Why does my spark 2 amp sound/feels better than vsts?

[George5150]

I have a scarlett 2i2 and when I use it with amp vsts I can't get the same sound, feel playing experience that I get when playing through my spark amp 2. I played around with the input gain, the input in the vsts, Irs, the instrument input is on. I'm still not getting good results, it's sounds fine but I'm not 100 percent there. I'm using jbl monitors.

 

[eggpl@nt]

I imagine the Spark is tuned to be a bit more flattering than the JBL monitors. If you use the Spark as a monitor for your VSTs, do you find them to have more of that quality from the Spark you like?

 

[Frodebro]

You’re never going to get identical sounds between the two, and the reason is the speakers. The Spark is running through its internal speakers, the VSTs are being run through your JBLs. The Spark is probably also not using any cabinet emulation, while the VSTs do out of necessity, which typically means there’s also going to be the characteristics of a microphone baked in along with the speaker emulation.

 

[DLC86]

In addition to what others said, the difference in feel could also be caused by latency. What buffer size did you set in your audio interface?

 

[EOengineer]

Out of a dozen or so devices here that have USB recording features, the Scarlett 2i2 is the worst of them. Lifeless, dull, dead sounding direct tracks every time. I absolute despise this interface, especially for VST playing.

Your spark probably has a better input circuit tailored for guitar input, and as others have noted, it’s kind of an all-in-one so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

 

[George5150]

I imagine the Spark is tuned to be a bit more flattering than the JBL monitors. If you use the Spark as a monitor for your VSTs, do you find them to have more of that quality from the Spark you like?

I'm going to try that!

 

[George5150]

Out of a dozen or so devices here that have USB recording features, the Scarlett 2i2 is the worst of them. Lifeless, dull, dead sounding direct tracks every time. I absolute despise this interface, especially for VST playing.

Your spark probably has a better input circuit tailored for guitar input, and as others have noted, it’s kind of an all-in-one so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

Mmmm it gave me an idea to try the Spark as an audio interface

 

[George5150]

In addition to what others said, the difference in feel could also be caused by latency. What buffer size did you set in your audio interface?

I have tried the lowest buffer and same situation.

 

[George5150]

You’re never going to get identical sounds between the two, and the reason is the speakers. The Spark is running through its internal speakers, the VSTs are being run through your JBLs. The Spark is probably also not using any cabinet emulation, while the VSTs do out of necessity, which typically means there’s also going to be the characteristics of a microphone baked in along with the speaker emulation.

How come it doesnt have speaker simulation? Isn't that the final tone? The speaker and the mic placement?

 

[eggpl@nt]

I'm going to try that!

To @Frodebro ’s point, you may want to try the VST with and without a cab sim active. See what sounds better to you.