Looking at options again and thinking of going FRFR again.
Currently running a Helix into a Mesa 50/50 stereo power amp into 2 Marshall 2x12s.
I disable speaker and microphone simulation.
The downside it sounds like a Marshall.
Into my studio monitors (bx8) I get a lot of high end fizz (speaker and microphone sims on) so a lot of EQ required).
Have been looking at the line6 poweecaba and the headrush.
Now the Line6 powercabs seem to emulate a 1x12 Cab but you can switch the speakers, so will always sound like a 1x12 (still have to switch off speaker sims)
So will the 2000W headrush give me the sound of a mic'ed up cab without the high end fizz?
Comments
Basically, unless you want to use acoustic-simulation sounds, why bother? All you're really doing is adding a load of top and bottom end which you then need to take off in the software to make it sound even close to tolerable, and it still never quite sounds 'natural'...
... so why not just use a fairly neutral guitar cabinet? They do exist. The reason the Marshall 2x12"s always sound like a Marshall is because they're crude cabinets with very 'Marshally' speakers.
If you get a better quality 2x12" with something like EVs, 12" PA drivers like Eminence Deltas or even a more neutral Celestion like the G12K-100, that should solve both problems.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Which is why the horrible fizz through my monitors surprised me.
They should be removing the fizz frequencies if they're doing their job properly.
Actually you would, at least with an SM57 rather than a 58. You might have to experiment with position, but if the basic sound coming to the desk isn't any good, you need to fix it at source if you can. EQ should be to finely adjust it, not to make a bad sound good.
You would certainly expect to be able to record a room mic with no EQ, if the room is good.
At least that's what I was always told by good studio engineers...
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Now do I just replace the drivers in my cabs or buy new and sell the Marshalls
If you still want two 2x12"s I would get vertical cabs as well, they work better.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
And think about my back.
You could reload one of them and use it in stereo, but they're still not great cabs. All bar the very first 900 series ones are MDF.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
If you have a Helix then FRFR probably the way to go and gives you a lot more versatility. But it will never sound / feel exactly like a real cranked Marshall (or Mesa) through a 4 x 12.
There is a review of Powercab vs Headrush in this month's guitarist magazine which you should take a look at.
Basically says that Powercab is more like a guitar cab, has more features, 250W.
Headrush is what it looks like - a tweaked powered PA speaker 2000W peak (so 128db = LOUD).
Not sure of your needs but I'd also be looking at Alto TS range (TS 312 is a dead ringer for the Headrush), Yamaha DXR, Laney LFR112 and IRT-X and maybe Friedman FRFR or Atomic CLR, budget permitting.
Anderton's stock most if not all of those I think. Sounds like a fun day out!
Bought an Alto 312 instead for my Helix and love it.
Have a read and a listen to this
http://www.wiredguitarist.com/2016/12/06/recording-tips-eqing-distorted-guitars/
I've had good results many times from just finding the right spot for the mic, and not EQ'ing at the desk. You can still use EQ if you want to fine-tune it, but I think it's better to start with a good sound in the first place than try to make a bad one good with too much EQ.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein