The Line6 TonePort 


I might have missed the details when this was announced 

My friend Eric pointed me at the TonePort web pages from Line6 when I was sprouting my usual complaint about the lack of software amp simulators for bass. I think that this is a really interesting offer from Line6 and way overdue. Line6 makes their bread and butter from creating instruments, effects and amplifiers. Why they waited so long to introduce their algorithms as software plug-ins is beyond me.

The TonePort interfaces look really good, but I'm stymied by the fact that they don't plan to offer the software separate. Unless the hardware is used to offload the processing from the CPU, I don't see why I need it to run the effects. This is like the heaviest hardware dongle ever made.

Also, the bass amps that they have been modeled are few and oddly chosen: Rock Classic based on* Ampeg® SVT, Flip Top based on* Ampeg® B-15A, Adam and Eve based on* Eden Traveler WT-300, Silverface Bass based on* Fender® Dual Showman®, Eighties based on* Gallien Kruger 800RB. The SVT is obvious and well chosen, maybe the Eden, but the B-15A? I've never been in a pro studio that had one of those lying around nor do I hear people on bass lists need that "signature" sound. A Fender, sure, I guess. The GK is another odd choice given that it was mostly sought after for it's "clean" sound. That is why I own one. I don't need an amp model to get a clean sound. I want a Sunn Head model, a Hartke model, a Carvin model. And I want to choose speakers, like the Henry the 8x8 and GK and Hartke and SWR speakers. Heck, how about an SWR head?

It isn't too late Line6! Be the hero of the bass community! 

Posted: Tue - August 16, 2005 at 12:01 AM          

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