Amp Simulation and the Q2 EFTP

[GAJ52]

Hi Guys

I have bought a Pod X3 for AC15/30 simulation for recording into Cubase. I have finally found a setting that I am reasonably happy with in the Pod.

Now the question, do I leave this setting and rely on Charlies Q2 echo's for the different tune sounds or do I need to tweak the amp simulation for each tune.

Glen

[asimmd]

Hi Glen

I use Guitar Rig 4 and once I set it,I don't touch it.

Charlies patches in the Q2 are the only thing I change,and then only for a specific tune such as Apache - Wonderful Land - Atlantis etc.

Where there is no special echo needed I just find a general purpose echo,and leave it on that.

No doubt others will have a different opinion,that's just the way I do it.

Alan

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Glen,
I tend to use less bass for older Shadows tunes, more bass for later Hank and Shadows tunes. Otherwise, the echoes should be the only thing to change.
Regards,
Charlie

[Deleted]

Hi Glen,
I believe there is an AC30 TB in the pod x3 and if you experiment with that you will achieve better results for the Burns era, also experiment by using different cabinets, you will get 1 x 12 for the AC 15 and 2 x 12 for the AC 30 etc so mix and match, and you will achieve different sounds by also experimenting with the EQ.
Tony

[GAJ52]

Can I first apologise for not coming back on this thread and thanking you for your comments on the question I asked above. I'm always grateful when someone takes the trouble to help me out.

Can I ask one more question on this subject. As a general rule with The Shadows recordings, where would the following tone controls be set to on a amp or amp simulator as a percentage i.e. 0 - 100%.

Bass - Mid - Presence - Brilliance

These are the tone controls on my Pod X3 AC15 amp. I appreciate there are lots of variable here depending on the hardware used, but where 'in general' should they be set as a starting point for most Shads songs.

Glen

[garystrat]

Hi Glen

Having just tried a POD X3, I was encouraged enough to go for the new HD400, which on early use seems to have slightly better amp modelling due to more chip processing power. The number of amps has been greatly reduced, but this is not a really a problem for me as it is mainly VOX and Fender that are of interest and it has many of the right FX credentials for Shadows music (plate reverb etc.).

Whilst trying the POD X3 using Logic Pro 9 (Apple iMac), I found that the Pod Farm 2 plug-ins that come free with the Pod X3 actually got me closer to the sound I was looking for and had more AC15/30 like visual controls (including cut). POD Farm is a free download for X3 users from the Line 6 website, as is the hardware flash upgrade to v2, which gives even more amp models.

Unfortunately, the POD HD400 does not come with Pod Farm software, the X3 acts like a dongle when plugged into the USB port. There is little doubt that amp emulation software/hardware is improving to the point where it is closing the gap significantly for recording or going direct through a PA. The great advantage is that you can try a lots of combinations and FX without a massive financial outlay.

Gary

[GAJ52]

Hi Gary

Yes I discovered Pod Farm when it appeared in the Line 6 Monkey setup program. The Pod X3 (bean shape) currently has a software driver problem with Win 7 x64 where the audio will suddenly cut out, very annoying while playing to a backing track. Because of this audio cut out problem I have been using Pod Farm with Cubase through my other USB sound card (Tascam US-144) rather than through the Pod, at least until they come up with a new driver, the Pod just acts a dongle for Pod Farm.

I sometimes record direct from the Q2 into Cubase then add Pod Farm to one of the inserts, as you say you can then play around with Pod Farms amp simulation and effects while the track is playing, very useful. I did try the demo version Guitar Rig 4 but found the AC15 / 30 emulation no better than Pod Farm.

Glen

[garystrat]

Hi Glen

I also have several other software amp simulators, including Amplitube 3, which I thought was very good, but in my opinion the the Pod Farm 2 software definitely has the edge.

Having said that, I played with the POD HD400 a bit more and to my ear this is really, really good!

Gary

[GAJ52]

Nov 1, 2010 13:36:16 GMT garystrat said:

Having said that, I played with the POD HD400 a bit more and to my ear this is really, really good

I hope its not a lot better ....I only bought the X3 about three weeks ago

Glen

[garystrat]

Hi Glen

Ooops... sorry, I didn't in anyway wish to be the cause of you doubting your purchase. I too started off down the X3 route, but quickly realised that there was a new model. I purchased the X3 on line from a very good company who operates an early exchange policy.

There are three models: HD300, 400 and 500. The 300 has exactly the same processing as the other two, but has limited outputs and connections, the 400 has pretty much all the connectivity that one could want (but costs more than the X3), whilst the 500 has a control panel that operates in the same way as an X3, with dual sound output (more expensive still, but I didn't need this functionality).

Line 6 has on-line videos if you are interested in having a look at the approach they have taken with this range.

Gary