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Tube Amp Vs Modeling Software Shootout Part 2: Peavey 5150/6505

Tube Amp Vs Modeling Software Shootout Part 2: Peavey 5150/6505

In part 2 of my amp vs modeling shootout, we put the high gain capabilities of several amp modeling software products to the test by pitting them against a venerable hard rock and metal favorite, the Peavey 5150/6505 tube amp.

High gain amps like the 5150/6505 typically rely on the preamp stage to generate a heavier-sounding, more harmonically charged distortion.

In my previous round of listening tests (see Tube Amp Vs Modeling Software, Part 1), we primarily focused on the sound of a Fender Deluxe Reverb’s power stage being pushed into overdrive. However, while power tube breakup is great for creating tones suitable for a variety of styles such as blues (e.g. Stevie Ray Vaughan) and classic rock (e.g. AC/DC), hard rock and metal guitarists typical favor a more aggressive form of overdrive, often referred to as “high gain distortion”. High gain-capable amps like the 5150/6505 typically rely on the preamp stage to generate a heavier-sounding, more harmonically charged distortion sound associated with hard rock and metal styles of music (e.g. Metallica or In Flames). As such, this test compares several software models’ ability to emulate the preamp stage distortion of the mighty 5150 tube amp.

Peavey 5150/6505

For high gain duties, I often call on my revered Peavey 5150 amp, the first generation of a line of powerhouse signature amps co-designed by guitar legend Eddie Van Halen himself. Back in the 1990’s, the 5150 set a new standard among high gain guitar amps, and were soon adopted by a multitude of hard rock and metal players alike. While Van Halen and his trademark 5150 brand have long since parted ways with Peavey, the amp continues on as the Peavey 6505, a model still very popular with rock and metal players to this day. For these listening tests, the 5150 powers a closed-back 4x12 cabinet loaded with G12M-style speakers, Van Halen’s favorite speaker model for any of his signature amps. The microphone is a Sennheiser MD-421 positioned on the outer edge of the center speaker cone, just 1” off the cab grill.

Reminder: For best results, be sure to listen to the files on a decent pair of headphones or external speakers.


Peavey 5150/6505 - Heavy Riff

Real Amp

Native Instruments Guitar Rig

IK Multimedia Amplitude

Peavey Revalver


Peavey 5150/6505 - Lead Lick

Real Amp

Native Instruments Guitar Rig

IK Multimedia Amplitude

Peavey Revalver


All product names used in parts 1 or 2 of this article are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with this website.

Fender, Deluxe Reverb, are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
Peavey, 6505, are registered trademarks of Peavey Electronics.
5150 is a trademark of ELVH Inc.


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Tube Amp Vs Modeling Software Shootout Part 1: Fender Deluxe Reverb

Tube Amp Vs Modeling Software Shootout Part 1: Fender Deluxe Reverb

In this amp vs modeling shootout, we compare several popular amp modeling software products against a real Fender Deluxe Reverb and a Peavey 5150/6505 tube amp.

Has amp modeling finally come of age? Or does software just provide a “close-enough” approximation?

While recently gearing up to record a new batch of songs, I thought about all the prep work I’d soon be involved with before I could even hit the “record” button. Dialing in amp tones, setting up and testing microphones, and routing cables all takes precious time away from actually playing the guitar. (Did I mention all the cables!?!) Although there is a certain amount of fun in playing with studio gadgetry, I found myself wondering if it might be worthwhile to take a second look at the possibility of recording with one of the many software amp modeling options available. After all, there’s no denying the plug-and-play convenience software modeling offers in terms of streamlining the recording process. Very few cables to run. No excessive amp volume to disturb family or housemates. Easy recall of amp settings. But what’s the tradeoff? Is amp modeling truly ready for prime time? Or does software provide just a “close-enough” approximation? To answer my own questions, I decided to put together a comprehensive listening test where I could directly compare a real tube amplifier against the latest guitar amp modeling software.

The test

Perhaps one of the most elusive characteristics of tube amp modeling is capturing the effect of the power tube stage being driven into overdrive. The 22 watt Fender Deluxe Reverb is easily overdriven, thus making the amp a great test subject for comparing how accurately modeling software can emulate the rich, creamy sound of power tube distortion.

The Fender Deluxe Reverb “dirty” and “overdrive” tests heavily focus on the sound of an overdriven power tube stage.

Since tube amps react differently depending on how hard you pick or strum, it’s imperative that any test compares the exact same performance. So to provide a fair and accurate testing ground, I’ve employed a professional audio switcher to simultaneously split the guitar signal to both the real amplifier’s input jack and the computer’s DAW interface. No guitar pedals were inserted in either signal path, and absolutely no eq, compression or other effects have been applied to the recording. This way, the only differing variable between each take is the amp modeling software itself!

The amp modeling software

The shootout involves the latest version of several popular software amp products and their respective models for the Fender Deluxe Reverb (be it an official licensed model or otherwise). Every attempt was made to duplicate the actual amp settings. However, in instances of dramatic difference in tone and volume, minor adjustments were made in an attempt bring the sound of the emulation closer to that of the real amp. Largely though, what you hear is what you get: raw guitar signal and a pure amp tone without the aid of any production editing or effects.

So without further ado, on to the Tube Amp vs Modeling Software Shootout!

Fender Deluxe Reverb

The majority of the tests here focus on the 22 watt Fender Deluxe Reverb amp. It’s relatively compact combo design and versatility among different musical genres have made the Fender Deluxe Reverb one of the most recorded, if not popular tube amps on the face of the earth. This particular unit was a reissue model purchased circa 2010, and has received no modifications over the course of it’s life. The amp is biased conservatively, and the speaker was mic’ed with a Shure SM57, positioned within 1” of the grill and on center of the speaker cone.

Tip: On review, I’ve found some of the takes can sound pretty similar when played back through tiny laptop or phone speakers. So for best results, be sure to listen to the files on a decent pair of headphones or external speakers!

Fender Deluxe Reverb - Clean (Vol. on 3)

Real Amp

Native Instruments Guitar Rig

IK Multimedia Amplitude

Peavey Revalver


Fender Deluxe Reverb - Dirty (Vol. on 4)

Real Amp

Native Instruments Guitar Rig

IK Multimedia Amplitude

Peavey Revalver


Fender Deluxe Reverb - Overdriven (Vol. on 10)

Real Amp

Native Instruments Guitar Rig

IK Multimedia Amplitude

Peavey Revalver

For the next series of listening tests, we’ll fire up the Peavey 5150/6505 amp to find out how accurate software modeling is when emulating preamp tube distortion, commonly employed in high-gain amps prevalent to rock and metal genres. You can check out part 2 of the shootout at: Tube Amp Vs Modeling Software Shootout Part 2.


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String Gauges of 50 Legendary Guitar Players

String Gauges of 50 Legendary Guitar Players

Choosing which guitar strings to use is one of the biggest decisions a guitarist can make regarding how their instrument plays, both in terms of tone and feel. Some players prefer thicker, heavier gauge strings for greater projection and durability, while others rely on the pliability of thinner-gauge strings to allow for “fast action” (lower string height) to better accommodate speedy note runs and frequent use of string bending techniques. Additional factors to consider when choosing one’s guitar strings include the scale length of the guitar, the tuning to be used, the style of music played, and so on. As such, when faced with the prospect of picking out a new set of new strings, many guitar players, at some point in their career, will look towards their peers and musical influences for reference. As a matter of interest (and entertainment), I’ve put together a comprehensive list matching famous guitar players with their personal choice of string gauge.

Notes to consider

— This list was culled solely from authenticated sources (i.e., Guitar World or Guitar Player magazine, among others), typically involving interviews with either the artist themselves or their personal guitar technician.

— String gauges listed are for electric guitars only.

— The string gauge listed accounts for each guitarist’s choice of strings at a particular time in their career. Be aware that most guitarists experiment with different gauges at some point or another, and rarely use the same exact brand or gauge of strings their entire career.

— When referencing string gauges in this list, readers should consider the style of music and tuning for each player. For example, heavy gauge strings with loose tension feel and play more like a lighter gauge when tuned below standard tuning.

— A single string gauge (ie. .009) references the high E string, and represents the overall gauge for the set, as typically listed by string vendors.

Now without further ado…

The list

Stevie Ray Vaughan .013 (.013 - .052)
Jimi Hendrix .009 - .038 (also .010, .013, .015, .026, .032 and .038)
Chuck Berry .008
Jimmy Page .008, .009
Jeff Beck .011 - .049 (also .009 - .052)
Brian Setzer .010
Eddie Van Halen .009 - .040
James Hetfield .009, (also .011 - .048)
Billy Gibbons .008
Kirk Hammett .010 (.011 set for bottom three string)

Buddy Guy .010
B.B. King .008 (.010 for signature set)
Slash .011 - .048
Tony Iommi (For D# tuning, from high to low): .008, .008, .011 (unwound), .018 .024, and .032. (For C# tuning, from high to low) .009, .010, .012 (unwound), .020, .032 and .042.
Dimebag Darrell .011 (.009 for standard tuning)
Mark Knopfler .009
Gary Moore .009 (also .010)
Eric Clapton .010 - .046
David Gilmour .010 - .048
Joe Perry .008, .009, or .010 (depending on guitar & tuning)

Angus Young .009
Malcolm Young .012 - .056
Al Dimeola .010
Zakk Wylde .010
Randy Rhoads .009 (also .010)
Steve Vai .009 (also .010)
Joe Satriani .009
Robbie Kreiger .010
Ace Frehley .009
Vernon Reid .011

Marty Friedman .010
Joe Bonamassa .011 - .052
Albert Lee .010
Alex Leifson .010
Keith Richards .011 - .042
Yngwie Malmsteen .008 - .048
Brian May .009 - .034
Trey Anastasio .010
Brad Paisley .010
Mark Tremonti .010 (.011 on bottom three)

Jerry Garcia .011
Kenny Wayne Shepherd .010, .011, or .012
Jerry Cantrell .010 - .046
Alexi Laiho .010 - .056
Eric Johnson .010 - .046
Frank Zappa .009 - .042
George Lynch .009, .010, or .011
Lenny Kravitz .010 - .052
Adrian Smith .009 - .040
Dave Murray .009 - .040

Plus two more!

Nancy Wilson .010 - .046
John Frusciante .010

//

Notes of interest

— A common misconception among guitarists nowadays is that heavier strings are required for a “bigger” tone. However, of the players interviewed, many overwhelmingly stated that avoiding string breakage on stage was the primary reason for going with a heavier gauge.

— On casual examination, it would appear that .010 gauge is the most commonly-used string gauge set. However, you again need to consider the source; Does the player favor a Stratocaster or Les Paul-style of guitar? This makes a big difference because the LP’s shorter scale-length will make the .010 strings feel “slinkier” in comparison to the same strings on a Stratocaster. Does the guitarist typically tune to standard pitch (A = 440hz), or does he or she tune down? Tuning down a whole step or more, for example, can easily make those .010-gauge strings feel more like a set of .008s!

Conclusion

“I wonder what strings [insert name of famous guitarist] uses?”, or “Do I need heavy gauge strings to play [insert name of music genre] music?”, are familiar questions all guitarists ask themselves at some point in their career. Hopefully, this list helps quench, or at least entertain, that momentary thirst for this particular topic of guitar-lore. However, I believe it’s fair to assume that most, if not all of the guitarists listed above would say that ultimately, which strings you choose should be decided through your own experience of trial and experimentation. —Jeff Perrin


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Beginner's Guide on How to Read Guitar TAB (with Video)

Beginner's Guide on How to Read Guitar TAB (with Video)

Guitar tablature depicts musical performance using a visual representation of the guitar’s neck, strings and fretboard. The bottom line of the tab staff represents the thicker low E string, while the top line is used to illustrate the thinner high E string. Numbers appearing on the lines indicate which fret(s) you need to press to sound a note for any given string. Tab numbers appearing stacked on top of one another indicate they should be played or strummed together as a chord. Otherwise, play the notes one at a time as you move from left to right across the page.

Tips for reading TAB

When attempting to locate the note on your guitar for a particular tab number, remember to count the spaces between the wire frets, rather than the actual frets themselves. For example, a tab number of “1” on the top string would be located in the space between the guitar nut and the first wire fret on the high E string. A “0” indicates whenever you should pick an open, un-fretted string. (See the video below for more TAB examples.)

A common problem beginning players have when first learning to read guitar tab is the mixing up which E string to play when sounding notes appearing on the bottom tab line. The key thing to remember is to think in terms of pitch! The bottom line in the tab represents the lowest sounding string on the guitar; the thicker, low E string.

This covers the basic concept for reading TAB notation. For a greater in-depth look into the many techniques you’ll encounter when learning songs by tab, be sure to check out Guitar Tab Tutor, my free app for iPhone and iPad.


More info available at: www.jeffperrinmusic.com/apps/guitar-tab-tutor.html


Sponsored by Guitar Tab Tutor app for iOS. Master all essential guitar techniques with the ULTIMATE reference guide to guitar TAB! Download today for FREE!




Surround Sound Apps for Apple TV Featured on Dolby Developer Website

Surround Sound Apps for Apple TV Featured on Dolby Developer Website

I’m happy to share that my Surround Sound apps for Apple TV were recently featured on the Dolby Developer website! In his review, author Andy Vaughan reports on taking both my Surround Sound Ear Candy and Surround Speaker Check apps for a spin on his personal home theater audio system. Regarding my Surround Sound Ear Candy 5.1 app-album, Andy states:

Apple TV users though, have a new option that clearly illustrates the difference between a 2-channel stereo mix, and a mix intentionally created to take advantage of surround speakers, a center channel and a subwoofer.

And on my Surround Speaker Check utility app for Apple TV:

I was able to identify a temperamental loose wire that was compromising the performance of my audio setup with Perrin’s app that I never realized existed before.

Read the full article here.

Surround Sound Ear Candy and Surround Speaker Check were both recently updated with support for higher-quality Dolby Digital Plus format audio files. Both apps are available as free downloads on the tvOS App Store. (Search for “Jeff Perrin Music” in the tvOS App Store Search menu.)







All content copyright Jeff Perrin Music LLC.