Advice for gigging the first time with a Fractal

[Bishop5150]

So I got my AX8 about 3 weeks ago and I've been practicing at home with it setting up my presets with my XiTone wedges in stereo and I've had 2 really good band practices using it so I think I'm going to take the next step and use it this weekend for my bands out of town show in San Antonio, TX. I play in an Ozzy tribute band based out of Houston, TX. This would be my first time in 25 years of gigging not to use an amp to play a show and the first in 7 years not using my G-System for fx and a floor controller. Guess I'm a little nervous cause I've got major insomnia this week worrying about all this. I've had an Axe-Fx for about 2 years but up to this point never used it for gigging. But I think I'm ready to take my first step into a larger world. Do you guys using Fractal or Kemper run stereo to FOH or just the left XLR out? Also, I'll be using my active XiTone wedge for monitoring. If this was you, where would you place it? Like a side throw next to you, in front of you next to the front stage monitor or behind you like a traditional cab? Should I maybe bring my Matrix power amp and a 2x12 cab for monitoring for this first go since that's what I'm used to? Would welcome your input on all this.

Also, just for fun, I videoed some of last nights practice with a GoPro clipped to my ball cap so you see everything from my perspective. I was running direct stereo to our PA and Out 2 to the fx loop return of my 5153 50 watt and 2x12 cab. I'm standing right next to the drums but you can still hear everything pretty good. I'm using the 5153 blue channel amp sim.
Let me know what you think of the rough sound from the video. Think I'm ready for this next step?

 

[mrhiwatt]

I see no link for video

 

[Badronald]

Good luck?

 

[nnajar]

I used to tour with a very loud r&b band and I had a 3 space flight/shock rack with an axefx and my wireless. If the gig you play has large enough production that you're hearing drums through side fills etc… you would never hear your amp anyway and you can tell NO difference between an axefx and a traditional rig. That was most of the gigs we did (outdoor festivals on big stages and similar production). You'll hear your axefx through the side fills and wedges and that's that. If the gig is in a room with production that you're going to hear amplifiers and drums acoustically on stage and the monitoring is just for vocals/keyboards/quiet shit then the axefx will still sound good out front but you will have an adaptation to make on stage, because you won't feel a cab blowing up your ass….

 

[Bishop5150]

I see no link for video

The YouTube previews are underneath my post.

 

[Bishop5150]

I used to tour with a very loud r&b band and I had a 3 space flight/shock rack with an axefx and my wireless. If the gig you play has large enough production that you're hearing drums through side fills etc… you would never hear your amp anyway and you can tell NO difference between an axefx and a traditional rig. That was most of the gigs we did (outdoor festivals on big stages and similar production). You'll hear your axefx through the side fills and wedges and that's that. If the gig is in a room with production that you're going to hear amplifiers and drums acoustically on stage and the monitoring is just for vocals/keyboards/quiet shit then the axefx will still sound good out front but you will have an adaptation to make on stage, because you won't feel a cab blowing up your ass….

It's a descent size club. Probably holds around 400 people I believe. They have a big stage and a great PA system No side fills but monitors for everyone to have whatever they need. If it was you where would you put the XiTone wedge? In front next to the front of stage monitor? And should I bother with running stereo to FOH or just mono?

 

[live4metal]

There was a guitarist from a local band that played through a axe ultra and he was using a 2x12 for his own monitoring. Extremely talented guitarist with great feel in his playing. I would guess it might help to hear/feel the music more. What nnajar said make sens. I am not an expert and havent used digital stuff before so...

 

[zewango]

Good luck Id be freaking as well. I sold my AX8 wasnt ready to try that route.
Damn that dude sounds like Ozzy!!!

 

[zuel69]

Sounds great, love your band! You will kick ass.

 

[geetarmikey]

I use a preamp/poweramp for my rig and I would definitely use the poweramp and the cab at least, as it's closer to a traditional rig and is good for a bit of stage volume too for a fuller sound. Take a monitor as well (I don't think two is necessary myself), and set it up at the front of the stage just in case you feel you need a bit more of your guitar without having to turn your backline up and risk ruining the mix with excessive volume.

Great clips btw, you're really nailing all those parts. Quick note - Do you think an octave effect at the start of the Over the Mountain solo would add even more authenticity?

Hope that helps and have a good one!

 

[JerEvil]

I run my Kemper from the left out. I don;t bother with stereo live. It sounds great as is. I used to keep my wedge to the left of me. I stay stage left facing the audience. I then keep the main monitor with drums, vocals, etc in front and NONE of me in that monitor. I'd rather just hear me through the wedge in that scenario.

I have since moved to using a Splawn 2x12 and Fryette Power Station for gigs with the Kemper. I like it better this way. If a venue has a backline I just bring the Kemper, remote and Power Station.

 

[squank]

I gigged an Axe-FX for several years, and then gigged a Kemper until last year when I stopped playing live. Here's my advice based on my experience:

1. Bring a tube amp backup, if you have one available. Not because you'll need it, but because you are really nervous about this. It WILL ease your mind to know it's there in case of a problem.

2. Go direct to FOH from one channel, and out to a powered speaker from the other, so you can use it as a "guitar-only" monitor on stage. You might get enough guitar in the side fills and your vocal monitor, but you might not. I don't have to tell you that the sound guy's ability to get monitor mixes correct varies wildly. It's important then to only adjust your stage volume on the powered speaker. You don't want the sound guy to see you as that guitarist who is constantly turning up all night.

3. Don't have any reverb in your rhythm tones. A little bit in your lead tone is fine. Delay is fine in any patch. But constant reverb will be a problem for FOH, especially direct.

4. If at all possible, check how hot your direct signal is before the show. If you have access to a mixer, plug it in and see how easy or hard it will be for the FOH guy to manage your signal. Then check your solo boost signal. Make sure it's not too much of a volume jump. I know you don't want the sound guy to be responsible for boosting your lead, but if your solo patch is too hot, he will turn you down during the solo and forget to turn you back up when you go back to the rhythm patch. This happened to me and it's very frustrating.

Have a great time! You sound great on those clips above, and the band sounds amazing. You'll kill it on this show with your gear!

 

[JerEvil]

I gigged an Axe-FX for several years, and then gigged a Kemper until last year when I stopped playing live. Here's my advice based on my experience:

1. Bring a tube amp backup, if you have one available. Not because you'll need it, but because you are really nervous about this. It WILL ease your mind to know it's there in case of a problem.

2. Go direct to FOH from one channel, and out to a powered speaker from the other, so you can use it as a "guitar-only" monitor on stage. You might get enough guitar in the side fills and your vocal monitor, but you might not. I don't have to tell you that the sound guy's ability to get monitor mixes correct varies wildly. It's important then to only adjust your stage volume on the powered speaker. You don't want the sound guy to see you as that guitarist who is constantly turning up all night.

3. Don't have any reverb in your rhythm tones. A little bit in your lead tone is fine. Delay is fine in any patch. But constant reverb will be a problem for FOH, especially direct.

4. If at all possible, check how hot your direct signal is before the show. If you have access to a mixer, plug it in and see how easy or hard it will be for the FOH guy to manage your signal. Then check your solo boost signal. Make sure it's not too much of a volume jump. I know you don't want the sound guy to be responsible for boosting your lead, but if your solo patch is too hot, he will turn you down during the solo and forget to turn you back up when you go back to the rhythm patch. This happened to me and it's very frustrating.

Have a great time! You sound great on those clips above, and the band sounds amazing. You'll kill it on this show with your gear!

This is interesting. I always run a little verb, even on my rhythm tones. Not heard this as being an issue before. Out of curiosity, why is this an issue?

 

[Bishop5150]

Great clips btw, you're really nailing all those parts. Quick note - Do you think an octave effect at the start of the Over the Mountain solo would add even more authenticity?

I actually do have one on it for the opening of the solo and then switch to the next preset for the next section of the solo which you can see me doing. But I just turned down the level cause I thought it was to much. I'll turn it back up some. Thanks for your advise!

 

[PBGas]

Neat vid! Nicely done! Should sound great....your other live work was always very well done so I don't see an issue with this.

How did the rest of the gents in the band find you sounded and how was the overall mix?

 

[Bishop5150]

Neat vid! Nicely done! Should sound great....your other live work was always very well done so I don't see an issue with this.

How did the rest of the gents in the band find you sounded and how was the overall mix?

Thanks for the kind words. The rest of the guys thought it was loud. LOL! No, they thought it sounded great. They are just not used to hearing me through the PA at practice. We've always just had keys and vocals in the mains. They are more worried about my comfort level and being distracted about the rig and not concentrating on my performance. But I've setup the AX8 button layout to mimic what I'm used to on my G-System and 5153 rig. I guess I'm just nervous about trying something new but I'm also excited. This is a new club for us. We are in an opening slot to prove ourselves for a headlining spot there later in the year. I've dotted all my I's and crossed all my T's. I just need to go do it. I do think I'll do what JerEvil mentioned above and bring the XiTone monitor and put it up front and bring my Matrix power amp and my 2x12 EVH cab for my security blanket so to speak.

 

[guitarnate2000]

I played the axe fx with a VHT power amp so I don't count other than saying you'll be fine bro... And I'd definitely use this gig to test before the HOB show in April! Not that ones more important than the other. But...

 

[Mr. Willy]

Neat vid! Nicely done! Should sound great....your other live work was always very well done so I don't see an issue with this.

How did the rest of the gents in the band find you sounded and how was the overall mix?

Thanks for the kind words. The rest of the guys thought it was loud. LOL! No, they thought it sounded great. They are just not used to hearing me through the PA at practice. We've always just had keys and vocals in the mains. They are more worried about my comfort level and being distracted about the rig and not concentrating on my performance. But I've setup the AX8 button layout to mimic what I'm used to on my G-System and 5153 rig. I guess I'm just nervous about trying something new but I'm also excited. This is a new club for us. We are in an opening slot to prove ourselves for a headlining spot there later in the year. I've dotted all my I's and crossed all my T's. I just need to go do it. I do think I'll do what JerEvil mentioned above and bring the XiTone monitor and put it up front and bring my Matrix power amp and my 2x12 EVH cab for my security blanket so to speak.

First thing's first, your tone and band kicks ass. I dug listening to that a lot. If I were you, I'd run that exact rig you used in the video. You're comfortable with it because you tested it at rehearsal. Also, if something should go wrong (and it probably won't) you have the 5153 there as a backup. That's some seriously ripping tone. If I heard a guy in a cover band with that tone, it'd definitely make me sit up and listen.

 

[steve_k]

Step 1: Put back in box
Step 2: Get a head and cab.

Just kidding....but, I went down that road and was nervous as a whore in church the first time. Basically it is you have confidence in the system. My biggest issue was what I dialed in at the house or in the band room was not going to be what projected in a proper live event. It takes a bit of thought on the EQ of the overall system and is FOH dependent. If you have a chance to set up and play before the gig, in an auditorium, you will benefit greatly. Get your patches set and then use the global EQ to make minute changes in the overall signal sent to FOH. Make sure the sound man (if you have one) gives you a flat EQ at the FOH and let you make the changes at the unit.

Your set up is good. Put the active wedge in front of you. I used two---one in front and one as a side wash. Don't over complicate with too many patches and too much FX work. It took a few gigs to make it work.

 

[Bishop5150]

Thank you guys so much. Need a like button option so I could like all of your comments. Such a wealth of knowledge on this forum. Guess that's why I love it so much and turn to it for help.