Modeling Fidelity likely isn’t as critical as we think.

[KingsXJJ]

If history is any guide the latest isn’t necessarily the greatest. You can look at digital delay for example. Some folks might argue that the earlier versions with lower fidelity and sample rates sound better. Look at the EVH delay as a good example. Tape delay is another. It’s the infidelity and quicks that are a lot of it. This isn’t to say that’s always the case with modeling. But it does make me think. Something being musical is not always about fidelity or accuracy. I suspect that isn’t considered as much in the modeling realm.

I had this thought while playing and switching between different “generations” of modelers from different brands. It certainly seemed to hold true for me.

Before I get slammed, it’s just an observation or notion that I had or experienced. I’m not trying to push any absolutist theory… just offering a thought.

 

[PLX]

I prefer the digital models of analog tape saturation and analog tape modulation over the real thing.

 

[Sleezy E]

...and some people insist vinyl sounds better

 

[FuzzyAce]

If history is any guide the latest isn’t necessarily the greatest. You can look at digital delay for example. Some folks might argue that the earlier versions with lower fidelity and sample rates sound better. Look at the EVH delay as a good example. Tape delay is another. It’s the infidelity and quicks that are a lot of it. This isn’t to say that’s always the case with modeling. But it does make me think. Something being musical is not always about fidelity or accuracy. I suspect that isn’t considered as much in the modeling realm.

I had this thought while playing and switching between different “generations” of modelers from different brands. It certainly seemed to hold true for me.

Before I get slammed, it’s just an observation or notion that I had or experienced. I’m not trying to push any absolutist theory… just offering a thought.

Really good music can be created with any modeler or device imo. It always comes down to who is using the device. A great song doesn't usually have a side-by-side comparison of the exact same song using amp A or modeler A as opposed to B. With youtube and demo vids being so popular it's easy to pick which sound we like best in an isolated environment. Usually the "better" device will win but that doesn't always mean that device is better for a particular song.

 

[PLX]

...and some people insist vinyl sounds better

Sure, but it starts to chafe after a few minutes.

 

[Sleezy E]

Sure, but it starts to chafe after a few minutes.

 

[FuzzyAce]

...and some people insist vinyl sounds better

It does.

 

[laxu]

There's many albums with the Line6 POD etc old modelers on them that sound just fine. Same for albums using even worse stuff like the Rockman. Chromeo has written several albums where the guitar tones are done using free VST plugins (and a lot of expensive analog synths...).

I was trying out NeuralDSP plugins the other day, stuff like the Soldano SLO X etc. Then decided to see what my Ampero 2 Stomp can do in comparison. I actually liked the Ampero 2 equivalent tones just as much and had no complaints about them in terms of sound or feel. Even though I know the Hotone does not do e.g poweramp distortion on master volume amps, has some weirdness in some models, missing controls on Mesa Marks etc.

Making accurate models is a worthy endeavor for the developers of this gear, but if all you care about is good tone then there's no need to be a stickler about it.

 

[PLX]

 

[ian_dissonance]

...and some people insist vinyl sounds better

They like the distortion and the limited loudness potential.

 

[Mikael Dez]

View attachment 43131

I texted my wife a wall of Silmarillion lore the other day because she asked about the art on my Tolkien calendar. Her actual response was:

 

[Orvillain]

 

[[Nathan]]

I enjoyed my Nintendo 64 on a small crt tv and cherish those memories forever…. but I’d still rather have a ps5 on a 60” oled 120hz panel in 2025

Gear has been good enough forever. I can only hope the flagship modellers commanding flagship prices keep up the pursuit of chasing fidelity.

If you just want anything to get the job done then we’re spoiled with choices from quality second hand gear to new knock off modellers being released packing tons of features for little money.

 

[gearJunkie]

vs

regardless of fidelity, the form factor and reliability change everything.

 

[Funk Soul Brother]

 

[gearJunkie]

 

[Funk Soul Brother]

 

[Mikael Dez]

View attachment 43160

I am too high for this it took me a minute to figure out that was AI

 

[gearJunkie]

I am too high for this it took me a minute to figure out that was AI

I'm too lazy and untalented to pull that off in Photoshop.

 

[Mikael Dez]

I’ve never seen the argument that you need modern tools to make great music though