guitar pre-amps/effects

[subtonez]

Has anyone compared the Pod 2.0, V-amp 2, Genesis 1 or 3, Johnson J-station, taking into consideration price/features/quality?

I've used the Pod and Bass Pod and like them both (for home studio use). But to buy both would cost around $600.

I'm looking for one unit to use for clean, dirty, maybe even bass tracks, for under $200 (which all but the POD are).

[raindog]

check out this guys site http://www.dthraco.com/pod.htm

He does comparisons on just about everything you mention. Pretty good info.

I'm currently using a v-amp2 and am really happy with that. I'm also planning on getting a bass guitar as I'm tired of doing one fingered bass runs on my keyboard and mucking around with vstis.

Definitely don't have the money for a bass pod though so if you find out any info -or if anyone has a inexpensive solution to getting OK bass sounds recorded-please post.
Also can anyone recommend a suitable microphone for recording bass, (would a shure sm57 0r 8 be ok for this???).

ciao

[max.hodges]

budget mics for bass recording,
I've had very acceptable results from an Audio tecnica Pro 25 .Almost any piano /bass drum mic will work reasonably well at High Spl and low frequency.
but it is more usual to DI the bass stright into the desk, most good standalone Mic preamps/ Channel strips, also have an instrument level input, i normally plug in to one of these to get the basic sound, then eq and tweak while mixing.
The focusrite platinum range are excellent. and the Joe meek range has "character"
http://www.audioforums.com/forums/wink.gif
If you must then the Bass pod is the only device i've come across that represents a realistic stab at modelling the classics.
But frankly i feel its overkill.

[AstroKid]

Also check out the Yamaha DG-Stomp.
Great little box. Very rugged, idea for live use. Most parameters have a dedicated control knob, which I believe the Pod doesn't have.
Can be a bit harsh but that may just be my guitar. Seems to record to sound card OK.

[AstroKid]

All guitar parts on these two tracks, including the solo half way through Gospel where recorded into an Akai sampler via the Yamaha DG-Stomp.
http://stage.vitaminic.co.uk/main/vandal_sound_system/

[Rv-Sound]

I suggest you take a trip to your music store and try them all. That's the best way u'll know for sure u picked the right one. I did the same and felt for Digitech's Genesis 3. Awesome unit. You can check it out at: http://www.digitech.com/products/genesis3.htm
I've also used it for recording bass with great results.

[This message has been edited by Rv-Sound (edited 04-18-2002).]

[cstockdale]

sorry to join in this one so late, but I have been through a number of different virtual amps. I have tried the POD, V-amp, Korg AX1500G , and bought the Johnson J-station instead. It has amp sims of the same quality as the POD, plus it has bass amps, acoustic amps, and allows for deeper level editing. It also (big bonus) is the only one with a digital interface via S/PDIF. It behaves like a real amplifier, when you crank it to full, you have to mute your strings or it will start to howl.

[Matthias Powerbomb]

I use a J-Station for my guitar and bass recording. It sounds great for both. From what I've heard, it has been discontinued, so you'll have to look for one quick from the manufacturer, or maybe on ebay or the like. It was $150 new, so on ebay may be even cheaper. They might have a close-out at the manufaturer if they have any more. I've heard the POD, but only audio demos online of the V-Amp. I have to say though that I have no complaints about the J-Station. It also comes with some patch editing software that seems pretty easy. I haven't used it because I haven't needed to. I found a couple of settings I like right away. Check it out. You won't be disappointed.