That stuff has come a long way - but it's still no replacement for valves driven to within an inch of their lives.
Is it great for live use? Sure. Better than 'real' amps for some cases since it can lead to more manageable stage volume.
But in a studio the difference is pretty obvious still.
Where the modeling stuff still has a long way to go is in the transition region. They have no problem doing buzzsaw distortion or crystal clean - but those magic tones that occur just as you're getting into overdrive.
Here's one of the masters, Gov't Mules Warren Haynes showing off the kind of sounds I'm talking about.
Is it great for live use? Sure. Better than 'real' amps for some cases since it can lead to more manageable stage volume.
But in a studio the difference is pretty obvious still.
Where the modeling stuff still has a long way to go is in the transition region. They have no problem doing buzzsaw distortion or crystal clean - but those magic tones that occur just as you're getting into overdrive.
Here's one of the masters, Gov't Mules Warren Haynes showing off the kind of sounds I'm talking about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDDmJaJqdOQ