Modeler for the bedroom rocker

[Johnny N.]

I hate to even add another "which" modeler should I get thread but I caved.

So, I have been looking at the Pod Hd's due to the reports that they are such an improvement over past versions but I really shouldnt spend that kind of money considering I am a bedroom player and not a high level player at that. If I were to go that route, it would likely be if I could take advantage of one of the $100 off deals at GC or maybe pickup a 300 or 400 used.

Otherwise, I was considering the Boss ME-70 because I see them for pretty close to $200 on ebay used.

My intended use would be recording and just for practicing and playing along to backing tracks or using the looper functions. I would play through my Maudio AV40 monitors or an amp which will likely be a Superchamp xd. I have a Line 6 ux1 (the older version) I like to use for recording guitar direct but could use the floor unit for that purpose as well.

I am not at all a metal or super high gain player if that makes a difference. Clean to mid gain or standard classic rock gain is where I would spend my time.

I have seen in a couple of threads lately that the improvements in the pod hd is best noticed at gig volume and may not be recognized using how I intend. Are the hd's improved tones enough benefit for recording to justify spending $200 more dollars?

I really like the idea of the hd but hate spending the money. I like the simplicity of the ME-70 and have looked at the Digi RP1000. I have some unreasonable bias against the digitech and not sure why but it looks like they can be had used for $250 sometimes.

So what say you? What modeler do you like for the bedroom rock star?

[Geiri]

Boss me 25. No doubt about it. Sounds amazing through headphones, as well as through monitors and in the effects loop of an amp. Super simple to use and a 38 second looper.
I dare you, go and try one for yourself.

[rsm]

Check out the Vox ToneLabs. I haven't tried the newest (ST), but I owned the LE (at least 2 years?) which I sold when I "downgraded" to the original table top version. Tabletop versions can be found for around $100 used, and you could probably resell it for the same? Decent vintage Fender, Vox and Marshall tones (and more) IMO.

[Johnny N.]

Check out the Vox ToneLabs. I haven't tried the newest (ST), but I owned the LE (at least 2 years?) which I sold when I "downgraded" to the original table top version. Tabletop versions can be found for around $100 used, and you could probably resell it for the same? Decent vintage Fender, Vox and Marshall tones (and more) IMO.



I like the Vox too but was trying to stick to a unit that has a looper. I have heard the tones are quite good though.

[burningyen]

I have some unreasonable bias against the digitech and not sure why but it looks like they can be had used for $250 sometimes.
I got my RP155 for $50 and my RP355 for $140, both used. Both have 20-second loopers. Just take your main guitar and best set of headphones to your local store, try to put aside your biases, and just give all the different units a shot and see what sounds and feels the best to you.

[Laskyman]

Boss me 25. No doubt about it

for a decent unit on the cheap- I dont know if this can be beat, plus it comes with Sonar LE software.....ridiculous....

[mrclean77]

Lotta people bag on the RP1000, but I've heard many good things as well. I've heard recordings of it and it definitely held up against higher-priced options.

Many folks sing the praises of the VOX stuff.

I got the HD400 - previously had the X3 and UX2 - HD series is a BIG improvement, IMO, over past PODs and I think you can notice it throug headphones or at bedroom levels

It will def do mid-classic gain stuff - I use it mainly for quiet/post-bedtime practice ----- plug in our jam set playlist in my phone, hook up to the little Mp3 thingy - super-easy...looper is fun, too



Which option is worth it is up to you - try to go to a store & fiddle w/some of them.

[Will Chen]

If on a budget and don't care about the more avant garde synthy effects or the flexibility of internal routing, I would go with the Digitech RP355. Why? The modeling is as good, just different, than the HD series but with much more variety, and the modulation effects are better IMHO. Includes a looper. It is the smallest footprint MFX pedal I've seen with a usable manual mode (toggle od, mod, and delay)with the most outputs for a unit its size (stereo 1/4", stereo XLR, USB, headphones). And you can get them new under $200, used for even less. Your Digitech prejutice is un just at this point. Some of their prior units had some truly bad tones. But from the GNX3000 forward their modeling took a quantum leap forward.

All that said...you actually have a rather nice modeling front end in the SCXD, especially for the Fender side of things. I don't believe the SCXD has an effects loop, so you'll have to run the unit into the front of the amp. And amp modeling into the front of an amp won't yield the best results. Of course, you can toggle off the amp model on your pedal and use all the effects in tandom with your SCXD amp modeling...

[Johnny N.]

If on a budget and don't care about the more avant garde synthy effects or the flexibility of internal routing, I would go with the Digitech RP355. Why? The modeling is as good, just different, than the HD series but with much more variety, and the modulation effects are better IMHO. Includes a looper. It is the smallest footprint MFX pedal I've seen with a usable manual mode (toggle od, mod, and delay)with the most outputs for a unit its size (stereo 1/4", stereo XLR, USB, headphones). And you can get them new under $200, used for even less. Your Digitech prejutice is un just at this point. Some of their prior units had some truly bad tones. But from the GNX3000 forward their modeling took a quantum leap forward.

All that said...you actually have a rather nice modeling front end in the SCXD, especially for the Fender side of things. I don't believe the SCXD has an effects loop, so you'll have to run the unit into the front of the amp. And amp modeling into the front of an amp won't yield the best results. Of course, you can toggle off the amp model on your pedal and use all the effects in tandom with your SCXD amp modeling...


I appreciate the feedback. I honestly believe there are many right answers and it probably isnt worth all of the thought I am putting into it. I am just and old guy trying to learn how to play guitar. I like to record (currently use a ux1 Toneport, not even the newer pod farm stuff) and I like to play through an amp too. I am likely selling my Peavey Classic 30 and am thinking about replacing it with the SC. The C30 is a great amp but just too much for this small room.

As for my issues with digitech, they arent unjust, they are just plain irrational. I have nothing to base it on and no reason not to like them. It may be how they look or something but I always seem to shy away. I will check them out though.

I guess originally I was just looking for an all in one box to make it as easy as possible to sit down and practice or record or just play. All of them have something I really like but are usually missing one thing the other has. Probably not worth all of this thought but I appreciate the input.

Keep them coming.

[djdrdave]

I would seriously go and play as many modelers as you can. I went into sam ash one day to buy the HD500 which they supposedly had, but didnt have when i went there, that was when they first were released. I played a voxtonelab le and bought that and a bugera v22 on the spot. Hadnt read reviews of either on here just trusted my ears.

[RafterRattler]

Johnny, I had a similar bias against Digitech up until recently. I just thought they looked and felt cheap, and my experience with their stuff in the late 80s/early 90s just left a bad taste in my mouth. Over the last several years, I've tried most of the lower end modelers (Boss, Line 6, Zoom, etc.), until I hit the GSP1101. The GSP floored me - it was head and shoulders over the others for me. Since the other Digitech floor units use the same models, DEFINITELY do not overlook them. At least give them a shot...

[Will Chen]

I appreciate the feedback. I honestly believe there are many right answers and it probably isnt worth all of the thought I am putting into it. I am just and old guy trying to learn how to play guitar. I like to record (currently use a ux1 Toneport, not even the newer pod farm stuff) and I like to play through an amp too. I am likely selling my Peavey Classic 30 and am thinking about replacing it with the SC. The C30 is a great amp but just too much for this small room.

As for my issues with digitech, they arent unjust, they are just plain irrational. I have nothing to base it on and no reason not to like them. It may be how they look or something but I always seem to shy away. I will check them out though.

I guess originally I was just looking for an all in one box to make it as easy as possible to sit down and practice or record or just play. All of them have something I really like but are usually missing one thing the other has. Probably not worth all of this thought but I appreciate the input.

Keep them coming.

Hold the presses on selling that C30! It has an effects loop and might be a great back end for a modeling front end. You won't have to crank it to get nice break up as the modeler will do that and you get the benefit of a tube power amp and 12" speaker (just remember to turn your multifx master volumes down low). As nice as modeling devices can sound direct into full range systems, I still tend to prefer them into an amp return with the cab modeling on the unit defeated.

I felt the same way about Digitech. A friend in high school had one of their rack mounts units and I just couldn't get into it. Tried again with one of their RP units in the early 90's and while better, still just cold and sterile. Tried yet again around 2K, not much better really (though the pitch shifting was finally getting usable at an affordable price point). The GNX3K and onwards was a huge, huge improvement, almost like a whole new company tonally speaking.

IMHO, there is no real best. Each company does certain things well and each has a tonal fingerprint to their amp modeling (though the overdrive/dist stomp modeling is starting to get extremely close to the point of being fairly indistinguishable from each other and the real thing) which will pull you in one direction or another.

Good luck!

[Elric]

For your preferences, that Fender Mustang I or II amp sounds like it has potential. They're currently getting a lot of good reviews here @ TGP. They have USB and a line out, so you can use them as a modeler or an amp. and the I is streeting for $100. Since your budget is limited, you could actually get the II or III after selling the Classic 30 and have an all in one solution with money left over and forgo acquiring the second redundant amp (the SCXD which from context sounds like it hasn't been purchased yet or if it has could also be unloaded).

This is a sh*tload of tone for $100:

lHjcj-dncak

[TowMater]

Johnny, I had a similar bias against Digitech up until recently. I just thought they looked and felt cheap, and my experience with their stuff in the late 80s/early 90s just left a bad taste in my mouth. Over the last several years, I've tried most of the lower end modelers (Boss, Line 6, Zoom, etc.), until I hit the GSP1101. The GSP floored me - it was head and shoulders over the others for me. Since the other Digitech floor units use the same models, DEFINITELY do not overlook them. At least give them a shot...

+1

A lot of people have been forced to reconsider their perception of Digitech given their excellent products in the last few years. I think the Pod HD is having the similar effect on Line6.

[guitarnet70]

I like the Vox too but was trying to stick to a unit that has a looper. I have heard the tones are quite good though.

100 bucks more than the Vox and you can get the HD300....

[Gasp100]

For your preferences, that Fender Mustang I or II amp sounds like it has potential. They're currently getting a lot of good reviews here @ TGP. They have USB and a line out, so you can use them as a modeler or an amp. and the I is streeting for $100. Since your budget is limited, you could actually get the II or III after selling the Classic 30 and have an all in one solution with money left over and forgo acquiring the second redundant amp (the SCXD which from context sounds like it hasn't been purchased yet or if it has could also be unloaded).

This is a sh*tload of tone for $100:

lHjcj-dncak

Since the reports have been flooding in if I was in the market for a modeler to do IT ALL I would probably check out the Mustang III. I think they have a 40 watt version, it's got line out, USB, can hook up to your PC for direct recording and configuration, etc...
I don't know if it trumps the SCXD that a lot of people like (the side with the tube in it?) but apparently this thing is a very solid offering from Fender.

[Johnny N.]

If on a budget and don't care about the more avant garde synthy effects or the flexibility of internal routing, I would go with the Digitech RP355. Why? The modeling is as good, just different, than the HD series but with much more variety, and the modulation effects are better IMHO. Includes a looper. It is the smallest footprint MFX pedal I've seen with a usable manual mode (toggle od, mod, and delay)with the most outputs for a unit its size (stereo 1/4", stereo XLR, USB, headphones). And you can get them new under $200, used for even less. Your Digitech prejutice is un just at this point. Some of their prior units had some truly bad tones. But from the GNX3000 forward their modeling took a quantum leap forward.

All that said...you actually have a rather nice modeling front end in the SCXD, especially for the Fender side of things. I don't believe the SCXD has an effects loop, so you'll have to run the unit into the front of the amp. And amp modeling into the front of an amp won't yield the best results. Of course, you can toggle off the amp model on your pedal and use all the effects in tandom with your SCXD amp modeling...



I havent had a chance to play one but I looked at the RP355 and it really might be the best option for me. It has the looper which I really wanted and it has a drum machine built in. I didnt know that. But what I really need is a tool to practice and make myself better so this is really making sense. It is just silly for me to spend $400 on a modeler especially when I dont play in a band or anything. I need to be playing along with music or to backing tracks or creating loops or just practicing scales and things with a metronome or drum beat. This unit will handle all of that and is usb connective so it works for recording.

They seem to go used for $150 and new for $200. I may wait for the next GC coupon or something and get one new. That frees up dollars for other stuff.

Great suggestion I wouldnt have even looked at. Thanks.

[fly135]

Boss me 25. No doubt about it. Sounds amazing through headphones, as well as through monitors and in the effects loop of an amp. Super simple to use and a 38 second looper.
I dare you, go and try one for yourself.I love my ME-25. The clip Sneaky in my soundclick (www.soundclick.com/fly135 (http://www.soundclick.com/fly135)) account was played late at night with my Boss ME-25 -> Line 6 BackTrack recorder -> headphones. I'm using the 38 sec looper and have a DR-5 drum machine plugged into the aux in of the ME-25.

I really like having a drum machine, so the RP355 isn't a bad choice having the machine built in. Unfortunately I don't think the drum machine works with the looper. I picked up an RP155 and found that out. Also I can't seem to dial in good tones with my RP155 as easily as my ME-25.

If you really want to get serious with a drum machine and looper then consider a used GNX4. They go for under $200. The 8 track recorder acts as a looper as well. The drum machine is synchronized to the looper/recorder and can even play drum midi files. And up to 2gig of storage as well.

Not having the drum machine synced to the looper makes it really hard to create a loop that stays synced to the drums. My clip "Unsynced Jam" is an example of the drums going way out of sync. If you don't get the loop right on to the drums the error accumulates each time around the loop.

[Bossman]

But what I really need is a tool to practice and make myself better so this is really making sense. It is just silly for me to spend $400 on a modeler especially when I dont play in a band or anything. I need to be playing along with music or to backing tracks or creating loops or just practicing scales and things with a metronome or drum beat. This unit will handle all of that and is usb connective so it works for recording.

Maybe it's out of your budget but I'm surprised that the G-DEC 3 has not been suggested. Same modelling as the Mustangs but with the versatility of on-board backing tracks, which sounds like a priority. I don't know much more about them, but just another thing you may want to check out.

Not that I would try talkin you out of the RP355 - I've got the RP500 and LOVE it...

So much gear, so little time... :D

[Johnny N.]

Maybe it's out of your budget but I'm surprised that the G-DEC 3 has not been suggested. Same modelling as the Mustangs but with the versatility of on-board backing tracks, which sounds like a priority. I don't know much more about them, but just another thing you may want to check out.

Not that I would try talkin you out of the RP355 - I've got the RP500 and LOVE it...

So much gear, so little time... :D



I'm actually down to the rp355 and rp500 now. Trying to decide which to get. Leaning hard toward the 500 right now but change my mind constantly.

Someone push me over the edge. Which one?

[jjblacksheep]

500, because that's what I whittled it down to and am going with.

[burningyen]

The only thing the 355 has that the 500 doesn't is a Presence control in the EQ, bigger footswitches and smaller size. I needed something that fit my existing pedalboard together with my Strobostomp, FM-4 and VE-20, so I went with the 355. For most people the 500 is probably the better choice.

[Johnny N.]

Went with the rp355. The 500 would be better for playing live but I dont and the addition of the drum loops is a big plus for me. I am at a stage where I need to get better so this unit is a practice tool. Having the drums will fit into my practice routine very well. I found a couple of really good deals on both the 500 and 355 on ebay and grabbed the rp355 today.

I also started to think the 500 was a little bit in no man's land. Better for live use than the x55 options but lacking a lot of the versitility of the rp1000. Probably more than I would ever need either way. If I ever get to a point where that kind of switching is necessarily, I will check out the market at that time. Plus, I kind of feel like Digitech is probably close to a new unit anyway.

Thanks for your input. I am looking forward to having some fun with this unit.

[kleydj13]

Good luck! I have always like the RP355 and thought it was great for this purpose.

[Bossman]

Went with the rp355.


You made the right choice based on what you're looking for. The 355 has the drum machine and a much more compact footprint.

Enjoy !

[Johnny N.]

The RP355 showed up today and I had a very short amount of time to play with it. I can say for sure that I made the absolute right choice.

The presets are a little better overall than I expected and a few of them are very good. I am very confident that I will be able to set up some sounds that I will be completely happy with.

The drum machine was a big reason I made this choice and I am not dissapointed. It actually sounds pretty nice and very easy to work with. I think I will get a lot of use out of this.

I was using it via the headphone out directly into my M-Audio AV 40 desktop monitors and it sounded good. I am not sure if it would be better or not if I used the xlr cables to go to the monitors but this is what I had for today and it was pretty dang good just like that.

I didnt have time to try out the looper but it seems easy enough to use.

Once I get my amp out of the shop I will try it as a stompbox too and see how I like that.

For now, it is exactly what I needed. It is a good practice tool and sounds good on top of that. Plus, I picked it up for $150 new on ebay.

[mattball826]

This is a sh*tload of tone for $100:

lHjcj-dncak

this great demo


thanks

[Bossman]

I was using it via the headphone out directly into my M-Audio AV 40 desktop monitors and it sounded good. I am not sure if it would be better or not if I used the xlr cables to go to the monitors but this is what I had for today and it was pretty dang good just like that.

Congrats!
I've actually tried this same setup with my 500 - you should notice a definite improvement via XLR (or any of the other outputs for that matter). The phones jack is on these units isn't going to give you the best sound.