I've been switching back and forth with the Valeton GP-150 and more recently the Nux MG-300 MKII, with the intent of keeping just one.
I actually bought the Nux because I wanted to play with NAM A2 Lite, this is before the Valeton A2 Lite update. I'm really a big fan of NAM since last year when the Pulze Mini supported it (via conversion). So knowing that a budget modeler can run A2 Lite native is just irrestistable, and I even got it at a discounted price. The main things I love about it was the super low latency (2ms), the scenes function (gapless switching), and of course the NAM A2 Lite support (without DSP limitations).
It has some downsides though, the audio interface has some issues on mac. It has a recording delay but I was able to resolve it by some manual configuration on my DAW. Also it can only record either wet or dry, not both at the same time. The wet/dry (left/right) recording option is one of my favorite feature on Valeton and Hotone. It just simplifies my recording workflow because I don't have to decide when I record. I just record stereo (wet/dry) all the time. But I thought I can live with that limitation since I'm really loving the Nux sound.
The lack of battery was solved by using a usb to 9v adaptor so I can run it via powerbank. I missed the bluetooth function sometimes when I just want to use my phone for a jam track. The lack of mobile app is no big deal, since I like tweaking on the device itself. I use it on the desk, not on the floor.
I was actually almost decided to keep the Nux. I'm just waiting for Valeton's update since I'm still hoping for the A2 Lite support, since it just doesn't make sense to not support it. The device looks very capable. You might have noticed on some of my previous posts that I'm a bit disappointed with Valeton at that time. So I just waited for a while because I want to at least see what Valeton comes up with.
So anyway, the Valeton update comes out, of course not without all the firmware update drama. It makes it more exciting I guess? Initially it felt meh. It sounds how A2 lite should sound, not surprising since I've used it on the Nux, and it had some DSP limitations. I'm in no rush to decide though so I decided to stop using the Nux for a few days so I can give the Valeton a better chance before letting it go.
Initially the change in latency was quite bugging me off. It's noticeable if you switch back and forth. But I told myself that I have to be honest with myself. If it's the first device I use at the start of the day, will I really notice it? So I tried it and yeah, it's no big deal. I think 5 ms is a decent latency. Lower is of course better, but we can't have everything.
Okay so I tried to keep an open mind. Does the DSP limitations really bug me? My typical chain is really just compressor, o-trem, delay, Nam, IR, and reverb. I tried to recreate it with NAM A2 Lite and it's possible but I had to use the Pure Delay which only uses 2% DSP. The reverb is no longer possible, but honestly I just use it because it's available 😂 I usually use it on a low blend. Turns out it's okay even without it. So I actually enjoyed the sound, I tried not to think about comparing the specs. Just enjoyed the sound. If I really need the full chain then I'll just use the snaptone conversion which seems improved.
So then after a few days I tried the Nux again. Already got used to the 5ms latency again so the low latency on the Nux is nice but not so much a big deal as before. It's weird because for some reason I was looking for the Valeton sound. I did some back and forth to find out what I'm looking for, it seems what's better on the Valeton is the compressor and the o-trem. For some reason I can't get that specific sound I like on the Nux.
I had to be honest with myself again and asked myself, what do I really use this for? I'm actually more into home recording so the recording workflow is what's most important to me, especially the wet/dry recording. The external expression pedal is also a big deal because I really don't like stepping on the unit itself, and I like using wah. (mg300 doesn't have an external pedal port). So I like the overall simplicity of the Valeton, it feels more compatible with my workflow.
Okay, so overall, I think Valeton's effects sound better despite the seemingly less powerful DSP. It's quite an unfair comparison though since the Nux MG-300 mkii is about half the price, but I'm just comparing what I have. I haven't tried the MG-400 and MG-30.
Another thing to note is the MG-300 uses 512 samples for its IR, while the Valeton uses 1024 (for normal accuracy mode). So that's one possible factor, but I can't really tell.
Not yet 101% decided since I still have the Nux with me. Just wanted to share my thoughts!
Also I'm using this RJ 20w Drum Amplifier as my portable home FRFR/PA that I power via powerbank using a usb to 15v adaptor. Really happy with it, with the right EQ adjustment (it has a 2 band EQ). It's the same model/rebrand as the Sonicake QDM-20 if you're in the US. As you can see, I hate being plugged into AC power 😂🔌
Thanks for reading and have a good day!
Comments
Post a Comment