Interesting question Rad - and yes, my PodXT is officially retired, for the fizz that can't be removed through FRFR and for the other reasons you've noted.
I still use the Vetta very occasionally, when a quick super quick setup is required (amp, footpedal, guitar and 3 cables), mainly when multiple bands need a quick changeover on stage; no time to explain to FOH that they'll get a DI feed, and please start with flat EQ, no compression or other effects and please don't apply preconceived ideas you have from other modellers over the last 10 years. Hopefully this situation will change over the next few years :lol: To be honest, this sounded ok when I bought it and it still sounds ok. Very giggable tones, but of course not the detail and articulation we get from the AxeFX.
And for even faster changeovers where we're obliged to use a supplied backline, I use my backup "rig" - an M9 then a Tech 21 Liverpool pedal. Sounds great, specially if the supplied amp is acceptable, which is really no surprise.
I must say the Liverpool pedal has overcome a fear I've had my entire playing career of plugging into an amp that doesn't work for me (I've always struggled with amps that have that harsh, brittle thing going with no sag/bloom). This pedal can be set on the verge of breakup, with pre-EQ to suit the axe, and post EQ to compensate for whatever the amps not doing. It's even acceptable into FRFR, so it's a good backup for the AxeFX.
Radley said:
IMHO, the AFX even eliminates some objectionable tube amp artifacts which have always bugged me (I call it high-frequency 'spitting' - it's when tubes can't handle the extreme amount of high frequencies being pushed into them, and the resultant tone is rather ugly and unnaturally 'raspy'/the opposite of smooth)
Yes I agree. For people who rate amp emulations as 9 out of 10, I say the Ax amps go to 11 :lol: - we can actually improve the original amps to our tastes! Mind you, if you want the spitting highs, you can get them in the AxeFX with the bright switch and other pre high boosters - quite lethal with single coil p'ups