CaseyCor":2f17c7em said:
I was gonna make a new thread, but this might be the best place.
So, currently I run some drive pedals direct into a Focusrite recording interface for use with JamUp Bias. I don't even own an amp anymore. I miss it, but I do really like the tones I'm getting. What I want to do now is add some modulation effects to my board, and get some nice monitors. As far as I can tell, I can't switch between patches on Bias via MIDI, which sucks. I could be wrong about that, Idk. I could set up multiple tracks in Logic and use MIDI to switch between the active track, maybe? Who knows. Anyway, I'm thinking a multi-fx board with MIDI would be the most cost effective way to go. Get my modulation effects and control of my plug-ins. What unit should I be looking at?
I'm mostly looking for modulation. A nice variety of each type would be good. Delays would be nice to have, but since I would be running it out front, so it won't be that useful. I've got some nice sounding delay plug-ins that can take care of that. I just need to figure out how to control those plug ins via MIDI. Drive stuff is cool, a nice sounding fuzz is great to have too. A good sounding Fuzzface style sim would be great. Amp Sims are not important, but if I had them I would use them. Would be convenient for impromptu jam sessions.
I've never had any of the Line 6 gear, but I've used the older stuff. I was interested in the Helix, until I heard the sound clips and saw the price tag. Those amp sims don't sound like $1500 to me...not when I can excellent sounds or of Bias without tweaking a thing, and it cost me like $150. I've used the dedicated Line 6 effects boxes at pick up gigs/back line, and got along with them just fine. I like the TC Electronics stuff too, especially that newish chorus pedal they've got. Sounds similar to my old TC Spacial Expander that was stolen from me. Wish I still had that unit.
Ideally, I would go with pedals and set everything up on a looper with MIDI control, but that is way out of my price range. Any ideas people? G-system? Line 6? Something more,,,, exotic perhaps?
Positive grid makes that bluetooth pedal switcher. It's only a 3 button switch but still you can change patches and banks. I don't think you can turn effects off and on though. I have to say that jam up completely took me by surpise at how good it sounds. And super easy to dial in good sounds. I just got it as a convenient practice tool but I have to say through monitors or headphones it sounds great. One thing that took me by surprise is how responsive the amp sims were to the volume knob on the guitar. Now, I don't think I would be comfortable gigging with a laptop and switcher. But there's no doubt if I had a problem with my amp, I could plug into the PA and get some damn good tone. I have an RP1000 that I use in 4 cable method through a JCM800. I got rid of all my pedals except a couple. The only thing in that box that I can't get a decent sound out of is the phase shifter. The OD's, delays, chorus, flanger all sound good. But the phaser just doesn't work for me. Although it does have an external pedal loop that intigrates into the patches. But overall it's super easy to get good tone out of.
A lot of people bitch about modelers. But most either don't put the time in necessary to dial in good tone, don't have a good ear to do it, or they just plain suck and are going to bitch about the equipment instead of practicing to sound better. As for the RP1000, I think the several of the amp models sound good if properly dialed in. But, if you go in thinking it's going to feel like an amp, then don't bother. It won't. And that's most peoples complaint. But it will
sound very close to a real amp. You just have to put in a little time to dial it in. And as I said earlier, It's very easy to get to sound good. And if you use it with an amp and a good loop, pretty much no tone suck. If you want to go rack then get the GSP1101. It's pretty much the same thing just rack mount and it has dual DSP's and you can download IR's.
But, until something comes out with something way better than the RP for a decent price (500-800), sounds good in 4CM (no tone suck), I'm just holding out. Because as good as Jamup sounds for practicing and recording and my current rig for gigging, I really don't think I'm going to do significantly better unless I spend a ton of dough.
And hey, I do remember you from the older days. If I recal you're from central Illinois and we PM'd regarding a CS Les Paul that was stolen from me.