I just posted this on TGP, and I want to post it here for more insight. This may be one of the most interesting amp videos I have seen. Bear in mind I am listening on my phone, along with my crap ears. Where is the Gestalt? The Buddha? The secret sauce? We “know” these amps don’t really sound the same, right? Please watch and comment.
Extremely interesting amp video.
- Thread starter willie k
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Voodoosound
Well-known member
What I’ve learned over the years and the multitude of gear I’ve used in the studio, live and just experimenting. Everything plays a roll in the final outcome.
I like the video in concept however, it was extremely oversimplified. For example, the criteria used centered around tubes and their bias only as what made amps “different” that effect the sound.
Let’s say those details are 10% of the story.
My biggest complaint with these types of videos. Is the sound he’s recording is 1 dimensional to begin with. In addition to that. To me it sounds like he’s using a 57 directly on the cone. Which in my experience never yields anything close to what a the full depth of any amp sounds like. That way of recording can make just about anything sound like anything else.
The fact is. Everything plays a roll in how the amp sounds. From the gauge of your strings, to the way you attack those strings,
to the length of the input cord you use, to the wall voltage you’re plugged into. Those are just the things before the amp.
Then the amp assuming your amp can capture enough detail to accentuate or translate the things talked about in the first part.
Many amps really don't capture all the detail and things like multiple harmonics from one note, sustain without distortion. which also lends itself to the idea that amps can sound the same. Key word is “can”. Most amps can get similar tones. It’s the tones outside the similar that make an amp unique and even exceptional.
Then we get to the cab selection. Then the speaker selection.
Then for sake of this video. The recording process. That’s a whole nother can of worms that people that aren’t famailiar with recording other than the basics make to many assumptions about. Or perhaps not enough. Recording is a completely different science. Especially when trying to capture accuracy.
I’ve seen this guys cab video before. I appreciate he takes the time to do these videos. However, I think he oversimplifies everything to achieve the outcome he’s looking for. Similar to the guys that try and prove wood types don’t matter on guitars, or scale length etc etc.
There’s a little truth to that but the devils in the details. For an example. When they do those wood comparison videos and then put it in say a cinder block guitar. They see see no difference. However, typically what I notice. Is the pickups are so hot to begin with. That’s the only sound you’re hearing. Full spectrum volume hammering the front end of the amp. Very similar to the brick wall limiting that is prevalent today in music. It’s what prevents hearing the dynamic and nuance responses of the instruments. Nothing resonating from the body of the guitar. Just slamming the front end of an amp. There’s no detail or character in that case.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.
I like the video in concept however, it was extremely oversimplified. For example, the criteria used centered around tubes and their bias only as what made amps “different” that effect the sound.
Let’s say those details are 10% of the story.
My biggest complaint with these types of videos. Is the sound he’s recording is 1 dimensional to begin with. In addition to that. To me it sounds like he’s using a 57 directly on the cone. Which in my experience never yields anything close to what a the full depth of any amp sounds like. That way of recording can make just about anything sound like anything else.
The fact is. Everything plays a roll in how the amp sounds. From the gauge of your strings, to the way you attack those strings,
to the length of the input cord you use, to the wall voltage you’re plugged into. Those are just the things before the amp.
Then the amp assuming your amp can capture enough detail to accentuate or translate the things talked about in the first part.
Many amps really don't capture all the detail and things like multiple harmonics from one note, sustain without distortion. which also lends itself to the idea that amps can sound the same. Key word is “can”. Most amps can get similar tones. It’s the tones outside the similar that make an amp unique and even exceptional.
Then we get to the cab selection. Then the speaker selection.
Then for sake of this video. The recording process. That’s a whole nother can of worms that people that aren’t famailiar with recording other than the basics make to many assumptions about. Or perhaps not enough. Recording is a completely different science. Especially when trying to capture accuracy.
I’ve seen this guys cab video before. I appreciate he takes the time to do these videos. However, I think he oversimplifies everything to achieve the outcome he’s looking for. Similar to the guys that try and prove wood types don’t matter on guitars, or scale length etc etc.
There’s a little truth to that but the devils in the details. For an example. When they do those wood comparison videos and then put it in say a cinder block guitar. They see see no difference. However, typically what I notice. Is the pickups are so hot to begin with. That’s the only sound you’re hearing. Full spectrum volume hammering the front end of the amp. Very similar to the brick wall limiting that is prevalent today in music. It’s what prevents hearing the dynamic and nuance responses of the instruments. Nothing resonating from the body of the guitar. Just slamming the front end of an amp. There’s no detail or character in that case.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.
Last edited:
Anje
Active member
Honestly, my initial thought was: is that a real video or mostly an AI generated/edited stuff?
I haven't watched all the video but went through the intro, sampled most of the examples and got the process/idea & main closing speech; what I roughly think of this kind of video, in no particular order:
- yes, they "all sound" the same" on my usual computer speakers
- you can make anything sound the way you want through recording; actually playing & feeling the thing in the room usually is a vastly different experience
- if you try/want to make 2 things sound the same, especially in a recording, you'll probably be able to come (very) close
- that doesn't mean the different gear being tested have to sound the same, or can't do different / other things; including the way they "feel" and react to you as a player; which is key to me
- what a particular piece of gear can do that is kind of special/unique, is what is interesting & relevant to me; not what it "could do same as..."
- then talking about influence of particular gear / component in the spirit of that video for a minute: as I've already posted several times, my experience makes me think the speakers/cabs probably are the single components that can have the biggest influence on overall sound & feel in a particular electric guitar rig
- having all that in mind I'll refrain from commenting again on how "accurate" or "relevant" most youtube "demo/test" videos are to me...
In short, agree with most Rob already posted above.
And not really sure of what is the concept / main objective behind such video, and what added value it brings?
I haven't watched all the video but went through the intro, sampled most of the examples and got the process/idea & main closing speech; what I roughly think of this kind of video, in no particular order:
- yes, they "all sound" the same" on my usual computer speakers
- you can make anything sound the way you want through recording; actually playing & feeling the thing in the room usually is a vastly different experience
- if you try/want to make 2 things sound the same, especially in a recording, you'll probably be able to come (very) close
- that doesn't mean the different gear being tested have to sound the same, or can't do different / other things; including the way they "feel" and react to you as a player; which is key to me
- what a particular piece of gear can do that is kind of special/unique, is what is interesting & relevant to me; not what it "could do same as..."
- then talking about influence of particular gear / component in the spirit of that video for a minute: as I've already posted several times, my experience makes me think the speakers/cabs probably are the single components that can have the biggest influence on overall sound & feel in a particular electric guitar rig
- having all that in mind I'll refrain from commenting again on how "accurate" or "relevant" most youtube "demo/test" videos are to me...
In short, agree with most Rob already posted above.
And not really sure of what is the concept / main objective behind such video, and what added value it brings?
Voodoosound
Well-known member
I think its main goal is to get attention. Thereby getting clicks. I typically don’t watch this kind of stuff knowing that’s what it’s all about. Kind of like nonsensical headlines that try to draw you in.
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