Hardware Modeller as a Bedroom Player

[sevenagn]

I’m not sure if I missed it, but is Line 6 off the table? I do all my editing in the box on my Helix LT and it’s a great experience.

Helix Stadium would be a great option, but price here is really high. Old helix does not have a good form factor for a desktop device in my opinion.

 

[sevenagn]

I started using a VST host about 6 weeks ago and I love it. I tested Gig Performer and Cantabile Lite and settled on Cantabile Lite for now just because it allows me to experiment and test for no cost. There's no noticeable latency. None of bloat of wading through my DAW just to play guitar, incredible flexibility and I've been able to come us with some really satisfying sounds. I have no idea if I could gig with it but for playing at my desk it's an absolute pleasure.

Latency is the same as when using a DAW, isn't it?

 

[Shask]

I used to hate playing through the computer for years, plugins or Axe-Fx. Last year I really got into ToneX, and it changed my mind mind completely. Better tones than I get with my FM3. I just capture my tube amps, and then have digital versions of my tones with more dynamics than traditional modelers.

I have been super impressed with the new ToneX / NAM technology. It makes me question if hardware modelers are even needed for home players.

 

[sashimi]

Helix Stadium would be a great option, but price here is really high. Old helix does not have a good form factor for a desktop device in my opinion.

For a desktop device, I almost want to say just stick with the plugins, if you aren’t going to use foot switches.

 

[AlbertA]

I used to hate playing through the computer for years, plugins or Axe-Fx. Last year I really got into ToneX, and it changed my mind mind completely. Better tones than I get with my FM3. I just capture my tube amps, and then have digital versions of my tones with more dynamics than traditional modelers.

I have been super impressed with the new ToneX / NAM technology. It makes me question if hardware modelers are even needed for home players.

Yeah these days I mainly use the NAM stuff or UAD plugins (which thanks to the free plugin thread in this forum, I've gotten quite a few FX free) when I'm using plugins in the computer.

 

[SeeD]

I use a Quad Cortex ( I used to own a Fractal unit) I like the sounds I get out of my QC better, and it is easy to use

 

[Jim Soloway]

Latency is the same as when using a DAW, isn't it?

Latency on the DAW depends on my settings, but so does the quality of the recording and not in the same direction. The VST host doesn't have that compromise. It just works. It also gives me a great visual representation of the entire chain of effects and a really easy way to move them around and test. There's a bunch ore that make the VST host a lot nicer environment to play in.

 

[Shask]

Yeah these days I mainly use the NAM stuff or UAD plugins (which thanks to the free plugin thread in this forum, I've gotten quite a few FX free) when I'm using plugins in the computer.

I bought the entire IK Multimedia studio, so with Amplitube and T-Racks, I pretty much have everything you need. I also bought a few Valhalla Delay and Reverb plugins, which sound as good as Fractal effects, IMO.

I have NAM and have played with it also, but it just hasn't clicked with me the way ToneX has. I have been able to make 100+ captures of my tube amps which come out great with the v2 captures.

Mixing my own IRs also helped a lot.

My computer probably boots up as fast, if not faster, than the FM3, lol.

At this time, I really dont see the point in a big high priced modeler unless you play out. Playing through the computer is great, and if I want to travel with it, I can just load the sound into the ToneX One pedal.

 

[ragingplatypi]

Helix Stadium would be a great option, but price here is really high. Old helix does not have a good form factor for a desktop device in my opinion.

Personally, I would also consider the HX Stomp or HX Stomp XL. I did all my editing in the box with that one also and found that it was actually easier because all the controls are under one hand and quick once muscle memory kicks in.
For home playing it’s great and its limitations actually spurred my creativity.
For live playing I’d recommend the Stomp XL, but at home 3 footswitches are enough.

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Plugins>>>