Messa 20:20 vs Torpedo Studio Modeling [Welcome suggestions]

[Guitarwiz2k]

I currently own the Axe-Fx Standard, and love the sound I'm getting, but soon I'll need to use the direct approach.

I'd like opinions on the accuracy of the Studio vs my Mesa 20:20

My options are either purchasing 2 Lives and use the load feature, then out to a stereo DI, back into the system, or direct from the Axe-Fx to the Torpedo Studio.

Any suggestions? How close or accurate is the Torpedo Studio if I chose to go direct from my Axe-Fx, bypassing my Mesa? I love the warmth and color the Mesa 20:20 adds. I welcome any and all opinions, suggestions, or solutions.

Cheers.

My current configuration

Wireless Receiver
Power Conditioner
Rack Tuner
Rack Harmonizer
Axe Processor
[Studio or 2 Lives] <-- Potential addition for direct to FOH
Mesa 20:20

 

[Anonymous]

Surely the whole idea of the Axe is to go direct without the need for an additional simulator ??????

 

[Guitarwiz2k]

Surely the whole idea of the Axe is to go direct without the need for an additional simulator ??????

It is, but the sound capture and speaker / mic simulation features of the Axe-Fx Standard are limited, compared to that of any of the two notes products. Also, it would take upgrading to the Axe-Fx II or II XL, but this one gives me all I need as far as amp modeling and effects. I just need better speaker modeling, more options, or at least a way to easily create my own. If I chose to upgrade to the Axe-Fx II or II XL, their is no easy way to transition to the new Axe-Fx. I'd basically be starting over again.

With the two notes, I just have to plug out of my power-amp into the torpedo, and turn on the speaker Sim of the Live; Or, I could go direct from the Axe-Fx Standard to the Torpedo Studio, and additionally try to use the amp sim to stand in for my amp as well. The cost of the new Ace-Fx vs the Studio, or even 2x Lives, would basically be the same. I'd have to get 2x Lives for the load of each side of the power-amp or one studio, and try to use the amp sim in the Studio to compensate for the bypassed power-amp as well.

So, I hoped the Torpedo's amp sim stood up to the real characteristics of the mesa, so I can just go direct. The Mesa has a wonderful tone it adds. I'd just hate to loose that tone if, by chance, the Torpedo Studio can't replicate that characteristic.

 

[Guitarwiz2k]

Any new thoughts on comparing the tone modeling of the Torpedo Live EL84 vs a Mesa 20/20? Wondering if getting rid of my mesa for total direct is the answer...

 

[Guitarwiz2k]

So, I finally solved my dilemma of poweramp vs torpedo live. I got two of them, run out of the mesa 20/20 to each torpedo, and the sound is AMAZING! No matter what speaker, headphone or otherwise, it sounds incredible! Excellent job on the unit's processing power...