Reviewed by:
pe4c, on october 25, 2007
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 1400
Purchased from: Music 123
Features: The Vetta is Line 6's flagship amp, boasting a mindnumbing array of amp/cab/effect models. It's a 2x12 combo, rated at 150 watts stero, and loaded with low end Celestion speakers. The amp models range from a variety of Line 6 hybrids to Fender to Vox to Marshalls to Bogner and Diezel, and associated speaker cabinets. The unit also has every effects pedal in the known universe as well as a number of rack style effects modules. It sounds complex, but by downloading Line 6's free editing software, the user can MDI-interface the amp with a Mac or PC and build virtual rigs right on the desktop and then take them for a spin. The user has a very high degree of control in building the signal; amp/cab selection, virual mic placement, 3 stomp box slots (use whatever effects you like), a wah, a volume pedal, reverb, compression, EQ, some rack effects, the option to route your signal however you like, go stero or mono even move the effects around. You can even build two seperate rigs and play them at the same time. It has a large number of user (modifiable) channels and an equal number of factory presets (nonmodifiable). It does have an effects loops, so you can still use your favorite pedals. I use my Vetta II as a recording but have used it in live situations on the rare occasion I sit in with friends, in small club settings. At 150 stero watts, this amp is impossiblely loud. Over the years, I used/owned a number of amps, and this is the loudest thing I've ever played through. This is a solid state amp, more on that later, so maintanance is not an issue. To fully exploit the features so the amp, you need the FBV pedalboard. As an added bonus, the software architecture of the unit is such that as Line 6 expands the Vetta's capability/features, you can upgrade the amp at home and for free. // 10
Sound: The Vetta II really can do it all: thermonuclear gain to sparkling clean to warm crunch to name-the-tone at whatever volume you require. The dirty tones are warm and articulate. The clean tones are really clean. For technically minded players looking for a versitile rig, and Who don't suffer from techno-fear, this amp is it. If you are plug-and-play sorta player and are not interested in tweaking, this amp isn't for you. // 10
Reliability & Durability: This amp is as much computer as it is amp. Were I a gigging professional, I'd be hesitant to use it without a back up. I've never had a problem with my Vetta II. The rare occasion I've contacted Line 6's tech support, usually to get info regarding software updates or some such, they have been great. // 10
Impression: I've talked a lot about the good so here is the balance. Out of the box, the Vetta is a lot of fun but not very musical. The factory presets are meant to "wow" and show the versitility of the amp. You really have to be willing to spend sometime with the manual and then the rig to get to know it and to build presets that suit your style of play. As a solid state amp emulating a variety of tube amps, it's an emulation, but a musical and usable one. A tube purist could articulate it better, but having owned a number of tube amps, there is a kind of warmth that is missing. That being said, I think the versitility of the Vetta II far outweighs it's solid state Heritage. Quite honestly, I never plugged into a $4000 Diezel and if I did I certainly couldn't buy the monster. The Vetta is a great compromise. // 10
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