Here the producers of this exceptional series give you a glimpse of what it's all about:
What are Supermodels? Not the gorgeous celebs but very close where musicians are concerned. For those familiar with the GNX series units, many of the amp models are average in most opinions. Supermodels are complex warped models that more accurately define the amplifier sample. By taking dozens of electrical snapshots or samples, you get a more accurate representation of the amplifier being modeled, including gain characteristics, Eq, Sustain and Compression..all of which are the amp's identity.The skeptic will probably dismiss this description as marketing hyperbole out of hand. That would be unfortunate to say the least. Consider my own experience for example. A while back I purchased the GNX2 (which was discontinued shortly after). I had a good time with it initially but soon realized that the factory patches were (for the most part) frankly useless. Was I going to have to upgrade to the recently released GNX3000 to get the amp/cabinet sounds that I was looking for? Or maybe the GT8? I began to search for reviews on both products (as well as other multi-effects systems). That's when I began to find references to the MFX SUPERMODELS. Hands down, every review I read indicated that these patches were indispensible for getting real usability from the GNX series of guitar effects. The potential of the powerful Digitech technology embedded in these devices--amp/cabinet warping and modeling--was not being realized it seems for the average user. The MFX Supermodel series changes everything!
Using state of the art technology and amplifier sampling, these supermodels contain the most extensive amp model library ever created. These are the real live amplifiers most sought after by many and not included in the majority of multiffects units on the market today. With this Supermodel series you will have tones you dreamed about. Yours to enjoy whether you are jamming, recording, or playing live. The experience and rewards from these exceptional models will surpass anything currently available. Fully organized for use. From the most experienced to the beginning musician. These CD's are designed for pure simplicity.
Fortunately for me, the folks at MTProsound developed the MFXBASIC Series Supermodels for us lowly GNX2/3 users. Hundreds of amp models, artist presets, acoustic amps, and bass simulations. Instructions on how to get the most from the set are included and the website provides further information on the art of amp/cabinet modeling. Even video tutorials. The result?
I am keeping my GNX2! The MFXBASIC Series is, in a word, incredible! Here are my initial (and subsequent) reactions to the patch set that I e-mailed to the creators of this exceptional product:
WOW! This is great! Got the disc in the mail today. The patch set is incredible. I have been running through them with headphones for hours. Who thought this [GNX2] could really sound so good? Now I have a LOT to work with instead of maybe the one or two factory presets I had tweaked...I have had the patches for months and haven't begun to exhaust the possibilities. The tonality and musicality are simply brilliant. At only $60 this is a amazing bargain, well worth every penny and then some. GNX2/3 users can order the basic set here.
...Many thanks! The modeling is incredible! I'm off to play for a few more minutes with the Deluxe Reverb model. Very nice....
Aside from my initial purchase of the GNX2, your patch set for this device has been the best investment in my 'sound' in years! This is absolutely NOT an exaggeration. I have (almost always) hated the 'tone' of my current amp [Fender, Deluxe 85 (solid state noise)] since the day I traded my old one in... Man, what a mistake that was...
...I have told my friends that you could (and maybe should) charge MUCH more for your work. I sincerely hope that it has been worth your time & energy. I know it has benefited me greatly. Initially, I had barely two or three factory patches to work with (which was more then I had before I bought it, I'll admit). Now this thing is "for real" and I can hang out with the "cool kids!"...
IMHO, DigiTech should hire you (period). You made their GNX2... a very worthwhile & useful musical tool...
Last night as I was working on a song and I thought I have to help get the word out to GNX users about these products! They have made all the difference for me. If I had a GNX4 or GNX3000, the first thing I would do would be to order the Ultimate Series Supermodels set (GNX3000 information here). Thousands of quality presets for $115? Don't even think about it. Just order it!
MTProsound has turned the technological marvel of the Digitech into art.
One final note. It is evident that the folks at MTProsound love what they do. When I e-mailed a couple of questions for them, Mike was quick to respond, courteous and very helpful. Not only have they produced a valuable resource for guitarists but their dedication and professionalism is quite apparent.
You can literally hear it.
Digitech GNX2 GNX3 GNX4 GNX3000 guitar effects MTProsound amp modeling cabinet modeling
24 comments:
The above IS marketing Hyperbole.
While the Supermodel series might have some interesting sounds, the Authors claims about working with digitech, access to internal digitech data, actually measuring real amplifiers etc are not supportable.
As of this writing, there is no proof that the supermodels are much more than common warps, a function that is free of charge and available to all.
All the other stuff could only be tall claims to boost sales !!!
The above IS marketing Hyperbole.
While the Supermodel series might have some interesting sounds, the Authors claims about working with digitech, access to internal digitech data, actually measuring real amplifiers etc are not supportable.
As of this writing, there is no proof that the supermodels are much more than common warps, a function that is free of charge and available to all.
All the other stuff could only be tall claims to boost sales
First, I have never read anywhere that the producers of the Supermodel patch set claimed any special connection with DigiTech (the company) and/or access to "internal digitech data".
Second, why do you imply that they did not devise a method for sampling amp & cabinet respone that they could apply to DigiTech amp/cabinet warping to produce results that approximate the measured state of the combo in question?
What you assert are "common warps" sound pretty accurate to me and quite a few others. The Supermodel patch set turned my GNX2 from a toy into a musically useful tool (as I originally stated). I'll take their word on their methodology for producing the set myself.
In the end though I really don't care how they did it, I'm just glad they did.
Do you even have the patch set in question? Your verbage would indicate to me that you do not. If not, then I would say you really cannot make any kind of assessment on the accuracy of the modeling in the first place. If that is the case, why did you even bother?
A) Do you have the Amps and Cabinets that the GNX says that they try to emulate ?
What measurements do you have to prove that the Supermodels are "pretty accurate" ? Please share your proof.
B) The author of the MFX series has not been able to support his claims about measurements/modelling etc. Please check the posts on GNX4.org. This site is a bit more mathematical than most and is a better place to discuss DSP and computer related issues.
C) Digitech oficially state that warp cannot create models of existing amplifiers. However the author of Supermodels claims otherwise.
In such cases, I would rather believe DigiTech.
Whether or not they are punched in by some math wiz or not doesn't matter. I ordered an Ear Candy cabinet for my amp and GNX4. The Guys at Ear candy asked me if I knew of the Supermodels. I said no, but they recommended them. They know what they are talking about. They make custom guitar cabinets. So I took their advice and contacted the MT sound guys and they sent me some examples to try. They didn't tell me to buy anything. There were no spams or links in the return email. Just the patch models and advice! I tried them and I don't care how, but they were 150% better than the stock models. The GNX4 sound was clear as a bell and rang distortion as I played which the pedal NEVER did B4! So I ordered. For less than 50 bucks I got the Hard Rock pack!! Only took 2 days! Once I got them all I can say is they are awesome! I just ebayed my XT Live! Digitech would be smart to use the supermodel guys. The other is their service at MTPRO. I've emailed them 8x with questions about recording, PA amps, usage and they answer every single time. The suggestion for our Mackie PA sys for my band saved us $150 in repair fees. He told us how to fix the board!! I will no doubt get the full pack soon ! My HR Series is easy to use, it has videos and is very organized. If I want crunch I look for it. Ultra lead, it's there. Can't ask for better! Even the volumes are leveled which was more I can say for Digitech models themselves. I like em!
I own a GNX2 with the Basic pack for GNX2 and here's why. I'm in college and I have starving musicians income and often buy from Sweetwater Music.
I wasn't satisfied, after having the GNX2 a while I was going to buy a new XT Live and return the GNX2. Then Brad suggested I try the Supermodels and demoed a GNX4 with them. I was floored! I bought the Model pack and could not believe the difference! Even my gf said wow is that your new pedal? It Sounds Great!
I perform as a OMB, and my audiences at the cafe love my sound! I made more in tips in one night to pay for my Supermodels! My rate after a few gigs was re-nego'ed with the owner of the cafe'. My guitar sound is better and so is my pay!
Service? First, I had a problem with my speaker selections. I informed the Supermodel guys and they helped me fix my sound. They didn't have too, but called me at MY convenience and walked me through MY setups. On their DIME! That call was over an hour long! They even helped me with my Boss DR-880 drum machine when I asked. Nobody pays that kind of attention to their customers! So for 60 bucks I was treated to the Models plus outstanding support, DR-880 help (good luck asking Boss)!
When I'm asked, I suggest them to anyone with a GNX device.
I play worship.
I read somewhere that G2345 who makes the Supermodels admited that they are just some warps.
So I thought, what the heck, and downloaded all the free warps from the community forum.
Now rather than pay for one person's idea of tone, I got over 250 patches dedicated for each song or artist, made by actual playing musicians.
Whats more, I payed Zilch for the downloads !!
In fairness, G2457 does have some free patches also on the same community board. I did try them out. I find that they are about as good as anyone eleses warps as they are made in the same way. Nothing special worth paying hard earned money for !
And you know how hard it is to earn money playing music these days, especially if you mostly do church and worship. I dont pay for what others give free, especially if the freebies are the same ( or many times even better) quality as the supermodel patches.
God Bless !!
Do you have the Amps and Cabinets that the GNX says that they try to emulate ?
You mean the approximations that the Supermodels are intended to emulate? Let's not confuse the DigiTech presets with the Supermodels sets.
Nope. I don't have them (the amps/cabs) that is why I bought the GNX--to get sounds I do not have access to. Does that mean I don't know what Vox, Mesa, or Marshall sound like? Well, I have spent enough time trying out various bits of equipment at music stores, etc. over the last 20 years or so. Does that help?
What measurements do you have to prove that the Supermodels are "pretty accurate" ? Please share your proof.
My ears, and that, my friend, is all the subjective analysis that I need.
Get it?
I really don't care how they came up with their models. They are musically useful, and when I apply specific artist presets in the style of the artist and it sounds accurate--well, I don't know about you guys, but that works quite well for me.
As for the folks that download all the free patches around the nets--fine, I have a mass of those too. I find that most of these noble attempts are way over the top, more like a caricature of what they intended it to be.
If you can afford even a modest GNX pedal board, you can probably afford to scrape together the meager amount to try these out. Let your ear do the deciding. I doubt you will be disappointed. Dismissing them without hearing them is pointless.
Why flame these guys for producing something that's actually useful?
And finally, their customer service response is just outstanding, as indicated by at least one post here. My own experiences with them totally validates that this is the case.
Whatever works for you, eh? I bought the set. It turned a toy into something musically inspiring. That is enough for me to post kudos to them on my little blog here.
I am a student in college, I play rythm
I got the Supermodels for mY GNX when I was just starting out.
They are great for starting out of the box. All the patches are levelled.
As I got more experience, I found I could make similar patches myself. The GNX comes with software.
So though I initially felt it was a great buy when I was starting out, I now feel 60 bucks is just too much for what is basically just some settings you can do yourself with the free software.
Just my two cents ;)
As I got more experience, I found I could make similar patches myself. The GNX comes with software.
So though I initially felt it was a great buy when I was starting out, I now feel 60 bucks is just too much for what is basically just some settings you can do yourself with the free software.
I remember reading advertisements in Keyboard magazine or other similar publications back in the 80's promoting patch sets for the synths of the day. Sure, you could program them yourself but would you get the same results as someone who basically did it for a living?
I see a similar benefit here. The Supermodels are analogous to the old synth patches.
I want to spend my time playing, not programming. So I take the Supermodels as a reference benchmark for sounds that approximate what I want to achieve at the moment, make some minor tweaks and get to the actual relevent part of the whole exercise--playing.
$60 for ~550 presets? How much time would that save you over programming all those yourself?
In my little world time has a lot of value. Being able to select the sound(s) virtually immediately is worth quite a bit more in my book than $60.
PS Have you actually gone through all of the patches? I haven't even come close, but I have sampled enough of them to recognize that they musically quite useful.
Some say "too much", I say, it's practically a steal.
Hello Yawl,
I have these Supermodel disks.
Some of the patches are good. I use three of them regularly
But overall, it is an amateur attempt at making patches. They are all very close in sound to the factory presets and are just minor variations in tone controls !
Anyone can make them files themselves with a few minutes of tweakin' with the tone controls. Nothing specal here, I'm afraid.
Bob of Texas
"Bob of Texas" said:
I have these Supermodel disks.
Some of the patches are good... overall, it is an amateur attempt at making patches... Anyone can make them files themselves with a few minutes of tweakin' with the tone controls. Nothing specal here, I'm afraid.
Interesting range of opinions here. It seems either Supermodels for GNX are the greatest thing since sliced bread or they are characterized as an amateurish attempt to make a quick buck.
Questions to consider:
Do the patches accurately simulate the amps, cabinets, and/or artist sounds for which they are intended?
Overall, I would definitely say yes they do. The Vox patches sound like Vox amps. The Marshalls sound like Marshalls. The Def Leppard patch sounds like it was taken right from Photograph. The AC/DC patches are pure Angus & Malcom. The Dimebag patches sound like Pantera. The Eric Johnson preset soars!
At least for the GNX2, this set beats the snot out of the factory presets. How they can even be rated as similar is quite beyond my comprehension.
Does that mean you can use all of these patches playing your own style of music. Probably not. Bob here says he uses three of them regularly. I use quite a few more then that myself. Whatever works for what you do...
I say that this patch set does live up to the claim that they do accurately simulate the amps/cabs intended. What more do you want from them anyway?
Can a user obtain similar results themselves without the set(s)?
Possibly. Certainly GNX owners are given the functionality to do so--and depending on their experience and efforts I am certain that (if so inclined) musically useful simulations can be developed from scratch.
Several comments here indicate it's just a matter of tweaking a few settings and then you'll have your killer tone spot on--no need to shell out $$$ to anyone. That could be... for them. I can't say what magic they can work. But, turnabout is fair play: how are they doing it? Do they have a Fender Twin (or whatever amp they wish to simulate) sitting there that they are using for comparison? MTProsound works on all kinds of gear regularly. It is quite a bit more likely that doing so gives them an edge on differentiating the subtle tonal differences needed for more accurate simulations then would be the case for most of us with access to a less wide variety of gear—would that be a reasonable assertion?
I wonder if all the critics haven't taken some of these Supermodel patches themselves and tweaked them to some degree while loudly proclaiming that "anyone can do this"? There is nothing even remotely wrong with tweaking, but it would be disingenuous to take someone elses work, modify it and then trumpet your own superiority. I certainly hope none of the critics here are guilty of this kind of invective...
Music and tone are so subjective. No one will probably ever agree on what makes a killer tone. The Supermodel set has given me a lot more to work with then I had before. I am simply unconvinced by the critics who dismiss this product. If they don't like it for whatever reason or think they can produce more musically useful & accurate simulations, by all means—share the wealth! :-)
I found out about these when I was at WLA Music. One of the sales guys told me about the Supermodels and A/B'd factory presets and then Supermodels. That was enough for me!
I emailed the prosound guys that created these. I asked for samples and they sent me some. Then I placed my order. I had my disc in 2 days. I was immediately stunned! Many were better than the ones they gave away at Digitech's site, but I can understand the "Col's Recipe".
We have the ingredients but not all have the ability. I'll go with time is money. Less than 5 cents a file for a patch or model that would have taken me an hour to do one! It would have taken me late hours working each night, chopping off my sex life trying to put something like this together! When I had my Tonelab, I spent many nights alone! Traded up for a GNX, ordered the supermodels and now the night life is more productive!
I have tools to work on my car but I don't. Time is one reason. Knowing how to is another. Wish my dealer was that reasonable!
Interesting debate !!
I have the Supermodels for GNX4.
They are great for guys starting up on MFX, PERIOD.
I love them, they open up many tonal possibilities right out of the box. Saved me 2-3 days of playing with knobs.
Three months ago, my Rythym guitarist got a GNX 3000. I recommended him to get the Supermodels right away. He is happy too.
However last month while jamming, both of us noticed that the Supermodel patch with the same name on the GNX4 disk does not sound anywhere like the same named Supermodel for the GNX3000.
We tried the factory models and they are spot on. The GNX4 factory models sound very close to the same named model on the GNX3000, but not so with the Supermodels which are worlds apart !
We both realised that the Supermodels are just someones warps.
All that talk about studying Amps appears to be just Hot Air and that warm brown stuff that those marketing suits give you.
But who cares ?
They do give us new sounds to play with.
Like someone above said, They do need serious tweaking in any case as they are just somebody's ideas of starting points for tones. So you dont really save a that much time buying these.
In my book, they are useful and surely worth something. Maybe around 15-20$ for the whole lot as they are just a set of warps which can be made by X-edit anyway.
Wish I could sell my humble patches for 60$, They have nothing to do with real amps just like Supermodels, but they sound equally good or better !! (I am a guitarist, not an Amp repair man ;)
But I am no good at marketing like the Prosound guys !
Wish I could sell my humble patches for 60$, They have nothing to do with real amps just like Supermodels, but they sound equally good or better !! (I am a guitarist, not an Amp repair man ;)
But I am no good at marketing like the Prosound guys !
Go for it dude. Talk is cheap but so is web hosting. If your patches are "equally good or better" then you should have no problem getting the word out.
I only came by the Supermodels sets while surfing for info on the GNX2. No banner adds, no TV commercials--I'm not too sure what great marketing scheme they have that you are referring to, it seems to be all word of mouth.
If your patches rock, you should do just as well. We don't care how you come up with your tones, if they are crap we'll hear it. If they are musically useful we'll know that too.
To all those who say that anybody can do Supermodels quality patches or better. Show us. Who knows, maybe you'll make a little extra scratch in the process...
I have them for my GNX4. The Hard Rock series. I did read about them and it's all word of mouth adv. My stale GNX4 amp models sucked but now my GNX4 rocks! For 47 bucks, that wasn't bad! My other G-player in our band has a POD and spent over $100 on factory upgrades. He likes my GNX4 better than his. He wants to sell his POD.
Since the Prosound place is repair and service I don't doubt they have access to getting amps to work with. No matter how I tried none of my GNX sounds from posted patches or anyone elses worked as good as my disc ones on the Hard Rock cd. Their email support is excellent too! They helped me fix my PC editor. I spent weeks trying and calling Digitech. Never had an answer from the factory that worked. Mike helped me with the problem and now it works great! No doubt his comp knows that pedal well! I have no doubt in their methods. I don't care either. The fact is, they blow the factory models out of the water!!
I play Praise and worship in Utah
Them Supermodels are OK. Nothing special. They sound good, but so do the paches that I made in a few minutes.
They are not accurate though. The Marshall patch does not sound anywhere close to my Marshall. I doubt that the author ever studied a real Marshall to make that patch as it is so far off !!
Wish I could own all the other Amps mentioned in that Disk
May the power of God be with you !!
Them Supermodels are OK. Nothing special. They sound good, but so do the paches that I made in a few minutes.
Umm, have you tuned your cabinet for the patches? There are some good instructional videos on the Supermodel site for doing this. If you don't, you are not going to get the same sound from recording that you are getting live...
Weeeeelll folks, I think this topic has just about run itself into the ground. Some of you guys like the Supermodel sets and some of you don't. Some of us claim they are very useful and some disagree.
Keep the comments rolling if you wish but keep this in mind before you pass judgement:
* Try them, if they work for you, great!
* If you haven't tried them, well, should you really be commenting on their quality?
* If you can produce better, more accurate models, share the wealth or sell your own set.
To those implying that the authors of the Supermodels sets are lying about their process borders on libel and I don't care for it on my blog.
Thanks!
Great article. I agree with some of the posts that state that the supermodels are useful if you dont have the time !!
But if you know how to read the Manual, its quite easy to make similar patches. I say the DT guys have made a really exciting platform where it is easy to create new sounds without much efforts or add-on software.
Another option are the free patches at the DT web site or at tons of tones. Some of the patches there are really authentic Amp tone replicas and I now use them more than my MFX Supermodel disk or the factory models.
+1 to that,
The Digitech and Tons of Tones sites have some excellent Amplifier models for free. Saves me a lot of time and effort to get the right tone.
I originally purchased my GNX3000 due to reports of an abundance of free patches that really sound great. I have not been disappointed !!
----------------
God is the source of my music.
I just picked up a working GNX4 for 50 bucks. Got it home and was greatly disappointed. Really thin and fizzy and digital sounding. I tweaked a bit and came up with some useful patches. I ordered the Supermodels based on internet hype and some amp forum recommendations. I don't have the disk yet but the Super model guys sent me 200 patches to try in my email. The patches turned my crappy little toy into a full blown gig worthy instrument. Could I get those sounds myself? Sure, after a couple hundred hours if tweaking. The $115 I spent was more then worth the time I saved.
just a question (i know this is an old topic) but did ANYONE who was talking the talk, actually post a link to show us all how their supposed patches blew the mfx supermodels out of the water?!
Rob
I have a gnx4 with the supermodels.
It's now 2016 and unless i win the lotto so i can upgrade to an Axe fx or Kemper unit,my gnx4 is still a gem unit,not to mention the 8 tracker/looper that's on it.
Of anyone can get one s/h,go for it... Thank me later
It's now 2017,I still haven't won the lotto, and every manufacturer has some fancy new item at Namm,but i still can't find a better bang for your buck with a digitech gnx4 with those famous supermodels loaded on there.
It seems like time has stood still when comparing anything to the gnx4.
Digitech now has the trio plus and sdrum...which are toys in comparison.
It's about time digitech brings out a gnx5 with all the new technology and now everyone or the water.... again.
It's now 2018 and I only just discovered an active GNX4 group on FB.
I have SEVEN GNX4s, all loaded with mfxsupermodels.
What do the Axe-FX/Kemper/Helix sheeple do for backup unit, I wonder.
This industry so reminds me of Hans Christian Andersen's The Emperor's New Clothes ;)
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