Since this is software and doesn't have to mirror the real world exactly; I wonder about the creative possibilities of running Amp Designer first into Pedalboard after!
I totally agree that in software land there's several more options than what we're used to from hardware. In case of Amp Designer it doesn't seem to make too much sense, though, especially on any overdriven settings. I mean, while Amp Designer has improved a LOT, compared to GAP, it's still a rather noisy affair. So, the combination of AD and Pedalboard in that order might be fine for some things (post-amp modulation and the likes), but for any overdriven sounds I'd go the traditional route.
Talking about noise, I really wish both the Pedalboard and AD had an "intelligent" noise gate a la Guitar Rig and TH-1. They both have a really easy, no fuzz but absolutely working noise gate as the first thing in the signal chain, plus there's a learn function, so all you do is to turn your guitar up, mute the strings and press "learn". Instant silence - and very little artefacts such as cut off notes. Now, in Logic I'm often placing a noise gate in the top most insert, too - but I usually find it pretty tough to adjust it so it works as well as the mentioned ones.
As a sound tip: Load the "Boutique Retro Combo" and the "Boutique Retro Distort" preset. Back the gain up until you find the sweet spot when the drive just starts to get more noticeable. Now slap a "Vintage Drive" in front of it and set the drive amount rather low (probably even below 9 o'clock). Use the output knob to somewhat boost the amp.
With this combination, just fooling around a little with the two drive controls (amp and overdrive), the drives output level and a little tone/treble adjustment, endless really useful tones in the bluesy/funky and/or classic rock realm are possible. In addition, this very combination reacts extremely well with your playing dynamics and your guitars PU and volume controls (a key point for me when it comes to any amps).
Personally, I really like AD and the Pedalboard for slightly breaking up sounds and classic rock/blues kinda leads (the Tweed models are really nice for clean stuff, too, I don't like the "blackface" models too much, though), in this area AD is absolutely up to the competitions standards. What it doesn't do too well (at least IMO) is heavier stuff. For all that NuMetal "chugga chugga" you probably better look elsewhere (Amplitube Metal but also Guitar Rig and TH-1 are doing a nice job there).
Anyway, the combination mentioned above has become my absolute "to go for" sound (I saved it as a channel strip, along with a noise gate in front and a tape delay after) whenever I'm just fooling around, looking for ideas.
- Sascha
