Any experiences using a Palmer Speaker Sim with an Express?

[timg]

Happy Holidays to all!

Has anyone used Palmer's PDI-03 or PGA-04 with an Express clone? I did some searches and found a few references but I didn't get enough to go on. I may be moving residences in the future and I am exploring "silent" recording/practicing options.

Thanks in advance for your advice!!



http://www.palmer-germany.com/mi/en/Pro ... -2.htm#top

[pablogt]

A friend of mine tried it and liked it a lot. If I understood well, they are what Bonamassa uses for sending his guitar to the PA...

[vibratoking]

Yes, I use a PGA-04 with most of my amps during gigs instead of a mic. I've used in on a Rocket, Express, JTM45, Twin, Super Reverb, Fuchs, 5E3 Deluxe, 183/102, Lonestar Special and more. It works well most of the time. I had an issue with an intermittent static sound when used with the Fuchs. I never got to the bottom of that problem, but I doubt it was the amp's fault.

I should qualify my statement and say that it works well, when I am using it in conjuction with a live amp that has it's speaker operating. I have also used it as a load box only to record with and also through the PA not in conjunction with a live amp. The results are less than good in that situation IMO. For my taste, I need the real amp sound. It is good for consistent sound reinforcement, but I don't like it alone. I have tried EQ, reverb, etc... to 'fix' the Palmer only sound, but never got satisfying results. I play rock, blues, jazz, fusion stuff, FWIW. I suspect that metal type players may like the Palmer only sound better. That's what I gather from my investigations.

I am in the process of selling off a lot of my gear, so I have one for sale. PM me if you are interested.

[Reeltarded]

Not with TW, but yes I use them all the time. Excellent choice.

I channelize to a small format console where the amp drives the box and a cabinet. The mixed signal loops out to stereo power and cabs.

[dartanion]

My endorsee Ben Averch uses a Palmer ADIG-LB. It sounds pretty darn good with the Vapour (Express like) and his other amps.

[timg]

Thanks for the insights, folks! They do seem to have a number of big name players and sorta pricey. I agree that amp+cabinet+air+ears is the best sonically and I was/am still wondering how a Palmer would react with all the volume knob playing that goes on with an Express. Out of curiosity has anyone heard of any other products like this? I stumbled across the Palmer boxes a few weeks ago, but have not seen much else from other vendors like Radial or Countryman.

[vibratoking]

timg - I sent you a PM. As I mentioned, I would just get a POD XT or something if I was going to do the headphone only thing. Seems like such a waste cranking up an Express and then just cut it down to size. The Palmer will allow for the clean to mean thing, but neither will sound as good IMO.

Or you could just play acoustic. I very rarely plug into an amp when not in a band situation. I actually prefer to play unplugged, it makes me listen more and forces me to play cleaner and more muscially, if that makes sense. And that's how Roy B did it. If you can sing on an unplugged electric, you can soar with an amp.

[overtone]

My experience with the Palmer is positive for apartment use. I bought one after trying the amp-sims / pod route. The cost of the Palmer 03 was a bit of a mental hurdle for me too, but only beforehand. Once I had started using it I really kicked myself for not getting it earlier.

The only TW circuit that I have is a Rocket and it is a great way of being able to dime that amp in the apartment.
Amp>Palmer>interface thingy>DAW.
I added a resistor to adjust the load going into the interface converter. Works well with every amp I have run through it, be prepared for some EQ work.

I understand the comments about using it alone, but in an inner city apartment the chances of running it parallel with speakers are few.

It helps keep the peace at home. I get a lot of complaints about the tapping of my foot now.

Best, tony

[timg]

Hi Overtone and Vibratoking! All good points! You guys are not making this easy for me!...LOL!! Thanks so much for your insights!

[overtone]

re. "sorta pricey" and "other products":

there is a smaller product from Palmer, the PDI-09 "The Junction".
BUT, this does not have the load box, only the DI with speaker simulation and very limited switchable EQ.
If you are handy with a soldering iron you could run it with a DIY load box to be silent.
The PDI-03 load is designed for 200W to allow them to market the unit for 100W and most of the real-estate of the 19" case is taken up by the resistors for the load.

I have never used the small -09 unit, so I cannot advise on the performance.
My understanding is that the in-house transformers and inductor coils used in all units are the same, which would make commercial sense.

The little PDI-09 retails for 89 Euro here.
Secondhand units are rare and go for nearly as much as the retail, as with the -03 and -04.

Good luck with the move,
tony

[timg]

Hi Tony! I did see the PDI-09 on the Palmer site but since they didn't have the load box I sorta dismissed them.....Hmm....worth a second look!

Thanks!!