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Bass amp modeling?

Warwick Qc418

Warwick Qc418

Jan 22, 2011
374
266
Quebec city, Canada
#1
It seems we (bassist) are a lot into FRFR (full range flat response) cabs but not into amp modeling. We hardly see any Line 6 Helix, Fractal or Kemper mentionned here when a lot of guitarist are using them. Granted there are a lot more guitarist than bassist and that these product are aimed toward them but still, it seems any attempt from manufacturers to go this route for bassists have failed.

I just discovered this, I might be dufus...
 
#2
It's not amp-modelling in the same way guitar players speak of it, but there are bass amps on the market that have modeling capabilities. TC Electronics is one company that makes them, I'm pretty sure there are others.
 
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#3
Manufacturers (Fractal, I'm looking at you) really haven't tried all that hard. They have a few basic models but nothing like what guitarists are offered.

I'd love to go to an Axe FX but the very high entry price and lack of bass support scare me. I fully understand that I can use any amp model and shouldn't worry so much about it being labeled for guitar or bass, but I'd still prefer to have a little more in terms of bass specific amps/cabs/effects/etc.
 
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#4
Bass modeling doesn't get bought up like guitar modeling.
I'm unaware why.
Maybe, just maybe, bass players are more concerned about "tradition". Ever notice the huge "Precision Bass is the only one!" crowd?

Line 6 had a modeling bass & the only person I know who has one is Lt. Dan:

97ea3cfdd9e017f28b4739a211de62e4--gary-sinise-bass.jpg


AFAIK, the Helix has models for bass, as well as AmpliTube & other software-based modeling.
 
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#6
I just looked at Line 6 website. It seems they have withdrawn from bass amplification. They claim the Ampli series will handle bass, but they never call it a bass amp.
The old LowDown series was many steps past dreadful. I sold a pile of them to kids who liked to turn on all the effects at once, but there was nothing there for the serious bass player.
Kemper makes bass software, that I've never tried. I would be very curious to. Their guitar software is used by just about every Nashville guitarist, and they are the REAL tone snobs, so it must be great.
I bought a TC with some modelling, but it blew up the first night, and ended up in a big fight with them, that was never resolved, and that's it for TC in my book.
 
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#8
I changed the thread title to remove the derogatory term. Back on topic, there is some discussion on modelers in effects. Other than AxeFX, Two Notes Torpedo is one.
 
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#11
Paulabass said:
A friend of mine (thin string weeny) has a Kemper. I'm going to offer to buy the bass software if I can borrow it for a few days. Will review if it comes thru.
Click to expand...

There's bass software?
I thought you just hooked up a REAL bass amp to it & it copies its sounds.

GC & SA were having a problem in this area, because people were buying high $$ amps to profile them & then return them.
 
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#12
I have a Helix Rack. I think Line 6, at least with this product line, have done a great job of catering to us bass players. The amp models sound really good to my ears and on top of obvious models like Ampeg SVT and B-15, they have some more modern stuff like Aguilar and Mesa Boogie. Also the bass distortion models sound really good, especially their digital clone of the Darkglass B7k. Each of the last two updates have added new bass stuff.
 
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#13
Killed_by_Death said:
There's bass software?
I thought you just hooked up a REAL bass amp to it & it copies its sounds.

GC & SA were having a problem in this area, because people were buying high $$ amps to model them & then return them.
Click to expand...
I am not really familiar, but I believe there's bundles, just like the guitar amp stuff you can buy. Don't quote me. My friend has Dumble, and shags models in his, and I don't think it's ever left the house.
 
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#14
Yes, you can buy them, but if you have an amp to copy...
Those bundles are for folks who don't have access to an amp to copy. (75% sure)

Although, I am talking specifically about the Kemper, because I recently read the instructions on how to Profile an amp.
You plug it all up & it makes noises & coplies all the various timbres, WILD!

BTW AmpliTube's bass models sound just a hint better than my Fender Rumble...
 
#16
Warwick Qc418 said:
It seems we (bassist) are a lot into FRFR (full range flat response) cabs but not into amp modeling. We hardly see any Line 6 Helix, Fractal or Kemper mentionned here when a lot of guitarist are using them. Granted there are a lot more guitarist than bassist and that these product are aimed toward them but still, it seems any attempt from manufacturers to go this route for bassists have failed.

I just discovered this, I might be dufus...
Click to expand...

A few weeks ago I auditioned for a band using my Fender J into iRigPro into AmpliTube’s SVT emulation into an active EV ZLX15P. Raised eyebrows did last only for a very short while. Got the job. Am using a Zoom B3n now. Happy camper.
 
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#17
I own and use a Kemper and really have no desire to go back to using a dedicated bass rig. It capably and accurately reproduces a vast array of different amps and cabs in three rack spaces that weigh just a few pounds. Profiles are available from a number of sources both paid and free. You can also profile any amp and/or amp/cab combination you chose as long as you have access to that amp and/or cab. Keep in mind a profile you create will be specific to that particular amp. Once you've mastered its operation you'll have ready access to a huge array of different sounding amps, cabs and amp/cab combinations. You'll be able to alter the parameters of those profiles as you would any other amp. It takes far less time to set up and tear down at each gig, you'll have highly consistent tone from night to night and throughout each night. It really is a wonderful tool for the working bassist.

I haven't mentioned the use of a Kemper recently because my opinion doing so is vastly superior to having a dedicated bass rig became somewhat incendiary, particularly among the all-tube head and monster cab users. I want to be very specific: my opinion about a Kemper being superior to a dedicated bass rig is strictly my own opinion and is not intended to be derogatory toward those preferring to use a dedicated bass rig.
 
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#18
I haven't worked with mine for a while but the Fender Bronco has some decent modelling built-in...pretty good sound too for 40W and a 10" speaker and decently loud........effects included and recording software..built-in tuner, line out, foot switch...as I recall there were 3 versions for each of the cab types/manufacturers that you can customize

if they had ever done a decent 200-300 watt, 210 version or 115 , kept it light it, would have been a big hit IMHO

fender-bronco-series-bronco-40-340017.jpg
 
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