Vox AC15 vs X3Live ???

Getting into the beat Joined: 24 Jul 2008 Posts: 7

Hi guys.. I have a query.
(Sorry cause my english.. remember I'm argentinian).
I'm playing with a Laney HCM (English) of 60 watts quite good but I want to buy a Vox AC15 (..valve! but the economic, which costs $600, not the one with Celestion speakers).
The issue is that for the same money I can buy an X3Live.. that apart from all the effects we know, could emulate the sound of an AC15 quiete good.
Specifically, the question is: Should I change the amplifier, for a valve one, and wait some time to buy a good pedalboard? (I'm playing with a little Zoom G2) .. or should I buy the pedalboard and continue using the Laney for now? Which is more useful and what sounds better?

Really thanks x add ...
See you

Bedroom jammer Joined: 20 Jul 2007 Posts: 396

With the X3L you will get some great effects, dual tone capability, USB connectivity and some great amp/cab sims.

I think it would be a big upgrade from the Zoom G2.

However, and this just my opinion (others will disagree), the primary focus of the X3L is model or simulate an amp so you can run the X3L signal directly to a PA system. In other words the X3L is made so you do not need an amp. Yes the Vox sim's on the X3L are very good.

Since you have one, you might not use the amp sims on the X3L and use it just for the effects. After all your Laney will color the sound of your guitar and the X3L amp sim will color the sound of the Laney. That might result in an unpleasant tone. Typically, the best recommend amp for the X3L is an acoustic guitar amp or a keyboard amp.
So if you get the X3L knowing someday you will get the AC15 you may end never utilizing many of the X3L features.

Also, its hard to compare an actual amp with an amp modeler. They may sound similar but never an exact match.

Have you thought of getting an M13 or M9 and keeping the Laney while saving $ for the AC15? That might be a better option.

Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:26 pm

+1

Guitar amps and the X3L aren't always a good combo.

I have a Fender Twin and a X3L but I don't run the X3L through the Twin. I run it through my Carvin SX-100 SS amp or the PA (or headphones). So if you want a good amp sim with lots of effects, get the XL3. If you want a great amp, get the Vox.

Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 9:59 am

is your budget a big factor? ( a choice that will cost you really dear?)

if yes id really go for the X3L. Thats why i have it. Cause it brings everything in just a single box.

Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 3:27 pm

My opinion is to get a good guitar and good tube amp and then build from there. The multi-effects are nice because you get everything at once but when I had a Pod XT Live, I found that it just didn't cut it beside a good effect and tube amp.

Of course there are lots of people who really like the PODs too and for versatility they can't be beat so it's up to you to decide what will work better for your situation.

Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 4:47 pm

CrossRonster wrote:

I found that it just didn't cut it beside a good effect and tube amp.

That's also a worthy consideration. As good as they are, the sims still can't beat the real deal side by side.

Now, because worship songs have such a wide variety of sounds, the X3L (for example) can cover them all very well in one setting. Go from Hosanna to Let God Arise to All Because of Jesus in just a click of a button and sound pretty close to real deal. The same amp/effects pedal doesn't always have that versitility... unless you have some of the huge pedal boards. So if you're playing in a worship band, having the same amp/effects pedals for every song can actually be limiting whereas a sim can give you incredible flexibility.

Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:13 am

I guess part of it also comes down to what sound you are going for. Personally I have just tried to find the best guitar to suit my style of playing and then add an amp that fits the guitar well and so on with effects. I'm not trying to copy any specific sound but get the best sound that fits what I do. From there I will try to learn from what others do, but I'm not trying to copy the exact sound from any song.

On the other hand, if you want to match the tones and effects for each song you do, the POD 3 Live would be a good fit because you can store so many presets and change everything from effects to the amp and cab sims on the fly. When you have a pedal board you have a few sounds to work with, with a POD you have hundreds.

Neither answer is wrong or right.

Bedroom jammer Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 272

My suggestion is to invest in a good tube amp. I happened to like the AC15 when I had it. You can find used AC15's for around ~400 USD, then save up some more and find a used or new Celestion Alnico Blue. Adding the blue to that amp was probably the best mod I did to that thing. In my opinion, modeling gear is okay at best, it definitely has it's application, but I would save your money for the "real" thing. Yes, you can make it sound like a Vox or whatever you're after, but at the end of the day it is still modeling after it.

Getting into the beat Joined: 24 Jul 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks for responding guys ... Interesting comments..
What strikes me is that both here in the forum as well as teachers and others who I asked there are two starkly contrasting positions: Some people tell me to start with a valvular amp, which sounds very good, and then buy effects. But some others, I also believe that most, told me that if the vox is not English does not sound good and that I should bet on the versatility of the X3. Is that ac15 so bad?
I guess I'll keep asking until can prove both things.

Bedroom jammer Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 272

is the ac15 bad? No way! You are far better off investing/purchasing in a tube/valve amp than spending your money on an x3. In a sense, I believe you might "grow" out of the x3 sooner than you think.

Yes, it is true the new CC series are made in china, but it still sounds voxy to me. Just be patient and find a good deal on a used AC15 CC. Or you can save up a bit more and find a ac15 top boost reissue from the 90's and early 2000's. Those reissues were made in the UK. You'll likely spend around 800+ USD for the reissue though.

In all honesty, tone is a completely subjective topic. You won't be able to "prove" anything without hearing the X3 and the AC15 with your own ears. If you have a shop near you, spend an hour or so with each unit and let your ears decide for you. My recommendation still stands as buying ANY tube amp and effects over modeling gear. Best of luck NicoBsAS and have fun exploring!

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:47 am

well testing an AC15 and X3 will prove and answer your queries my friend.
its not a win or lose battle. unless if this choice is quite difficult based financially.

Bedroom jammer Joined: 20 Jul 2007 Posts: 396

Don't forget that gear like the X3L is really made to run direct through the PA or a broad range amp like a keyboard amp in order to best utilize the amp sims.

So you should really consider where you will be playing (either now or in the future). Most places I play at we can't (for a variety of reasons) use amps - so the X3L is the solution. Other places I can use them so I do and use the X3L (with the sims off) and a couple of pedals. For me the X3L has its versatility. Overall, I really love my X3L - but its not the best for all circumstances.

But, if you think you'll be using amps. Then start there. I was just at a conference with Ben Gowell (guitarist for Paul Baloche, Sara Groves, Michael W. Smith, etc) and stressed to the newer players - buy the guitar you like first....then the amp....then the effects. Its not a rule or anything, but the opinion is that the guitar and amp define your tone and effects are merely tools to shape it.

If amps are out of the question (again regardless of reason) then the X3L is the option.

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 4:30 pm

I'd go for the AC15 ^^...

but I am a very anti MultiFX guy :p...

well, I understand why people buy them, but it just ain't that cool/caracteristic!!!

owh yeah...

giutar and amp decide most, effects are there just to shape your sound...

but the amp is most important! I mean my Fender sounds horrible at a roland cube 15x, but at my H&K it sounds awesome...

but my swing s2 sounds great at the H&K and normal at the roland cube...

so: a better amp is more important for your sound, a guitar better for your playing... but remember; it is also for a part in your fingers Very Happy

!

Giggin' Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Posts: 672

To me...a tube amp always sounds better than any modeling. But, I even go to say that tube overdrive straigh from an amp sounds better as well. It is purer, as it's straight from the tubes of the amp. It's just a matter of finding the right amp for your sound. However, alot of people love the versatilty that pedals give them. Pedals also give you emulations of amps that we can't afford alot of times...such as D style amps (zendrive, ethos etc). There is also the options of modding pedals to anything you want ever.....

So, saying that...I'd go with the AC15 (I have one and it is great...with some simple mods)...and get you some pedals....anndddd welcome to endless world of tone search Wink

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:30 am

both line6 has crossed the two general rules..

GUITAR AND AMP..

or

VARIAX and AMP/SIMs..

both are good.. it really boils down to our own tastes..

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:37 am

also how loud do you run? if you play in a small setting, the x3 will be much better cause you can get the tone you want at any volume and you can just run direct like people have said. the ac15 is VERY loud. it can easily do a room that fits 400+ unmiced.

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:09 pm

bhanzo wrote:

also how loud do you run? if you play in a small setting, the x3 will be much better cause you can get the tone you want at any volume and you can just run direct like people have said. the ac15 is VERY loud. it can easily do a room that fits 400+ unmiced.

+1

I can vouch for that. I have a 100 watt Fender Twin. It sounds great but if I play it at our church the volume must be set below 1. With the X3L I can get any tone at any volume. So the Twin sounds better but the X3L is more practical and versatile.

Still... if I could have my way, I would use the Twin 99% of the time. Very Happy

Giggin' Joined: 11 Oct 2007 Posts: 674

I own an X3Live, which goes through my practice Solid state marshall. It does a fantastic job at simulating everything from Vox to Marshall sounds. Yes there are Stomp box purists and there are multi fx purist, but don't let our opinions prevent you from discovering your own sound with either.

The X3Live, as you said before is much more versatile, and will evidently cut costs later on as you won't be looking around for different FX to add on to your arsenal of sounds. I'm sorry but I be to differ with the statement that using the X3Live has "no personality/character. It has ample amounts of character!! You can use everything from Alien-sounding Expo flangers to pitch shifters, or just go down to the bare basics, the choice is yours.

On the flipside, the AC15 will definitely be better than a simulation of an AC15, however I'd suggest getting the AC15 if you are satisfied with having that particular sound and that particular tonal range, it being a single channel amp.

To sum it all up, if you know what you want, and know roughly what sound your aiming for, then I'd say go for the AC15. If you are still unsure, then I'd suggest the X3Live. Smile

Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:37 pm

Just know that Lincoln Brewster uses two POD X3 Live and that will be your decision maker.

cptelec · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 8:09 pm

AznKenshin wrote:

Just know that Lincoln Brewster USED two POD X3 Live and that will be your decision maker.

Fix'd.