Direct Rig for Gigging

[threemounts_1]

So, I've been away from the music scene for a few years now and I recently received a few offers to start playing small shows again. I'm not new to high end gear but I know that it's not needed when you're in a bar band making a couple hundred a weekend for fun and no one out there cares anyway lol. Since I've been offered to play I've been scouring the Internet seeing what's new and I've realized I don't need a 100 watt tube amp with matching cab to play small gigs. So, what would be an ideal setup to you to go direct to PA. I've seen the new Helix, the AxeFX, Sansamp, Ethos, even the Tubemeister running straight. I'm pretty interested in the Helix but I think I'd want something less expensive.. Really thinking of going with a few pedals into a character series tech 21.. Am I missing anything? Trying not to break the bank here.. TIA!

 

[1big1]

i've been using a jet direct with a marshall dsl 40c for club gigs for the last year or so. works for me.

 

[iplayloudly]

I'm a fan of the Tech21 character series. I've gone direct many times with the "Oxford" pedal (supposed to sound like an Orange). It sounds a lot better paired with my MXR 10 band EQ and Boss Blues Driver though.

Just yesterday I got in the Tech21 FlyRig5, and so far I am pretty impressed with it also. It has a pretty convincing plexi sound all on its own without any other pedals. Hopefully this weekend I'll get to try it out with a good PA at band practice.

 

[messenger]

I've been going direct for a few years with a Digitech RP500. Gets the job done.

 

[Rockinloud]

I used a Sansamp PSA-1 direct for years. Always got good comments on my tone. I ran mine through either a Mesa 2:90 or VHT 2:50:2 power amp but you could just run direct and through the monitors. Used a TC G-Force in the loop, worked great for doing the cover band thing. You can find lesser expensive effect processors that would work as well. Picked up an extra PSA-1 used from Guitar Center a few years ago for $179 in excellent condition. Good tone cheap!

 

[threemounts_1]

I'm a fan of the Tech21 character series. I've gone direct many times with the "Oxford" pedal (supposed to sound like an Orange). It sounds a lot better paired with my MXR 10 band EQ and Boss Blues Driver though.

Just yesterday I got in the Tech21 FlyRig5, and so far I am pretty impressed with it also. It has a pretty convincing plexi sound all on its own without any other pedals. Hopefully this weekend I'll get to try it out with a good PA at band practice.

Did you run the EQ after the Oxford or before?

 

[Chris6870]

I've been going direct for a few years with a Digitech RP500. Gets the job done.

What models do you use? Do you use the cab sims? I have a RP1000 and picked up a gig that really does not need an amp. Just some basic clean and crunch tones. I am considering going direct to PA with it.

 

[iplayloudly]

I'm a fan of the Tech21 character series. I've gone direct many times with the "Oxford" pedal (supposed to sound like an Orange). It sounds a lot better paired with my MXR 10 band EQ and Boss Blues Driver though.

Just yesterday I got in the Tech21 FlyRig5, and so far I am pretty impressed with it also. It has a pretty convincing plexi sound all on its own without any other pedals. Hopefully this weekend I'll get to try it out with a good PA at band practice.

Did you run the EQ after the Oxford or before?

After. It tends to have a weird high-end that I couldn't dial out on its own.

 

[Badronald]

The Kotzen Flyrig and a tuner?

 

[JerEvil]

I used the RP1000 for about a year. I am using the Kemper now and love it but the RP was pretty solid. Easy to program and the effects are nice too. The Eleven rack can be had for about $300 new but I fount there to be too significant of a lag in switching patches. I run direct for a lot of gigs.

 

[IceMan]

I just picked up the AmpliFire from Atomic and so far I'm pretty impressed. In terms of "feel", it's right on par with the Kemper or AxFx (I've owned both). It doesn't have the huge number of amp models or FX of those units, but it's got all the basics covered PLUS some goodies in there. Plus, it's perfect for putting on a pedalboard and really pairs down a rig when used that way. It's $599 new, but can be had used for less. I got mine for $250 plus a couple pedals for trade. I think I came out ahead on that deal!

I primarily gig the small bar scene as well and my JVM half-stack is overkill for most situations. I'm going to give the AmpliFire a go on my board and see how it goes. I think it will work fine.

 

[messenger]

I've been going direct for a few years with a Digitech RP500. Gets the job done.

What models do you use? Do you use the cab sims? I have a RP1000 and picked up a gig that really does not need an amp. Just some basic clean and crunch tones. I am considering going direct to PA with it.

I mainly use MasterVolume Amps Sim (Marshall) and ALT Cab Sim ( I think). That cab seems fullest and most natural. For higher gain (not NU Metal) I'll use a Drive Pedal Sim (don't recall which).

 

[threemounts_1]

If I were to go the analog preamp pedal route, would it be required to get a cab sim pedal as well? I've been interested in either amplifire direct, hd500x or something like the character series with a pedal or two running before (or after)

I'm just learning about IRs, cab sims and other stuff.. Gets confusing