Cab/Amp modeling accuracy

[Kevinmach]

I am curious as to the opinions of those who have played through a lot of different cabinets or amps, the real deal, not modeling... do you find these "models" on a given processor to be at all accurate in terms of what the gear in question actually sounds like?

To the extent that you would research a future purchase decision based on that sound? (For example, you like the sound of 4x10s on your processor so you considered adding them to your arsenal when you were going to upgrade in the future?)

Or do you consider it more of an effect to tweak the tone of current rig, and not something to be taken too seriously?

I know there are a lot of variables to be taken into consideration- for instance, if your modeling 4x10s and they are actually being played live through your 1x15, it's going to skew the results. I am also going to assume some processors have more accurate modeling than others.

I guess I am really just wondering how accurate it is.

 

[ricknote]

I've used a few Modelers in my computer setup.
Guitar Rig 3, Amplitube, and Line 6's Pod and Gear Box.

I updated my line 6 tone port to the new POD FARM software.
WOW. They finally got the clean sounds to have some punch.
It's the best I heard and felt yet for bass.

What's really cool is you can use two sounds at once.
My current favorite is the Ampeg Flip Top with the Neve EQ
set around 70/30% favoring the Ampeg.

The latency is very low on my old P4 computer and it's always
the same no matter where I set the latency in my Audio Interface.
It feels like I'm playing just a few feet in front of my amp. Nice.

I've found the models to be very accurate. Especially when
listening back after recording.

If you doubt that models can be very accurate, please read this
article. It challenged some of the best Audio Engineers in the country
to tell the difference blindfolded between the Modelers and Classic
Tube Amps. The results will surprise you.

Read This:
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Like any tool, Modelers should be used appropriately for them to sound
great. They're also excellent when combined with a Bass tracked with
a nice Direct Box. Combining these two tracks at mixdown you can use
different amp models like an EQ.

All the best,
Rick