Going from tube amps to digital modelers

[Dave not David]

I'm thinking of selling my 5153 Stealth (and matching cab). Have any of you gone from tube amps to full digital/analog modeling? Did you regret it? I built an 8 space Tom Scholz Rockman rack a few months ago and I haven't found a reason to use my 5150 since, especially that I'm going direct when I'm playing with any of my groups or recording. I am looking getting a Line 6 Helix unit if I sell my 5150 stack.

I'm looking for outside thoughts on this. I think digital is the best for me going forward, so I'm probably going to do that if nobody here can convince me otherwise. Also, I have absolutely no idea on the going rate for a 100S half stack since there are none selling around me, so if anyone wanted to chime in with that knowledge, please do!

Thanks guys!

[danielleesale]

If you are performing and recording with digital without problems, what's to wonder about? I (and others) prefer effect pedals/tube amps but Line 6/Axe FX/Kemper can get the job done these days.

[Brett]

I use digital modeling at home because it’s more convenient to record with. Actually much more convenient. I like it. I can’t imagine playing in my band or a live scenario and not using my 5150 half stack. I just think nothing beats playing a real amp live. Can’t see myself ever giving it up in that scenario.

[fudd]

I would rather take a gunshot wound to the abdomen than go to anything digital. I have too much money in shit to upgrade now. And with a 6 and a 2 year old it ain’t getting any cheaper.


I can honestly say that the only thing non tube is a solid state crate I use for super clean stuff with an a-b switch if I need it.


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[EJC]

I'm with Brett. I only record with the Tech 21 Ritchie Kotzen fly-rig thing because its so easy to use/mix and get fantastic tones out of.
Live, through the board, it sounds like Pac-Man. I stick with my Carvin V3M and Orange 112 cab for the occasional live show.

~E

[Dave not David]

Fair points. Worst case scenario, I end up using the Rockman rack most of the time instead of the amps in the helix, I can just integrate that rack into one of the loops in the back of the unit. We're (my main group) are really trying to cut having amps on stage to have a better audience mix, and the new array speaker system my drummer bought is no slouch. I can imagine going direct being a big concern if the speaker quality on the other end wasn't up to par. I also just want to commit fully to the rack based rig (which I've mostly done by not using the 5150 at all recently).

I really do appreciate the comments here

[evhintexas]

I've seen Ritchie Kotzen play live 2 times...that fly rig he uses is badass...killer sound...but naw, tubes are just in my blood

[CalFB]

I've seen Ritchie Kotzen play live 2 times...that fly rig he uses is badass...killer sound...but naw, tubes are just in my blood

He's recorded a couple of songs with it direct, but on stage it's in front of his signature Victory or whatever back line is there and he's just using it for delay/boost etc.. Surprising little rig though.

I've read a few guys are only using amps for recording now and on tour they take an AxeFX or whatever, coz they're easier to travel with, more reliable and the audience can't tell the difference anyway.

[CHUCKYAB]

I sold my 5150 Ivory 100 watt halfstack last year and bought the Helix.. and I do not regret it at all.
I run the Helix straight in front of my Marshall super lead halfstack, or I run it into a smaller monitor.
The shared Van Halen patches you download for free are amazing, the ones that are on Youtube ect. and
so are the Stevie Ray and Joe Bonamassa patches.
I got my Helix used on Craigslist for $900, yes it is a risk buying used and no Line 6 warranty, but they
are built very well. Good luck!
You might consider taking your amp to a guitar center and trade it towards a used helix :-)

[turnbuckle]

It seems that in most of the rig rundowns that I've watched, if there is a digital thingy whatnot in use, there is usually an identical back-up digital thingy whatnot, all ready to go.

Hmmm, I wonder why they have a back-up



BTW, L*ne si* is not spoken in my house any more

Neither is GVF, LOL!

[Brett]

I don’t mind sitting in my office and tinkering with sounds when I’m recording with a modeler. But when I’m playing live, I just want to turn on my amp, turn on my pedals and just go.

[RRvh1]

I was a tube amp guy for a long time, and still love the feel and sound of a rig like that dialed in just right. I also had a few disastrous gigs with microphonic tubes and gain stages that didn't add up/feedback issues etc.

Solid state/digital modeling is a VERY viable option IMO. Consistent sound, many options for tone and effects, lighter, generally cheaper, and more and more abundant. I've told this story before; I played a jam night at a venue I had headlined many times with my 5150 head and Marshall cabinets, although this time I was playing my guitar through the host band's rig. Sounded good (the tone, not me!) yet I was dumbfounded after our set, and even asked "Where is the standby switch on your amp?" The guitarist said "There isn't one. It's solid state..."

[ziggysmalls]

I have a Line 6 Modeler and a 5150 combo. What I play depends on the gig. If I have room and its a large room, yeah I bring out the 5150 but if its a smaller venue or we simply have to keep it down I just bring the Line 6. Now obviously tone suffers but with us, 99% of the people do not care about guitar tone. I do but I also do appreciate the fact the modeler takes 2 minutes to set up. The 5150 and pedal board is a bit more cumbersome with cables.

I guess it depends on your music, what you do with said music and your audience. I have another guitarist who is incredible so I typically only play a handful of solos. If you are out there being the man, well you need to be comfortable.

[Dr5115]

The modeling is getting so good that now price is becoming a bigger factor in making the decision. Bang for the buck it's hard to beat the flexibility that modeling gives you.

[Jedi McFly]

The Helix is no slouch either. If modeling is working for you then go for it.