Tube vs Solid State
- Thread starter Session 5
- Start date
No Norm I was plugged into the 3210 on top of the shelf behind me, the Orange is a TH 30, tube powered .
The simple question of solid state versus tubes really oversimplifies the question, I think. I don’t think there is any question that a simple solid state amplifier will sound different than a simple tube amplifier at certain points of the gain structure, for reasons the video in the OP indicated. Notice I avoided the word, “better”. I just said, “different”.
However, I think the simple question of solid state versus tubes is somewhat irrelevant in today’s world.
Today, the question really revolves around the idea of being able to replicate a tube amplifier. This goes way beyond the simple discussion of transistors and tubes. It really speaks to waveform manipulation, which is more a function of processing than it is a simple, discreet, electronic device, such as a transistor.
I feel very comfortable saying that it is entirely within the capability of current technology to create a guitar amplification system that could replicate every nuance of sound, feel, and dynamic response of a tube-type guitar amplifier. The sheer processing power is here now...and has been for some time. I know we, as guitar players, don’t like to hear that...but it’s true.
The question is not if such a system could be developed.
The real question is whether such a system actually has been developed. Has technology been sufficiently leveraged at this point in time in currently available products to achieve such a result? I don’t know. I do know that bands have been transitioning to the Axe Fx 3 - bands who didn’t want to believe a processor could do what their tube amps can do. Metallica is one such band.
Is the Axe Fx 3 that Holy Grail? The Kemper? Something Else? Are they as good as a tube amp in sound and dynamics? I’ve never tried them so I can’t say. But, I do think the market is getting better and better at leveraging the technology to achieve that result. The only real issue is if the products can be developed and brought to market in a cost-effective manner. There have to be enough potential customers to justify the expense in product development, manufacturing, and marketing.
Don’t get me wrong. I do like tube amps, and I’m not convinced they are going away. I like the look and nostalgia of them and I feel no need to apologize for that. I also don’t feel any pressure to not use them. But, I do think the technology is at a point where it could be used to create an amplifier that could fool a person both in how it sounds and how it feels.
However, I think the simple question of solid state versus tubes is somewhat irrelevant in today’s world.
Today, the question really revolves around the idea of being able to replicate a tube amplifier. This goes way beyond the simple discussion of transistors and tubes. It really speaks to waveform manipulation, which is more a function of processing than it is a simple, discreet, electronic device, such as a transistor.
I feel very comfortable saying that it is entirely within the capability of current technology to create a guitar amplification system that could replicate every nuance of sound, feel, and dynamic response of a tube-type guitar amplifier. The sheer processing power is here now...and has been for some time. I know we, as guitar players, don’t like to hear that...but it’s true.
The question is not if such a system could be developed.
The real question is whether such a system actually has been developed. Has technology been sufficiently leveraged at this point in time in currently available products to achieve such a result? I don’t know. I do know that bands have been transitioning to the Axe Fx 3 - bands who didn’t want to believe a processor could do what their tube amps can do. Metallica is one such band.
Is the Axe Fx 3 that Holy Grail? The Kemper? Something Else? Are they as good as a tube amp in sound and dynamics? I’ve never tried them so I can’t say. But, I do think the market is getting better and better at leveraging the technology to achieve that result. The only real issue is if the products can be developed and brought to market in a cost-effective manner. There have to be enough potential customers to justify the expense in product development, manufacturing, and marketing.
Don’t get me wrong. I do like tube amps, and I’m not convinced they are going away. I like the look and nostalgia of them and I feel no need to apologize for that. I also don’t feel any pressure to not use them. But, I do think the technology is at a point where it could be used to create an amplifier that could fool a person both in how it sounds and how it feels.
This is about as clean as I get.
eSGEe
Ferengi Ambassador of Trade
Yep -- its kinda like stabbed or shot......either way your dead--
tube v SS -- either way -- YOUR MAKING MUSIC BABAY -- or amplified racket in my case-
Adrian I am sure if you and I got together for a couple of hours, it would sound like music
eSGEe
Ferengi Ambassador of Trade
say Bubba-- in the video they SAID you can push a 60's VOX ac30 down a flight of stairs and it still works.....................You got some stairs?????
OP
Session 5
Ambassador of Strings & Wings
Thanks brother, I was supposed to quote the post you put up about the Traynor amp...Very nice Mitch!! good job! and digging the Strat, nice axe.
DOH.
I like running both together
67plexi
Ambassador of Amps
No stairs but killed it with a Sola sound tone bender it had the voice of GOD just before deathsay Bubba-- in the video they SAID you can push a 60's VOX ac30 down a flight of stairs and it still works.....................You got some stairs?????
That said the last five years been playing a Vox AC15 type build but back to the Dumble now.
you would --- Id drink all your beer and pee in the pool---
2:14 - There is a small but important difference between peeing in the pool...and peeing into the pool!
mcblink
Ambassador of Riffs & Spliffs
I like running both together
