Question:
So I was playing a song that could use a chorus effect, but I don't have a good chorus pedal. I do have an old Digitech RP200 multieffects pedal with chorus, so I put it in front of my tube amp (Fender Blues Jr)--and I think it actually sounded pretty good, even with one of the clean amp models built into the pedal. So here comes a stupid newbie question:
If you use a multieffects pedal (with amp modeling) in front of a tube amp, are you actually using the tubes of the amp to the same effect? Is is a stupid idea to put an amp modeling pedal in front of a tube amp?
Answer:
Technically, you're kind of getting the best of both worlds. The flexibility of the modeling and the warmth of the tubes.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Darrell999 So I was playing a song that could use a chorus effect, but I don't have a good chorus pedal. I do have an old Digitech RP200 multieffects pedal with chorus, so I put it in front of my tube amp (Fender Blues Jr)--and I think it actually sounded pretty good, even with one of the clean amp models built into the pedal. So here comes a stupid newbie question:
If you use a multieffects pedal (with amp modeling) in front of a tube amp, are you actually using the tubes of the amp to the same effect? Is is a stupid idea to put an amp modeling pedal in front of a tube amp?
Yes and no. I use a Digitech GNX2 in front of a tube amp, but with all amp modeling turned off - that way, it is just multiFX unit. I do set the GNX's output so that it is approx the same level as a guitar's signal; I don't like to hit the first stage of the amp too hard, as I feel that it over saturates. You can use an amp model, but that model is sculpting the sound like an amp, so then if you let a guitar amp re-sculpt it... to me anyway, it doesn't sound quite right. Definitely turn off the speaker cab sim part of the modeler! I have done that in the past - amp model with the cab sim turned off into a tube amp, I was using it as a distortion device substitute, it worked ok I guess but did need some fairly significant eq (using the effect unit's built in parametric eq) to sound "right". IMO, models that are distorted/compressed and then fed into a tube amp are not going to let the tubes do their thing, at least not to the same degree; the tube amp won't be able to squash a signal that's already squashed in the same way that it would squash/distort/compress a signal that is clean when it hits the input.
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if it sounds good, I don't see any issue.
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If you set the PODxt Live for front of amp, all cab models are turned off, which is convenient. I definitely love my PODxt, and my main rig now is running it through my tube amp. So you could say that I'm a fan.
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Ditto. I run my ME Digitech GNX3000 in front of my tube Visual Sound Workhorse Pony amp and it is my best sound of all my amps and pedal setups. Like guitarfreak217 and Rainer said, I get the best of both worlds (as long as the cab models are turned off). The ME pedal provides the preamp feed and the tubes in the amp provide the power.
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Thanks for the helpful comments.
I was just a bit worried that doing that would make my tube amp sound "digitally".
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or worst, make it sound digital
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It's all in how it sounds to you. I've heard some sound good, and others suck the tone right out of the amp and guitar, and sound very 'digital'. Me, I try to stay as analog as possible with my rig, but if it sounds good to you, all is good!
Answer:
If there's anything you should use, it's your own ears. Don't worry too much that your tone is digital or whatnot. Listen to your own tone for yourself.
At least I've never had anyone tell me that I sounded digital... they must all be too nice.