Ripper said:
You're right Milkman, I did kinda sound like I was painting everyone with the same brush, and that wasn't what I was getting at. It was aimed at the kids. I know from some of the guys I heard on the weekend, they are using the technology to enhance, and they are good players with or without the modeling amp.
A couple of more questions on this line. If a person isn't running into the PA with these, what do people recommend for a power amp? What are they like run into a regular guitar head? My tube amp has all the distortion I'll ever need, but I am interested in these units from a delay, etc type of situation. How are the wahs on these units? If I could simplify my pedal board setup and get the sounds I want when I want them, cool. I'd give one a try for sure. I guess the next thing is then deciding on which one to try. I've heard the POD's and Behringers side by side and they seem pretty close. I've never tried the Tonelab one.
People do use them as glorified multi effects units with conventional amps. They can be used like this, but it's critical to turn off the amp and cabinet modeling elements.
It's sort of a waste in my opinion, but it can be done.
Once you do that, you can use whatever amp you choose, but really you'd be just as far ahead to grab one of the many multi effects units out there.
These devices are designed to replace your amp and cabinet not work with them.
I did live sound this weekend for a guy who used a Tonelab SE in conjunction with a Vox Valvetronix (2 X 12) combo. It sounded very good, but not as good as direct in my opinion.
Others may not necessarily agree.
The first time I tried a Pod XT Live it was with a Marshall JCM900 and 4 X 12.
I was thouroughly unimpressed. I tried it both in the effects return and in the input and it quite simply sucked.
I have NO doubt that this unit would sound much better direct as well.
The wahs in my unit are fantastic. I can't really tell the difference between it and a conventional Vox or Jim Dunlop.