When i get back from my holiday, i'm shitting doing it......
Going 100% modeller!
So just over a month ago, i picked up a Pod X3, mainly with the intention of using it for silent rehearsal and demo recording, but the difference its made to my playing, writing and work flow is unreal. I've written and recorded three songs in 4 weeks, just because its so much simpler to record. I spent a few hours making up 4 patches, but since then i've not really had the urge to create more tones, just an urge to play more and come up with new ideas for the band. I've also been using it direct to the PA at rehearsals and in a one guitar band it just sounds excellent, it doesn't do the whole touch sensitivity thing and it lacks dynamics but then so does my playing.
I think the best option for me will be the Helix LT, although i do like the look of the Boss GT1000. All i'm looking to do is set up a clean (Atreyu Crimson style), low gain (FSF Snowbirds Style), mid gain (Have Mercy Drive Style), high gain (FFTL - H8 Meh style)
and then have switches set up to bring in a boost, verb, delay or phaser. Probably overkill using a helix for this but for the options i need, it actually seems a pretty economical way of doing it.
Yours sincerely,
Someone who hates modelling tech.
Comments
They are all capable and useful in the right situation.
The Helix is actually the most useful if you are going to just have one.
Axe FX required a floor pedal to gig, so does the Kemper.
The FX8 requires an amp of some sort.
The Helix will either integrate with an amp, or go direct to a desk or a DAW for recording and being an all in one you don't have to mess about connecting different devices.
Consider the full Helix- the dynamic labelling is one of the best features about it.
That said, I still gig with a tube amp most of the time.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
It clearly works for you. Keep it and forget about getting on a different gear-go-round.
ive only plugged in for 20 minutes so far, just a quick flick through the presets. Not blown away, but I was the same with the X3, after a few weeks with that I was much happier.
Thursday night I’m going to have a proper rip into it!
Ignore the presets - they are average, but create your own and the Helix will come alive
Experiment a lot with stereo cabs (not a dual cab block) and different mic types.
It takes some dialing in, but there are excellent sounds in there.
i think I need to do the firmware updates, I think it’s quite far behind
I now have the Axe FX III and a DXR10 - best sounds I've had and I'm loving playing.
There's a learning curve and I enjoy the programming side, but the sound is the main thing and for having a sound which motivates and moves me at home volume and still translates without tweaking to a loud band situation - never been happier
Enjoy the ride!
So far i'm very impressed with the JTM45, Jcm800 and the Recto emulations, they're all very close to the actual amps. I'm convinced the onboard cabs aren't going to be as good as the aftermarket IRs, but i'm willing to be wrong.
I've barely scratched the surface of what the Helix can do, but its already changing the way i play, write and approach the tones for the band.