I'm working on a theory and need some others to check it out. Take a couple of your favorite higher gain rigs (nothing too insane) and make copies of them. Now on the copies do the following:
1. Set all of these to <0.0> (trust me!)
- AMP: power sagging - pick - compressor - clarity - ***tube shape*** - tube bias - direct mix - volume
- all 4 EQ bands
- all 4 CAB options
- OUTPUT: make sure pure cab is set to 0.0 and that space is headphones only
2. Re-adjust the definition control (1st) and main EQ (2nd) as needed. Volume matching should be done with the Rig Volume control only. SAVE.
3. Over the course of at least 2-3 sessions, compare the copy with the original and let me know your thoughts. Be sure to check them both dry (no FX) and loaded down with modulation and ambience.
Thanks to anyone willing to participate. I'll let you know the theory after I have more feedback from others.
*** EDIT: LEAVE OR SET TUBE SHAPE TO 3.3