Can anyone recommend the best guitar effects unit or amp modeling unit for achieving that blistering tone of a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier on max gain? I need something that is capable of running a direct line into a PC for recording as well, so any SPDIF or USB digital out would be preferred. Opinions?

Line 6 dude. They probably do some of the best amp modeling out there these days, and the POD system is pretty solid for overall connectability. Especially with other Line 6 gear.

If you're really into it, do yourself a favor and splurge on the rack gear and the floorboard. It's well worth it in the long run.

they do modeling amps too

the spider's pretty awesome
and so's the vetta, those you can get used for like $500

I would agree with Shack. You can never go wrong with Line 6. In addition to a strong effects section, their amps and cab models are (some of) the best in the business. I don't know if there's anything specific on those models to the Triple Rec, as it's been a long time since I had my POD 2.0, but I'm pretty sure there is.

I really like my spider. I got it used for around $550. It's about five years old and the sound quality is as good as new.

I just checked the manual on the POD XT and the POD 2.0. They both have amp models for a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier and a Mesa Boogie Mark II.

I realize you wanted a Triple Rec model. Here's the cool thing about Line 6. If you go to www.customtone.com (I think that's the site), you'll find zillions of downloadable patches that can go straight from you computer to the POD with a USB cable. They're all patches that users have created, and they're free. I can guarantee you (with somewhere between 112% and 143% confidence) that there's a Triple Rectifier model on there.

I used the Line6 Flextone amp that had a Mesa modeling setting, and I thought it sounded pretty good. Great crunch and it came with effects. It was my friend's but I would have bought one in a second. Good price, too. Highly recommended.

The lead guitarist in the band I play with uses a Line6 Flextone and it sounds awesome. The Mesa modeling settings produce fantastic sound. Well worth the money.

Yeah. I also use Line 6. Everyone in us actually uses line 6. I don't know but when we tested other strings for it, Line 6 is the only string that produces good sounds.

Dude, I don't know what planet you're from, but Line 6 makes amps and guitar effects, not strings to my knowledge.