Testing real amp vs amp sims, opinions?

[TheWinterSnow]

After going through hell and back to get a somewhat valuable tone out of my cabinet I got something that is fairly usable, and I want to know which tone you guys prefer.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1170463/5150.mp3
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1170463/Sim.mp3

 

[Plankis]

Definitely prefer the real one. I'd prefer it a bit brighter though.

 

[P-E]

First one seems too low-middy (and not bright enough) IMO.
Second one seems weirdly scooped, but I think I like it better, a bit of multiband compression in the lows would probably help it.

 

[TheWinterSnow]

I'm afraid brighter is not going to be possible on the 5150. Cranking up the high end to where it can be heard solo'd makes no difference to the tone in the mix until its too much. All the upper end I am getting from my cab is so weak that no matter how loud it is, it gets drowned out in the mix.

 

[P-E]

You might be better off going from your 5150 to good impulses then.
:/

 

[TheWinterSnow]

I can try that again, but last time it didn't really sound much better.

 

[Slammer88]

both versions have different sounds imho, and both are good

 

[festeringheap]

The 5150.mp3 tone works very well with that mix.

Elements of the 2nd mp3 guitar were good, but clashed with the drums and made them (drums) less defined.

 

[Sam Bottner]

Amp sim sounds more focused while the 5150 clip sounds dark and somewhat distant.

 

[Sam Bottner]

I'm afraid brighter is not going to be possible on the 5150. Cranking up the high end to where it can be heard solo'd makes no difference to the tone in the mix until its too much. All the upper end I am getting from my cab is so weak that no matter how loud it is, it gets drowned out in the mix.

post EQ?

 

[bryan_kilco]

post EQ?

or different mic placement?

 

[LosingReality]

5150 clip for sure. Much more upfront sounding.

 

[HandsOfDespair]

Don't like the amp sim, sound 2d as usual.

 

[aortizjr]

Definitely liked the real 5150 better. Warmer, 3D, and just tougher overall. But at the expense of a bit of clarity.

The sim, had a bit more bite and clarity. Maybe blend? Just have to work out the phase issues.

I think the 5150 fits the mixes better and sounds better turned up, where the sim is fatiguing. Cool riff!

 

[TheWinterSnow]

post EQ?

tried it, your listening to the result

or different mic placement?

your listening to the brightest placement.

my high was a little low on the recording. I am fighting the balance between dark and harsh. I am also fighting a lack of warmth in the lower end. And for some reason or another, I can't get any crunch in the mids and highs regardless of amp setting and mic placement.