SOAWM
Inspired
For a long time I used an Axe-Fx II with a Matrix GT1000FX and FRFR (Matrix CFR12) speakers, but ultimately felt the urge to experience the feeling of a loud amp in the room again. I sold everything and retired the Axe-Fx II to my modest home studio. The last couple of years I have been using a VHT Pittbull Ultra Lead with a 412 cabinet and pedals in my band.
A while ago, I scored a massive deal on an Axe-Fx III with FC-12 and I was so thoroughly impressed with the improvements that I also purchased an FM3 with the intention of using it live. This weekend I have connected the FM3 to the fx-return of my VHT UL for the first time and this instantly conjured up a huge smile on my face (and my band members).
It feels quite redundant to transport an amp like a VHT UL for the sole purpose of only using its power-amp. Currently I am debating whether to buy a Matrix GT1000FX again or invest in a VHT 2/50/2 or 2/90/2. The discussion between SS and tubes is ancient, but given that the Fractal algorithms have improved drastically, I would like some insights of the forum!
The Matrix is attractive because it weighs next to nothing, is affordable secondhand and would enable me to have a really compact and lightweight rig. An additional bonus is that this would enable me to have the power amp modelling active, meaning that there will be less difference between the sound from my cabinet and the signal I send to FOH with a cabinet IR. Given that I am so used to feeling the punch and air movement of my current setup, however, I am doubting whether I will get the same satisfaction.
The VHT 2/50/2 is a little more expensive and weighs significantly more. However, I fear that the 50-watt (mono cabinet) lacks clean headroom in the context of my band (loud post-metal that requires both massive distortion and loud cleans).
The Fryette 2/90/2 is the most expensive of the bunch, but shares the same tubes and circuit as the power section of my VHT Ultra Lead. I know that this setup will provide me with enough clean headroom. Given that I will probably not use power amp modelling with this setup, the difference between amp models might decrease?
So, what would you suggest? Going for a Matrix and hoping that I can tweak the presets to have the right feel, go for a 2/50/2 or 2/90/2 or just use the fx-return of my current amp?
A while ago, I scored a massive deal on an Axe-Fx III with FC-12 and I was so thoroughly impressed with the improvements that I also purchased an FM3 with the intention of using it live. This weekend I have connected the FM3 to the fx-return of my VHT UL for the first time and this instantly conjured up a huge smile on my face (and my band members).
It feels quite redundant to transport an amp like a VHT UL for the sole purpose of only using its power-amp. Currently I am debating whether to buy a Matrix GT1000FX again or invest in a VHT 2/50/2 or 2/90/2. The discussion between SS and tubes is ancient, but given that the Fractal algorithms have improved drastically, I would like some insights of the forum!
The Matrix is attractive because it weighs next to nothing, is affordable secondhand and would enable me to have a really compact and lightweight rig. An additional bonus is that this would enable me to have the power amp modelling active, meaning that there will be less difference between the sound from my cabinet and the signal I send to FOH with a cabinet IR. Given that I am so used to feeling the punch and air movement of my current setup, however, I am doubting whether I will get the same satisfaction.
The VHT 2/50/2 is a little more expensive and weighs significantly more. However, I fear that the 50-watt (mono cabinet) lacks clean headroom in the context of my band (loud post-metal that requires both massive distortion and loud cleans).
The Fryette 2/90/2 is the most expensive of the bunch, but shares the same tubes and circuit as the power section of my VHT Ultra Lead. I know that this setup will provide me with enough clean headroom. Given that I will probably not use power amp modelling with this setup, the difference between amp models might decrease?
So, what would you suggest? Going for a Matrix and hoping that I can tweak the presets to have the right feel, go for a 2/50/2 or 2/90/2 or just use the fx-return of my current amp?