Bud + Modeler = Mic'd Amp Sound or Amp-in-the-Room Sound?

[markesquire]

I'm considering downsizing to a Henriksen Bud and a small modeler (Helix Stomp or Boss GT1000 Core).

I've heard people say that they shouldn't expect modelers to sound just like having the modeled amp in the room with the player, but rather, like an amp that has been mic'd and then played through front of house speakers or studio monitors. In my experience, that's true of modelers.

My question is whether that remains true when playing a modeler through a Bud.

Does sending an overdriven Deluxe Reverb amp model through the Bud make it sound like you're actually playing an overdriven Deluxe Reverb in the room? Or does it sound like you have a Deluxe Reverb mic'd up in another room somewhere, and the Bud is like a studio monitor?

I guess the same question would apply to all of the folks who have used a Tech 21 or JOYO pedal in front of a Bud.

[medblues]

I used the Bud as a PA system playing my MP3s and CDs through it in a party, it sounded very much like a stereo system in mono mode (after EQ ing of course). With a Helix Stomp or Tech 21 modeler pedals, it sounds like a mic'ed amp through a PA (or stage monitor). You "may" notice the difference (proximity to air movement and psychoacoustic effects) but the audience or even fellow players would likely not. If you use a Bud 10 or 12, the difference may be even smaller.

[omphalopsychos]

I've tried using analog modelers with the bud and I'm not too crazy about any of them. The best I've used with the Bud is the Barber Barb EQ (which is a fender-style EQ).

The bud is capable of some great sounds but you won't get it to sound like a Deluxe Reverb. This is due to the cabinet design and speaker choice.

[omphalopsychos]

FWIW the latest version of the Tech 21 blonde allows you to defeat the cab sim, so in theory it should sound better with the henriksen. In my subjective opinion it sounded terrible.

[jorgemg1984]

The "amp in the room" vs "miced amp" sound does not come from modelling per se, but from the use (or not) of impulse responses (cabs)

The Bud is a flat amp, so if you use impulse responses it will give you a "miced sound". If not it will give you amp you're modelling trough a bass ported cab (probably not a good idea). I personally enjoy the "miced sound" more.

Despite the idea that in theory all flat cabs should sound alike, that's not my experience - being cabs for modellers, acoustic guitars, voices or hi-fi stereos, they can sound quite different. If you're using this just for modellers and don't want the double function of "jazz amp", there's a lot more options for modeller FRFR cabs.

There's a YouTuber called John Nathac Cordy that has used the Bud with several modelers, he might be a good reference.