confused by a new sound so your demos starting at about 7:25 are almost impossible to truly compare properly because one needs to be able to hear the chord riff part vs the chord riff and the higher solo part with the other solo part. Having the chords then solo of A then chords and solo of B doesn't allow direct comparing like to like. Besides that minutiae digital vs analog in my opinion isn't all that important anymore as one can get both lousy and great sounds with either. From what I have experienced with the Fender Tonemaster Deluxe the weakest point of digital sound to my ears isn't basic cleans or edge of breakup or even very distorted sounds but very percussive cleans being the most difficult guitar sound for digital to get right, not sure if that is also the case for Axe FX or the Kemper or whatever other digital stuff. Basically use whatever you like that gets the sounds that make you happy and offers you the best pathway to them. Personally I just like tube amps as they are mostly what I have used for years and I'm far more comfortable with just a few knobs and the way a tube amp interacts with my guitar rather than having a bazillion options provided by digital modeling or profiling but if digital gets the results you are after and you enjoy the interface then go for it.

I think now, at this point in time with how well developed the digital world is...we've come to the point where you simply cannot tell. Sure, 15 years ago there was no question. And even then...I had the first iteration of Axefx (Ultra) in 2009 and I'd even argue it was that good then. But of course they've come a long way. Anyway at this point it's simply what do you prefer rather than what sounds 'better'.

Paused at 2:44. The first two are digital for SURE. They have that super harsh sizzling high end that a tube amp will never do. The last one: I'm not sure. I feel like it's a tube amp but it's missing a lot of high end it should have. It could just be EQ'ed out. It doesn't sound digital to me.

Paused at 1:20. Sounds like the same amp. It's a real amp. The high end/presence is simply rolled off more and more between clips.

I never judge with distortion. Show me the clean tones. And it’s the feel when you play.

The only thing I'm really concerned about is the DSP power creating a separate chain. I have the amp on output 3 and headphones on an output 1.

I have an FM9 and some Marshall heads. I’ll use either one depending on the gig/load in/details of the gig. FM9 if it’s a multi and deal or a short set…..I’ll use my Marshall if it’s a longer gig or if the tube rig sounds really good in a specific venue…..🤘🏼

Many people debate Tube amps versus Modelers. Why not consider using both? (I understand it's a lengthy post about mostly a personal gear journey, so maybe grab a drink, relax. You might find it enlightening. :) ) Let me start by sharing my journey. I’ve been a modeling enthusiast since the days of the Alien Connections Revalver MkI. This dates back to the early era of amp modeling. As a young musician, I neither had the budget nor the space for real amps. Finding an amp with a headphone output for bedroom play was a challenge. The moment I discovered I could use the same computer I gamed on to play and record music, I was captivated. Despite the poor sound quality, the convenience was an undeniable advantage for me at the time. As time passed, technology advanced. Bedroom amps began to gain traction. In February 2001, I finally had the means to purchase a real amp. Living far from any major city or music store, my stepfather and I embarked on a ten-hour journey to a large music store, allowing me to test equipment firsthand instead of relying on Google. (Ironically, Google Images launched a few months later!) After experimenting with various setups, I found myself at a crossroads: the new Marshall Valvestate VS265, the Peavey Special 212 (the red stripe version), and the new Boss GT-6. On one side, there was Marshall. Although it wasn’t a JCM800, it shared some characteristics, albeit with fewer effects. On the other hand, Peavey offered great value for money. The affordability of the Peavey meant it fit within my budget, even if it wasn’t a true Marshall. Additionally, the GT-6 came with numerous effects and a Wah pedal. So, what to choose? What was the wiser option? I weighed the facts: the Marshall sounded better and had a cooler appearance, but the Peavey-Boss combination offered more functionality and allowed for headphone use with the GT-6. For my younger self, I knew that this trip was a one-time opportunity. The ability to test different amp models, effects, cabs, and use headphones, plus having a tuner, made the decision easier. I opted for the Peavey and the GT-6. Was it superior to the Marshall? No. But it suited my needs best. That’s the essence of the story. Over time, I learned about various effects, amps, cabs, levels, FX loops, EQ, and so forth. I discovered a preference for Fender amps (which remains true today). My dream amp is the Vibroverb 64 combo. The multi-FX unit allowed me to gain knowledge rapidly and practice extensively without disturbing anyone, thereby improving my guitar skills faster. Could I have achieved the same results with just the Marshall? Perhaps, but not as quickly. Remember, it was 2001-CZcams tutorials were non-existent. Using modelers for learning and gigging accelerated my progress significantly. Over the years, like many, I’ve acquired and sold various gear-both modelers and tube amps. Is one better than the other? No. Gear wears out, but our preferences evolve more swiftly. Occasionally, we find equipment we love and wouldn’t replace. However, not everyone can afford to chase tones with real amplifiers and pedals. That’s where modelers excel. They allow for easy experimentation without the risk of damaging real amps and tubes (I vividly recall the day I learned about the purpose of a standby switch). Reamping is seamless with modelers, and they occupy less space than a full studio setup. Let's be honest: modelers wouldn't exist if there weren't excellent real gear to model in the first place. Even now, I continue exploring my musical identity, playing various genres-pop, blues, metal, rap, and some obscure styles. Could I afford all the amps and gear for these genres? No. I believe that on our "Gear Acquisition Syndrome" journey, we eventually find what sticks with us. Maybe I’m destined to be a session guitarist. Who knows? One certainty is that I love having options to quickly find good tones and connect with the moment’s vibe. That’s why modelers suit me best. I enjoy plugging in, trying presets, and saving new sounds for later. Practicing, enjoying music, and learning new things. I often watch Matthew Dale’s videos on modelers versus tube amps or sound tweaking-he’s a fantastic teacher and a genuinely nice guy. Check out his CZcams channel and his courses-they’re well worth it, much better than an expensive dinner or pay-per-view event. A few years back, I had the chance to try a JCM800 in an arena, cranking it up to 11 with a full stack. It was an experience I can’t replicate daily. That day, I learned about resonant frequencies and EQing, which I applied to my digital presets. Would I buy a JCM800 full stack? No, not in my two-bedroom condo. But do I enjoy the modeled version? Absolutely. It might never be as good as the real thing, but I’m content with that choice. We’ve reached a point where distinguishing between the real deal and its modeled representation is incredibly difficult. Life is about finding what works for you, not following others’ advice. When I tried the JCM800, it could have been a disappointment. But I love playing the "fake one," and that’s okay. That’s why they say, "You shouldn’t meet your heroes." I hope you learn a few things or helped you clear your mind. Peace out and rock on! :)

I think the modeler sound good for distortion but the axe effect just isn’t clean , I’m having a hard time finding a super clean setting, but the distortion is great at lower volume for small clubs

Hi Matt,looking to buy a new Bad Cat amp,they cost 2,000,have you tried one or would a modeler be better,bedroom player,thanks.

Passive listening is the worst way to compare tube amps with modeling but work great for collecting clicks. The differences become much more apparent if you actually play them, not just passively listening.

I would like to ask. For example. If i want a sound of jcm 800? Why should i buy a modeler that trying to emulate 800? Modelers trying to emulate. They try to copy. Why should i buy copy? there is no point. If can easily buy an Original? The cost u say? Modelers are more expensive nowadays than real amp.(Axe kemper fender Cortex) For 2000 bucks i can buy a real amp and bunch of effects.

All the samples could be either depending on the mic position and room its in. In the mix it simply does not matter.

Each comparison sounds so similar that my pocket always has the last word.

The modelers are so good now that no one - certainly not most in a typical concert audience or recorded music listener - can tell the difference or really cares about any very slight differences. I am certainly a more seasoned music listener and player (I am 58 years old), so I grew up on music created in the analog world with tube amps, but I love how things like Fractal, Amplitube, NDSP, etc. sound and how incredibly powerful they are in shaping and creating tone. Yes - tube amps are great and create air movement that is powerful and you can feel it in chest if you turn it up enough. But that only matters to the player - not the listener. Certainly the things that matter to the player are important because they are important to their creative spark, so what it comes down to is preference and convenience. Nobody really wants to lug 100's of pounds of gear per band member around, and the cost of that gear is very high now as amps become more boutique and niche. For $1600 and the cost of a good FRFR and power amp, you can get hundreds of amp models, thousands of effects pedals and cab IRs that is far more portable and flexible than amps and pedalboards. It is no longer about what is better - they are essentially both fantastic sounding and almost indistinguishable from each other. It is about preference, expense, and convenience. The extremes of the arguments - the Luddites saying tube amps or nothing, and the "new tech only" crowd telling the Boomers and GenXers that they need to catch up - are just being too dogmatic.

You Rock!!! Great non bias video. ;) Keep them coming!!

Here is an interesting fact to consider: No less a guitar maestro than Joe Satriani revealed that zero of his beloved tube amps were used in the recording of his last, highly regarded album The Elephants of Mars. The album sounds incredible and it was all done with plugins and Amplitude. Is Joe going to go the modeler route on tour? No, not at all, as he simply loves how physical amps perform and move air for him live. So, the lesson is that in 2024 just use whatever you feel works best for the situation. Forget all the dumb arguments. Gear has never been better for guitarists than it is right now. And gear has always been just like screwdrivers - they're tools, tools to help you create music. Look right now in your house. I guarantee that you have tons and tons of screwdrivers lying around. Same with gear....IT'S ALL GOOD!

I just started using Amplitube and am floored how good my tones are. Like some of the best tones I've had in decades of playing real amps like an amazing 50 watt Marshall that sounded fantastic. There is some tricks to setting up great tones. I'm finding a White A2 compressor / limiter at the end of every channel is excellent for bringing out rich tones that are full of life and dynamics. The flexibility of tones is ridiculous. It has reinspired me to play more and different as I have almost any sound imaginable.

I use both to get the best of both worlds. I like modelers when I have to use headphones.

Excellent! Thanks for your work putting this all together Matthew. Your analysis is great as well! 👏👏

How did you get the foam to fit perfectly around the FM3? Does the foam come with the case, or do you purchase it separately?

Thanks but you completely forgot how to connect it to the sound mixer and I'm really struggling here.

Thanks.

This sounds like a money pit. Screw this. I'll stick to real amps

Thanks for the video

@mathew_dale Thank you for this video , went to GC to look at a Jp-6 and was once again disappointed by a guitar that had problems in the store. So I turned around and this guitar was sitting there with a clearance sticker , woot ! . Played in the store and was just amazed at its weight and the neck really isn’t hard to get use to same with the frets your finger adjust pretty quickly, but all I can say is I am blown away by the sound this guitar can produce it really is an amazing instrument , lol I can see how you ended up with more then one. Thanks again for the video !

Thanks for this video and sharing your knowledge. This made me a subscriber. Clear and concise information here. Thank you. I use modelers and it has always been trial & error. This video has helped to shake out a lot of the issues I was having and being a lot together even more for.

Thanks! I needed this for a song I'm playing this Sunday.

What's that song? It's very familiar!

Keep it up, Mathew! Really good job cutting through a lot of the more technical jargon people throw around all the time, but that really needs a bit of easily digestible explanations. For example, the whole Line Level thing....Great work and subbed!

Thanks for all the great info. I’ve been using Fractal gear for about 7 years now and I’m still learning. Do you set your output levels to -10 or +4 when sending FOH? I hear both from Fractal players. I think the Fractal manual says +4 when running into a PA system. Thanks!

Great video! Thank you for sharing, Mr. Mathew! I’m just getting back into playing in church again after a few years hiatus due to a car accident. I’ve had a pedal board with some type of amp emulator pedal going into a direct box, into the house. So thanks again for this excellent explanation of your thought process and recommendations. I was thinking about the Helix; but now I’m going to look further at the Fractal stuff. I have a couple questions: What is the brand/model of your chair? I’ve been wanting one without arms and just don’t see them. Also, what church do you serve at? Thank you! Rock on!

At the point you're using the guitar cabinet to "feel" the tone, there's no longer any benefit to using the modeler because you're now lugging an amp, which the modeler was supposed to eliminate the need for. You might just as well use the amp with effects. Get an attenuator to manage volume. If you're using the modeler direct to front of house and using in-ears to monitor like a lot of bands I've seen lately, then the modeler concept is the most efficient means to get what you need.

The spring under the A string saddle serves as a ground connection. Without that, the guitar would be noisey. Been there, missed that, learned the hard way😂

Great video!

Thanks Matt!!! I was 10 feet away from Ty Taybor at a Kings X show, and the next day picked up his amp...an Orange Crush Pro 120. A solid state 2-12 combo. I can't wait to try this on my amp...