Red Box cabinet emulator vs. speaker amp build

[10thTx]

I have built another 6BM8 HoSo56 "the Minimalist" type amp for a setting requiring a "zero volume" stage. This means NO speaker cab on the stage and the amp runs straight into the PA system where the sound guy is in control of things.

So, I used a 100w dummy load resistor and a Hughes & Kettner Red Box speaker emulator which will run into the PA system. I recorded a quick "one take demo" of how this worked recording straight into my computer.

After doing so, I remembered doing another demo recently playing some of the same riffs thru a different amp with a different guitar. So, while not an apples to apples comparison ........ I thought it would be useful to hear the Red Box speaker emulator VS. a cabinet speaker.

The question was/is: Does the cabinet emulator sound enough like running an amp thru a speaker that non-guitarists wouldn't notice or be able to tell the difference?

One amp is a 6V6 using a 335 copy. The other amp is the Minimalist 6BM8 amp using a hollow body Tele with an f-hole. So, in that regard it's apples and oranges. However, the same settings for slight delay, slight compression and EQ were used in the recordings of both ............... so in that regard, it is apples to apples. NO effects pedals were used on either. Guitar into amp only.

There are 3 songs:

Jazz version A Jazz version B

Over the Rainbow version A Over the Rainbow version B

Georgia version A Georgia version B

https://soundclick.com/r/s8itsr

IF you're open to it, I'd love to hear what you think is the speaker cabinet versions on those 3 songs? I'll post the results at the end of today 9-22.

With respect, 10thtx

BTW, the majority of the wood on the amp cab head was from a hosiery mill built in North Carolina in 1924. 100 yr old pine dressed up with some other left over wood trims.

[Phil_S]

Nicely done! Is there a poll to complete somewhere? I wouldn't want to tilt the opinions by saying here what I think.

[10thTx]

No poll.

AND I'd be very grateful for your opinion! THANKS! I'm not worried about influencing other's opinion. It's more of an impressionistic "test" than something scientific.

My main question is whether non-guitarists could tell a difference?

Appreciate it! With respect, 10thtx

[Phil_S]

I suggest, in a live situation, most people wouldn't notice the difference, partly because they won't be offered a comparison, and partly because it sounds good!

I'll go out on a limb and say the 1st of each pair was the real speaker. I feel like there was more depth to the sound.

I suggest you would benefit from getting folks into a venue of the right size and shape. There's nothing better than a real live test. But I'm sure you know this.

[10thTx]

Thanks for the response! Truly appreciated! Will give the answer later tonight.

With respect, 10thtx

[bepone]

i was trying to listen carrefully but nothing to conclude. didnt find any micro details (organic resonances from the box added to the tone or "pumping" effect on 4x12" per example ) so conclusion is that or box is very small, or box is very stiff

[katopan]

My guess is that the real speaker is:
Jazz version A
Over the Rainbow version B
Georgia version A

I also agree that in a live context with no direct comparison, non-guitarist audience members won't know.

[10thTx]

The Red Box is jazz A, Over the Rainbow B & Georgia A
The speaker cab was a Fender SuperSonic 22 with a 12” speaker mic’d close with. Shure57

Thanks to all who participated! I appreciate the responses very much.

With respect, 10thtx