blog
Along Came A Spider...
If you haven’t already heard the news, Line 6 has announced a new type of amp. One that mixes their own amp and effects modeling with real tube amplification designed by amp maker Bogner. Dubbed the Spider Valve, this is essentially a whole new type of amp. It’s not due out until October, but it sounds exciting. I will definitely be trying to get one to review.
There have been plenty of hybrid digital/tube amps in the past, but most used tubes in the preamp stage with solid state amplification for the power stage. Or in the case of Vox Valvetronix, a tube that acts like a power amp and feeds the resulting signal to a solid state power section. The Spider Valve is a true tube amp in both preamp and power amp section, which means it should behave just like a tube amp — dynamics, harmonics, loudness, etc. — because it is.
The real trick will be to see how well Line 6 can integrate software modeling into a tube preamp section. At best it will be an amazing box that sounds like numerous amps. At worse, a tube amp with built in distortion effects. I can’t wait to hear one.
One thing I am really excited about is the FVB foot controller jack that will allow you to change amp and effects setting with your feet. This has the potential to replace a pedalboard full of gear. Imagine going to a gig with only a guitar, a Spider Valve combo, and a FVB controller and still have access to tons of amp tones and effects.
Another concern is the current tendency of amp makers to focus on high gain tones (which all the kids love, I know.) But I am really hoping they can nail the “cleaner” amp tones also. We don’t all play metal exclusively. For my gigs, I need clean and crunch way more than shred or metal. I also hope they eventually do a small tube amp (the lighter the better.) Well, I guess it’s time to start the waiting game.