All user reviews of 3/5 for the Line 6 Spider Valve 112

(Originally written by Nico66/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
- Amplification technology (tube, solid state, ...)?

Everything has been already said...

- Output power?

It rated at 40 watts but it seems to be more because it's really loud.

I miss a 20 watt operation switch.

- What about controls, effects etc.?

I won't say anything about effects...

The finish quality is very good. It's a high-end product.

That's not what disappointed me.

Considering the features, this amp is very interesting... But it disappointed me when I played it...

UTILIZATION

- What about settings?

Very easy configuration. Just turn a few controls and you get a good sound.

- Is it easy to get the right sound?

It' all a matter of taste... Personally, the sound and effects of this amp disappointed me a lot...

The clean sound is very good. Warm, perfect...

The crunch sound isn't bad but you start hearing the amp's personality.

The distortion disappointed me. This amp sound totally California!!! They ignored Marshall fans!! It's surprising coming from Mr Bogner because he used to tune Marshall amps in the beginning... But he only conceived the preamp stage of this amp, not the modelings...

It supposed to include some British models but I'm still looking for them!

- Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?

I took a look at it. I like Line 6 user's manuals, they are very easy to read.. It seems that people at Line 6 have lots of fun writing manuals...

SOUNDS

- Does it fit your music style?

The amp is quite versatile... but I'm very disappointed because all modelings have the typical US sound.

- Which guitar, bass or effects do you use?

I tested it with a Gibson Les Paul Standard, a Strato Custom Shop, a Tele USA Standard and a PRS 513.

- What kind of sounds do you get and which settings do you use ("crystal-clear", "fat", ...)?

The clean sound is very warm and nice. The crunch sound isn't bad... but I miss a Marshall-like crunch... and even a typical Bogner sound... (the simulation is not comparable with a real Bogner amp).

- Which sounds do you prefer / hate?

I don't like the distortion... But guitarists who like the Mesa sound will love this amp.

I also hate the chorus/flanger effect... It's really lousy and uninteresting... I'd rather have an amp without effects...

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you been using it?

I kept it three days (two days at home plus a live gig) and I brought it back to the store where I bought it.

- Which features do you like the most / the least?

I like the compact size, the finish quality and the warm tube sound.

I'm very disappointed by the simulations (limited to typical US sounds).

The effects are the worse!!! I'd rather have no effects!

It's really silly to combine a chorus and a flanger and have independent tremolo and phaser effects... Can someone explain this to me??? It's impossible to get a good sound with this combination! And you cannot edit any parameter of the effects except for the volume...

And its the same regarding delays... No editable parameters...

- Did you try any other models before buying it?

Of course. I've had many different amps. But this one's the first I've kept such a short time...

It's much worse than a Vetta II!!

- How would you rate its value for money?

If you buy it knowing how it sounds, it's ok... And the manufacturing quality is very good... But avoid it if you are looking for something else rather than only US sounds or effects.

- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

Never!!

I know some people will totally disagree with what I wrote.

This amp is great for people who like US sounds and don't use any effects.

If you like Bogner, Marshall and Soldano sounds, as well as a deep U2 or Malmsteen delay with a light chorus effect, etc...

forget this amp and buy another one...