Cab sim upgrade tonemaster deluxe reverb

dean111music

Hi

I need some advice regarding my Fender Deluxe Reverb Tonemaster setup. I'm happy with the cab sim, but I want to know the best way to get better sound going into my interface for recording and live situations.

Right now, I plug the DI out into my interface and use the Jensen and SM57 settings. I use my pedal board for other effects. For live performances, I go straight into the front of house and decide to have the cab on or off depending on whether it's a quiet stage or not.

I'm looking for products that will give me a higher professional sound using cab sim, and I'd like the option to choose between different speakers:

- 12" WGS ET65

- 12" Eminence GA-SC64

- 12" Celestion V30

Could you recommend the cheapest option to achieve this? Also, what equipment should I consider if I want to grow into a setup that I can use with a tube amp and run stereo effects to the front of house?

monquixote

I'm wondering why you need all the speaker options?

The Tonemaster is a great choice because it's very simple and familiar to people using regular amps.
If you want flexibility you may want to go down the Helix / Fractal / etc route. 

If you are recording on a PC just use VSTs as it's cheaper and offers unlimited flexibility.

stickyfiddle

What @monquixote said. 

You mention wanting “a higher professional sound”. I would argue there’s nothing lacking in terms of professional sheen with the TMDR. If you want a different sound that’s fine but don’t be under any illusions that it will suddenly sound like a choir of angels if the rest of your chain isn’t working for you. 

dean111music

stickyfiddle said:

What @monquixote said. 

You mention wanting “a higher professional sound”. I would argue there’s nothing lacking in terms of professional sheen with the TMDR. If you want a different sound that’s fine but don’t be under any illusions that it will suddenly sound like a choir of angels if the rest of your chain isn’t working for you. 

Thank you for mentioning this as I did go down a little rabbit hole and you pulled me back out. I wish there was an option of some flexability with the eq in the sims but I think i'll have to buy an eq pedal or something to fine tune when recording? Would that be a better idea?

dean111music

monquixote said:

I'm wondering why you need all the speaker options?

The Tonemaster is a great choice because it's very simple and familiar to people using regular amps.
If you want flexibility you may want to go down the Helix / Fractal / etc route. 

If you are recording on a PC just use VSTs as it's cheaper and offers unlimited flexibility.

Thank you for this. I like simple and after watching and looking at reviews it will no longer be simple.  I have done the Helix route and much prefer the tonemaster as it is more familiar to me

dean111music

maybe one day, i'll get a tube version i might have to get a two notes torpedo or something to compare!

stickyfiddle

dean111music said:

maybe one day, i'll get a tube version i might have to get a two notes torpedo or something to compare!

Haha if you’re talking rabbit holes that will definitely take you down a few..!! 

FWIW I’ve been able to get whatever I want from the TM with a little bit of EQ in the DAW, but tbh that’s about having it sit in the track more than it is making it sound “different”