Feel like answering some noob questions about Rack rigs?

[racerevlon]

Zach... you're my freakin' hero!!!

 

[Zachman]

Zach... you're my freakin' hero!!!

Rock --N-- Roll

 

[srinivassa]

Okay okay. I thought about it. No thanks to you, I understand what you guys are doing. You aren't using a power amp for power, you are using some kind of balanced line out from the power amp. Fine and dandy.

 

[Zachman]

Okay okay. I thought about it. No thanks to you, I understand what you guys are doing. You aren't using a power amp for power, you are using some kind of balanced line out from the power amp. Fine and dandy.

Wrong...

The way I am using it is in a Wet/Dry/Wet application. The selected amp running the middle cabinet (The Dry cab), ALSO has a line level signal feeding the "Wet" side of the rig ie. The FX-- which then gets routed to the Power amp inputs. THEN- The power amp outputs are running L/R speaker cabinets.

Hope that helps, with the clarification.

 

[IamTheHuman]

Zach, if that's how you feel about what I've posted, then you haven't really been paying attention, or you just like flaming. I never said I can't afford. Its a matter of getting the most for my money. The Axe FX amp models are probably the most expensive part of the thing, as that's what its supposed to replace, and what people are hailing it for MOST of the time. I'm looking for an FX unit to compliment the already expensive rig (which I have yet to complain about) I'm putting together. I mean, geez, I'm looking at high end engl shit. Obviously price isn't my concern. However, getting the MOST for my money is. Its like paying $10 for a plain old cheese burger that comes with a special sauce I don't like. I'd rather just pay $5 for a cheeseburger without the sauce I don't like. Not that I can't afford the $10, but I don't see the point in wasting money. I make one to two purchases a year, and I ensure that I'm as educated on my purchases as possible. So yes, you're mistaken. Hell, I'm a roland AND apple guy. I'm used to paying premium prices. But I always feel like my money was well spent. That's all I want man.

Anyway, I'm trying to decide between the FX section of the Axe, vs G-force/system stuff. I'm probably going to have to email both companies and figure out which has the most flexible programming/automation for the FX. Unless one of you has the units and programs a lot of control FX for your units. If you just set it and forget it, no help there. I need someone who's a control freak to discuss these things with, and yes, warlock, I know, get the G-Force, but still, I have a lot of unanswered questions about the unit.

 

[Zachman]

Zach, if that's how you feel about what I've posted, then you haven't really been paying attention, or you just like flaming. I never said I can't afford. Its a matter of getting the most for my money.

Not trying to flame anyone. It just seemed to me that you were given solutions, and are looking to argue with them. That's fine. I never implied anything re: your status and ability to pay. It seems to me that your pov re: the Axe-FX is strange. First you complain that you don't want the amp models/MIDI controllable preamps, after making them a prerequisite to what you're looking for... Well, You don't have to use the one's in the Axe.

Then you argue that it's an Amp modeler 1st, which is also wrong. It's an effects processor, which happens to also include amp models/preamps, which smoke the other modelers out there, which CAN be used w/ multiple power amps-- as you said, you were considering doing. From that stand point, it seems to me that if someone is interested in getting what they're paying for would recognize that you get those too, making it that much more of a deal. But hey-- you're right... You're the one that's going to spend or not, the $$$ so get whatever you want.

How am I doing so far?

Let's see if I was paying attention:

I'm looking into getting a rack setup for my guitar rig, to use in studio, and live. I run a recording studio, so I want a guitar preamp with midi presets. Obviously Engl is at the top of my list for that. I've heard that Diezel also does that, but they don't make plain preamps, just full heads. My goal is to get a very universal, preamp, and have various poweramps for the color of other manufacturers.

The Axe does both of those things. The TC G-Force does not.

How am I doing so far?

Next question. Effects. I like to have total control over where my effects go. Sometimes I want them pre-distortion, sometimes I want them post. Even reverbs sometimes go pre-distortion. But I want a system that can do the routing for me exactly as I want, and sometimes, it can be very complex. I'm used to a boss GT-6 for effects, and long ago, it was also my distortion. I grew accustomed to being able to change where effects were placed in the chain, as well as the distortion (preamp now). What effects racks/systems can do this? Or will I need a complex switcher setup?

Sounds like you're describing EXACTLY what the Axe-FX is designed to excel at. The G-Force, not so much as the Axe. A rather larger and MUCH more expensive, and Complex switching system with effects which may also be expensive and much more cumbersome is certainly a solution-- it's what I did, but there are 3 cons to this approach, as I see it. It's Large, Heavy and expensive-- yes even more expensive than your Engl rig-- Gasps. (Just trying to lighten things up w/ some humor.)

Now, I thought I was paying attention to you saying you wanted the preamp angle covered, as well as the effects, and routing side covered. Yet, below you start arguing about the preamp stuff in the Axe.

The Axe FX amp models are probably the most expensive part of the thing, as that's what its supposed to replace, and what people are hailing it for MOST of the time.

How and why you came to that conclusion is a bit of a mystery, since they are the same cost as when they came out, and contain more amp models and upgraded FX than they did initially. So, trying to quantify a cost breakdown like you have just seems... well puzzling. Besides, it meets all of your-- above and below-- stated criteria.

I'm looking for an FX unit to compliment the already expensive rig (which I have yet to complain about) I'm putting together. I mean, geez, I'm looking at high end engl shit. Obviously price isn't my concern. However, getting the MOST for my money is.

Then Go for the GUSTO-- Eventide H8000FW, Axe-FX and a G-Force, in a complex switching system. I did.... and have NO regrets about it. Works GREAT in studio and live settings. and... I mean GREAT!!!!

Its like paying $10 for a plain old cheese burger that comes with a special sauce I don't like. I'd rather just pay $5 for a cheeseburger without the sauce I don't like.

Ya, try that at any given restaurant tell them to hold the sauce and see if they cut the price in half... I don't think so...

Not that I can't afford the $10, but I don't see the point in wasting money. I make one to two purchases a year, and I ensure that I'm as educated on my purchases as possible. So yes, you're mistaken. Hell, I'm a roland AND apple guy. I'm used to paying premium prices. But I always feel like my money was well spent. That's all I want man.

Anyway, I'm trying to decide between the FX section of the Axe, vs G-force/system stuff. I'm probably going to have to email both companies and figure out which has the most flexible programming/automation for the FX. Unless one of you has the units and programs a lot of control FX for your units. If you just set it and forget it, no help there. I need someone who's a control freak to discuss these things with, and yes, warlock, I know, get the G-Force, but still, I have a lot of unanswered questions about the unit.

Ya, I have a bit of programming and signal routing, and rig design background, and think I can intelligently discuss the gear we all use, and even some that most of us don't/haven't/can't/won't ever .

You will likely never meet more of a gear control freak than me, and that's fine, that you may not know me or that about me... I know there are guys out there with more extreme rigs than me, but I think I can safely say that 99% of ALL players don't.

You go ahead and be mad at me if you like, but sorry dude-- you appear to me to be asking to eat your cake and still have it too, then wanting to complain that the piece of cake is too big, even though a smaller slice will cost exactly the same, even though you may not think it should-- it DOES.

The Axe, offers more options than the G-Force-- and if I were concerned about getting the most for my $$$, that would be a no brainer.

Sorry if I came across as skeptical toward you, but it sure looks to me like you're just trying to yank everyone's chain.


Best of luck on your search.

 

[jlbaxe]

"The Axe FX amp models are probably the most expensive part of the thing, as that's what its supposed to replace"

It wasnt designed to "replace" but be another creative tool. The Effects far surpass the G system and all the pedals I have had. The only thing I use for effects now is the Axe. Like it was mentioned it is worth the effects alone. One used for 1400 is right there with a new G system or some other "Used" TC products,Lexicon pmc reverbs etc.

I dont see how it is a waist of money if you decide not to use the amp sims. I guess you dont have cable because it has over a 1000 channels now and you only watch 10-20 of them. Like a radio with AM/FM and you dont want it cause you dont use AM and think they should make a cheaper one with just FM

 

[Deleted member 10619]

IamTheHuman, it is not wise of you to confront Zachman in such an irrespective way.

Zachman is considered a rig expert in this forum (and other forums as well).

He is not flaming on you. He is TEACHING you a thing or two.

 

[glpg80]

Zach, if that's how you feel about what I've posted, then you haven't really been paying attention, or you just like flaming. I never said I can't afford. Its a matter of getting the most for my money. The Axe FX amp models are probably the most expensive part of the thing, as that's what its supposed to replace, and what people are hailing it for MOST of the time. I'm looking for an FX unit to compliment the already expensive rig (which I have yet to complain about) I'm putting together. I mean, geez, I'm looking at high end engl shit. Obviously price isn't my concern. However, getting the MOST for my money is. Its like paying $10 for a plain old cheese burger that comes with a special sauce I don't like. I'd rather just pay $5 for a cheeseburger without the sauce I don't like. Not that I can't afford the $10, but I don't see the point in wasting money. I make one to two purchases a year, and I ensure that I'm as educated on my purchases as possible. So yes, you're mistaken. Hell, I'm a roland AND apple guy. I'm used to paying premium prices. But I always feel like my money was well spent. That's all I want man.

Anyway, I'm trying to decide between the FX section of the Axe, vs G-force/system stuff. I'm probably going to have to email both companies and figure out which has the most flexible programming/automation for the FX. Unless one of you has the units and programs a lot of control FX for your units. If you just set it and forget it, no help there. I need someone who's a control freak to discuss these things with, and yes, warlock, I know, get the G-Force, but still, I have a lot of unanswered questions about the unit.

plenty of people purchase the axe fx standard for effects only rigs, you can get them used for around the same price as a new g-system.

IMHO i have never heard a clip of the axe fx effects that jaw dropped me, and i cant say any staples in the music industry have replaced eventide and tc electronics for an axe fx in the effects department. not copying what other people do myself at all - just saying it like it is. YMMV.

also understand that each unit will give a certain characterization that is in the algorithms and converters of that specific unit - hence why some people prefer lexicon, eventide, TC, fractal audio, pedals, etc. think less broadly the detail of the effects and more of the tone that is coming from them in a character standpoint. some people just dont like what some units add in character to their tone which cannot be dialed out or changed. increase in price does not automatically guarantee better tone - it all depends on what you are looking for and how you want to get there. but you will see as Zach has mentioned that its definitely still a pay to play game.

also, think of it this way. you mentioned your cheeseburger comparison vs special sauce - here is another analogy. instead of ordering a cheeseburger X style, why not purchase the lettuce, buns (toasted or not), sauces you like, beef (brand, location, how much, etc), cheese (your preferred type), salt and pepper, and then add in whichever you want or do not want on the fly whenever you feel like it? one day you want one setup, the next you could switch over to something else more tasteful? this is how zach's rig is configured and how i also have mine somewhat designed.

instead of purchasing X unit to do all of it, think of ways to divide effects to different units or pedals individually and widen your pallet. just because you are looking for the most expensive effects processor that offers effects only because you'll eventually want to route them all, does not mean you should only pick and choose from two units - there is alot of gear that exists and why this thread is only mentioning two of them is completely absurd.

do some more research and find out what YOU like instead of what other people like. if you have questions about that gear, post them and we can help you understand their limits or strong points. otherwise critiquing recommendations is not going to get you anywhere, and this thread will continue to grow without any end.

go out. play. research. listen. spend the money to try if you have to, flip gear. its what music is all about in searching for your tone. hence why its called "tone chasing"

 

[Zachman]

IamTheHuman, it is not wise of you to confront Zachman in such an irrespective way.

Zachman is considered a rig expert in this forum (and other forums as well).

Thanks

He is not flaming on you. He is TEACHING you a thing or two.

Trying... but the more this goes on, the more I feel like it's a troll thread designed to just yank everyone's chain.

 

[Zachman]

Zach, if that's how you feel about what I've posted, then you haven't really been paying attention, or you just like flaming. I never said I can't afford. Its a matter of getting the most for my money. The Axe FX amp models are probably the most expensive part of the thing, as that's what its supposed to replace, and what people are hailing it for MOST of the time. I'm looking for an FX unit to compliment the already expensive rig (which I have yet to complain about) I'm putting together. I mean, geez, I'm looking at high end engl shit. Obviously price isn't my concern. However, getting the MOST for my money is. Its like paying $10 for a plain old cheese burger that comes with a special sauce I don't like. I'd rather just pay $5 for a cheeseburger without the sauce I don't like. Not that I can't afford the $10, but I don't see the point in wasting money. I make one to two purchases a year, and I ensure that I'm as educated on my purchases as possible. So yes, you're mistaken. Hell, I'm a roland AND apple guy. I'm used to paying premium prices. But I always feel like my money was well spent. That's all I want man.

Anyway, I'm trying to decide between the FX section of the Axe, vs G-force/system stuff. I'm probably going to have to email both companies and figure out which has the most flexible programming/automation for the FX. Unless one of you has the units and programs a lot of control FX for your units. If you just set it and forget it, no help there. I need someone who's a control freak to discuss these things with, and yes, warlock, I know, get the G-Force, but still, I have a lot of unanswered questions about the unit.

plenty of people purchase the axe fx standard for effects only rigs, you can get them used for around the same price as a new g-system.

IMHO i have never heard a clip of the axe fx effects that jaw dropped me, and i cant say any staples in the music industry have replaced eventide and tc electronics for an axe fx in the effects department. not copying what other people do myself at all - just saying it like it is. YMMV.

also understand that each unit will give a certain characterization that is in the algorithms and converters of that specific unit - hence why some people prefer lexicon, eventide, TC, fractal audio, pedals, etc. think less broadly the detail of the effects and more of the tone that is coming from them in a character standpoint. some people just dont like what some units add in character to their tone which cannot be dialed out or changed. increase in price does not automatically guarantee better tone - it all depends on what you are looking for and how you want to get there. but you will see as Zach has mentioned that its definitely still a pay to play game.

also, think of it this way. you mentioned your cheeseburger comparison vs special sauce - here is another analogy. instead of ordering a cheeseburger X style, why not purchase the lettuce, buns (toasted or not), sauces you like, beef (brand, location, how much, etc), cheese (your preferred type), salt and pepper, and then add in whichever you want or do not want on the fly whenever you feel like it? one day you want one setup, the next you could switch over to something else more tasteful? this is how zach's rig is configured and how i also have mine somewhat designed.

instead of purchasing X unit to do all of it, think of ways to divide effects to different units or pedals individually and widen your pallet. just because you are looking for the most expensive effects processor that offers effects only because you'll eventually want to route them all, does not mean you should only pick and choose from two units - there is alot of gear that exists and why this thread is only mentioning two of them is completely absurd.

do some more research and find out what YOU like instead of what other people like. if you have questions about that gear, post them and we can help you understand their limits or strong points. otherwise critiquing recommendations is not going to get you anywhere, and this thread will continue to grow without any end.

go out. play. research. listen. spend the money to try if you have to, flip gear. its what music is all about in searching for your tone. hence why its called "tone chasing"

Well done...

 

[glpg80]

Thanks mang

 

[Zachman]

Thanks mang

Choo got it mang... Choo Rule mang...

 

[IamTheHuman]

Alright man, what you call wishy washy, I call educating myself. Simply making one harmless statement about wishing I didn't have to pay the extra for the amp models, doesn't mean I fit your dramatic description, it just doesn't. I don't think I've seemed wishy washy, and in fact, I was pretty sure I wanted the engl midi tube pre from the start, and ended up choosing that. The power amp, I had no real experience in, but I've since chosen one that I feel fits my needs (the randall that does the poweramp switching). Now I'm on to FX. I really don't see how your description even remotely fits me, save for a rhetorical post I made about not wanting the amp models. Sorry, I'm not a fan. I dislike them, which I've stated, several times. Honestly, you're coming across like a fanboy for axe fx stuff. But yes, I'm new. I don't know you but even though I think you're being a bit of an elitist prick (so far), that doesn't change the fact that you obviously have the experience, and are probably the kind of guy I need to be asking questions to regarding the tone and programming of the unit types, and so, since you seem to want to be "helpful" I have some questions for you. I came here for answers, not flame wars with forum juggernauts, so lets just move on to that, unless bashing the new guy really is your thing, then by all means, bash away.

Are there any significant tonal differences in the FX of the Axe, helicon, or other units (but the eventide is WAY more than I need, and that one is also out of my price range. That's my entire budget and then a little more). I mean realistic, tangible (more like audible) differences.
How's the noise for the units? I know most have noise reduction built in, but some of those are serious tone suckers (older boss ones weren't so hot).
I'm considering the 4 cable method at first, maybe permanently. Experience with this on the units?
Any "special" effects that each unit has that maybe another one doesn't?
Also, one of the more important things for me personally, is the ability to program individual parameters, and assign those individual parameters to switches or foot pedals. The example I used a long time ago was the wah thing. I prefer the swiping wah thing, and I know the G-force does it via a mix programming method that was kinda odd, but what about the axe fx or other units? Anything that can't be programmed to turn off in the heel position of an expression pedal and turn on with value 1 (where zero is the heal, and 127 is the toe), I don't want. That's the one thing that if a unit can't do it, I don't want it. Another consideration for me is how many assignable parameters per patch can the fx units utilize? I used a boss GT6 and 10 for a while, and they had at least 4, with the GT10 having effectively more like 8 I think.

Finally, which ones are easiest to program? Which come with or have software available for editing (on mac)? Any? I realize that I could read the sites and listen to samples for these things, but I'd much rather have people with real world experience answer these questions, because I don't trust advertisements.

 

[Zachman]

Are there any significant tonal differences in the FX of the Axe, helicon, or other units (but the eventide is WAY more than I need, and that one is also out of my price range. That's my entire budget and then a little more). I mean realistic, tangible (more like audible) differences.

Absolutely!!! All of those units are wonderfully unique unto themselves. They all bring their own special something to the table. I have found that in my quests for rigs over the years, the ultimate has always been the standard, which against all else has been measured. The problem with that is... The goal is/has always been-- ever-shifting, from scenario to scenario, project to project, and gig to gig. Whether it was one ultimate tone, or multiple tones, and/or the means to control multiple tones, and the multiples of gear required to achieve them.

I have found that-- (for ME)-- there is NO SUCH THING, as an "ALL in one device" that does it all for me, anymore than (assuming you're a chocolate lover-- I am), I would have it for EVERY meal...

Back to the audible differences--

Each device, as we all know, has it's own unique mark/color/texture, which is ultimately up to the user to decide if it's the "Right" one for the job. With that said, there are several approaches to utilizing gear. Not just "What" we choose, but "How" we configure ALL of the pieces of the rig to work as one cohesive System, because EVERYTHING-- (Guitar, Pickups, Cable, Pedals, Pedal order, Rack gear, HOW it's routed series, Parallel, Series//Parallel, How efficiently/effectively we program it all, Amps, Tubes, Cabs, Speakers), are separate parts of one instrument, from an audio production view point.

I find the Axe to be a VERY formidable device. It will show you "Your" limitations, (speaking of it's FX, more so than the Amp models-- though I do REALLY LOVE some of the amp models in the Axe, some more than others, some not so much), more than it would likely limit or stunt your creativity. THAT being said, it (The Axe)-- is more "transparent" if you will, than the others, which present their own unique colors and/hues-- which have been and continue to be the very things which have them setting the benchmark ex. Lexicon for it's Reverbs, TC Electronic 2290 for it's Dynamic/Modulated/Panning--Delay's, Eventide for it's Pitch Shifting, among others-- which others only seem to strive to replicate, while the TC, Lexicon, Eventide, AMS etc... of the world-- set the standards-- against which, all others seem to be measured. The same is true of Fender, Marshall, Mesa/Boogie, Vox, and Roland.

How's the noise for the units? I know most have noise reduction built in, but some of those are serious tone suckers (older boss ones weren't so hot).

Units by TC Electronic, Lexicon, Eventide, etc... Are used in studios world wide for a reason: They are AWESOME!!!! Not noisy junk. That said, NOT all TC units are equal to other TC products, etc... for the others too.

I find that the BIGGEST tone sucker of them ALL is inefficient signal and power routing. Which is why studios route effects into their signal path via an insert, not in a giant series mess of multiple effects run in series one into the other then into a single inset or bus. Well-- The guys with the Big rigs filled with studio quality effects approach their rig design much in the same way and for the same reasons.

I'm considering the 4 cable method at first, maybe permanently. Experience with this on the units?

Actually, YES... I have run virtually every rig type and configuration you can think of with LOTS of different gear, including the ones you've specifically mentioned... From simple 1 amp, mono rigs with only a few pedals to 10+ pedals in series in front of the amp, in loops switchers in front of the amp, in loops, 4 cable method, to stereo rigs using pedals in front and Line level processors in series and parallel loops, with and without mixers, W/D, and W/D/W rigs, utilizing heads, preamps and power amps, to multiple heads and combos and combinations of all of the above.

Any "special" effects that each unit has that maybe another one doesn't?

The big Eventide H8000FW provides the option for 5.1 surround which none of the others offer, but in a guitar rig setting, that isn't likely going to be a feature that will likely be found in a live setting (Though it is possible), though for sound track recordings, perhaps could prove interesting. The physical interface of the H8000FW also offers routing options none of the others offer-- BUT that isn't helping you, as you've already said it's more than you need. Bottom line-- you might not like what anyone else does, so YOU have to actually go use all the stuff to REALLY understand. Practical? Nope... Sorry that's just the real truth of it. There is NO substitute for experience.

Also, one of the more important things for me personally, is the ability to program individual parameters, and assign those individual parameters to switches or foot pedals. The example I used a long time ago was the wah thing. I prefer the swiping wah thing, and I know the G-force does it via a mix programming method that was kinda odd, but what about the axe fx or other units? Anything that can't be programmed to turn off in the heel position of an expression pedal and turn on with value 1 (where zero is the heal, and 127 is the toe), I don't want. That's the one thing that if a unit can't do it, I don't want it. Another consideration for me is how many assignable parameters per patch can the fx units utilize? I used a boss GT6 and 10 for a while, and they had at least 4, with the GT10 having effectively more like 8 I think.

Hoping you'll pardon the indelicacy but the Boss multi-effects units are freaking toys compared to the AXE. I'm not saying that you can't get nice results from them at all. I have... but in NO WAY is it even a close match as to the sonic quality. The Axe will allow you to use CC#'s to control so much shit, your head will spin, and you may never accomplish anything, if you get caught up in all of the routing, and programmable options available in it-- to you.

Finally, which ones are easiest to program?

Depends on who's doing the programming and how good they are at it, and assuming they're using the right unit for the expected result. I mean, everything is hard until you learn to do it. NONE of them involve anything more difficult than pressing a few buttons. There are TONS of guys who are continually trying to find a way to get a Vox tone instead of using a damned Vox... Trying to get a Boss to sound like or get the same result as an Eventide, etc... They overly complicate everything.

My philosophy is simple-- If I want a Fender tone, I use a Fender. A Marshall tone, I use a Marshall, a Les Paul sound, I use a Les Paul... You get the idea. If I want an Eventide sound, I don't go looking for a model of it, I use the real stuff. Now, not everyone is in a position to do that, and I understand that, BUT-- The question of how good, "Good enough" is can only be answered by the person using the gear, or by the person hiring the guy using the gear.

Which come with or have software available for editing (on mac)? Any? I realize that I could read the sites and listen to samples for these things, but I'd much rather have people with real world experience answer these questions, because I don't trust advertisements.

You might invest a bit more in your own personal research, rather than taking the word of others. After all-- YOU have to decide once and for all-- if it's what YOU really like, and there is NO substitute for personal experience. It seems like you want everyone else to give you the answers, and to a degree that's fine. I can't relate though. i have ALWAYS been into this stuff, and wanted to experiment for myself, not read about it. USING the stuff-- THAT is/was what does/did it for me.

Hope that helps...

NOW-- If you have any more questions for me, I'm happy to help-- so long as you drop the condescension. You come across as if you're talking to people who owe you an explanation, instead of someone who's grateful for any help you might find/receive.

I am not an elitist when it comes to gear or music, but you seem to be.

I don't even play guitar live, but I'm tired of the guitarists that I work with having shitty equipment. Fuck your POD! That's not a real amp god damnit! Cheap bastards... Hahaha. Anyway, so I want it for my studio for clients, and my own recording,

Clients??? Studio??? You sound more like a kid from the UG forum talking shit, than a professional Engineer, asking the kinds of questions you're asking about Lexicon, TC, etc... Drop the charade, you'll make WAY more friends and allies, who'll be more apt to help you-- than if you choose to continue acting like a douche.

If YOU want to be a prick to me, in talking to me like I owe you somehow, just remember-- YOU'RE the guy seeking help. Not I, nor anyone else with the experience to answer your questions, is trying to thrust the answers upon you, like a solicitor who's not been invited, nor will anyone likely want to go out of their way to assist you. I know I'm not so inclined, but will offer one more opportunity. Do with that what you will.... I may actually be a good source of info to you. Don't forget though... I don't owe it to you. That kind of attitude, doesn't make me feel so charitable and/or forthcoming with helpful info/suggestions. I don't imagine it would inspire others either. Just saying... If you're NOT the troll I suspected you were, you'll likely want to get along a bit better in this community, with the members, and dropping the attitude.

 

[noob_pwn]

POD's can work extremely well in the studio, often with better results than tube amps, especially for dense metal mixes, take Foundation Studio's work for example, it sounds huge.
just sayin'

 

[Zachman]

POD's can work extremely well in the studio, often with better results than tube amps, especially for dense metal mixes, take Foundation Studio's work for example, it sounds huge.
just sayin'

It reminds me of the fact that having GREAT gear doesn't guarantee GREAT results. It only provides an opportunity for particular results. IF one doesn't know what to do with it or how to effectively and appropriately dial it in, and play and/or perform something well-- the gear's potential is a mute point.