VIDEO: Nashville Amp Shootout

[RockyStar]

Cool video, thank you for sharing it and taking the time to make it, etc. It is amazing how different amps can sound on tape, in a room, in a bedroom, in a band mix, etc. I disliked the Mesa the most. The 69 was the best platform setting for recording to my ears. I also liked the Cameron as well for some things. I also noticed a pretty significant difference between the two guitars used (even if accidental and briefly).

 

[Rayneman]

What Blackstar amp is it?

 

[Mesa\Kramer]

Nice to see these again

I thought all the amps sounded a little muddy and a bit dark, but liked the 69' the best and the Recto the least

Would love to hear a room Mic comparison also

 

[SpiderWars]

Cool video. I really liked the Cameron and Marshalls. The other two were OK but in comparison to the other 3 they fell short for me.

I think I preferred the Cameron in lower gain mode but if you dialed it in for that and then didn't readjust after pulling that pot then that might explain it.

 

[glassjaw7]

Awesome! Miss these from the old days of RT. Thanks James!

 

[Whowantsamustache]

 

[skoora]

The Ocean sounds like a good intro/breakdown amp but once the band kicks in I'd rather be having the '69 as the primary in the mix. The Ocean's thickness sounds like it could cause mischief when mixing in bass guitar and other low end sources. Of course it could be as simple as a high pass EQ or turning the bass knob down on the Cameron...

The Mesa.... But an EQ pedal in front or in the loop can make a nice difference in the recto. Plus for that kind of riffing I'd throw 34's in it.

 

[James Lugo]

The Ocean sounds like a good intro/breakdown amp but once the band kicks in I'd rather be having the '69 as the primary in the mix. The Ocean's thickness sounds like it could cause mischief when mixing in bass guitar and other low end sources. Of course it could be as simple as a high pass EQ or turning the bass knob down on the Cameron...

It's funny you write this tonight because I just got a turntable a few weeks ago and have been listening to a ton of vinyl in the studio (what a cool experience might I add) and got VH1 this week and listened to it yesterday and honestly it sounded kind of weird to me in spots. I know this is sacrilegious to say around this crowd but I wasn't really into a lot of the guitar sounds. The top end seemed jagged and the sound was fuzzy. So my point is I think it's all a matter of taste. I personally like guitar sounds that are not to bright and are more crunch and less fuzz. That is just me and when you mix for a living you realize that most mix templates are going to lift the top end So many people try and track, especially guitars, vocals and overs not to bright. That brightness can be perceived as harsh in the digital domain. People used to track brighter because tape lopped off a ton of highs but digital doesn't. It can be a good thing or a not good thing depending on how it is dealt with. Either way it's a good discussion. Thanks man.

James

 

[skoora]

It's funny as we now have how many apps and plugins trying to simulate what tape does to the sound of a recording? Last time I did any work in a studio as a player or engineer, 2" tape was still king. I'm glad I fell away from engineering as I still haven't heard anything that sounds as good as hitting some tape at a decent level. Plus I grew to miss handling the tape and running the machine. Splicing 2" tape was a hoot. The perceived limitations sometimes brought more creative results. Also more pressure for a band to actually perform the whole song. Gotta love the convenience of digital features but I'd trade my laptop and software in for a decent 8-16 track machine and a decent board with rack gear and a patch bay in a second. Ok, so maybe I would keep the laptop and software for mixing...

Glad to see another shootout on the forum. Hopefully I'll be getting my ass up to Nashville in September so I can check out some guitar stores etc. It would be a birthday trip with my Wife, but try and explain the real gift would be I go alone so I don't feel bad, and she doesn't make me feel bad, about dragging her around music stores. Women always say you can do whatever you want until 5 minutes into doing it!

 

[James Lugo]

It's funny as we now have how many apps and plugins trying to simulate what tape does to the sound of a recording? Last time I did any work in a studio as a player or engineer, 2" tape was still king. I'm glad I fell away from engineering as I still haven't heard anything that sounds as good as hitting some tape at a decent level. Plus I grew to miss handling the tape and running the machine. Splicing 2" tape was a hoot. The perceived limitations sometimes brought more creative results. Also more pressure for a band to actually perform the whole song. Gotta love the convenience of digital features but I'd trade my laptop and software in for a decent 8-16 track machine and a decent board with rack gear and a patch bay in a second. Ok, so maybe I would keep the laptop and software for mixing...

Glad to see another shootout on the forum. Hopefully I'll be getting my ass up to Nashville in September so I can check out some guitar stores etc. It would be a birthday trip with my Wife, but try and explain the real gift would be I go alone so I don't feel bad, and she doesn't make me feel bad, about dragging her around music stores. Women always say you can do whatever you want until 5 minutes into doing it!

Hit me up when you get here. Carter Guitars is the best spot.

 

[Badronald]

Great job man. Sounded great.
I dig the 69 Plexi then the Ocean.

 

[mxr2000]

Love the cameron Ocean Mod, It Always sound killer and the way i like!!! There most be a lot o sounds hidden inside that amp!! Killer Clip james!!

 

[Mailman1971]

What Blackstar amp is it?

Asked the same question. Must be a secret.

 

[James Lugo]

What Blackstar amp is it?

Asked the same question. Must be a secret.

I thought I mention it on the video. Maybe it was cut out. It's a model with 100 in the name and I think it retails around $2000. It's not mine so that all I know. Sorry.

 

[Mailman1971]

Cool thanks James!

There are so many models out there. But I really liked the way it sounded in your clip.

 

[James Lugo]

Cool thanks James!

There are so many models out there. But I really liked the way it sounded in your clip.

I'll look into the exact model.

 

[SBlue]

Well done James!
I've always liked your shootouts.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers

 

[James Lugo]

Cool thanks James!

There are so many models out there. But I really liked the way it sounded in your clip.

Blackstar Series One 200 watt

 

[Mailman1971]

Cool thanks James!

There are so many models out there. But I really liked the way it sounded in your clip.

Blackstar Series One 200 watt

Cool thanks man!!!

 

[Hiatus O]

That looked like some fun!

I may have missed it, but what cab or IR did you use for all these?