Do I really need an amp ?

[garryc]

Hi All
I ask this question because I only play at home, my simple set up is Squire 50 cv into zoom g2 1nu with eftp and into a fender mustang 3 which by all accounts is rated at 100w. I have never had the volume higher than 3 which is more than adequate for the small room I play in. My question is would I be better off with an active speaker or a small 10 - 15w amp . Would an amp modeller sound any different/better thro an active speaker if so can anybody recommend one (£200 max) or does anyone use a Roland Cube 10 with a separate amp sim pedal and how does it sound with the roland amp built-in modeller switched off.
Would appreciate any advise.
Thanks
Regards
GarryC

[timryland]

Garry,

I use a Vox VT20+. It's nominally rated at 20-30w, but has a power setting so it can put out much lower volumes, but still keeping the tone. It has 33 different amp sims and multiple effects.

I have been really impressed with it as I'm a home player only. Unfortunately, I think it has now been replaced in the Vox line-up, but you should still be able to find one.

I know if mine broke, I would try to replace it with the same.

Hope this helps,

Tim.

[Stu's Dad]

Hi Garry,

I'll second Tim's vote for the VT20+, I rate it so highly I bought a second one from a friend as a spare. And I have the same guitar as you, the CV50s.

Len

[garryc]

Hi Tim and Len
Thank you both for your replies, looks like you both rate the Vox vt20 very highly.
I used to have a Vox valvetronix ad60 some years ago but sold it and bought a new Vox ac4 tube amp but was not really keen on the sound and then I got the chance to buy the mustang 3 and sold the ac4 but the mustang 3 seems to loud and I never go past volume 3. Do either of you use eftp or the H&C thro your VT 20 and do you only play Shads tunes.
Regards
GarryC

[timryland]

Garry,

I play everything from Hank/Shadows to Guns'N'Roses. I find I can always get a decent tone out of my VT20+.

For Hank/Shadows stuff, I use a Zoom RFX-2000 with EFTP.

Tim.

[Stu's Dad]

Hi Garry,

I use a Zoom G7.1ut with EFTP, a Baby Blue etap pedal, and a couple of other independent echo pedals. I only play instrumentals, but not solely Shadows. The VT20+ and the Zoom pedal are ideal for vintage Shadows numbers. I've also got a Vox AC4 C1, and I've changed the speaker and put vintage valves in to get any kind of quality in the sound, but it's still not as good as the VT20+ for Shadows music.

One other advantage of the VT20+ is that you can set your gain and volume as high as you like, there's a master volume control that works as an attenuator so you don't upset the neighbours. I only paid £60 for my spare one so you should be able to pick one up quite cheaply. If you could sell your Mustang 3 and get one of these you'd be quids in.

Regards,

Len

[kipper]

but does he need an amp I don't know but an interesting topic not yet answered. peter

[timryland]

In the past, I tried not having a proper amp. I used a V-Amp2 into a pair of active speakers. When I got an iPad, I also tried using apps, such as JamUp, Amplitube, etc., instead.

Eventually, I came back to my VT20+.

The main reason, first I found I still needed some stomp boxes, i.e: CryBaby Wah. Second, I often needed 2, sometimes 3, channels for some of the stuff I was playing. The amp sims/apps didn't give me the flexibility I wanted. So, it was back to amps. This was a shame really as I really liked the idea of it all on my iPad, and I know some members have embraced it, and even gig with an iPad set-up.

Another reason is that as Apple updated their ios, my iPad wouldn't run the latest apps, and I couldn't justify the cost of a replacement just for music.

However, something like the Line6 Amplifi, Amplifi TT look interesting, trying to combine the best of both.

I think it all comes down to what you want to play, and what you need to achieve that.

Tim.

[Ed Cornish]

Hi Gary,

For what it's worth, here's my take!

I started off with a cheap guitar and Behringer GMX 110 amp. After getting back into playing I ditched the Behringer amp and purchased a Laptop, Zoom G2 and the Lexicon Alpha interface. Then added Charlies eftp patches for the G2 to get a better sound. I could then use headphones on the laptop without disturbing anyone. A year or so ago I shelved the Zoom G2 and upgraded to the Zoom G3 with *** Halls eftp patches. (In my opinion there is a marginal difference in the G2/G3 patches) I could use the laptop to listen or record. I use "easy to grasp" Audacity to record. I also tried changing the sound a bit with an ACtone pedal. It does that to an acceptable level.

However, there is still just something a little cold about the eftp straight into a laptop and listening on your phones.

So, about a month ago I decided to buy a decent guitar (G&L S500) but I also came away from the music shop with a Vox VT40X. Probably the only difference between this amp and its predecessor is that it has a usb connection. This enables me to play the BT's from my laptop into the amp. I can still use the phones and I can record!

I now understand why there are such a lot of positive comments about the Vox VT amp series. The amp with it's small amount of modelling does a great job. The Toneroom software on the laptop is an added bonus. The Zoom G3 comes with the Zoom/Edit software as well and you can see all the patches on your laptop,

If you want a Shads sound I think the amp is a must and I really don't think anything other than a Vox will cut the mustard. There is a good choice of amp modelling on the VT series whatever style you play!

In short I am really pleased I opted to go the way of another amp.

Ed

[musketeer58]

How`s it going Gary.

I`ve got an AC30 but I don`t always use it. I`ve got a mixer with the effects chain going through it and a pair of studio monitors plugged into the mixer. Sometimes I plug the guitar into the mixer and play via the H&C, EQ and an amp sim into the studio monitors and get a reasonably good sound so, if it`s a case of not being able to afford an amp or whatever the case may be, you can get by without one.

Regards

Adrian

[garryc]

Hi guys
Thank you all for the reply's.

Len - I like your idea about selling the mustang and being quids in

Tim - When you initially used just the V-Amp2 into the active speakers was the sound ok. Is a pair of speakers necessary or would just one be ok for a small room either a 10in or 12in speaker.

Ed - You to seem impressed like the other guys with the Vox VT amps.

Adrian - No I do have an amp,a Fender Mustang 3 but rated at 100w I find its too loud. I do like the set up you use with the monitors but like I asked Tim would I need a pair or just a single one. At the moment I play my backing tracks through a surround sound system which is much better than thro the amp. So I was thinking I could also play the B/T's and the guitar thro the same speaker maybe via a simple mixer. What actually is your chain to the monitors.

By the way guy's I do play other types of music not just shadows.

Once again thanks all
Regards
GarryC

[timryland]

Garry,

At the moment I use the phones O/P from my VT20+ into a mixer. My BT's are on a laptop whose O/P also goes into this mixer. I then take the O/P from this mixer into an old Sony stereo system. I find this gives me a decent sound. If required, I can listen through headphones and record as well. So I'm basically using my VT20+ as an amp modeller.

The mixer I use is an Alto ZMX52 which was only around £50 from Maplins.

The only problem I found with the V-Amp's sound was on more distorted sound, there was always a 'tail' to the sound that sounded like a cymbal. Bear in mind though that the V-Amp is quite old now and newer amp modellers may be better. I certainly don't have any such problems with my VT20+.

I tend to like 2 speakers, not necesarily stereo, as it gives a more immersive sound, even at lower volumes.

Hope this helps,
Tim.

[garryc]

Hi Tim
So if I'm reading this right your amp and B/T's go into your mixer and the final sound comes from the pair of speakers, is that correct ? So do you get a noticeable differences if just from the amp to when you go thro the speakers.
Regards
GarryC

[garryc]

Hi it's me again
Is there anybody out there using a Roland Cube amp and eftp. How well does the Cube clean channel handle it.
Regards
GarryC

[timryland]

Garry,

Obviously there's a slight difference between the 'line out/phones' and the output through the amps own speaker as your bypassing the power amp stage. However, the line out is supposed to emulate this so, to me at least, there isn't a lot of difference.

I tried various combinations, i.e: playing BT's through the amp, mic'ing up the amp, but finally settled on my current setup as I felt it gave my the flexibility and sound I was looking for.

Tim.

[Stu's Dad]

If I were you Garry I'd start a new thread headed Roland Cube Amps, people won't see your question in this thread.

On the question of line out/speaker preference, I recorded this with the Zoom G7 through the VT20+ using the headphone line out straight into a Tascam 8 track recorder: charliehall.proboards.com/thread/21604/mona-lisa

Len

[musketeer58]

Mar 1, 2017 14:55:19 GMT garryc said:

Hi guys
Thank you all for the reply's.



Adrian - What actually is your chain to the monitors.



Once again thanks all
Regards
GarryC

How`s it going Garry

My chain is as follows: Guitar > volume pedal > H&C > amp sim > EQ > digital reverb > amp. The mixer is connected to the PC via a USB cable and that`s for playing the BT`s through the monitors which are also plugged into the mixer. If I choose to play everything through the monitors I simply un plug the lead from the amp and plug it in to one of the inputs on the mixer and everything goes through the monitors. It`s good for playing at low volume.

Regards

Adrian

[garryc]

Hi Guy's

Len - excellent recording, it amazes me how you guys can get that sound, I've had Rogers b/t quite a while but just cannot crack that middle section with the double stops. You guys are certainty swaying me towards the Vox VT. I will take your advise about a new thread just to see what the opinions are on the Roland Cube and then decide what to change out to.

Adrian - In your chain you mention an amp sim and also an amp, I assume the amp is your ac30 but what amp sim pedal are you using.

Regards

GarryC

[scs5479]

Hi Garry,

I have a Roland Cube 40 which has the JC Clean channel which I have used with a Zoom G5 loaded with the Halls Echo patches and the amp gives a pretty good sound with this setup either with the volume turned down or when turned up . Hope this may be of some use.

Simon

[Steve Reynolds]

Hi Garry

As i live in a flat i dont have the luxury of being able to use an amp so i use headphones all the time but on the rare occasion i do use the monitors i actually use a 40w fender mustang and connect to my pc via the USB and then the backing track and guitar come out through my monitors or my headphones. Ive recorded most of my recent tracks on youtube this way and i have had really good results. I wouldn't necessarily look at changing your amp maybe just the way you use it.

[musketeer58]

Mar 2, 2017 10:59:01 GMT garryc said:

Hi Guy's



Adrian - In your chain you mention an amp sim and also an amp, I assume the amp is your ac30 but what amp sim pedal are you using.

Regards

GarryC

Hi Garry.

Yes, the amp is the AC30, the amp sim is a JOYO ACTONE. I don`t use it through the amp or monitors, it`s just for recording. The AC30 is way over the top for home use but at the time, I was able to get it at a really good price and back then I had very little knowledge, that`s why I`m following this thread with interest as I`m thinking of something a bit smaller and less powerful.

Regards

Adrian

[garryc]

Hi all
Simon - Interesting to hear from a Roland Cube user. Does the clean channel give a relative true sound of a Vox or Fender amp when using the G5 pedal.

Steve - Not being an expert on computers would the sound card and monitors on a PC have to be a specific type to cope with the my amp due to it being rated 100w. You also say maybe using the amp differently, how would I do that.

Are Vox or Fender amps likely to produce a true amp sim tone or are they more biased toward the amp makers sound.

All I'm trying to find out is if an active speaker would give an accurate amp sim tone and the same with say the Roland JC clean channel. A lower powered amplification of some type with a relatively clean tone is my aim if possible.

Regards all
GarryC

[bor64]

Hi Garry,

Amp or no amp...it all depends in what situation your in or what you expect.
I've recorded this without a amp or any tube/valve in sight....
Witch Doctor

I own several Vox amps from 1w to 33w transistor and tube/valve and also a Matchless DC30....but this recording was just my pedalboard and a Boss BR1600cd and a strat.

Cheers Rob

[kipper]

that's a great sound rob. peter

[mojolomjl]

I own several Vox amps from 1w to 33w transistor and tube/valve and also a Matchless DC30....but this recording was just my pedalboard and a Boss BR1600cd and a strat.

Hi Rob,

Your set up sounds very simple to me which is what I need. It would be appreciated if you could explain to me how exactly you do your recordings
as I have a Boss BR900CD which I would like to record with.

Best regards,

Maurice.

[bor64]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your nice words...

Hi Maurice,

I've used my 60 slabboard strat with 14-62 strings-Line6 G30-Poly Tune 2- Morley vol-H&CSE-AC tone- BossBR1600cd that's it.....

Cheers Rob

[mojolomjl]

Hi Rob,

Thank you for the information I will give it a try.

Best regards,

Maurice.

[scs5479]

Hi Garry,

My main setup I use at home is a Vox AC15 C1 and the H&C and use the G5 and Roland if I play anywhere else as it is easier to transport the Roland amp around.
When using the G5 I have the built in amp sim on the G5 turned on and it gives a fairly good Vox sound when paired with the Roland.
I am not sure though how the sound would compare to using the G5 through a mixer with active speakers as I have never tried that way.

Simon