So this thread is to expand @Holger Strunk 's topic on the HX Rack upgrade possibility. I just wanted to discuss some of the options out there. I've been using the Helix and now the HX stomp for a few years now, but there are other options. Holger mentioned that it really doesn't matter what you use as long as you dial in "your tone". I think this is true and a lot of it just boils down to personal preference and the interface.
I know that we can't all crank tube amps because of our living situations so I wanted to list some other options that I'm super-interested/infatuated with right now. They are listed below in my order of interest. ;)
Suhr Reacitve IR - This is an impulse response hoster and load box. You plug your tube amp in, crank it, and it pulls the signal down to a headphone/audio level signal while doing cab simulation with IRs. Basically, makes your tube amp usable and quiet down to a headphone level. https://www.suhr.com/electronics/tone-tools/reactive-load-ir/
Strymon Iridium - 3 amp models and an IR speaker cab hoster. Basically replaces your amp consolidates it down to one space on your pedalboard. I love this because it really limits your tonal options and forces you to just pick something and go with it. Simple. https://www.strymon.net/product/iridium/?gclid=CjwKCAiA-f78BRBbEiwATKRRBG3G7dmT2may7EVNFF9qP3_Z5fsyz7-jGq6Vy2Nh2B9Jw0Jhnz7akxoCJesQAvD_BwE
Two-Notes - Same idea as the Suhr Reactive IR with more options.
https://www.two-notes.com/torpedo-captorx
Kemper - I've always wanted a Kemper but they are so darn expensive. They are different from modeling devices like the Helix as they "profile" specific amps and rigs. https://www.kemper-amps.com/stage
Fractal Audio - Pretty much a different flavor of a Helix.
At the end of the day, what I have is already more than enough but it's fun to dream and keep up with new options. So, what am I missing here? What do you think and what are you using?
This is very fascinating ... I admit to being a sound-nerd if something like this exists ;-)
On the one hand we have high-end modeling amps like the Helix, AxeFX and Kemper. And all those devices are able to simulate a whole bunch of amps in such a good quality that you cannot distinguish them from the real amps ... or can you? ... That's the question!
It is possible to get a real amp, add a loadbox / DI or other things to get the tube-sound into the digital chain again for recording or just listening to full-range sound at low volume.
In general I really like Mesa/Boogie and Engl amps (because I listen a lot to them in music played by John Petrucci and Steve Morse). Especially this amp really fits my taste: https://www.engl-amps.com/modern-rock-preamp-e530#content
It is not too expensive and can get integrated into the chain with any modeling amp by rouging it right before a cab-simulation. But would that really upgrade the sound or is this preamp sound configurable by the amp-models inside the Helix / Stomp?
Does the real tube really matter? Or does it only sound better psychologically because I "know there is a real tube working"?
I'd love to get a Suhr Ractive IR, a Strymon Iridium, and a Mesa Mark V 25. I think a lot of this comes down to having an amp in the room and feeling the air hit you and feeling the bass. As soon as I isolate an amp in a closet or ISO box, I don't hear that much of a difference from modeling solutions. I do notice a difference in the feel and the way modeling things interact with pedals and such. As far as recording at home... it's so much easier to just plug in an HX stomp or the like. I love both but recording a real amp at home is just not an option. Even if it was, I'm not sure I would want to go through the trouble of setting it up. It's just going to be reduced to ones and zeroes as it goes into the computer. Having said that, there is no feeling like a tube amp in the room with you.