Getting that tube sound w/o a tube amp

DClyde

What's the best way to get the sound of a tube amp without spending lots of money on actually buyong one? I have seen several pedals that emulate the "tube" sound (like the Tubescreamer) but would like to know if they are worth it.

Meridian · House Cat Joined: 02 Dec 2002 Posts: 154

Steve · Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 5:37 am Post subject:

I like Tech 21 stuff. The GT2 box gives some good tube emulation and is cheaper than some others, like the original or classic SansAmp boxes they make.
TRI-OD is another one Tech 21 makes.

Bates15 · Moderator Joined: 19 Feb 2002 Posts: 1084

I even think the mentioned tubescreamer was made to get a extra boost out of the tubes, and not emulate... But that could me my interpetation.

Line6 do a good job, so does tech 21, or try a tube preamp pedal like the Mesa V-twin..... tubes and small...

Kane17 · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 12:16 pm Post subject:

Hah!

I've had to deal with Solid State power amps for years now. I'll share some stuff, hope it helps.

There are several things..

You can get a tube preamp. They don't give you the output-tube push but they round the tone up nicely.

I liked the peavey TG raxx which can usually be pretty cheap (Sounds best after the distortion or in the effects loops).

I also liked the Rocktron Gainiac. It's stock tube is pooh and it needs hot pickups (if humbuckers) to sound good (but sounds good with single coils too). I just changed my tube to Electro Harmonix super 7. Much punchier.

Amp modelling works good but you usually have to deal with digital farty-ness. They're Not bad for practicing and you can definately get by with digital when performing and recording but with tube preamps and pedals being so cheap now I wouldn't spend too much money on one unless you have already tried one out for a while and liked it. There are plenty of good ones out there but .... you just can't be sure about them until you try em.

I think I should mention I just bought a Arion Tubulator pedal which IS supposed to emulate tube amps (it says that in the manual and shows pics of plugging guitars, keyboards, and basses as well so I guess that means it's not meant to be just an overdrive pedal).

It doesn't do high gain sounds the best (unless it is used the way you'd use a tube-screamer, then it has a real nasty bite!) but it is the sweetest thing for adding just a touch of crunch to a clean channel or getting low-gain overdrive sounds. It's only 15 bucks NEW!!! I use mine after the preamp distortion (or the loop on combo's and heads). I figure if it's simulating power tube distortion then that's where it should be. It's like using a tube-screamer in reverse I guess. I keep the gain on the pedal almost all the way down and then it gives me two options. I can crunch the clean channel (perfect for Praise and Worship rhythms) or I can dial in a thick rhythm sound on my preamp distortion and the tubulator turns it into a smooth lead sound. I can honestly say it's the best deal out there for getting tube sound on solid state equipment that I've ever seen.

Zathrus · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 5:48 pm Post subject:

I like Tech 21 stuff too. I use a Sansamp rackmount for direct recording and get great tones. Doesn't sound solid state on tape.

The Trademark 60 is a great sounding amp. I've compared it with a Line 6 modeling amp and it blew the doors off the line 6.

Bates15 · Moderator Joined: 19 Feb 2002 Posts: 1084

For years now I have used a line6 PODII. With great love i must say.

Now i am actually looking for a good tube amp (Rivera or something like it) and a Roland jc120 or a pearce g2r. 1st one for the rythem and lead, 2nd one for the claener than clean sounds!

Later...........

malevolentsparkle · Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 4:24 pm Post subject:

i just mentioned this before in another thread, but what you want is a hotcake. made by crowthier audio in New Zealand. very transaparent tubish destortion. i believe it is availible in some USA stores, otherwise you can get it though mail order.

steve180 · Not So Newbie Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7

I have a Digitech GNX300, and I think the tube-amp models that it has are outstanding! I sold all of my amps, because I just do not need them! JMO!