V-Amp vs POD

Which is better for a (wannabe:)) studio environment: the POD or V Amp? Any opinions? I think the V Amp is considerably cheaper...

I've heard a few really impressive tracks (mostly metal genre, which I fit into) from so-called beginners to recording. The common denominator has been either the POD or V Amp.

I would have put this in one of the guitar forums, but I ask this in the context of recording...

I'm not completely ready to throw in the towel on mic'ing my cabinet, but I'm close!

Well, you'll get a lot of negative responses about any product bearing the Behringer name, and rightfully so. They tend to ripoff other companies' products, change the circuit just enough to avoid a copyright lawsuit (which hasn't worked very well, really), use cheap components, and saddle you with the end result.

You'll also get a lot of negative responses about amp modelling, in general. Pay it no mind...you want what you want, y'know?

I have a POD. I love it. Just love it. When I record, lately, I use the POD into a '71 Vibrochamp, then mic the amp. Works very well, adds back a little something that might get totally lost in the digital realm.

Others will disagree. That's their right...all our experiences are different.

My vote: Get a POD. Try craigslist...someone's bound to be selling one, there.

Not a big fan of the POD or other direct methods of recording guitar, but I think since you(offramp) are using it with rather spiffy amp, that would help.

I do think it is style dependant, and that is why I don't like it. If it suits your style and sounds fine to you get it. I have seen them go rather cheap used.

sdsweet, what are you micing and what are you micing it with?

He's using a 57, just off the cone cap.

That's a great way to expand the tones of an amp and still have the characteristics of the amp/speaker/mic come through. I bought a J-Station in 2001 and that is primarily how I use it- into an amp and crank it!

Not that anyone would be surprised, but I'd also choose a POD over the V-Amp.

Also, somewhat similar to what Offramp is doing, I play a Vox ToneLab SE through my amp (a Carr Rambler). Micing this sounds awesome. It's not the main way I record, but it works quite well. I'm not a huge fan of direct recording electric guitar, although in a pinch, I've done a couple of things where I went through the Vox ToneLab SE and got surprisingly good results. But I still like plugging in to my amp and micing that best. I like the physicality that imparts.

you guys rule...

I'll start by giving the POD a test drive. Re: style, I play and record metal/hardcore.

I have a 5150II amp and Marshal 1960A, with a 57 near the center (as offramp said)

Tbush, I actually was seeking some comments specifically from you, I visited your site and see that you have a 5150 in your studio and I believe I read that you have experience with Haste The Day and Bloodlined Caligraphy. I'd be interested in hearing a little about some of your techniques and methods. It seems my biggest trouble has been guitar tone, which is why I'm looking to the POD or similar to help...

Here is a link to a raw guitar track that I invite everyone to check out if you are so inclined. I'd be interested in hearing how this sounds to you guys. If you think it's ok, that points to my mixing practices. If you think it's crummy, that points to my tracking practices... this exercise will help tell me if I'm on the right track.

http://www.geocities.com/thesweetfamily@sbcglobal.net/rawguitarmp3.mp3

I've auditioned the POD and the Vox ToneLab SE, and at least for my tastes, I prefer the Vox. YMMV, but check it out.

between POD and V-Amp, I'd choose V-Amp, but Vox Tonelab is better.

I'd probably do the same so I give my reason. I've been using POD for around what 5 years (since the beginning I guess) and after the very first "this is cool" -reaction it has got quite a marginal position in my recordings. Whatever with microphone in front of it sounds more fresh, intresting, vibey, real... There's no contest

Like in a song there may be one track recorded with pod, because idea has taken me by surprise in the middle of the night. In between the tracs that have been recorded traditionally I can live with a pod track or two.

In it's marginal role I would probably be just as happy with B product, so why not getting the cheaper option?

That's a good reason if you are going to replace the sound later.

But which one sounds better to you?

Well, guys...

I just got back from the local music store after a POD test drive. I had my guitar with me, and they gave me a set of headphones that I presume were pretty decent (but don't know for sure).

And, although it sounded pretty good, I wasn't blown away. I know I could try other products (V Amp, Tonelab, etc) but I think will continue to experiment with mic placement and amp settings, which will serve me better in the long run anyway, in terms of experience.

The POD is ok for what it does, but the first thing you should do is ditch the presets, and download some user presets from the Line6 site, makes a world of difference.