Ugly Guitar Truth: Marshall CODE Digital Modeling Amps

Marshall is one of the biggest name in guitar amplifiers. They are preferred by professional around the world. JCM 800 is so iconic among guitarist that without it, we wouldn't have the same music that we enjoy today. Punk and grunge music almost exclusively used these amps, so its no wonder that the Marshall name has garnered a lot of weight with the guitar playing public. Almost as strong as Marshall's legacy of tone is the disdain that guitarist have for modeling digital amps. It is not a secret that guitarist love there old school gear. The more vintage something is, the more a guitarist wants it. Guitars from the 50's and 60's are some of the most coveted pieces of kit one could want. And yet, every time a new product comes out, we get excited to see if it stands up to the standards we have set. Does the Marshall CODE line of amps uphold the standards set by its tubey-big brothers? It's about to get ugly...

It's Expansive

So, the first thing you notice about these amps is that the list of features is long. 14 preamp models, 4 power amps, 8 speaker cab models, 24 fx (5 at-a-time), Bluetooth integration and USB connectivity top the list. Looking at the list of models, it looks like a list of classic Marshall amps. Plexi, Silver Jubilee, JCM800 make it seem worth it alone. Not to mention you can have your pick of 8 speaker sims to craft your model. So there are options. If that sounds like a lot, it's because it is. But don't worry, connecting a mobile device with help sort through the huge list of options and help visualize your settings. That's really what is setting this new generation of modeling amp apart. The fact that you can connect your tablet or phone with your amp and make real time changes is a game changer. Of course your have to make good sounds with those settings...

The Hardware Is Getting Overlooked

With an overwhelming list of features and a whole lot of new tech under the hood, the CODE amps come a long way from the dark ages of modeling amplifiers. Or have they? There is just some things that you can't do with your fancy 1s and 0s. The speakers and amps in these type amps have to be flexible. The have to sound like dark, deep amp one second and then a bright, middy amp the next. There is a classic problem with this that gets crowded out by all these features. You are physically limited by the hardware (speaker, amp, enclosure). You can simulate the affect that a 4x12 has on a sound wave, but you can make a single speaker sound like a 4x12 cab. If you could produce a solid state amp that replicated a Silver Jubilee faithfully, then you can retire and enjoy all of the money that guitarist will throw at you, but you are limited. Has Marshall stunted their amp with sub performing  hardware? No, but they asking a great deal from their hardware. No doubt Marshall chose the amp/speaker combo to best suit their need, but lets be real. The best digital model is only as good as the analog parts it's put through.

Just Look At It

So, if I'm being honest. This is, in my opinion, the best looking modeling amp. Classic black on black with the Marshall script logo is super solid. I would be proud to have this on stage behind me on looks alone. The controls have a classic Marshall look as well. There is one aspect of this amp that is a bit of an eyesore though. The app and not the easiest to navigate and easily the weakest link in it's chain. Line6 probably saw the CODE app and then poured a lot more assets into the app design.

Conclusion


The CODE line was actually one of the earliest lines to include Bluetooth and app integration and control. Marshall was on the forefront of the next generation of modeling amplifiers. For being the front runners, Marshall got a lot thing right. Others have been playing catch up (*cough Line6 cough*) and others have put out very comparable offerings (Black Star and BOSS). We readily await other entries into the next generation of modeling amps (VOX and Fender). There is a lot to praise on these amp such as price, size, features, and power. But it's important to remember that, despite the fact that is both new and shiny (two things that excite all guitarist), it has limits. Yes, we can push a button that says PLEXI, but what we receive is a digital approximation of what that sounds like. We will get close, and that's about it.

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Ugly Truth: Line6 Spider V Amps

Alright so here's the thing, there is a palpable hate toward this entire range of amplifiers. Nearly every guitar player has played through one of these amps, or at least have heard one played. The Spider line has taken more hits than Louisville-Slugger, and has served as the whipping post for anyone putting digital modeling amps on blast. Line6 has doubled down on the Spider name. They have released the fifth generation of the Spider despite any of the negative feedback. Perhaps they've listened to the criticism and produced a better product. It is clear that the stigma still lingers over the Spider name. Do these amp deserve this kind of hate? Well, here is truth:




They Are Well Equipped

The features on the Line6 Spider V amps are actually one of the most interesting things about them. Sure, there are a lot of different sounds on board, as there are with all the amps in this range. The addition of control via mobile device is robust and intuitive. It feels like there was a lot of time spent on interface of the app. Probably the biggest feature that gets overlooked on these amps is its ability to function as an acoustic amp. Equipped with a tweeter, this combo can do more than model electric amps and effects. This alone makes it a little more than meets the eye. In addition, there is actually an integrated wireless receiver with their Relay Go System (In the bigger units). This makes them wireless ready right out of the box.  Also, these amp are compatible with the  FBV control pedal. Making them very easy customize and switch between settings. The third gen  FBV control pedal actually barrows from the Helix motif, color coding the each footswitch according to the effect that it t triggers. Again this is only available on the larger units. And they (the Relay Go and FBV) aren't "features" as much as they are options, as in optional, as in they don't come with it, but you can buy them... making this sizable purchase into a more sizable purchase... causing the whole thing to become rather...

...Expensive

Yeah, even compared to the other offerings in this range, the Line6 Spider V is pricey. Coming in at the higher end of the watt/dollar range, these amp command a hefty sum for what seems like a checkered legacy. That's before you start looking at the optional foot control pedal. (that will set you back another $250) and wireless adapters. It's hard see why the Sider V has to be head and shoulders above in price, when they are competing directly with unit that costs (in some cases) hundreds less. Marshal, Black Star, Boss and Vox all have recently updated their line of make-all-the-sounds boxes and appear to be an attractive value in comparison. And while we're talking about being attractive...




They're Ugly


Yeah, they look like cosmetics were not even considered. I'm not sure if they were going for a modern look, but they failed. I'm not the biggest fan of new gear trying to cop a vintage vibe, but it appears that the Spider V is just phoning it in. It is minimalism and sleek-ish, but it's not winning any beauty contest. Objectively, function trumps form in most cases, but when deciding what amp will set the stage (literally) for your overall vibe aesthetics have to be considered.


Conclusion


While I will concede that this amp often get blamed for a multitude of undeserved sins, some of the blame is well earned. Many guitarist start their musical journey with one of the Spider amps. The popularity of these amp is undeniable. When starting out, these amps promise an feature-laden do-it-all machine. However, after acquiring experience many user discover areas where these amps suffer. The truth is, that these amps are fantastic for a beginner looking to experience a multitude of sounds without have to invest thousands into a collection of gear that would ultimately go underutilized. Just like every other product out there, these amps have a undying following as well as detractors. While features and connectivity are growing and becoming more user friendly, these amps will probably never ascend to their aspired heights. What we need to do is to realize that there is no magic bullet, and if there were, it would extremely expensive. These amp have a place, but they are probably not the only amp you'll ever need. More specifically, the Spider V is not even my top choice of modeling amplifier. If you are looking for a amp with a solid reputation, check out the Vox Valvetronix line. If you want something more innovative and inexpensive, look at the BOSS Katana. The Spider line IMHO is a chronic underperformer.

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A New Smorgasbord Of Tone From TC Electronic

TC Electronic looks like they have been busy working up a whole new line of effects. They look to be a clear departure from the familiar. These pedals seem to be stripped down, compact version of classic effects. Those that have followed TC Electronic know that they are know for making some of the most dependable and smart effects on the market. Their Ditto was a game changer for many. The Hall of Fame reverb is a staple on many boards. The Flashback, in its many variations, are loved by many. The Toneprint capability of many of their pedal make them endless editable. These new offering look to be a beast of another kind.


What looks to be 13 in all, they all have their jack on top (fun) and range from one to four (external) knobs. These guys offer gain, mod, delay, reverb, and comp in tiny little packages. These pedal are a barrage of color and interesting names. They are: Skysurfer Reverb, Grand Magus Distortion, Tailspin Vibrato, Fangs Metal Distortion, Afterglow Chorus, Rush Booster, Cinders Overdrive, The Prophet Digital Delay, ForceField Compressor, Thunderstorm Flanger, Echo Brain Analog Delay, Rusty Fuzz, and Blood Moon Phaser. Can I just say that I'd buy the Blood Moon Phaser on the name alone.


Now For The Bad News...


This is the first major release since Behringer acquired the brand sometime in the last year or so. Does that mean that there are rehashed plastic pedals masquerading in pretty TC boxes? I don't know. I would to hate to think that TC Electronic would put out anything that wasn't up to their standards. Now, a cool looking, well designed pedal for a small price is always something of interest, so these pedal will remain on my radar. So far I can't find these on any US music web-stores, but Andertons has these available


For more info of these check out TC Electronic's website
For vid of the real deal check out 60 Cycle Hum's YouTube Channel

The Ugly Truth About Christmas Songs (Carols)

Let me start off by saying, Christmas music kind of sucks. Lets face it. It is written to amuse small children and remind of our memories of Christmases when we were small children. They is comfort there, but that doesn't mean that it is any good. Let's take a look at some of the worst parts of the Christmas season. Besides the rampant consumerism, decadence in the face of abject poverty, fanciful-fatman themed emotional manipulation.




Existential Crisis Around Santa Clause

To be heard in "Santa Clause Don't Be Late" and many others. There is something about hearing a grown person persist that there is a large man appointed to venture down a chimney, that doesn't quite sit well. "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer" is song where an entire family lose track of an elderly woman, and assume that she was trampled an elf, his sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. But the underlying them is whether or grandpa still believe in Santa? And yes, many songs promote the belief is Santa as believing in the spirit of generosity and charity, but some do so in a very disturbing manner. I don't know what it is, but when otherwise rational adults start speaking like Santa is going to show up it bothers me. It make me wonder is there is some underlying adult them with all this talk about "shimmying down people chimneys" Speaking of adult situations...

Overtly Sexually Themed Holiday Songs

The most sexualized song in the Christmas catalog is debatably "Santa Baby". Sang in a manor akin to Marilyn Monroe's breathy, sing-songy whispers, This song is like a checklist of female objectification and stereotypes. Not to mention that the song is repetitive and boring. Then we have the heap of creep that is "Baby, It's Cold Outside". The most Christmas-y song centered around date-rape... "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause" is a troubling song in is a very real and tangible way. The song raises more questions than it answers. There is the parentally infidelity, the child's voyeurism, the possibility of holiday themed role playing. I just don't understand why this, of all songs, is a cherished holiday classic. This is made all the worse by the fact that it is sang by a young Michel Jackson. If you know anything about the life of Michel Jackson, you know that his childhood was not entirely whimsical. The end of the song even includes the older of the Jackson 5 berating young Michel for the insinuations. It's just sad. But speaking of sad...

Song That Have No Purpose Other Than Being A Punch To The Gut


"I'll Be Home For Christmas" is generally accepted as one of the greatest and time-test holiday classics. Bing Crosby's crooning is a perfect match for this song. It is almost hard to imagine many of the classis Christmas films without this number in it. However, to the keen listener, the protagonist of the song does not end up spending the holidays with friends and family. Thanks for that cherry ending Bing... But then there are just entire song written to make you uncomfortably sad, while pretending to be about Christmas. The Vilest offending, of course, is "Christmas Shoes". In the last decade and a half, I have been subjected to this miserable song as nearly every Christmas themed production. There must be some sort of connection between depressing ballads and armature vocalist. Maybe the fact that the song makes you face the terribly crushing reality that you have/had a finite time with those that you love and every minute spent listening to awful holiday music is another moment wasted. Obviously this makes everyone sad, and the people who choose to sing thing song are just the worst kind of people that want to bring nothing but pain...


Conclusion


Despite sounding like a huge killjoy. I do love this time of year. I love the time I get to spend with friends and family. As a kid, the focus may be on gift, lights and avoiding having cheeks pinched (do aunts still do that?). As an adult(ish) I love seeing all my family in one place. Somewhere I can spend time with the people that mean the most to me is something that I wait all year for. So, even though there is a vast ocean of music that is just subpar in the most objective way possible, it's really the people around us that make this the best time of year.

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