SS Amps - Analogue v Digital?

[alexanderzz]

My understanding is that some solid state amps such as Marshall are analogue, and that some such as Line 6 are digital.

I'm wondering i) what the pros and cons are for each, an ii) is there any easy way of telling if an amp or is one or the other?

Thanks in advance...

[HeartfeltDawn]

Don't forget the hybrid amps too...

http://www.musicradar.com/gear/guita...m-combo-197781

[211dave112]

Not much digital experience but I didn't get on with the Fender Mustang II that I had. Seemed to have an inherent fizz and harshness that I didn't really like.

[monquixote]

Digital is somewhat misleading. Generally people mean that the preamp uses digital modelling rather than a solid state preamp. The power amp will be the same regardless of if it's analogue or digital (It may be a class D power amp, but that doesn't mean digital whatever people tell you)

Modelling is going to give you more flexibility. Many people feel that modellers (or at least the lower priced ones) don't cut through in a band mix. If I was picking a solid state amp for gigging it would probably be analogue, but that's due to my requirements and preferences rather than because one is better than the other.

EDIT: In terms of telling one from the other the usual clue is that modellers will generally have a mode switch that claims to emulate various amps: "American Twang", "Brit Crunch" etc.

[RocknRollDave]

I shouldn't get too hung up on the "analogue vs digital" thing so much as what your personal requirements are from an amp.

Do you need built-in FX? Do you want the amp to be able to model - recreate the sound of, basically - a number of different amp types, or do you want a specfic amp for a specific type?

[ICBM]

I massively prefer analogue solid-state to digital. I know this is not a very fashionable preference these days. I just think that the *tone* from an analogue amp is far superior, even though a modelling amp can sound superficially "more like" a valve amp in some ways, in terms of reproducing the overall sound, and is very flexible in giving a lot of different sounds... but it does so without good tone, in my opinion. I'd far rather have a decent-sounding amp that doesn't sound "like" a valve amp, probably only does a couple of sounds, but just sounds good. All modellers have that high-end harshness that 211dave112 describes, to me - its not just about the "feel" and dynamics that a lot of people mention, its the basic tone as well. I have to say I have not tried the very latest generation of modellers yet.

Hybrid valve/solid-state amps are a good thing as well - almost all are analogue, although there is at least one (Line6 Spider Valve) that is a digital/valve hybrid. Beware though, most hybrid amps have only a token valve *in* the preamp, which *does* affect the sound, but it's not at all the same as a "valve preamp".

In some ways I actually prefer analogue solid-state and valve/analogue hybrids to valve, too. Not for classic rock crunch and 'singing' lead sounds, but for a lot of other things - not just clean.

[bobsbobbackwards]

Hybrid amps wise I love those old Music Man's. Fender also did the Champ 25 SE.
These kind of amps are simpler and purer than a DSP amp IMO at the expense of flexibility.
I like the Fender Vibro and super champs, DSP/Valve technology but it would be great if you had the option to defeat the DSP for a pure analog front end.

[John_A]

There is good and bad versions of all of the above, I'd certainly prefer a nice old valvestate to a Line 6 Spider, but would perfer my DT25 to any of these and quite a few all valve amps too. It really depends what you want.

[digitalscream]

Hybrid valve/solid-state amps are a good thing as well - almost all are analogue, although there is at least one (Line6 Spider Valve) that is a digital/valve hybrid. Beware though, most hybrid amps have only a token valve *in* the preamp, which *does* affect the sound, but it's not at all the same as a "valve preamp".

The DT50 and DT25 are both digital preamps into a valve power section, too.

Don't forget the digital->valve->SS power amps as well - the Vox Valvetronix range. Digital modelling preamp into an itty-bitty power amp running off a 12AX7, attenuated to line level and then properly amplified with a SS power stage. I personally think they're the best of the modelling amps for gig volumes.

[John_A]

And lets not forget the the Blackstar ID series with 'loud as valve' technology, according to Blackstar 'it's not a modelling amp'