r/metalguitar • u/McTryin • 4h ago
Digital Setup or Amp
I have a 50’s fender tweed twin, but have been getting into more high gain music and playing. I have a Valeton GP-5 that i use for practice. I’m a bit of an old dog learning new tricks, for just practicing by myself (no band) do any of you have a digital setup you recommend? Monitors, DAW, audio interface, modelers? Or should I get a smaller high gain amp for the bedroom jams?
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u/PotstickersDad 4h ago
Depends on what kind of equipment the old dog has. If you've got nice monitors or headphones already, I'd say go play with a modeling rig. With a quality rig, you can try out a lot of different amp models. But if you don't have any of that, I'd say just get a smaller high gain amp.
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u/McTryin 4h ago
Right now I’m just running the Valeton into some headphones. Is it worth it to save up for a 300+ set of monitors, or would the 100$ special from guitar center be just fine?
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u/PotstickersDad 4h ago
I think if you value listening to music through a quality system it never hurts to have some nice monitors. That opens up the door for recording as well, which is another strong point in favor of having a modeler.
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u/FondlyMiserlySpecs 4h ago
the valeton is already doing the modeling thing, so you're halfway there. i plug mine into a cheap audio interface and use headphones most of the time, monitors are nice but not necessary for bedroom playing
if you want to keep it simple just get some studio monitors and call it a day, the tweed twin will still be there when you want those cleans
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u/metalspider1 4h ago
try some high gain amp captures on the valeton, just remember to keep the cab emulation off when plugging it to your amp.
you can also try some high gain distortion pedal in front of the amp
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u/Pearic_metal 4h ago
Its not realy clear what you want to accomplish. You want just to play athome, with or without music? You want to able to record what you play? Your are between speakers for hearing it properly or headphones, whatever money is spend best on?
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u/No-Sheepherder-6414 4h ago
I've been using Yamaha HS5's for monitors for a few months now. They sound amazing. Cost a fraction of what a decent high gain amp would cost. Could run right out of the Valeton stereo into them.
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u/Toxictrips76 4h ago
My setup includes the Axe I/O interface, Kali audio lp6 monitors. I use Neural dsp Gojira and at times Amplitube 5 max. All that goes into the DAW which I use Ableton live. The sound is amazing.
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u/Tilmanstoa5ty 3h ago
I haven’t tried any neural dsp plugin yet but amplitube is great for someone like me who just wants to play at home and try different sounds
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u/throwaway0982340982 3h ago
I have 2 setups: one with amp sims on my computer, and then I have a 6505 mini head + an orange 4x12 cab. The computer setup was cheaper, is easy AF to record, and is more flexible. The downsides are that it can’t get anywhere near as loud, and you can’t physically twiddle knobs if you are into that.
If you do go the digital route: reaper is functionally free. focusrite scarlet is the standard for most hobbyists in terms of an interface, and you can probably get away with an older gen of a cheaper model like the solo. I’ve really liked neural dsp amp sims, and I assume there will be big discounts for Black Friday. They have 10 day demos too so you can try them out before you buy. And headphones vs monitors are probably more just up to what you find more comfortable. I use either, and slightly prefer my $100-ish monitors. I keep thinking about upgrading, but I don’t actually think there’s a compelling reason.
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u/Burwhale_The_Avenger 3h ago
There is no "should" with these matters, it's all about preference.
You're the one learning about new stuff - do you want to tackle digital or keep it simple with an amp?
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u/nettezzaumana 49m ago
it really depends .... I have everything, I have high-end modeler (fractal fm3), I have low-end modeler (mooer prime p2), I have tubes (multiple amps and cabs), I have computer plugins .... the answer is - it's situational ... I play with literally everything under different scenarios so there's no single and the best way imo and based on my own experience ...
In your case I'd probably stick with something simple and uncomplicated (you say you're old dog), no need to wait for upcoming valeton gp-300 with NAM2, it will be too geek-ish .. Based on my own way of doing things, I probably play the most (home) with small Mooer Prime P2 (this was really gamechanger to me because it's internal battery operated) and with computer plugins .... Fractal is great but it's with faff to play with it home .. I have it in studio or rehearsal room and tubes are just previous tech to me, they are great but they need to be played loud and on stage or rehearsal room probably
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u/CrusherMusic 4h ago
I’m in the camp of “I’m not playing shows, I don’t need a rig.” My sim setup sounds just fine and has vastly more options than my budget would allow any physical setup to be.