Valeton GP-5 Amp Models

[Joe Rogers]

I was eagerly looking forward to converting my Tonex/Quad Cortex Amp Model library to the NAM format to be used for NAM pedals, such as the Valeton GP-5 and upcoming Fractal Audio pedals for when they adopt the NAM format. I had seen the Valeton GP-5 discussed here and I've been interested from the very beginning. I have good news and bad news.

The good news is that my conversion experiments were successful. The NAM files are a sonic duplicate of the original Tonex Amp Model. The bad news is the Valeton GP-5.

My quick assessment -- The conversion of a NAM file to the Snaptone file format used in the Valeton GP-5 degrades the original NAM file. In fact, it makes the amp sound rather plastic. I know 100% that my converted NAM is an identical duplicate in sonics to the Tonex, so it is NOT the NAM file, but rather the Snaptone conversion that is degrading it.

Now, in the upcoming year when Fractal starts incorporating NAM in their units, it should be a game changer if they can directly use the original NAM files without conversion, THEN we are onto something really good. In the meantime, you're better off using the Tonex or Quad Cortex. As much as I would LOVE taking this little Valeton as my fly rig, I would rather carry the larger Tonex pedal....it is that much of a sonic difference... Having said that, if your amp of choice is a Fender Twin, or any of the other stock amps on the Valeton GP-5, by all means try out the unit. The onboard stock amps and effects sound really great...and the LCD screen is something Tonex should have done for their Tonex One.

Thanks,

Joe Rogers

[Tim Toberer]

I
My quick assessment -- The conversion of a NAM file to the Snaptone file format used in the Valeton GP-5 degrades the original NAM file. In fact, it makes the amp sound rather plastic. I know 100% that my converted NAM is an identical duplicate in sonics to the Tonex, so it is NOT the NAM file, but rather the Snaptone conversion that is degrading it.


Thanks,

Joe Rogers

This is something I heard several times on the guitar threads relating to the GP-5. The details of it I don't have the bandwidth for, but somehow it is a lower quality NAM. Still a great little pedal!

I am curious about using Gigfast Lite for NAMs. https://arteradsp.com This way, all you really need is an iPhone or iPad and a very small cheap interface like the Irig and you are good to go. I haven't quite got into the NAM thing, but I am looking at this as an option to try out. This could be very bad news for all those companies trying to sell physical gear!

[Keith Parker]

Joe - thanks for taking time to experiment with converting your IR's to NAM's. I was hoping for a Christmas miracle that you would find a way to make it work on the GP-5.

I think the big thing for the future of NAMs is going to be how each platform converts the NAM to their own proprietary format. I know that the GP-5 has a sample rate of 44.1kHZ/16Bit plus with it being a budget interface it's not going to have to horsepower to convert/run higher end models/captures (and I'm guessing that's where you were hearing the poorer quality in the snaptone?).

Just out of curiosity, did you try your IR's on the GP-5?

Again, thanks for taking to time to look into this!

[Tim Toberer]

Since the GP-5 is also an interface, there should be a way to use either of these Apps, GigliteFast or NAMXT ($4.99) https://arteradsp.com/wp-content/upload ... Manual.pdf along with a phone or iPad and load NAMs and IR's. Seems like this way you could possibly use the effects in the GP-5 and the amp models from NAM, but I am not good with this computer stuff so I will have to tinker when I get a chance.

Both of these Apps are from the same source and they appear to be still in development. Surprisingly I can't find any other stand alone Apps (with no need for hardware beyond a simple interface) that load NAM files for iOS. So for people looking for a minimalist, reliable, cheap rig that actually sounds good, this could be a real game changer.

This video shows how to use the NAM XT along with effects from a separate source. Long video! Skip to 9:00 minutes where he actually gets into it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-9Y7i1fuMA

[Joe Rogers]

Tim & Keith, thanks for the replies..!!

I wanted to post an update. I did tweak both the GP-5's clean Fender amp as well as the Jazz Chorus amp. Both of these are VERY viable options for inexpensive great sounding steel guitar amps for live performance and recording. I did load my newest Black Widow 1501 IR's and it brought everything where it should be.

The Jazz Chorus amp is similar to the Peavey sound and the clean Fender delivers great tube sound. For a tiny fly Rig, it is hard to beat. The effects are smooth, albeit not as tweakable as I would like....the chorus isn't the best for steel. However, the overdrives are spot on...!!!

Joe Rogers