RE: [Harp-L] Amp modelers

["Bill Hines" <billhines4@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jim,

I'll let the experienced players chime in, but until they do, a few
points - Richard Hunter uses a lower model than the RPx400 (see his
recent post, today or yesterday?). He said if he were to buy one now it
might be the 400 model. He advocates using an inexpensive keyboard amp
(such as the $99 60W one from Musician's Friend, see the writeup on his
website) rather than the PA if you can, then you have "complete
control". The amp doesn't have to be fancy as the amp modeler is doing
all the work. 

Chris Michalek, Fernando Bresslau, and others are using the RPx400.
Chris has done some A/B with his Bassman (vintage, not RI?) and says
it's amost indistinguishable. I believe he plans (or does) use it now
for his gigs, check his post(s). Chris has gone through the trouble of
creating a patch to have the RPx400 emulate the bassman and it was
posted on the digitech site by Fernando, along with some others. You can
edit/upload/download patches to the RPx400 using the USB interface and
X-Edit software that comes with the 400 (not available on the lower
models). This is *much* nicer than trying to enter the patches using the
device itself.

Search the harp-l site for all references to Digitech or RPx400, there
have been some good threads off and on over the last year or so.

Bill Hines
Hershey, PA

-----Original Message-----
From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Jim McBride
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2005 8:22 PM
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Harp-L] Amp modelers


I've been reading the long thread that's been ongoing about various
aspects of the Digitech RP400 amp modeler. I personally use a Line 6 Pod
2.0 amp modeler. Couple questions for the more experienced players on
the list.
 
(1) How do you feel about the use of an amp modeler as opposed to a real
amp? On the plus side its small and easy to carry around and plugs into
any PA and you're ready to go. Of course I hear harp player complain
about being at the mercy of the sound man. Is this the primary reason
for wanting to use a large amp - complete control over your own sound?
 
(2) What are your experiences with the various brands of amp modelers
out there? I like my Line 6 Pod, and a lot of guitar player talk about
the Behringer modeler, and of course Richard Hunter has been using the
Digitech RP400. 
 
(3) Does anyone out there with lots of vintage amp experience have an
opinion on the sound of these modelers compared to the real amps they
model? Are they close? 
 
(4) Are many professional players using modelers now? It seems on the
surface like a great idea. They're small, reliable, inexpensive compared
to amps, and don't need maintenance like a tube amp. 
 
Thanks,
 
Jim McBride