ShortScale.org

Let me preface this all by saying that I've never really had extensive experience with a real AC30. However, my band mate does have an AC15 that I've played a lot, so I am at least somewhat accustomed to 'real Vox sound'. I have also played one of the older Sansamp models for guitar and was not that impressed. (The bass ones sound very good, however)

I received my Liverpool via eBay yesterday. I took a huge leap of faith and played a show that very same night with it going straight to the board without a backup amp.

My setup was guitar > tuner > Box of Rock > Sansamp > Holy Grail > House PA System

It sounded great! I dialed in a tone that was basically all clean with a bit of edge when I really slammed the strings, and used the BoR to get a nice overdriven tone for distorted rhythm and leads. The Holy Grail wasn't essential, but I did leave it on the whole time for a bit of hall reverb (around 9 o'clock). I was able to hear myself fine through the monitors, and the sound was evenly dispersed across the stage via all the PA speakers. It arguably sounded better than a real amp being mic'd, because all of the speaker equalization and "microphone placement" is already emulated in the sansamp.

These pedals really do live up to their hype and product description (Or at least the Liverpool)... I might seriously consider not bringing an amp to any future shows (well maybe one as a backup and leave it in the car) because this has really made life so much easier. The pedal really does sound like an amp, and it's all analog circuitry so there's no digital artifacts in the sound. The only thing that is missing from the 'feel' of playing is the interaction one could get from the speaker from a cab and an amp... But I might even look into getting some sort of light-weight 212 and power amp and using the Sansamp as the 'head'.

Basically I'm head over heels for this thing, and it has delivered on all accounts.

Unfortunately I am going to be gone this weekend, but when I get the chance I will post a video and/or sound clips so you all can see. In the mean time, check out this link:

[youtube][/youtube]

Was wondering if anyone else has had the chance to use one of these things yet?

Not had any first hand experience as they're a little pricey but they seem to be a hit. Burgs' demos really show off how great they sound and I think you're dead on about their usage live, for those playing gigs in cities that aren't easily navigated by car (or if you don't have a car) they're a brilliant solution. However I haven't got fed up of my head and 2x12" yet and I doubt I ever will. Sometimes you need to feel your trouser's flap.

They are indeed a bit expensive, which is why I bought mine used on ebay. (It was in essentially new condition though, so whatever...) I think $150 is a fair asking price, but perhaps they might come down to $120 or so and more people will buy them.

I think for their utility and quality though, it's a justifiable/reasonable price.

Honestly a real vintage AC30 is going to sound a bit better in every conceivable way, but...
-it costs a lot
-it weighs a ton
-getting it to distort at reasonable volumes is going to be a bitch
-recording it won't be as easy

Amp modeling has come a long way, and from the ones I've tried the Sansamps seem to be doing it the best in terms of sound and feel. Better to be a master of one type of sound than a jack of all trades and suck at them all (eg: Line 6)

I might be tempted to get the Marshall one in the future.

They're way cheaper in the states than over here.

We would pay £145 for one, you guys pay more like £90.

Tech 21 makes good stuff.

Aeon wrote: Honestly a real vintage AC30 is going to sound a bit better in every conceivable way, but...
-it costs a lot
-it weighs a ton
-getting it to distort at reasonable volumes is going to be a bitch
-recording it won't be as easy

I talked to the singer/guitarist of The Gaslight Anthem about that cause he plays an AC30 and he has an Attenuator from Weber that allows him to crank his amp so he gets that awesome distorted tone but he can also play at a lower volume. He has amazing tone too.

Ok, video still being processed, but you might be able to still see the lo-fi version of it... will update when the HQ version is done.

[youtube][/youtube]

Playing's not too great, but hopefully gives you a good idea of what it's capable of.

edit: just make sure you click the HQ button so you don't get as much youtube compression/artifacting in the sound. Also I should note that my guitar is a bit noisy (still haven't properly shielded it) so take that into consideration when you hear noise/hiss on the higher gain settings.

sounds great man!

That it does, awfully nice. Great demo.