BrianC
more toys than talent
I do all of my practicing for band through my computer with Garage Band. I am very happy with it and it really saves my ears as well as tube wear.
enough product! now which of you has the best tone?
In the market for a powered Kemper. The Mesa Dual Rec/6505 and 2 4x12's rig is a bit too much for Madison Square bedroom.
My modeling career started with a line6 PodXT, moved to an AxeFx Ultra, over to an unpowered Kemper, then an AX8 and finally to an AxeFxIII.
I still continue to use the AX8 for live work as the portability over the others is its true benefit. Use all of them with a Xitone cab powered by a matrix amp.
The Kemper obviously emulates anything you can throw at it from a "snapshot" perspective but tweak and turn knobs away from that snapshot and its not as smooth and uniform. (Basically, its better to take another snapshot of the amp with the new settings). The effects are also only so-so and not as extensive as the fractal but simpler to operate.
The FxIII is excellent on sound AND effects but also in complexity. Not saying difficult to program but the sheer amount of tweakability is mind boggling. No "official" direct footswitch currently available limits its gig-ability. Supposed to be December.
I got into the modeling thing early....almost 20 years ago with the L6 AxSys 2x12 amp. Pretty cool until it caught fire at a festival gig.
I've tried a lot of them but went with the AxeFx II XL+ a couple of years ago and can't believe how good it is. It will probably outlast my ability to play so I doubt I'll upgrade.
I'm going to amend this post. Since posting, I have attained an Atomic AA12 and, they've done a few firmware updates, one of which significantly improved the feel and tone of all the amps. They've also redone a couple models and improved the computer editor software.I'm sure you know my post was very tongue in cheek. I have two Mesa's, a PRS, a Bogner and two fender tube amps, a floor full of pedals, and yes, even a couple rack effects left from back when I had a Peavey Rockmaster based rack rig. Lot of the digital stuff is finally getting really good, as long as you don't get caught up in option paralysis. I still find amps and pedals MUCH MUCH easier to dial in than modeler based amps and effects, and usually better sounding as well. But that stuff is getting close, and a legit "rig" in something the size of an AF3 is pretty remarkable for us older guys.
That said, still dig your rack. Which is not something I've ever said to a dude before. (Ok, I've never said it to anyone before, except my wife. Please don't roll your eyes like she did).