I’ve been almost exclusively using amp modeling and multi-effects units for the past year for both acoustic and electric guitar processing. I know that a lot of people have bad experiences with amp modeling and may have quickly discounted them after the first impression. There's also been a big push for analog gear over the past few years, perhaps as a reaction to the growth of digital technology. I’m not here to say that modeling is superior or inferior to a traditional amp setup, but instead I want to share what I perceive to be the pros and cons of using amp modeling for live performance.
CONS
1. Not plug-in and play
The great thing about an awesome tube amp is, you can plug any guitar in, crank it up, and it's going to sound pretty good with only minimal adjustments. However, an amp modeler is NOT an amp, it will NOT respond the same way as an amp, and it may take a lot of work before you get a good sound. The issue is, most modelers have similar looking controls but rarely do they react in the same way as analog amps or effects. Additionally, the learning curve just to figure how to accomplish basic "tweaking" and creating presets can be a turn off for guitarists.
2. You can't swap out components
One of the great things about having a pedalboard or an amp is that you can easily swap and switch stuff out. (The endless possibilities only feed the GAS). With a multi-effects unit, you're stuck with what you got unless you want to run additional pedals along with it. With an amp modeler you can't really add your own NOS tubes or favorite broken-in speaker. You're pretty much stuck with whatever has been programmed into the unit.
3. You're at the mercy of the system and the sound engineer
Your tone is only going to be as strong as the system you're playing through and how well the engineer mixes. If you can't rely on one or the other, it's better to have a nice amp on stage with you as your monitor and a reference on how your tone really should sound.
4. Choices are limited
At this point in time, the choices for analog amps and effects far out weigh the digital. There are so many great amp makers and boutique pedal builders that are making nicer and nicer products that it's hard to keep up with everything. Conversely, high quality digital gear is released and improved upon at a much slower rate.
5. It's still not the "real thing"
When it comes down to it, amp modeling is still just trying to emulate amps and the effects that were digitally captured. Obviously technology is progressing quickly and has allowed the replication to become more and more convincing, but if you know what works well for you, why try to substitute it for a simulation?
PROS
1. Consistency
The great thing about amp modeling is that once you've found or created a usable sound, it's always saved and will sound exactly the same. Wherever you plug in, it will react the same way and you don't have to worry about making sure your effects are set the same and that your amp is properly mic'd. Your tubes will never die and your speaker will never get blown out. You won't have to trouble shoot if there's a bad cable, bad connection or glitchy pedal in your signal chain either. Additionally, you can create specific presets for specific songs and instantly recall them on the fly.
The great thing about amp modeling is that once you've found or created a usable sound, it's always saved and will sound exactly the same. Wherever you plug in, it will react the same way and you don't have to worry about making sure your effects are set the same and that your amp is properly mic'd. Your tubes will never die and your speaker will never get blown out. You won't have to trouble shoot if there's a bad cable, bad connection or glitchy pedal in your signal chain either. Additionally, you can create specific presets for specific songs and instantly recall them on the fly.
2. Portability
One of the great things about amp modeling is that you can have LOT more sounds in a much smaller unit. Whether you're using a floor or rack unit, you're gear is going to be a lot lighter and you'll have to carry around a lot less. Also, this is conducive to quick setup and tear down times as well as taking up less space on stage if things are getting crowded.
One of the great things about amp modeling is that you can have LOT more sounds in a much smaller unit. Whether you're using a floor or rack unit, you're gear is going to be a lot lighter and you'll have to carry around a lot less. Also, this is conducive to quick setup and tear down times as well as taking up less space on stage if things are getting crowded.
3. Live flexibility
For electric guitar, I enjoy switching between 3 separate amps set to different levels of gain rather than relying on overdrive pedals. I also enjoy have an acoustic patch setup with EQ, compression, reverb, and a volume pedal. With modelers, I can easily switch between amp heads for electric and if I want to play acoustic, I can use the same unit for that as well with the press of a button. As I mentioned earlier, it's really nice to be able to instantly recall presets for certain songs with saved BPM and effects or presets for different instruments.
For electric guitar, I enjoy switching between 3 separate amps set to different levels of gain rather than relying on overdrive pedals. I also enjoy have an acoustic patch setup with EQ, compression, reverb, and a volume pedal. With modelers, I can easily switch between amp heads for electric and if I want to play acoustic, I can use the same unit for that as well with the press of a button. As I mentioned earlier, it's really nice to be able to instantly recall presets for certain songs with saved BPM and effects or presets for different instruments.
4. Cost
Obviously, there are various modelers at various price points. However, even the most expensive of units will most likely be cheaper than buying a high end amp and pedals. If you look into used or discontinued digital units, most of the time the price is even lower.
5. For most, it's close enough
This is the hardest one to swallow because I would like to think that I have a pretty discerning ear when it comes to how a guitar sounds. However, it really is getting harder and harder to figure out what's digital and what's analog in both live concerts and in recordings For the common person, I believe that the difference is pretty much indiscernible, especially if you're running through a nice sound system and you're playing with a full band. Again, creating or finding a great sounding preset is the key to all of it.
Finally, the most important question is when deciding what equipment to use is, "What's the best tool for the job?".
For me, modelers are the best choice for what I do at Houston's First. Thankfully, I've been able to get some great patches dialed with the help of my friend Michael Brady (who first recommended I try amp modeling) and the sound engineers.
On Sunday, I alternate between electric and acoustic guitar and I travel between two different campuses. Additionally, we never have amps on stage, always run In Ear Monitors, have a great production team that always mixes well, and have good sound systems at all campuses. With all these factors in mind, using amp modeling allows me to set up quickly, be flexible, not worry about my sound, and be able to focus on what's important.
I hope this stuff is helping! Please add comments, ask questions, and provide feedback.
You can also email me at thesamjones (at) gmail (dot) com
Obviously, there are various modelers at various price points. However, even the most expensive of units will most likely be cheaper than buying a high end amp and pedals. If you look into used or discontinued digital units, most of the time the price is even lower.
5. For most, it's close enough
This is the hardest one to swallow because I would like to think that I have a pretty discerning ear when it comes to how a guitar sounds. However, it really is getting harder and harder to figure out what's digital and what's analog in both live concerts and in recordings For the common person, I believe that the difference is pretty much indiscernible, especially if you're running through a nice sound system and you're playing with a full band. Again, creating or finding a great sounding preset is the key to all of it.
Finally, the most important question is when deciding what equipment to use is, "What's the best tool for the job?".
For me, modelers are the best choice for what I do at Houston's First. Thankfully, I've been able to get some great patches dialed with the help of my friend Michael Brady (who first recommended I try amp modeling) and the sound engineers.
On Sunday, I alternate between electric and acoustic guitar and I travel between two different campuses. Additionally, we never have amps on stage, always run In Ear Monitors, have a great production team that always mixes well, and have good sound systems at all campuses. With all these factors in mind, using amp modeling allows me to set up quickly, be flexible, not worry about my sound, and be able to focus on what's important.
I hope this stuff is helping! Please add comments, ask questions, and provide feedback.
You can also email me at thesamjones (at) gmail (dot) com
Great post, specifically in keeping a good balance been pros and cons. Moving through the learning curve, I've noticed, also helps familiarize me with the archetypal effects and amps in the industry, so I don't have to go buy each amp and effect separately to satisfy my intrigue and curiosity.
ReplyDeleteYeah, knowing history will definitely help and also knowing what amps different guitar players use has helped me to identify what kind of sounds I'm looking for.
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