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Tube vs Modeling SS amp!Mar 09 '02 (Updated Jan 20 '03) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line While modeling amps can’t replace the sound and tone of a tube amp, well not yet anyway, I haven’t found a tube amp that can replace my modeling amp either!
Modeling amps with tubes such as the Vox Valvetronix is definitely throwing a curve in the tube vs solid state debate. Technology is moving forward and providing ever more versatile, alternative options to real tube amps that we could only dream about 5 years ago. So, for the sake of clarifying the issues surrounding the debate, I have a done a little research and found that most attempt to emulate tube amp sounds in one of two ways. They either use analog circuits to simulate the sounds of a tube amp or they use electronic systems to model the sounds of a tube amp. I have made a list categorizing these “emulation” amps as follows: Type 1 - Analog controlled, solid-state modeling amps: Tech 21 Trademark 120, Trademark 60 & Trademark 10. Type 2 - Digitally controlled, solid-state modeling amps: Peavey Transformer, Fender Cyber-Twin. Type 3 - Digitally controlled DSP-algorithm modeling amps: Line 6 AX2 & Flextone, Johnson Millennium, Marquis & Mirage Crate DX112/DX212 & DXJ112 Hughes & Kettner Zentera Rocktron RepliTone Yamaha DG series Roland VGA-7 V-Guitar Type 4 - Digitally controlled, power-tube signal-processing modeling amps: VOX Valvetronix AD60VT and AD120VT. Type 5 - “modeling pre-amps:” Yamaha DG Stomp Line 6 POD 2.0 Johnson J Station Type 6 - The rack mount digital “modeling pre-amps:” Yamaha DG1000, Line 6 Pod Pro Type 7 - Analog Tube Amplifier Emulator Pre-Amp with Digital Programmability Tech 21 SansAmp PSA-1 Pre-Amp Type 8 - The programmable “simulating” pre-amp stomp box: Tech 21 SansAmp TRI-A.C. Hughes and Kettner Tubeman Type 9 - The programmable “modeling” pre-amp stomp box: Line 6 DM4 So when companies such as Tech 21 state that their amp or pre-amp products "combines the warmth of a 100% analog signal path with the convenience of digital programmability", they are talking about analog circuits with speaker emulation to simulate tube amp sounds. For some reason Tech 21 did not label these products "analog simulating amps" or "analog simulating pre-amps." But essentially, that IS what they are. When products state "digital modeling", then it is "digitally controlled" with electronic systems and speaker emulation to model tube amp sounds. If it is not a tube amp and it uses an analog signal path, then speaker simulation and/or speaker emulation plays a very important part in the amps (pre-amps) emulation circuitry. In any event, when the amp or pre-amp attempts to emulate tube amp sounds it falls under my definition of a “EMULATING” amp (or pre-amp)! Don’t confuse ordinary stomp boxes like the Ibanez Tubesrceamer as a “modeler” just because the product attempts to emulate a tube amp sound. To come to the conclusion that ordinary stomp boxes are all modelers or simulators...is taking the definition of “emulation products” a little too far. Although essentially, that IS what they are! My list does not include any ordinary stomp boxes. Ordinary stomp boxes are not extremely versatile. Most stomp boxes like the Ibanez Tubescreamer only attempt to emulate one sound! But “modeling/simulating amps” or those products I call "modeling/simulating pre-amps" and those new "modeling pre-amp stomp boxes" all attempt to emulate many of the most popular vintage tube amp sounds. Furthermore, you can drive a power amp, you can use it live - on stage or in a studio - and you can record direct with them. Can an ordinary stomp box do any of that? Will Ibanez come out with something more versatile than the TS9 that will compete on the same level as the Tubeman or the TRI-AC? Will it have the capabilities of other "modeling/simulating pre-amp stomp boxes." I’m convinced that technology will move them further forward. I also think that some multi effects processors and multi effects consoles should be considered modelers as well... Type 10 - “Modeling Signal Processors:” Boss GT6, Korg AX1500G, Zoom GFX-4 and the GFX-8, DigiTech GNX2 (includes distortion stompbox modeling), DigiTech GNX3 (complete workstation with built-in 8 track recorder). Conclusion: The pre-amp stomp box may very well be the most versatile affordable product out on the market right now. For 300$ you can play live and sound like you have a Fender Tweed, Marshall plexi and Mesa hi-gain amp behind you, and you can record with that gear as well! You could not do that 5 years ago. And I'm not saying that it's better than the tube amps they emulate, only that you have more affordable options available today than 5 years ago.  |
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