Metalheads - What amp modeller do you use?

Zakk Wylde · Post by **Zakk Wylde** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:00 am

Hey guys,

Recently back in the game, and so much has changed. I don't even know where to start! I walked into the Rockshop the other day and it was like a completely new range of everything, except everything is so cheap now (as opposed to about 5 years ago when I had a GAS issue).

I'm looking to get a decent amp modeller so I can basically kill some tunes without waking the neighbours. A bit of recording etc. But I need a bit of help on what's good, or even out there! Sure I could google, but the best advice is from people who are out there doing it!

What would you suggest as a great Amp Modeller for Metal/Hard Rock. No post disregarded, I'm keen to hear your views!

~Zakk

sheepyd · Post by **sheepyd** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:08 am

haitch dee five hunney

Zakk Wylde · Post by **Zakk Wylde** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:27 am

Hmmm, Uncle Google points to the Pod XT.

Seems to be the modeller of choice for the high gain addicts out there

Zaulkin · Post by **Zaulkin** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:34 am

Pod HD500
Eleven Rack
Axe FX

sopachrga · Post by **sopachrga** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:35 am

Well if price isn't a concern. The a Fractal Axe FX is the weapon of choice.

I'm using a Pod HD500 which I'm happy with the sound of as far as modelers go.

I used an X3 prior to that and if it's the 'Djent' type sound you want then that or an XT would be the best choice. But if you want modern Mesa/uberachall/fireball tones the HD500 is better.

hamo · Post by **hamo** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:50 am

Kemper profiling amp. $$$

willow13 · Post by **willow13** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:53 am

If you are just running direct into a PC a cheap toneport GX would be a good start point. The amp models are better than with the xt I have found

sty · Post by **sty** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:56 am

There's a lot of GAS for the newer Axe FX (and the older ones as well I guess), but as Sopachrga points out they're really expensive.

There's a heck of a lot of love for the HD-500 if you're into modelling and multifx type units, and since release the real price seems to have dropped and they've been releasing updated and new models in SW for them so it seems to be well supported by Line6 as well.

I bought one a while back mainly to play with a whole bunch of modulation and timebased pedal stuff as picking up individual pedals was too costly for my amateur dabbling. I was/am impressed with the build quality and the range of modelled sounds available, and like you say especially great for headphone practice or hooking up to the computer. I struggled a bit with full modeling because I wasn't really experienced enough in the subtleties of real amps so preferred just using my Marshall TSL for distortion etc. however what I have learned since is that the built in presets are pants (like they are with most of this type of stuff) and you need to get in and start from the ground up.

There's a surprisingly high number of people on here that have HD500s and seem happy with them, and quite a few who are going exclusively this route for live performance and into either powered monitors or DI to the PA. There also doesn't seem to have been a vocal backlash against them so this to me is a promising thing.

I don't regret my purchase at all, even if I'm a bedroom player and have hardly scratched the surface of what it could do. So for me it was a great investment and has opened up a whole load of stuff I could experiment with and tones and sounds I could play with.

jeremyb · Post by **jeremyb** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 11:31 am

HD500 all the way, the older pod stuff can't touch it, with an up to date firmware there's some awesome metal amps, well anything that's awesome apart from a 5150 model

opsguy · Post by **opsguy** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 11:58 am

I'm using a HD500 into the Line 6 DT25. Used it for 3 gigs so far, no problems at all. Not really a metalhead but the sounds are there if needed. Well worth having a go through one. The DT25 has a low power switch as well so its very apartment friendly.

willow13 · Post by **willow13** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 12:30 pm

opsguy wrote:I'm using a HD500 into the Line 6 DT25. Used it for 3 gigs so far, no problems at all. Not really a metalhead but the sounds are there if needed. Well worth having a go through one. The DT25 has a low power switch as well so its very apartment friendly.

so it does all the classic rock tones and lower gain stuff well??

jeremyb · Post by **jeremyb** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 1:11 pm

willow13 wrote:
opsguy wrote:I'm using a HD500 into the Line 6 DT25. Used it for 3 gigs so far, no problems at all. Not really a metalhead but the sounds are there if needed. Well worth having a go through one. The DT25 has a low power switch as well so its very apartment friendly.
so it does all the classic rock tones and lower gain stuff well??

The Dr Z model sounds amazing without the DT, so can only imagine what it's like with real t00b toan!

opsguy · Post by **opsguy** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 1:29 pm

jeremyb wrote:
willow13 wrote:
opsguy wrote:I'm using a HD500 into the Line 6 DT25. Used it for 3 gigs so far, no problems at all. Not really a metalhead but the sounds are there if needed. Well worth having a go through one. The DT25 has a low power switch as well so its very apartment friendly.
so it does all the classic rock tones and lower gain stuff well??
The Dr Z model sounds amazing without the DT, so can only imagine what it's like with real t00b toan!

Seems fine to me -agree with Jeremyb about the Dr Z model as well.

Most of what I play with it is your std cover band stuff - so Elvis right through to Bon Jovi. I would always rather play through the Swart but for practicality the HD500/DT25 combo is great....and once the drummer starts its all academic anyway.

Kris · Post by **Kris** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 2:25 pm

I only use modellers at home as my practice rig with a toneport gx.cheap and easy...and effective!

willow13 · Post by **willow13** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 5:26 pm

Kris wrote:I only use modellers at home as my practice rig with a toneport gx.cheap and easy...and effective!

some of the models in pod farm sound awesome....when I had my xt I couldn't get close to them with it

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