what's the best Preamp/processors for metal?

[Herman_theGerman]

can someone help me, i´m looking for a really good preamp/processor for my guitar recording without using an amp. The best one to use by just plug into my computer soundcard. it´s metal all the way. I´ve only tried the rocktron chameleon and it´s ok, but are there any alternatives that´s better?

 

[Indiooo]

The dedicated recording preamps should be a better choice (i.e. POD Xt, V-Amp 2, Tonelab SE, etc).

 

[bobvex]

Rocktron Prophecy
Line 6 PODxt with Metal packs
Tone Lab
Mesa Boogie Recording Preamp
Marshall JMP-1

 

[the alumnus]

i'm happy with my pod xt with metal pack

 

[Herman_theGerman]

thanks, but i don´think i´ll try the v-amp or the pod, i don´t like the sound coming out of them. don´t digitech have a good preamp for metal?

 

[Johannes 13,18]

i dont like the pod sound either, but for me it would be good enough.
try the vox tonelab, i has a great sound i think.

 

[Kenneth R.]

i'm kinda in the market for one as well, but i dont want a 'digital' sound (so no line6).

doesn't boss make one?

 

[-Gavin-]

IF you know how to tweak a Vamp, you can get a beautiful tone

 

[Bryant]

thanks, but i don´think i´ll try the v-amp or the pod, i don´t like the sound coming out of them. don´t digitech have a good preamp for metal?

Digitech is ok. I have one of their GNX4s, but I use it primarily because of it's recording capabilities as far as "on the go" to catch riffs I create and might forget and the PC recording aspect. For serious recording, I mic a tube amp. You can go solid state/digital for stuff like thrashy rythms and it sounds pretty good, but for clean stuff or solos, I personally need the warmth of the tube sound. I would look into tube pre-amps. Carvin, Peavey, Marshall, and Mesa offer them I think.


Bryant

 

[fadingessence]

If you have a lot of patience i'd say a Boss Gt-6, for some reason it wasn't mentioned yet. I prefer it over any POD, including the XT, and the V-amp....for direct recording and live. Cheaper option too, since the best way to do it live is just straight into powered speakers. No power amp or rack .

If not, yeah Marshall JMP-1, Mesa, maybe a PSA-1..not tube but TONS of gain, seriously, more than anyone needs. I didn't like Carvin at all for high gain. V-amps aren't bad, middle of the road really.

 

[electricfuneral]

Don't forget the J-Station either (if they still make them).

 

[Exsanguis]

The Digitech 2120, 2112, and 2101(I think these are the models) are really good. Very versatile, and overall great tones.

 

[Teloch]

Johnson doesn't actually make the j-station anymore, but there are usually a few for sale on ebay. I bought one there for $100 and i love it. IMHO, it has a much better low end sound than the pod or v-amp. I think that the pod and v-amp sound really thin if you play them in a live set up. J-station sounds great in headphones as well as amplified. Another cool thing about it is that it emulates bass rigs as well as guitar.

Boss's gt-6 is a great piece of equipment, but that's gonna set you back closer to $350. This is what Opeth use for their live performances.