Guitar amp sim suggestions/advice?

[Jaeson Merrill]

- ease of use
- general quality of sound
- easy to record into sequencer of choice

these three are a given with guitarport, im positive.

Its gotta be awfully simple, the quality of sound is practically the same as podxt i hear, and the usb drivers are similar, its own interface really; just needs to be selected in the host.

[Lunch Money]

- ease of use
- general quality of sound
- easy to record into sequencer of choice

these three are a given with guitarport, im positive.

Its gotta be awfully simple, the quality of sound is practically the same as podxt i hear, and the usb drivers are similar, its own interface really; just needs to be selected in the host.

Can't argue with that. Again, I can't speak to sound quality, but for the needs of this particular user, GuitarPort looks like a good option, still.

[Lawnmower Of The Damned]

Well, it's kind of like this. The Vetta II is the flagship amp (My Vetta II is sitting right next to me right now. It's my pride and joy) and the PodXT is based on the Vetta II. Fully updated a PodXT is pretty much the same as a Vetta, only without the two-amp-models-at-once feature.

So, a $400 PodXT sounds a lot like a $1,700 amp. Sweet, right?

Well the GuitarPort is based on the PodXT (Thus a slightly further decendant of the Vetta, but still in the same gene pool) and is a lot like the PodXT but it's missing some of the amp models and effects. Now a copy of a copy is never quite as nice as the original, but for $100 it's still pretty darn nice.

If you were to go with an amp (And it doesn't sound like you want an amp, but if you DID) then there are the brand spankin' new Spiders as well. Still Line 6, still inexpensive, but with a speaker so you can drag it around with you. The least expensive one is $140-150 and has a single 8 inch, 15 watt speaker. It's got four amp models (Labeled: Clean, Crunch, Metal and Insane) as well as some effects as well.

Evanescence was using the larger Spider for a while (They switched to the Line 6 HD147 when they got a new guitarist, I believe) so if you're an Evanescence fan then you should be able to plug in and rock out with the same exact amp models off of the first album.

There, I hope I helped you more than I confused you.

[Jaeson Merrill]

- ease of use
- general quality of sound
- easy to record into sequencer of choice

these three are a given with guitarport, im positive.

Its gotta be awfully simple, the quality of sound is practically the same as podxt i hear, and the usb drivers are similar, its own interface really; just needs to be selected in the host.

Can't argue with that. Again, I can't speak to sound quality, but for the needs of this particular user, GuitarPort looks like a good option, still.

whoa..

people agreeing on something at KvR..

kodak moment!

[smp]

...

If you were to go with an amp (And it doesn't sound like you want an amp, but if you DID) then there are the brand spankin' new Spiders as well.

This is where people keep getting confused. I will more than likely get a cheap amp. I want the amp sim because I won't have room to properly mic up an amp. I want it all. I'm greedy that way

Evanescence was using the larger Spider for a while (They switched to the Line 6 HD147 when they got a new guitarist, I believe) so if you're an Evanescence fan then you should be able to plug in and rock out with the same exact amp models off of the first album.

Well, Evanescence has never been my thing so that's not much of a selling point (ooh, look, an MOR corporate grunge band with female vocal - how revolutionary ). However, amp setups for other artists through GuitarPort Online is nice

There, I hope I helped you more than I confused you.

Actually, you were quite helpful. I'm still curious to see if there is anything the V-Amp2 or anything else similar offers that GuitarPort doesn't as I'm not completely sold yet.

Any other takers?

-s

[Lunch Money]

Well, as long as you understand that GuitarPort is just a front end to a software, then you're sorted.

Greg

[TotcProductions]

Don't have time at the moment to read the whole thread, so this has probably been suggested....but That free "TubeBaby" plug that just came out is fabulous for now money. ; )

Peace!

[Hink]

Well, as long as you understand that GuitarPort is just a front end to a software, then you're sorted.

Greg

and it uses cpu to process, as a pod does not...

[Lawnmower Of The Damned]

Also, the Spiders do have direct outs with speaker modeling, just like the PodXT and the Vetta II. I agree that Evanescence is not a great band (If "band" is really the right word) but they sold 7 million albums with that amp.

Also, if you are considering GuitarPort then you might want to read this article about the new (free) update that should be out soon: http://www.vettaville.net/Guitarport/GP2.5.htm

I'm not sure, but it looks like they are saying that you can add model packs to GuitarPort once the 2.5 update hits. If they are the same model packs as the ones for sale on the PodXT then you should be able to get up to 72 amp models and dozens of effects.

Though, like I said I'M NOT SURE. The model packs might be different, or that functionality might get stripped at the last minute. If it DOES work that way, then it's a pretty sweet deal.

[Jaeson Merrill]

Well, as long as you understand that GuitarPort is just a front end to a software, then you're sorted.

Greg

and it uses cpu to process, as a pod does not...

u sure about that hink?>??

I think theres just possible editor software, or the tone transfer thing, but i think the stuff inside makes the sound... im pretty sure of it actually.

[Hink]

Well, as long as you understand that GuitarPort is just a front end to a software, then you're sorted.

Greg

and it uses cpu to process, as a pod does not...

u sure about that hink?>??

I think theres just possible editor software, or the tone transfer thing, but i think the stuff inside makes the sound... im pretty sure of it actually.

no I'm not sure, I never tried the port, I was going on what he said, but if it's tone transfer/editor it's the fusiest thing around. Mine for pod works when it's in the mood. Sometimes just crashes everything. But there's a preset in the FL midi out presets for pod that work well. It gives you the extra controls of the editor (sound diver) but the no transfer...

[Lunch Money]

I have to admit, I'm not 100% myself, but consider:

- It can only be used with a computer
- You make your adjustments in software front-ends
- It's a wee box with but one knob
- Did I mention you can only use it with a computer?

At the end of the day, even if it DOES have some electronics guts that 'make sound', it might as well be what I described, because for all intents and purposes, it can only run with software.

Greg

[Hink]

I have to admit, I'm not 100% myself, but consider:

- It can only be used with a computer
- You make your adjustments in software front-ends
- It's a wee box with but one knob
- Did I mention you can only use it with a computer?

At the end of the day, even if it DOES have some electronics guts that 'make sound', it might as well be what I described, because for all intents and purposes, it can only run with software.

Greg

Ok I went to line 6 and I kinda get the feeling it doesn't use the software for all the tones...from the faq

How does it work?
GuitarPort is a unique combination of hardware and software that work together to become the ultimate guitar experience on a computer. Setup is simple: Plug your guitar into the GuitarPort, plug the GuitarPort into your PC's USB port, plug the GuitarPort into some speakers or headphones, and you're ready to rock. The GuitarPort gets its power from your computer's USB port, so there's no additional power cord or wall wart.

From the software, you select and control every aspect of your tone, your audio player, and GuitarPort Online. If you've got more than one computer, you can install the software on each of them and then just plug the GuitarPort's USB cable into whichever one you want to use.

But then checkout the requirements

What kind of computer and software is required?
GuitarPort will run on most USB-equipped desktop and laptop PCs that run Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME or Windows 98 SE (Second Edition). Here are some additional minimum hardware requirements:

Intel Pentium III 500MHz
AGP video card with 800x600
16-bit graphics
128MB RAM
40MB hard disk space
One available USB port, or a powered USB hub

GuitarPort also requires DirectX and Internet Explorer software, both of which are included on the install CD.

seems like a lot ram for just editing...no?

[kovacs]

GuitarPort works as an Asio soundcard via USB, yes. But that does not make it an effects processor...all the effects and tones are processed on the computer. The playback via GuitarPort is optional.

That said, for laptop use the GP is a MUCH better audio card than whatever is built into the laptop, and lets you monitor with zero latency which is quite helpful.

But it can be a resource hog. I found that using FL Studio, GuitarPort and, say, BFD, at the same time on a fairly high-spec machine was impossible. (But then again BFD is the main culprit in that setup).

GuitarPort is a brilliant combo of hardware/software and is an excellent entry-level thing. If you want to trade it in later it should be farily easy to get rid of, too (I sold mine after 18 months for about half of what I gave for it and was happy with that).

Maybe you can pick one up on ebay.

[theshaggyfreak]

Another one to stick in there (if you can find it used) is the Johnson J-station. I was able to pick one up before they stopped selling them, and I'm very happy with what it has to offer. Here's a link to their site for more info: http://www.johnson-amp.com/jstation.htm