So at the moment I have 2 line 6 amps (guitar and bass) and they have built in 'distortion'. To do that they have a 'drive' and a 'channel volume' knob, I think that's how you get the distortion on this amp, but.. this seems to be a problem because i'm using a fuzz pedal as well and they don't seem to combine very well due to the way the distortion on this amp is implemented..
I've been looking for a black metal sound by combining fuzz and distortion, and the fuzz on it's own isn't too bad but i need a bit of more of the grit and metal-ness that you get from distortion pedals. How can I get around this? I've also been using a hi-fi speaker as an amp which has been working well and has let me be able to test the fuzz pedal without having to use the built in distortion which I have to use on the other amp.
The question I guess is should I sell my amps and get a fancy distortion pedal? Or should I download one of those programs that lets you use virtual pedals and stuff. I don't play live, so the only reason for amps, the hifi amp (which i'm fine with using if necessary) is for better quality, if that's the case.
My fuzz is: http://www.trademe.co.nz/music-instruments/instruments/guitar-bass/effects-units/auction-755420155.htm
Guitar amp is: http://line6.com/spideriv15-30/ (the 15w one)
Distortion pedal I'm thinking of getting: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=743995601
That is really hard to answer. An individual's guitar tone is crafted over time, and usually involves a fair amount of trial and error. It is hard for me to imagine getting a true "Hi-Gain" amp tone through software-based virtualization...plus, I am a fan of completely analog setups, which makes me a bit biased, lol.
The best advice I can give you is to try a few software based solutions on a trial basis, just to see if the tones you get are anywhere near what you hear in your head. This would be the cheaper solution more than likely, because many guitarists use a combination of effects to achieve their desired tone, as opposed to one, awesome pedal.
Another option, is to try searching the guitarists you'd like to emulate, and see if you can find any info on what they use in their setup. There are amp modelers and a large variety of virtual pedals out there, and maybe, armed with that information, you'll find something that suits you.
As to your direct question, I don't think you should get rid of your amp...I do think that your fuzz pedal is getting in the way of a "grittier" black metal tone, but selling your amp and buying one pedal will probably not solve that. I suggest doing some research on the guitarists that have a sound that is similar to what you'd like, and to try out some virtual options...
Yep. Tone questions are hard to answer especially since guitar tone is so personal with regard to one's taste and preferences. Personally, I prefer tube amps alongside tube distortion and fuzz pedals. This route can be very expensive, but as a thrash metal fan, using the tools that the bands from the golden era used is always a good choice. Many people find digital amps to produce thin, one-dimensional tone and I usually agree even though manufacturers are doing a better job at recreating tube sounds these days. I'd definitely suggest selling your Line 6 amps as I've never been to keen on that brand. When it comes to simple tube amps that are easy to dial in, I'm always partial to Marshall stuff. I've found Mesa hardware to be overly complicated and much harder to dial in the sound you want.
Regardless of whether you go the digital or tube route, in order to produce some high-quality tone, you are going to have to invest in your equipment. I would recommend purchasing a small but solidly priced single speaker amp and investing in a tube distortion pedal (like a Tonebone or Blackstar HT-METAL). I've always found that focusing on spending more on a smaller amp is a much better idea than purchasing a bigger, cheaper amp. Companies like Crate make tons of money off of the folks that buy their super cheap 12" or larger combo amps, when what you should do is spend the same money or more for a smaller amp from a higher quality manufacturer. There's really no need for a half-stack and head setup unless you are going to be playing medium sized venues or something. On a side note, if you decide to go the digital route, Ive always loved Roland's small amps. They are usually a bit more spendy than some of their competitors in the small amp marketspace, but their tone is much superior. But, like I said, guitar tone is highly personal, so I'm sure you will get a bunch of different responses to this thread.