Purchased Wrong PowerCab?

[dzruna]

I'm wondering if I should have purchased the 112+ instead of the 112. I can get good Fender tones in most cases using the Jarvis speaker emulation on the Powercab and removing cab blocks on the Helix (using Fender amp models) but when I use the Powercab in FRFR and cab blocks on the Helix something sounds way off. I could probably correct all of my presets with EQing, different Hi\Low cuts, etc. to compensate but it seems like the issue lies with the Powercab 112. There are many posts from people using the 112+ that mention how switching to LF-Raw makes a huge improvement to the Powercab in FRFR mode. I think this is what I am missing. It doesn't look like the 112 (non plus) version has this option so I think I'm stuck and possibly have to turn off all cab blocks in all presets and live with one speaker emulation on the Powercab that sounds decent. I would prefer having the option to use speaker emulation at times for that AITR feel but would mainly use a good clean FRFR mode. I have a QSC K12 that sounds much better to me surprisingly compared to the Powercab in FRFR. I want to use the Powercab but it feels like a step backwards right now. Any advice would be appreciated. I do already know about optimizing levels and the usual recommendations when setting up a Powercab.   

[rd2rk]

TBH, I think that the LF Flat/Raw settings are overrated as a solution to the problem you've described.

All they do is disable the HF Driver (same as FLAT mode) and change the speaker EQ.

Most people I've seen recommend them on TGP have eventually dumped the Powercab.

It sounds to me more like you just don't like the way the Powercab sounds.

You might be better off trying a regular guitar speaker cab with something like an SD Powerstage as an amp.

 

Also, many people don't like the stock Helix cabs. They require dialing in as to mic and distance, Hi/Lo cuts and early reflections.

That's why many prefer using 3rd party IRs, which, to me, are a whole 'nother rabbit hole.

That said, many 3rd party IR vendors offer free "sample" packs. You might want to try some of those, as well as some of the FFIRs (Far Field IRs) that some folks have posted over on TGP.

I like the York Audio IRs, and I've used Redwirez (the ORIGINAL IR rabbit hole) for years. Both offer free "sample" packs.

 

My experience - I've tried Studio Monitors, Tube Combo amps, Alto TS210, HR FRFR112 and PC112+, in every mode, with stock cabs, IRs (NF and FF), and speaker sims.

I traded my PC112+ for a PC212+, and I feel like I'm home. I still use every method and mode depending on the needs of the preset I'm working on, but they all sound good.

Now it's only a question of what sounds BEST.

And Stereo too!

 

 

[dzruna]

On 4/22/2021 at 3:06 PM, rd2rk said:

My experience - I've tried Studio Monitors, Tube Combo amps, Alto TS210, HR FRFR112 and PC112+, in every mode, with stock cabs, IRs (NF and FF), and speaker sims.

I traded my PC112+ for a PC212+, and I feel like I'm home. I still use every method and mode depending on the needs of the preset I'm working on, but they all sound good.

Now it's only a question of what sounds BEST.

And Stereo too!

 

 

Thanks for passing this along. I don't think I want to get into the IR rabbit hole. Seems like one more variable that might complicate things. I may change my mind on this later.

 

What is it about the PC212+ that you prefer over the 112+. It it a stereo or dual cab thing?

[rd2rk]

Sounds bigger and stereo. The two are not the same.