expired Posted by jd990 • Jul 27, 2021
Jul 27, 2021 9:03 PM
Item 1 of 1
expired Posted by jd990 • Jul 27, 2021
Jul 27, 2021 9:03 PM
Softube Marshall Plexi Super Lead 1959 (AU/VST) $19 at Softube.com
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$149
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edit: WTF. I think this is some digital thing, not an actual physical object... i.e. you're buying software...
edit2: 8/2 - they refunded me and took back the code! Great company in my book, they could've easily told me no refunds on digital codes (which is what i was prepared for) - hope to buy something from them one day!
edit: WTF. I think this is some digital thing, not an actual physical object... i.e. you're buying software...
https://www.reaper.fm/
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Yes, please add 'SOFTWARE' to the title and not just "softtube"; where real tubes/valves(British) can be "softer", rounder or smother when pushed.
Now what's pictured is a pre-amp for an electric guitar, such as what Jimmy Hendrix did crank up. Where large concerts would connect an electric guitar > then Pre-amp > then loud Speaker(s) amp/cabinet(s). More rock power and usually specific distortions.
Why? Because a fine stereo system is rated for "accurate" reproduction of mostly music. As if you are at the concert. Accustic or electric, digital etc.. However, the thing about favored guitar amps, such as a combined (pre-amp with loud speaker cabinets, and with tubes, solid state or hybrid), is they way they are "INACCURATE" with distortion, etc... To achieve the exact sound you desire or require to match famous artists. Truly sound art.
Real tube guitar pre-amps or combos can now be very expensive and require maintenance. And most lack pre-sets or a series of effects box-like adjustments built-in, to get a certain sound.
The point is it's the pre-amp, when pushed; that adds the (technically inaccurate) desired classic 'flavor(s)'. That is; before any other effects. Starting with possible reverb(echo, delay) and basic Bass, Mid, Treble control that classic amps have. Modeling amps include more.
The controversy is easy care solid-state combo amps started with differences that are possibly undesirable in pushed situations. They were not quite the same. Thus a hybrid system where the pre-amp has tubes/valves; that pass the sounds to the loud speakers and did not also require tubes; but solid-state amps in the finals for the power to fill a show.
Not to say there's anything wrong with classic methods; but today's all solid state amps are doing a good job of matching classic pre-amp tubes. And offer many ways for effects.
Now, modeling by computer, whether built-in chips or by separate systems (devices or PC's, even smart phones etc..) CAN well emulate tube and other nuanced sound profiles. Thus is the controversy of purists, who many understandably do not like computers. More choices are by nature more complex to manage; but they can be tamed.
So SOFTWARE (and add-ons) is now pushed to get that prefect sound. While I thank the poster for the post; and this product is a free-market choice, if you want it; I think we can do better.
Having apps and now software sub parts (and tiers with limits too) of 'amps' sold separately is not better. It's not wrong, it's just unwise. Why?...
Because of the entire BS with first, the closed HARDWARE(firmware don't forget) and closed software apps/programs. CLOSED SOURCE. This is why many people hate computers all together. Because of security exploits, difficult to manage, increasing complexities. Such as working against you, not trust-able upGrades, STABLE core operating system integrity, and planned obsolescence. Please note: We also need that COMPLETELY open hardware/firmware.. And today that is very difficult. We must vote with our dollars, on hardware. Please don't forget the firmware and software If it's not open then you are NOT in control. And then there ads added! No thank you. Tracking, privacy, etc. Oh my!
Anyway, it's is best to start (back everything up 1st) with an open OS on the most open (64 bit lately) hardware you can find. Such as a desktop made for choice. AMD CPU and GPU preferred. LinuxMint.com is the way, for new users to start. I highly recommend a Mate version of LinuxMint as it scales better and includes all the little things a Windows refugee might want, in as little as 1GB of RAM. So it "scales" better and FAST on almost any desktop. That's a choice of less bloat, yet still pre-setup full OS. Mint itself among numerous Linux distro choices is easiest to download, write (unpack, not just copy. See the site) to a $4 USB LIVE running stick(or what have you) and install in 20 minutes. NOT in place of Windows (by YOUR choice); but VERY SEPARATELY. First, on your fastest SEPARATE computer. Second, at least on it's own SEPARATE drive; such as <$100 new SSD screaming fast drive. And lastly; one can let the Mint installer automatically set up a dual boot Windows/Mint on one drive.
So Linux? Because of open OS and your sound and many other app. Like a LOT! All improving, practically daily. You will want to have it update daily and your done.
WIth a system like Mint, it's so easy to pick through NUMEROUS app including guitar apps. I've been playing with Guitarix and Rakarrack. Both of theses not only act like modeling amps, with effects and cabinet emulation; but all the many presets for them are downloadable and free to you too. Everything I just recommend is SHARED freely and with open code for fast improvements; which it does also free ongoing. Who knows what goodness is next with this stuff.
It can be daunting to connect a guitar in better ways and understand "Jack" (Instead of business like Alsa/Pulse 'sound manager') is an app you need to change the sound from typical multi source sound (like browser sound + MP3 playing + others mixed) to a software patch board to control all type of multiple (low latency, like the MS Windows driver that does the same) instrument inputs (Free Syths, drums etc..) and even record your own professional music (WITH a DAW app of many).
But you may want to input guitars, mics (vocal or acoustic pickup), MIDI keyboards, and you can do it all.
So, plugging your electric guitar into your sound cards mic jack (via adapter plug) can work; but it's problematic. A guitar signal is weak and a basic mic port is for weak and not yet for volume locked in LINE level input. And inserts the chance of background analog noise before it gets converted digitally. Some sound cards are better than others too. Clean and high bit rates desired.
So one can buy a pro inputs to USB interface; that's made to connect a guitar, singers, and/or other input and your free Mint music apps. The free patches/effects will work with cleaner, no-noise perfect backgrounds. The software outputs the same(really or enough); that a analog tubed pre-amp would effect. A gaggle of virtual guitar boxes or racks of stuff too.
With 'Professional' gigs then you would be responsible for tested, dependable computers, connections, backup systems etc. Very doable; but just saying. But for fun, if something doesn't work perfectly then you can just adjust.
On the cheap one can use any old (even toy like Karoke) device you might have or get at a garage sale; that turns (mic input) level to an output of stable, low noise 'LINE' level. Anything with a GOOD mic level input and clean LINE out. Otherwise you prob best with a USB input device of some type.
All this assumes you already have "computer speakers" with at least a sub-woofer of good quality(and its connections are clean, not lose). And these can be very inexpensive. Plenty for a room and for practice. Even a garage band, if good ones. And there's also practice with headphones(if comfortable) or you can't make noise in your home.
So conversely, a little practice (computer inside) amp combo system might be similar in power to fill a room, many of them less. And so easy to avoid computer; but only has limited effects/modeling. Maybe enough for you; but not nearly the unlimited choices Mint gives you for free. And why not both?
I laugh at the idea of buying a software component to make one or a a small group of sounds/effects. I guarantee I can match it, with Mint and either Guitarix (like a stack) or Rakarrack (like stomp pedals) over Jack once Jack is setup.
Jack is not easy to setup or understand. One has to find the right input setting and maybe output (to have instruments and system sound-card output you can virtually connect) inside the Jack settings and restart Jack until success. And even with the correct input set and Jack restarted you much patch it in, correctly. Tip: You can just CLICK and DRAG under connections. Once correct you can save it under Session in the Jack (Qjackctl) window. Sounds hard until you get it. Then you just run Qjackctl fisrt, then Rakarrack and under sessions, back in the Qjackctl window you simply click to load your past connections for Rakarrack. The slicker looking Guitarix will pre-load jack for you. And can default to your Guitarix jack connection; that you also saved in the jack sessions screen.
It's easy AFTER you get used to it and all setup. Flexibility is the cause. A modern system like Mint automatically does the switching for standardized ALSA/Pulse sound driver over to the JACK sound control/manager, even allowing standard ALSA/Pulse under jack (in case you wanted to practice with a video in your browser, for example).
So this is kinda like Adobe charging for LR/photoshop by the month. Ridiculous. You can use Gimp (and many many plugins) instead for free, in Mint as well. And in both cases the idea that "professional" pay separately (and get less), is a joke. Just as paying because of computer illiteracy is not recommended. Practice makes perfect artists. Not what you buy.
And it looks like computing is going to be part of the mix, in many things, one way or another. I choose the open way. And you can disagree; but you'll pay for it. And like the hardware situation now, such as smart phones and Internets service too, then what do we have? MONOPLOY. And that is not good free market choice. So don't yell about your preference difference (your choice). Do what you do. But I hope you can see the wrong direction takes away more choices from us all. Especially you who reject openness. Not slick-dealers I'm sure.
I ask you to imagine how your choices would be if open software (and firmware devices) is eliminated altogether. None. Zero. Say you are a Windows forever dude. Fine, it's your personal decision. Until open choices are gone. Then we have none. Meaning oh how much worse close software would be then! Get it?
Open source is out last hope and we are losing to HARDWARE, not software. The hardware is increasingly being locked out from us the owners of it. It's ownership rights; dear people. Hint hint.
So YES. Promote open, transparent software code, and much missed "open" firmware/hardware. Community upgrades.
Note, how you have better OS choices on desktops/laptops(of old); but not (really) on smartphones. Why is that? Size? Nope. No matter what we do with IOS or Android (and cellular) then you are not in control. And that is truly wrong headed.
Rock on.
P.S. Set "Realtime" as checked in jack setup and...
Sample rate: 44100
Frames/Perriod: 256
Periods/Buffer : 2
A little lag; but this works with and older dual core CPU's. About the minimum. A place to start, so you need those 3 things to get Jack working. Right ports selected, right connections drawn and these settings per CPU.
See that your instrument is making the bars move, in sound preferences, before running jack. Adjust its level there first. So that playing hard does not go over 100%.
LINE is is cleaner than MIC in, if you have some device to convert your mic like guitar output to LINE level. Set your converting device flat and with just enough gain. If echo and such are choice on it. An old stereo system, old karaoke box etc.
Then BTW for Qjackctl "Connections" drag that (on left) system input into Rakkarrack (on the right).
Then simply Rakkarrack (on left) to your system output (at Right). Ignore the pulse connections. Those are for mixing sounds (like youtube) in, from outside of Jack.
Hope that helps. Easier to see than type.
Best wishes.
Hard rock style there.
DIY pedal with Rakarrack! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtU8jMt
If you do Mint plus Rakarrak then be sure to try the Hendrix presets in Bank 3. Of course all the presets are also tweak-able. Just like adjusting a select series of stomp boxes.
And/or MANY rack like devices in Guitarix. And find the online user presets download-able from inside Guitarix. EVH, blues, Journey guitars etc... like crazy.
Select Mega Boogie, Marshall, Fender amp types, speaker sizes and numbers for your cabinet modeling ALSO.
FEATURE RICH.
Because a Plexi is sexy and then there would be more. LOL
Plexi = Marshal amps with plexiglass panels. Classics. But I'm not claiming to be a expert. Just what I know.
If you record it to compare a matching digital preset you are building yourself then that could easily be made more sexy, to your own ears liking or need.
LinuxMint is sexy! Ha ha.
I got $55 (plus my work on it) total into rocking out. Including tax, shipping and $5 for new Enie Ball strings. Try Regulars. 10s.
Practice and never give up. You can do it.
I got $55 (plus my work on it) total into rocking out. Including tax, shipping and $5 for new Enie Ball strings. Try Regulars. 10s.
Practice and never give up. You can do it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/384092813978 $60 plus know how and a fret job.
Sunset Red looks good to me. Fender has one similar for only $5500. Really. I honestly like mine better. It's light. Great ceramic pups. Classic sounds. Like Texas specials. Plays great. Compares well to any other good strat. And I've tested a few.
Sew the strap slit holes smaller, until you get a fancy one. Or just enjoy it sewn. Check the mounts and fix them firmly, if lose.
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$60 shipped too. Saw another ebay store had it for $1 less.
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