To those that have moved on from a Tube amp to a SS/modeling rig.

[RevDrucifer]

I've run the FM9 through my 2002 Mesa 4x12 with power from either the PS700 or the 50w EVH stealth. Great either way but I swear there is something extra special when running through the EVH 50w power sections.

Man, just last night I put my FM9 into the Return of my Electra Dyne head and immediately paused my thoughts on buying a JPIIC+. I used the Duncan 170 for almost 2 years with the FM9 into a cab, but going through a tube power section put some serious pause in my step.

I really think I might just grab a 2:90 and call it a day. I’ve been on an amp kick for the last 4 months after a 5 year break, but after that experience I might just go back in my modeler hole.

 

[TedEH]

I honestly really like the FM3-into-tube-power setup because it sounds great that way, but it kinda negated what I liked about digital setups. My amp model is usually the same as the amp I actually have, so you have a model of a preamp being used to bypass the thing it's modelling, just to have to carry the real thing AND the model around at the same time. It sounded good, it had a lot of added versatility over the original amp on its own, but it weighs a ton to carry both around, and obviously doesn't fit in a backpack or anything.

 

[Emperoff]

I honestly really like the FM3-into-tube-power setup because it sounds great that way, but it kinda negated what I liked about digital setups. My amp model is usually the same as the amp I actually have, so you have a model of a preamp being used to bypass the thing it's modelling, just to have to carry the real thing AND the model around at the same time. It sounded good, it had a lot of added versatility over the original amp on its own, but it weighs a ton to carry both around, and obviously doesn't fit in a backpack or anything.

The first time I saw a FM3 in person I thought it was freaking huge. For a floor-based solution with only 3 switches it is indeed massive.

 

[TedEH]

The first time I saw a FM3 in person I thought it was freaking huge. For a floor-based solution with only 3 switches it is indeed massive.

Sure, but I can jam that and the PS700 in a backpack. I can't jam the FM3 and a whole full-sized 40lbs tube amp head into my backback.

 

[CanserDYI]

For what it's worth I love my Powerstage, I just don't think it's a good partner with a triple rec, and think I'll have to be pulling out the 5150 which I think will still be eaten alive.

 

[Shask]

Man, just last night I put my FM9 into the Return of my Electra Dyne head and immediately paused my thoughts on buying a JPIIC+. I used the Duncan 170 for almost 2 years with the FM9 into a cab, but going through a tube power section put some serious pause in my step.

I really think I might just grab a 2:90 and call it a day. I’ve been on an amp kick for the last 4 months after a 5 year break, but after that experience I might just go back in my modeler hole.

I really noticed the last few weeks that the FM3 with the new FW 8 Beta into my KT88 Power amp sounds AND FEELS very close to my actual tube gear running into the same power amp. I know people say you shouldn't run power amp modeling into a tube power amp, but it just works. It is very dynamic and punchy.

I never get that same kind of depth using a SS amp like a Matrix GT1000fx, or Studio Monitors.

I think people really underestimate the importance of the power section.

 

[Deadpool_25]

I know people say you shouldn't run power amp modeling into a tube power amp, but it just works. It is very dynamic and punchy.

I never get that same kind of depth using a SS amp like a Matrix GT1000fx, or Studio Monitors.

I think people really underestimate the importance of the power section.

I agree. It might depend on the power section you're using but some tube power sections do seems to work quite well with power amp modeling on.

 

[CanserDYI]

Well I might be picking up a Triple Rec for a fucking killer price so I might be ditching the digital rig after all

 

[Shask]

I agree. It might depend on the power section you're using but some tube power sections do seems to work quite well with power amp modeling on.

I know you like the 5153 50w power section, and I have tried that also. It works well with that amp. It has a good power amp, but it doesn't sound as big as my bigger amps. My SLO Modded JCA100HDM sounds really good with it also. Kind of like a bigger 5150 power section. Funny enough, my Triple Recto didn't sound as good without massive tweaking. It has a super bright and harsh power amp. My 200w KT88 power amp sounds the biggest, and has the most neutral frequency response. I modded it with a depth control, so it can bring the boom.

Usually on the FM3, you just need to lower the low resonance, and the high resonance on the speaker page. That helps level it out and not get too hyped sounding.

 

[Shask]

Well I might be picking up a Triple Rec for a fucking killer price so I might be ditching the digital rig after all

So, you go from a compact modeling rig to one of the biggest amps.... lol.

 

[budda]

Well I might be picking up a Triple Rec for a fucking killer price so I might be ditching the digital rig after all

You can have both

 

[CanserDYI]

You can have both

Oh I plan on it don't worry <3 it's not going anywhere, just probably not gonna be used with this band.

So, you go from a compact modeling rig to one of the biggest amps.... lol.

Shhhhhhhhhhh. Shush your mouth.

 

[Shask]

Shhhhhhhhhhh. Shush your mouth.

I have been slaving a 150w Triple Recto into a 200w KT88 power amp, so I can't talk, lol. 20 tubes of goodness for that tone, lol.

I have it going through my Axe FX II for delay and reverb, so the modeling is stuck in there also.

 

[LCW]

I agree. It might depend on the power section you're using but some tube power sections do seems to work quite well with power amp modeling on.

Are there some tube power amps that are known to be more neutral or flat? Plus I assume anything 100W or more would have ample headroom.

 

[Shask]

Are there some tube power amps that are known to be more neutral or flat? Plus I assume anything 100W or more would have ample headroom.

Basically, the Freyette stuff. The Powerstation, LXII, etc....

 

[wheresthefbomb]

So, you go from a compact modeling rig to one of the biggest amps.... lol.

Oh I plan on it don't worry <3 it's not going anywhere, just probably not gonna be used with this band.


Shhhhhhhhhhh. Shush your mouth.

heavy gear=heavy toan. no shortcuts. do your pilates, praise satan, and crank that master volume.

 

[Estilo]

@Shask what is this mighty-sounding 200w KT88 power amp you keep refering to?

 

[RevDrucifer]

I really noticed the last few weeks that the FM3 with the new FW 8 Beta into my KT88 Power amp sounds AND FEELS very close to my actual tube gear running into the same power amp. I know people say you shouldn't run power amp modeling into a tube power amp, but it just works. It is very dynamic and punchy.

I never get that same kind of depth using a SS amp like a Matrix GT1000fx, or Studio Monitors.

I think people really underestimate the importance of the power section.

I actually bounced back and forth with the Power Amp Modeling on/off, I can see where some amps it’d probably be a benefit to turn it off, but removing Fletcher Munson and the volume drop from turning it off, everything sounded much better with the PA modeling on.

I did notice the Mesa’s tend to build up low end really fast that requires some non-standard EQ settings, but it’s so fucking worth it.

 

[Rev2010]

Anyone using the ISP Stealth? 180 watts mono @ 8ohms or 2 x 80w stereo. That should be enough power no? Also a tiny lightweight unit: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...-180-watt-pedalboard-power-amp-with-rack-ears

 

[trem licking]

if the powerstage is enough to keep up with a drummer on its own, the rectifier player could, you know, turn down? gasp, i know... but it is an option