Amp emulator recommendation

[azureblue]

I have a Zoom BX1, had it for years, that I use for amp emulation and a couple of mild FX, such as the overdone "Money" by the OJ's. I was using it up front, but I need to put it into the fx loop on my amp (SWR redface 350- I kind of don't like it), and the BX1 seems to overload a bit too easily.

So I am looking for suggestions for an upgrade that will handle line in and instrument in, preferably with a DI or aux out. I don't need a hundred variations of a fuzz box, just quality sound and emulations. My first choice is the BX2 usb, mostly because I am familiar with it. But I don't knwo what else is good.

One other thing- since I am planning on losing the SWR, does anyone have input on a rig that is simply a multi FX box like the BX straight into a power amp?

[Kosko]

I've personally never liked emulation; I'd rather just get the sound I want naturally.

Markbass is really nice as far as portability, useability and providing a clean ( and sterile some may say ) sound. Nothing like a SVT, but if you're look for something to mod off of it could be a good starting point.

Also, buy used. Way overpriced in store; but beautifully priced in the used section.

[Crystalman85]

The korg ax series(ax3b, ax5b, and ax3000b) and the korg pandora px5d has some good amp simulations. they do have effects but you can use the amp and cab models if that's what you're looking for.

[Swift713]

What kind of amps do you want emulation of?
Have you considered buying an amp that you like?
You can bypass the preamp of your SWR by plugging into the Zoom into the effects return.
Tech 21 Character Series pedals are very popular for amp emulation.
So are the Line 6 PODs.

[azureblue]

I like the SWR sound for round wound slap, a 35watt tube bassman sound, an ampeg flip top sound for old school R&B soul with flat wounds, and a sort of Walter Woods sound for jazz work, primarily walking bass. Sometimes I need an SVT tube sound, too, for rock and blues. FX wise, just a good limiter / comp, an occasional chorus / flanger, maybe an aural exciter, too. I also like the direct in / direct to the board sound- no EQ, just a taste of compression to round out the loud attacks, kind of the way Jamerson recorded. Both of may basses have preamps, so I am awash in tone controls already. I just need something to round out the room, if needed.

I have the zoom in the SWR's loop, but it's front end is a little sensitive, and overloads easily, which is why I am considering getting something else. The SWR has problems with its DI, and that annoying thump on power up and down. BTW, I have been searching for the fix for that, but can't find it. I have tried bypassing the SWR's front end with the Zoom, just using a small mixer in front of it for both basses, and that works OK, but the Zoom doesn't have enough output to push the SWR's power amp. This gave rise to the idea of an emulator and a power amp. And this thread.........

[Rickett Customs]

Originally Posted by azureblue

I have a Zoom BX1, had it for years, that I use for amp emulation and a couple of mild FX, such as the overdone "Money" by the OJ's. I was using it up front, but I need to put it into the fx loop on my amp (SWR redface 350- I kind of don't like it), and the BX1 seems to overload a bit too easily.

So I am looking for suggestions for an upgrade that will handle line in and instrument in, preferably with a DI or aux out. I don't need a hundred variations of a fuzz box, just quality sound and emulations. My first choice is the BX2 usb, mostly because I am familiar with it. But I don't knwo what else is good.

One other thing- since I am planning on losing the SWR, does anyone have input on a rig that is simply a multi FX box like the BX straight into a power amp?

The one that comes to mind is the "Low Down HD" (450 or 750) series amps by Line6, but you might not be looking for a head, I gather.

750

400

[newbold]

put the zoom in the front of your amp. not the loop.

I would keep your SWR, get it set up really clean (as close to the woods as you can get) and then get a VT bass or another sansamp, or a tube preamp, Pork Loin (subtle OD with preamp), or a BOSS bassman pedal and be done with your worries.

I play a digital amp that 'emulates' with a digital EQ. I love it. they're cheap as hell used.

Yamaha BBT500 - I have the 110 combo.

Try the Tech21 character series. all of them.

[Swift713]

You might try out a used Bass POD. If you're into all those different amp sounds it's got em. You can plug that into pretty much any power amp.

[moles]

For what it's worth, the GT-10B preamp models are the best I've heard yet. I'm shopping around for a power amp - gonna temporarily retire the Ashdown rig and just go with the SVT and Trace Elliot preamp models from the Boss unit.

[azureblue]

I used the Zoom in front, but I didn't like the tone as much as when it is in the fx loop. For some reason I can't figure out, when blended with the preamp, the overall tone is nice and fat, but still clean.I guess I'm one of those guys that wants amp with a single tone control knob that reads "good" to "great", and doesn't want an amp to weigh anything more than 5 pounds. :-). The Boss looks interesting, maybe overkill, but I will venture to CG early in the week and try one out.

[gumtownbassman]

i can also say the Boss GT-10B amp sims are totally awesum.
But having said that, by plugging into your front panel of your bass amp will run 2 preamps in series, which will sound like ********.
I recommend connecting using the four cable method (4CM) with the GT-10B, where it's plugged like this..
bass > GT-10B input
GT-10B Fx Loop Send > amp input
amp Fx Send > GT-10B Fx Loop Return
GT-10B Output > amp FxReturn.

This setup allows you to have your bass amp's preamp section as one of the GT-10B effects blocks and you can select either the SWR preamp or one of the many GT-10B preamps, and you can move your SWR preamp anywhere in the GT-10B signal chain.

Try your existing pedal by bypassing your amp's preamp and plug your multi Fx direct into the amp's Fx Return.