Community: Message List - Strange tones on Spider IV

Re: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 20:06:30 GMT

Further research into the so-called "ghost-note" issue has revealed that it is extrememly unlikely that these discordant notes are ghost notes modeled from the amplifiers.

There are at least a dozen amplifier models in the POD X3 and Spider IV amplifier (and probably many more products) exhibiting this problem, and the suspicious fact that makes it difficult to believe these are modeled after the amplifier itself, is that every one of these models exhibits the exact same discordant note. One would expect each amplifier that was being modeled would exhibit its own unique-sounding artifact, yet this is NOT the case with these modeled amplifiers.

Have a listen for yourself and come to the only logical conclusion available.

PS. I have not yet listened to the POD HD, but I will report back what I find in this regard.

Re: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:44:45 GMT

Hello

Well, thanks for answering so fast! I have done some research about ghost tones and read what other users think, and I guess this is a normal problem, since nobody seems to find another explanation ( I just hope this is not Line 6 trying to convince us this is a normal feature).

So, the only solution for me is using the Jazz Clean amp, as it´s a solid-state amp, no valve failures, Right?

Best regards,

Michael Maia

Re: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:47:44 GMT

Hi,

Your spelling is excellent, and so is your English.

I think we readers have found that this is accurate modelling in terms of the original amps that have these "ghost tones". The original amps had these anomolies as well. I have found these alternate tones on many Line 6 amps (Duoverb, Spidervalve and Spidervalve II, Flex III, spider II HD, and Spider IV) so it is obviously a modelled accuracy and not a mistake.

I too am not crazy about these ghost tones, but I have a lot to learn about vintage amps as well. I use these particular amp models for strictly chord work, and use others for solo or single-note playing. I hope this helps in some way...I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing wrong with the Spider IV, or the others as far as I know. Thanks for contributing!

Re: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:18:20 GMT

Hi! I own a flextone III plus and i have the same problem. I' m portuguese, so sorry for any mistake in the spelling! Anyway, when I bought the amp, I was very pleased with the variety of tones I could get, and ALL models were working perfectly. I repeat, ALL of them! I used to practice at home using the "Class A-30" at clean settings ( I play Jazz/fusion guitar, mostly with clean/crunch sounds). So, as I said, this model didn' t had any problem, but one day, about 2/3 months after I owned it, It started to produce these ghost notes when I played some notes. That' s very strange, it produce these detuned harmonics (that' s what it is to me!) only on a few notes. I sent the amp back to be repaired. The technicians never heard of this problem in Portugal and, after 3 weeks or so, they sent me the amp back. Surprise, the problem disapeared, at least apparently,but after a few weeks, it started to do it again. I sent the amp back one more time a month ago, but now they told me they can' t hear anything!

I´ve read the questions and answers about this problem, but I can tell you one thing: it is NOT intentional and it is NOT a characteristic of the original amp, at least with this intensity, and like you said, the same problem occurs on the plexi 45 simulation, I think. I wish it was a purposed reproduction of the original amps features, but I' m afraid it' s a factory problem. Of course, we have 32 amps on the flextone, so if 2 of them doesn' t work, we still have 30, but we paid to use all 32. If the problem doesn' t have a solution, I consider returning the amp back to the store and get another one, but one any tech could repair ( it' s not easy to find people who are able to repair modelling amps, as it' s more about computers than classic amplification), but I think I will not buy Line 6 products again, because the amps become discontinued in a short period of time, and like I said, they are tricky to repair, at least here in Portugal.

I hope all people having this problem ( and others) should find a solution. It' s sad, because I really like their products, but they seem to have a lot of technical problems as the technology involved grows (I had a flextone 1 a few years ago and it worked perfectly). I don´t know if you have your problem solved, but I would like to know...

Cheers

Michael Maia

Re: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:54:45 GMT

Thanks for taking the time to write, Abltsarr,

I had come to the conclusion a while back that these tones were intentional modeling on Line 6's part. I don't necessarily find them useful, but they appear to be authentic on the amps modeled. I for the most part do not choose those amps...kind of a pity really.

This was the first time I have ever heard of "ghost tones", but I have read a lot since. I should note, your post and the other links included are very interesting to read. There is a lot of very interesting opinions and info there. I appreciate everyone's writing here, I always learn a lot!

Re: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:22:48 GMT

I have the same problem...

http://line6.com/community/message/134303#134303

It seems like a number of amp models have this issue. I don't know if it is intentionally modeled or not... but I agree the sound's not cool.

Re: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:15:15 GMT

Thanks for the reply Line6Andy and cgtrman, It’s nice to hear from you Andy.

I should mention once again I am still very happy with the amplifier, so a personal thanks to you and the staff at Line 6. This is a happenin' amp!

I understand what you meant by perception of tone, but this is not a perception issue (and perception is not too important to me. Can you imagine trying to answer a writer’s concerns about “how their Marshall sounds different than the Line6 modelled one?”) It would be exhausting dealing with this forum, as I’m sure it is at times. The “ghost tones” are there and I was not sure if it was a limitation of modeling technology or as they actually appear on certain amplifiers. Like a lot of players, I have had quite a few amplifiers in my lifetime (and played through quite a few too) and I have never heard this quirk with any of them with the exception of the Spiders and my Flextone III. What I was hoping for was for other players to write back and acknowledge the transient tones on their amps, or if they don’t hear them.

As for Line 6, I would hope someone at the company would plug into their amp (at the settings I mentioned) and give me their opinion of what is happening.

Thank you cgtrman. I was not aware of “ghost tones” happening on Vox AC30’s. I will take the time to check out what that is all about. I think you have answered my question.

I hope this has been informative for all readers.

Re: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:03:46 GMT

I posted the same question about the Class A Red model on the Spider IV 75 three months ago:

http://line6.com/community/thread/19556

Do a search for ghost notes on Vox AC 30s, it's a characteristic that has been accurately modelled by Line 6 in their amp models.

Since I also own the new Spider Valve MKII I can tell you it is that way on that amp too. I really like the new Class A models!

RE: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:02:17 GMT

Hello,

Yes, the amp modeling and the perception of the tone is a very subjective topic (as Nick has already pointed out). Amp modeling may reveal "weaknesses" in the original amps, and even the same brand/model can sound radically different between individual units. YOu may want to try the original versions of a couple of the amp models you are calling out to see if you notice the same behavior.

Re: Strange tones on Spider IV

support@line6.com — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:42:04 GMT

Thank you for taking the time to try your amp out, Nick.

What is most unusual it that the "overtones" are limited to a relatively small frequency (or pitch) to my ears...those pitches around the 5th to 12th fret on a guitar's G string. Only on Class A models, and with Drive added.

When I get more time, I am going to experiment with different guitars. (I have 16!) I have a real fondness towards single coils in the neck position, therefore I am going to try all my pickup variations with Les Paul, Semi-acoustic, etc...I will take the time to write back if I discover anything different.

Have fun using the Line 6 - happy new year to all!