Line 6 Spider Valve

[NevermoreMan90]

Who else has heard of the new spider Valve? It looks like it would be a sick amp!

[Bridge The Void]

On paper, I agree - it seems like a godsend. Nevertheless, I am yet to hear how it sounds, and only then can I form an opinion.

If it sounds better than a Roadking then hallelujah...I won't need to save £3000 up :p

[NevermoreMan90]

Its got all the models and presets that are found on the Spider 3; all 400 of them. It sells for $799 on musicians friend.

[Bridge The Void]

I think we're all fully aware of that. Nevertheless, whether or not it sounds good with its shiny new tube-driven hardware is still yet to be judged on the larger scale of things. I am still slightly skeptical, but hopeful.

[shakeESP]

There doesn't seem to be enough hype on it, to be honest. And I can never trust the Line 6 videos that they have up on their site for every product.

-Chris

[ShreddyMcFunTits]

I've got to hear one first, if it sounds alright I might just get one to replace my SpiderII.

[Nick31]

how do preamp tubes work exactly ? are they phase inverter ?

[Thrashman]

As always sceptic about line6's stuff. Don't dig em.

[Sidivan]

While it definitely looks intriguing, I'm intrigued and leary about the whole thing.

I'm a huge Line 6 fan. I have a Vetta II that I've owned for almost 3 years now and a Pod XT Live for longer. I love them both, but I have to say that the Pod XT Live sounds like junk used as a pedal in front of an amp. I don't know how the Spider Valves are setup, but it sounds like they have Line 6's front end modeling (like a pedal) and then pumped into a Bogner amp. Granted, it's the Spider III models in the front end, which sound great, but I wonder if it'll have the same crappy sound as a POD as a front end.

[Riff Master Mike]

It's still an entry level amp regardless. It's too cheap to be too good, plain and simple.

[TheDevilHimself]

I think Line6 should stay true to modelling technology and go without tubes. Jumping on that bandwagon is kinda like saying "Well look we make great modelling amps but we still cannot completely model a tube sound so now we have to go tube".

[Imperium]

I think Line 6 have gone with the Spider for their first tube driven attempt as if it goes and craps out and sounds shit, they can chalk it up to experience and then the next incarnations of it and maybe higher end stuff will be much better and relyably.

It makes sence to go with the cheap stuff first, then the more expensive stuff later on!!!

[Deadpulse]

While it definitely looks intriguing, I'm intrigued and leary about the whole thing.

I'm a huge Line 6 fan. I have a Vetta II that I've owned for almost 3 years now and a Pod XT Live for longer. I love them both, but I have to say that the Pod XT Live sounds like junk used as a pedal in front of an amp. I don't know how the Spider Valves are setup, but it sounds like they have Line 6's front end modeling (like a pedal) and then pumped into a Bogner amp. Granted, it's the Spider III models in the front end, which sound great, but I wonder if it'll have the same crappy sound as a POD as a front end.

Agreed

I do think that the power section of the Spider 2 - 3 were ass, but it probably wasn't the bottleneck as to why it sounded like crap. Although this is taking it a step in the right direction, I don't think these things are gunna be beyond bedroom use for the next 2 gens.

[KH Guitar Freak]

I think Line6 should stay true to modelling technology and go without tubes. Jumping on that bandwagon is kinda like saying "Well look we make great modelling amps but we still cannot completely model a tube sound so now we have to go tube".

I don't get it, if Line 6 models some of the Randall solid states, does that make them less of a modelling company??? ;)

[KH Guitar Freak]

As always sceptic about line6's stuff. Don't dig em.

Not surprised with that comment of yours...

[DarkKnight369]

I think Line6 should stay true to modelling technology and go without tubes. Jumping on that bandwagon is kinda like saying "Well look we make great modelling amps but we still cannot completely model a tube sound so now we have to go tube".

I don't think that is why they did it. There are some players out there who never would buy Line 6 stuff because it wasn't tubes. They like the tube feel and wouldn't want to touch anything else. Line 6 created the SV with Bogner to help appease these people. Also, I am sure they wanted to directly compete with products like the H&K Switchblade.

[TheDevilHimself]

^^ Exactly. But I think Line6 should just ignore those players. Their stuff is so good, they don't need to go tube!

In addition, if tube at all, I would reckon a design would be a modelling preamp and a tube power amp - somewhat like the H&K Switchblade.

[chrisolson]

I just sold my Mesa Rectoverb head and pre-ordered the Spider Valve Head -- FWIW...

I spent about an hour with a Spider III combo (which in the past I had not liked), and dug in a bit. I got some great tones out of it!! I was truly surprised!! I understand that Reinhold helped to tweak the amp models on this amp as well, so it's NOT exactly like the SIII.

I can't wait for this sucker to get here - this could be the longest TBD time frame of my life!!!

[mrclean77]

I have a Spider II combo, not sure why you'd bother putting tubes in there, some say the II's better, some say the II was better

Either way, I still say either/or, pick - tubes or no tubes, it'd be neat to mess around with in a store for 15 min, but I couldn't see myself wanting an amp like that, just weird

[T'cat]

early days for line 6 with the valve stuff but i would think the spider valve will sound ok nothing special but noth major to rival any of the big guns in the tube amp market.always skeptical with amps with built in effects and im not a big fan of line6 fx's so i thinking this is going to run infront of the tube power section so theres going to be a lot of colouration so the big question is how will it mix?|

[chrisolson]

early days for line 6 with the valve stuff but i would think the spider valve will sound ok nothing special but noth major to rival any of the big guns in the tube amp market.always skeptical with amps with built in effects and im not a big fan of line6 fx's so i thinking this is going to run infront of the tube power section so theres going to be a lot of colouration so the big question is how will it mix?|

Aren't the effect USUALLY in front of the power section? I do most of my effects post preamp section, but you can't really run effect AFTER the power section. That would put them between the amp and the cab.

The only effect you'd run before the preamp section (most the time anyway) would be your wah, distortion, overdrive, etc. Time effects (chorus, flange, phase, delay) are generally run in the loop or after the preamp.

Line 6 knows what they're doing - don't worry about "colouring" of effects. It wil mix just fine. I'm more concerned how the digital portion of the preamp and the tube part of the preamp are going to interact.

[T'cat]

Line 6 knows what they're doing - don't worry about "colouring" of effects. It wil mix just fine. I'm more concerned how the digital portion of the preamp and the tube part of the preamp are going to interact.


thats what i really ment to say the digital section of the preamp will it sound smoother and more natural and incoperate well with the tubes ?im not a line 6 hater and would like to see some sucess come of the spider valve fingers crossed.

[Riff Master Mike]

The success of the spider valve will have a large effect on the next generation of their other amps, including the vetta.

[Justinschut]

I saw one in a flyer today, does that mean they're in stores yet ?

[NevermoreMan90]

They're not available quite yet, but will be very soon. You can preorder one on Musicians friend if you'd like. Im personally going after the new POD X3 now...

[cobrahead1030]

^^ Exactly. But I think Line6 should just ignore those players. Their stuff is so good, they don't need to go tube!

In addition, if tube at all, I would reckon a design would be a modelling preamp and a tube power amp - somewhat like the H&K Switchblade.

from a business standpoint that wouldn't make a lick of sense

there is a large base of players who agree that modelers can sound good, but they don't have the response/feel of a tube amp, that factor that makes you wanna play it more and more

why would they ignore all these people who have a very valid point, and just wait for the h&k switch blade and randall modular amps to take over that market?

[chrisolson]

from a business standpoint that wouldn't make a lick of sense

there is a large base of players who agree that modelers can sound good, but they don't have the response/feel of a tube amp, that factor that makes you wanna play it more and more

why would they ignore all these people who have a very valid point, and just wait for the h&k switch blade and randall modular amps to take over that market?

I agree - it's borderline "bandwagon", but it's best to jump on that train early. Line 6 has a HUGE customer base, and a very loyal one at that. Provided this product is everything they are touting it to be, it should be a hit, and the dowstream effects will be felt by everyone.

From there, I could easily see a matched tube poweramp to go in the racks of all those people playing PODs, and of course there's a LOT of Vetta users out there who are converted "tube snobs" - guys who will gig with a Vetta because it's "good enough" and they don't have to drag the tube amps out and deal with everything that comes along with that. The Vetta is going to be consistent every night, whereas tube amps can somtimes be a little finicky, and I think that's why the Vetta has done so well. I've heard rumors that the Flextone series might be on it's way out, but can't confirm that at all - just rumors. I'm sure we'll see a Vetta Valve if this Spider Valve is successful.

With that said, I understand the people who gripe about the lack of "feel" with the L6 stuff, but personally, I like the way I play when using these. That's probably why I've had nearly everything L6 has turned out. The tube part of this is just a bonus for me.

[chrisolson]

thats what i really ment to say the digital section of the preamp will it sound smoother and more natural and incoperate well with the tubes ?im not a line 6 hater and would like to see some sucess come of the spider valve fingers crossed.

I'm sure it will - I would bet they put a lot of time into that, and I understand that Reinhold did work with them on the preamp tweaking to some extent. It should be good. I'm betting $799 that it will!! :rollin

[cobrahead1030]

i would expect a cool amp for the $800 price tag...nothing more, nothing less

[T'cat]

old saying '' u pay for what u get ' $800 isn't a lot for an amp !

[Thrashman]

word.. but might just be cause its a new invention of some sort.. or whatever. Or they're just being nice guys. :)

[chrisolson]

Ok - you got me. I bought it for the light show. :p

[RandomHero]

I love my Spider II 212 combo. I've always liked the stuff that Line 6 has come up with. However, I'm skeptical about this one. It's definitely new ground for the company, so I'm sure it's going to have it's kinks. The tubes kinda scare me. Don't get me wrong, I love tube amps. I just don't think this is going to mesh that well. As the money goes, it seems to be a decent deal. I guess I'll just stick with my HD147's and Krank's. But I'd say it'll be pretty good

[Riff Master Mike]

It's quality is going to reflect it's price, period.

[BrazilianBootyLover]

I'm thinking about getting the new invader 100.

[chrisolson]

It's quality is going to reflect it's price, period.

$800 is chump change then? Not sure what you're saying...

[chrisolson]

I'm thinking about getting the new invader 100.

What's that?

Nevermind - what does Engl have to do with his discussion?

[Riff Master Mike]

$800 is chump change then? Not sure what you're saying..
I am saying that you get what you pay for.

$800 is middle of the road, it's not a pro quality price tag by any means, hence the spider label.

[TREVA]

line 6 amps ???
For god's sake !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Riff Master Mike]

line 6 amps ???
For god's sake !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why I oughtta!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/FunnyMajik.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/IMG_0020.jpg

[chrisolson]

Why I oughtta!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/FunnyMajik.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/IMG_0020.jpg

Your cred just SKYROCKETED WITH ME!! Wow.

Here's my chronological L6 list (a few amps I bought/traded for a couple times...):

Flextone Duo
Spider 210
Flextone HD
POD 1.0
POD 2.0
Flextone HD
POD Pro
Flextone
Flextone XL II
Duoverb
Flextone XL III
POD 2.0
POD XT
POD 2.3
Flextone XL III
Floor POD Plus
Spider Valve - pre-ordered

The only ones I have not owned are the Vetta, HD147, and the Spider II/III. Played them a lot though.

Middle of the road is okay with me. I play what I can afford.

[RandomHero]

Why I oughtta!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/FunnyMajik.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/IMG_0020.jpg

...I can't feel my legs
That's quite possibly one of the greatest things I've ever seen

[Riff Master Mike]

Hmm, you must be new guys.

[chrisolson]

Hmm, you must be new guys.

Kinda. Long time lurker. I used to love watching all the food fight around these parts.

Hi anyway!

[RandomHero]

Hmm, you must be new guys.

Fo Schizzle

[Dingbat-Walabi]

how much is the HD100 half stack? i think i might trade my halfstack for either a valve or a v2

[chrisolson]

The Spider Valve HD's are $800. Choose your cab - it's a V30 loaded cab. You can use whatever you want there.

[Stephy]

Why I oughtta!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/FunnyMajik.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/IMG_0020.jpg



mmmmm I'm in love.

[Riff Master Mike]

Sucker.:p

It's the radness isn't it?

[Stephy]

its all my gear I see in that pic :)

[NevermoreMan90]

how much is the HD100 half stack? i think i might trade my halfstack for either a valve or a v2
The head is $800, and the matching cab is $700, so a halfstack would be $1300. You could obviously go with a cheaper cab though.

[cobrahead1030]

The head is $800, and the matching cab is $700, so a halfstack would be $1300. You could obviously go with a cheaper cab though.

wtf kinda math is that?

ya know i just thought about it, i've owned a lot of line 6 stuff...never ended up keeping it tho

i've had a spider 2x12 combo, flextone hd, flextone 2x12 combo, pod 2.0, bass pod, pod xt, and currently a toneport ux1

if the vht deliverance i just bought doesn't work out, i may check out this spider valve

[BoogieII]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/NeloAngelo/Funny%20and%20Avatar/seriousmajik.jpg

[chrisolson]

Got to play one. Let's just say I'm going to be VERY satisfied with my purchase!! I played the 1x12 - it's LOUD. The amp models are what I expected, and very useable. The effects are craptacular, but I can live with them. If I hate them enough, I'll just use a pedal, but I think I can make do. This sucker in 100 watts in conjunction with a closed back 412 is going to be massive!!

I can't wait for the heads to be released!

[T'cat]

no fx's loop crappy fx's thats not good even though the power section is decent enough !i think ill stick with my amp and pedals this time around .

[cobrahead1030]

i played the 1x12 combo last week

it was pretty cool...it didn't suck but i wasn't blown away either; it was a typical mediocre tube amp with more flexibility

i think it's a decent product for the price, but i don't see myself getting one anytime soon...of course i only tried the combo with a v30 that certainly wasn't broken in, at fairly low volumes, with a guitar i didn't care for

so take all i said with a grain of salt...if i get to play the head, with a good cab, and one of my own guitars then i'll be able to say a little more

[chrisolson]

no fx's loop .

Actually there is. http://www.line6.com/spidervalve/insouts.html

[T'cat]

IS THAT A PROPER FX'S LOOP ? it looks like a power amp and preamp out certainly not like a dedicated serial / parallel fx's loop with control signal switch ??

[Olie_80's_Child]

I'm not too impressed by it but I will reserve my final judgement after I play it this weekend! ;)

[Mr Pigwalk]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/IMG_0020.jpg

Haha dumbass you aint got no cabs!

For 800 bucks a head and 700 a cab.. fuck that's just dumb. My Vetta setup including shortboard cost less than what a new Spider Valve is going for? Sounds dumb.

Dumb like having no cabs *oooooh burn*

[chevy Z 302]

how do you think rack gear is routed?

i'd say you'll need a mixer with good effects to sound good but none the less its nothing new.

If you really want to get proper effects loop you need to start looking at boutique stuff.

[Riff Master Mike]

Haha dumbass you aint got no cabs!
yeah.. thats one of the best things about line 6, you don't need a load to use them. I just plug everything direct through my studio monitors when I am at home.

I didn't include my cabs for 2 reasons other than that.

1. I don't use Line 6 cabs.
2. My cabs weren't at my house when the pic was taken.

But oh, I got cabs mothatrucka!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/IWTKYrigs.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/l_6862d85f5eab71e11dba00db54080abe.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/MajikRiffs/l_7fee06348b3deefc4f4f5fcb84aa72a6.jpg

[Mr Pigwalk]

pffft your photoshop trickery don't fool me cabless one.

[Riff Master Mike]

These are my real cabs..
http://www.silverlighteditions.com/Antique-Furniture-Gallery/Antique-China-Cabinet.jpg

[Stephy]

:rollin:rollin:rollin

good one, honey! *high fives*

[T'cat]

pffft your photoshop trickery don't fool me cabless one.

did u down a 6 pack of retard?:rolleyes:

[Mr Pigwalk]

These are my real cabs..
http://www.silverlighteditions.com/Antique-Furniture-Gallery/Antique-China-Cabinet.jpg

Made in China eh? By little slave chinese children I presume?

Hey for real though, where do you get the modelling speakers from? I've noticed they have them on the L6 site, but I'm not too sure if those are worth buying at 60 bucks a pop.

[DarkKnight369]

It's still an entry level amp regardless. It's too cheap to be too good, plain and simple.

I agree. I hear it has good tone, but still falls short with the smart FX and other features. Now if they came out with like the Vetta Valve or something, that might be interesting.

[Riff Master Mike]

Pig, they don't make the ones I have anymore. Mine are the UK made Celestions modelers before they moved to China. I got 8 of them, through avatar speakers. He bought a whole pallet of them from their last load they made, which he then sold off rather quickly. The price sounds about right. They are well made, heavy speakers, what you would expet celestions to be like anyway. They are along the lines of a classic lead 80 but with a flatter response curve. Even if I went back to regular amps I would keep those cabs with those speakers, they sound good with any amp.

[cobrahead1030]

Haha dumbass you aint got no cabs!

For 800 bucks a head and 700 a cab.. fuck that's just dumb. My Vetta setup including shortboard cost less than what a new Spider Valve is going for? Sounds dumb.

Dumb like having no cabs *oooooh burn*

$700 for a v30 loaded cab isn't really bad at all...there aren't many to be had out there for less than that new

that's assuming it's atleast a decent cab they're putting out, i've not played one yet so it's hard to say