Pre-Amp & Cab Simulators: Where to start?

[thisisnickpaige]

So the way I use my Leeds pedal is as a preamp to do all my tone shaping. I just run it after my dirt and before my modulations and verbs, with the built in "cab sim" button turned off. It just stays on and I use my other boxes to drive it as needed. All that just runs into a power amp and then my 112 cab.

That's cool, i was also looking into getting a Leed or the Blonde. I'm currently using the BigearNYC FRANK as a sort of Vox-y/Fender type sound into a cab simulator plug in; it actually works surprisingly good. I lose a little on the bass response but it works for now. I have it, and the Sansamp when i used it, after the Verb, and Delay...but maybe i should change that. Now something more to try.

What are you using for a power amp? I'm currently just running direct into my interface into a speaker simulator.

That website is cool, thank you very much for that link. It says you need a program to run them, is there one you prefer from their list? There are a bunch of free ones.

[Shadoweclipse13]

Kinda weird timing. I keep finding interesting bits that make me think of what you're looking for

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu1TwMPtHwA

[thisisnickpaige]

I’m taking this slow, so suggestions are always welcome. That pedal was cool in theory but sounded a bit lack lustre over all. Not bad, just not so so good. Headphones out is always a nice touch, though.

[Shadoweclipse13]

I’m taking this slow, so suggestions are always welcome. That pedal was cool in theory but sounded a bit lack lustre over all. Not bad, just not so so good. Headphones out is always a nice touch, though.

I agree, and have honestly thought that about all Neunaber products, but I've also been surprised by things before, and have found certain people's recording methods on YouTube to cause the lackluster-ishness. On the other side, I've found things that sound amazing online to sound like crap in person. Haha.

[Shadoweclipse13]

https://youtu.be/4PYYfhC5-w4

This one sounds better (just guitar towards the end).

https://youtu.be/n-D01tCe0Oo
I'm on the hunt now.

Have you thought about one of the Bass DI's from Tech 21?

[Shadoweclipse13]

https://youtu.be/8Mn9116AxiE
Holy crap, this one sounds awesome!!

[thisisnickpaige]

I actually have the SansAmp Bass Driver. It's a great pedal; it's what i have been using for a few years now, since i've been ampless. But with the jangly Vox/SF Fender type tones i have it set for my bright distorted attacking guitar sounds can come across sound kind of harsh, at times, in the upper registries when going all in, and full on punk. Before when i was playing less rock, and more indie rock/avant garde type stuff it was doing a great job and still does. However, I am moving in more of an alternative rock/California punk direction, so i'm reaching its guitar limitations.

Oh yeah, the Torpedo is on the list, but its just so much for my one or two cab desires. I want a a fender 2x12, then maybe a Vox 2x12, and then maybe maybe a Marshall 4x12, or a fender 1x12. I'm probably gunna end up, cab sim wise, with the Bluguitar BluBox; simple, easy, and sounds great:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyXtuUWhNK4

An added bonus is that you can use the Blubox with an actual amp, which would be killer for future use. A champ through a 2x12 sounds delicious! And i love listening to his accent, and his muted cockiness.

[mackerelmint]

So the way I use my Leeds pedal is as a preamp to do all my tone shaping. I just run it after my dirt and before my modulations and verbs, with the built in "cab sim" button turned off. It just stays on and I use my other boxes to drive it as needed. All that just runs into a power amp and then my 112 cab.

That's cool, i was also looking into getting a Leed or the Blonde. I'm currently using the BigearNYC FRANK as a sort of Vox-y/Fender type sound into a cab simulator plug in; it actually works surprisingly good. I lose a little on the bass response but it works for now. I have it, and the Sansamp when i used it, after the Verb, and Delay...but maybe i should change that. Now something more to try.

What are you using for a power amp? I'm currently just running direct into my interface into a speaker simulator.

That website is cool, thank you very much for that link. It says you need a program to run them, is there one you prefer from their list? There are a bunch of free ones.

For a power amp I've been using a crate power block for years. As a discrete amp head it's merely OK, but as a class D power amp, it's quite good and does stereo too.

As for a client for using impulse responses, I first have to make the disclaimer that I've never actually used that website's samples. When I do use impulse responses, I use the client built into Studio One, and I don't see any reason why those wouldn't work in that particular piece of software. That said, I believe SIR was on that list, and I've used that in the past. It's probably as good a place to start as any.