Getting back into Playing.. Need advice and recommendation

[Bash_Man]

hi everyone,
Its been many years since I've been on the rig-talk forum. Hope I cross paths with some of my old rig-talk friends and catching up.

So I am getting back to playing music with a group. Only doing covers of the Rock, Classic & Soft Rock, Hard rock genres.

I wanted to see whats "popular" now days or perhaps get some recommendations. I still have my Splawn Nitro amp that I plan on using. Looking to replacing my 4x12 with a 2x12 for portability and easy of transportation.

Wanted to see what people recommend for effects. I've dismantled my old pedal board and have sold the majority of pedals off of it (Chorus, delay, etc..). Only thing I have left is my Dunlop Wah, MXR Microamp, ISP G-string noise gate and my Voodoo Labs pedal power.

Here are some options I've run through mentally:
- Re-purchase all pedals I need (Chorus, delay, flanger, phaser, etc..) and re-build the pedal board.
- Purchase a rack mount multi effects units, use with a rolls Midi Controller MP128 (already have) and purchase something like the Voodoo Labs Amp channel switcher (program and switch via midi) to switch amp channels.
- Purchase a floor multi effects unit like Pod X3 Live (just an example) and use the "4 cable method" to isolate to use effects only and continue to use the pre-amp section of my Splawn.

Thoughts? ideas?

My Main thing is to keep simplicity of the configuration and setup at time of rehearsal and gig, but at the same time give me some flexibility and options if needed.

Thanks again.

Cheers

 

[stratjacket]

So glad to hear you’re getting back into playing. We are in the golden age for gear, so many great sounding amps, pedals and modelers. Not sure how long you’ve been away from it, but modelers have gotten exponentially better; Line6 Helix, Fractal Audio, really great all in one Riggs. However the Nitro is an awesome amp and going that route is great too.

If you’re wanting to travel light, then a modelers like aHelix, Kemper or Fractal Audio along with a FRFR cabinet is all you need. For gigs, just plug straight into FOH, don’t even need to carry a cabinet if they have that option.

But if tube amps are your style and you want to stay with that, I’d recommend something like an Eventide H9 for the loop to cover all your chorus, delay, flanger phaser, etc needs. It is expensive but covers all those with good quality. Stick an EQ and OD of choice in front.

Obviously there’s no right way, the watts you listed would work too. But of seriously take a look at today’s newest modelers. If the X3 was your last test, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Check out Leon Todd on YouTube, he does pretty good AxeFx quick tones that is interesting to see and hear.

 

[Bash_Man]

So glad to hear you’re getting back into playing. We are in the golden age for gear, so many great sounding amps, pedals and modelers. Not sure how long you’ve been away from it, but modelers have gotten exponentially better; Line6 Helix, Fractal Audio, really great all in one Riggs. However the Nitro is an awesome amp and going that route is great too.

If you’re wanting to travel light, then a modelers like aHelix, Kemper or Fractal Audio along with a FRFR cabinet is all you need. For gigs, just plug straight into FOH, don’t even need to carry a cabinet if they have that option.

But if tube amps are your style and you want to stay with that, I’d recommend something like an Eventide H9 for the loop to cover all your chorus, delay, flanger phaser, etc needs. It is expensive but covers all those with good quality. Stick an EQ and OD of choice in front.

Obviously there’s no right way, the watts you listed would work too. But of seriously take a look at today’s newest modelers. If the X3 was your last test, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Check out Leon Todd on YouTube, he does pretty good AxeFx quick tones that is interesting to see and hear.

Thank you. I've kinda been looking around lately to see what's out there and seeing all these Kemper profilers, etc.. I think those are a bit out of the price range to be honest.

I've even looked at maybe selling off what I have and look at the new Boss Katana, Boss Waza or even the new Line 6 amps. I have a line 6 IV 30 amps combo and Its a pretty cool little combo amp. Not sure how it would hold up live in a band situation.

 

[Braciola]

For the music you say you're playing,I think you're good with the Splawn.
Just pick up a good delay and any modulation pedals you like, and you'll be set.

 

[RockyStar]

There are a ton of quality options available and many paths to get to a solution. Information overload and option paralysis can happen quickly. I still don't believe anything beats a good tube amp but that is me. Modeler's have improved greatly but I still would choose an amp every time.

First off, think of how many different tones you will really need. Do you need 3 types of delay or 8? Do you need a couple Reverb options or several? How much modulation do you really use? Are you set and forget or a deep diver into menus and saved presets? Etc Etc

Once you get a feel for that, you can funnel things down on where you may want to go. Another thing is editors...apps, etc. for said pedals. How big of a footprint?

The Boss 500 series pedals are nice and offer a lot to work with. The Source Audio Ventris and Nemesis are both awesome. If you want simpler pedals and smaller footprint, you can't go wrong with Neunaber. A lot of people like the HX Stomp by Line 6.

I would start there with seeing what direction you are leaning for a comfort zone. Once you get a better handle on that I am happy to offer more specific options in that direction. Again, there are so many options available it can cripple you if you let it.

Finally, how much money do you want to spend?

 

[stratjacket]

So glad to hear you’re getting back into playing. We are in the golden age for gear, so many great sounding amps, pedals and modelers. Not sure how long you’ve been away from it, but modelers have gotten exponentially better; Line6 Helix, Fractal Audio, really great all in one Riggs. However the Nitro is an awesome amp and going that route is great too.

If you’re wanting to travel light, then a modelers like aHelix, Kemper or Fractal Audio along with a FRFR cabinet is all you need. For gigs, just plug straight into FOH, don’t even need to carry a cabinet if they have that option.

But if tube amps are your style and you want to stay with that, I’d recommend something like an Eventide H9 for the loop to cover all your chorus, delay, flanger phaser, etc needs. It is expensive but covers all those with good quality. Stick an EQ and OD of choice in front.

Obviously there’s no right way, the watts you listed would work too. But of seriously take a look at today’s newest modelers. If the X3 was your last test, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Check out Leon Todd on YouTube, he does pretty good AxeFx quick tones that is interesting to see and hear.

Thank you. I've kinda been looking around lately to see what's out there and seeing all these Kemper profilers, etc.. I think those are a bit out of the price range to be honest.

I've even looked at maybe selling off what I have and look at the new Boss Katana, Boss Waza or even the new Line 6 amps. I have a line 6 IV 30 amps combo and Its a pretty cool little combo amp. Not sure how it would hold up live in a band situation.

Building around the Nitro sounds like the quickest and easiest path. Only a couple of pedals to shape the sounds how you want. I would recommend building out the pedalboards. For the loop, something like an Eventide H9 over buying 4 or 5 individual time based (delay, reverb, flanger, etc) pedals. I think it’s cheaper in the long run. But if you want to build as you go, then I’d start with a good delay of choice.

 

[ClintN667]

I miss my Nitro. I have an EQD devices Dispatch Master that I really love. Its a Reverb and Delay. Not a lot of bells and whistles but I really like using it for my leads. One step and I have delay and reverb. I really liked the Friedman Buxom Boost with the Nitro. They pair really well together as did klon type pedals.

 

[skullfxr]

For the music you say you're playing,I think you're good with the Splawn.
Just pick up a good delay and any modulation pedals you like, and you'll be set.

Rock that fucking Splawn. Cmatmods phaser, chorus and deeelay are great for the money. Under the radar, but top notch.

 

[Bash_Man]

There are a ton of quality options available and many paths to get to a solution. Information overload and option paralysis can happen quickly.

I 100% agree, and with all the stuff out there, It seems like its an Information overload. haha

Hence why I've come here to pick the brains of people here

First off, think of how many different tones you will really need. Do you need 3 types of delay or 8? Do you need a couple Reverb options or several? How much modulation do you really use? Are you set and forget or a deep diver into menus and saved presets? Etc Etc

I usually keep a minimum of 4 sounds handy. Clean, light over drive, Heavy Overdrive and Solo (a bit booster volume with a tad bit more saturation). The amp has built in Reverb, but I was never BIG on using Reverb. I like Chorus and a touch of delay on my cleans. For my Overdrive Light and heavy OD sounds, I like a touch of delay. nothing noticeable but just enough to kinda give it that "doubler" effect and give it a bit of "Thickness". This way I also dont need to use tons of gain. For Lead sound, I like to add a bit more delay, nothing Long feedback wise or that delays on and on and on.

So a Delay and Chorus are a must. A Flanger and/or Phaser is also nice to have for some Van Halen covers.

Once you get a feel for that, you can funnel things down on where you may want to go. Another thing is editors...apps, etc. for said pedals. How big of a footprint?

The Boss 500 series pedals are nice and offer a lot to work with. The Source Audio Ventris and Nemesis are both awesome. If you want simpler pedals and smaller footprint, you can't go wrong with Neunaber. A lot of people like the HX Stomp by Line 6.

I would start there with seeing what direction you are leaning for a comfort zone. Once you get a better handle on that I am happy to offer more specific options in that direction. Again, there are so many options available it can cripple you if you let it.

Finally, how much money do you want to spend?

I looked at some of those pedals. To be honest, the Boss 500 series are just big pedals. I kinda would like to minimize what's on the floor in front of me or at least keep the pedal board as minimal size wise as possible. the Neunaber are a bit more than I would want to spend. Each of those pedals are close or over $200USD. That's close to $300 CAD. A bit more than I'd be wanting to spend after I get the effects I would want on my board.

 

[RockyStar]

There are a ton of quality options available and many paths to get to a solution. Information overload and option paralysis can happen quickly.

I 100% agree, and with all the stuff out there, It seems like its an Information overload. haha

Hence why I've come here to pick the brains of people here

First off, think of how many different tones you will really need. Do you need 3 types of delay or 8? Do you need a couple Reverb options or several? How much modulation do you really use? Are you set and forget or a deep diver into menus and saved presets? Etc Etc

I usually keep a minimum of 4 sounds handy. Clean, light over drive, Heavy Overdrive and Solo (a bit booster volume with a tad bit more saturation). The amp has built in Reverb, but I was never BIG on using Reverb. I like Chorus and a touch of delay on my cleans. For my Overdrive Light and heavy OD sounds, I like a touch of delay. nothing noticeable but just enough to kinda give it that "doubler" effect and give it a bit of "Thickness". This way I also dont need to use tons of gain. For Lead sound, I like to add a bit more delay, nothing Long feedback wise or that delays on and on and on.

So a Delay and Chorus are a must. A Flanger and/or Phaser is also nice to have for some Van Halen covers.

Once you get a feel for that, you can funnel things down on where you may want to go. Another thing is editors...apps, etc. for said pedals. How big of a footprint?

The Boss 500 series pedals are nice and offer a lot to work with. The Source Audio Ventris and Nemesis are both awesome. If you want simpler pedals and smaller footprint, you can't go wrong with Neunaber. A lot of people like the HX Stomp by Line 6.

I would start there with seeing what direction you are leaning for a comfort zone. Once you get a better handle on that I am happy to offer more specific options in that direction. Again, there are so many options available it can cripple you if you let it.

Finally, how much money do you want to spend?

I looked at some of those pedals. To be honest, the Boss 500 series are just big pedals. I kinda would like to minimize what's on the floor in front of me or at least keep the pedal board as minimal size wise as possible. the Neunaber are a bit more than I would want to spend. Each of those pedals are close or over $200USD. That's close to $300 CAD. A bit more than I'd be wanting to spend after I get the effects I would want on my board.

Cool, I get where you are coming from. You could double up a couple effects in a few pedals and save cash. I know the Neunaber stuff is a bit pricy compared to some others but its great sounding and available used. The Immerse can give you reverb and delay sounds. Would be great for what you need. The Neunaber Inspire is a wonderful chorus. Those two pedals could cover most everything you mention.

Others worth checking out. I have all of these I am suggesting so I am familiar with them.
Providence Anadime Chorus
Walrus Audio Julia
Walrus ARP-87 Delay
Mad Professor 1
Earthquaker Devices Dispatch Master Reverb/Delay
Whirlwind Bomb Boost
Diamond Memory Lane Jr Delay
DOD Rubberneck delay

These should cover you nicely for some other options. Hope this helps.

 

[Bash_Man]

There are a ton of quality options available and many paths to get to a solution. Information overload and option paralysis can happen quickly.

I 100% agree, and with all the stuff out there, It seems like its an Information overload. haha

Hence why I've come here to pick the brains of people here

First off, think of how many different tones you will really need. Do you need 3 types of delay or 8? Do you need a couple Reverb options or several? How much modulation do you really use? Are you set and forget or a deep diver into menus and saved presets? Etc Etc

I usually keep a minimum of 4 sounds handy. Clean, light over drive, Heavy Overdrive and Solo (a bit booster volume with a tad bit more saturation). The amp has built in Reverb, but I was never BIG on using Reverb. I like Chorus and a touch of delay on my cleans. For my Overdrive Light and heavy OD sounds, I like a touch of delay. nothing noticeable but just enough to kinda give it that "doubler" effect and give it a bit of "Thickness". This way I also dont need to use tons of gain. For Lead sound, I like to add a bit more delay, nothing Long feedback wise or that delays on and on and on.

So a Delay and Chorus are a must. A Flanger and/or Phaser is also nice to have for some Van Halen covers.

Once you get a feel for that, you can funnel things down on where you may want to go. Another thing is editors...apps, etc. for said pedals. How big of a footprint?

The Boss 500 series pedals are nice and offer a lot to work with. The Source Audio Ventris and Nemesis are both awesome. If you want simpler pedals and smaller footprint, you can't go wrong with Neunaber. A lot of people like the HX Stomp by Line 6.

I would start there with seeing what direction you are leaning for a comfort zone. Once you get a better handle on that I am happy to offer more specific options in that direction. Again, there are so many options available it can cripple you if you let it.

Finally, how much money do you want to spend?

I looked at some of those pedals. To be honest, the Boss 500 series are just big pedals. I kinda would like to minimize what's on the floor in front of me or at least keep the pedal board as minimal size wise as possible. the Neunaber are a bit more than I would want to spend. Each of those pedals are close or over $200USD. That's close to $300 CAD. A bit more than I'd be wanting to spend after I get the effects I would want on my board.

Cool, I get where you are coming from. You could double up a couple effects in a few pedals and save cash. I know the Neunaber stuff is a bit pricy compared to some others but its great sounding and available used. The Immerse can give you reverb and delay sounds. Would be great for what you need. The Neunaber Inspire is a wonderful chorus. Those two pedals could cover most everything you mention.

Others worth checking out. I have all of these I am suggesting so I am familiar with them.
Providence Anadime Chorus
Walrus Audio Julia
Walrus ARP-87 Delay
Mad Professor 1
Earthquaker Devices Dispatch Master Reverb/Delay
Whirlwind Bomb Boost
Diamond Memory Lane Jr Delay
DOD Rubberneck delay

These should cover you nicely for some other options. Hope this helps.

Many thanks for the recommendations. I will check out that list.

 

[Bash_Man]

has anyone used a "4 cable method" with a floor or rack multieffects to hook up to an amp for continuing to using the Amp's builtin preamp section? If so, what are your results.

My reason for the question is sometimes I'll see some of the Boss GT series units like the GT-8 or GT-10 go cheap. Basiclly a used one of those for the price of 2-3 pedals. With something like the GT units, I can program the effects I want and I can also eliminate the Floor wah pedal since these GT units have a wah built in as well as a volume pedal.

thoughts?

 

[splatter]

love my fractal fx8.Highly recommend it

 

[311boogieman]

The amp has built in Reverb

How did you get that


I don't have a Nitro and I don't gig but this is my set up. So if you're looking for a pedal route recommendation I can recommend everything on my board. Nothing expensive. Easy to find. Works well. All powered off of a OneSpot.

Considering doing the 4 cable method at some point so following that.

 

[skullfxr]

If you want cheap and bang for the buck get a visual sounds H2O V1. Chorus and delay - $70 used. The chorus is even BBD.

 

[stratjacket]

has anyone used a "4 cable method" with a floor or rack multieffects to hook up to an amp for continuing to using the Amp's builtin preamp section? If so, what are your results.

My reason for the question is sometimes I'll see some of the Boss GT series units like the GT-8 or GT-10 go cheap. Basiclly a used one of those for the price of 2-3 pedals. With something like the GT units, I can program the effects I want and I can also eliminate the Floor wah pedal since these GT units have a wah built in as well as a volume pedal.

thoughts?

I have not tried with the Boss GT series, but have with the AxeFx. It worked great, versatile and gives a lot of options. I think buying a used one and giving it a try would be low risk, if you don’t like it you could probably sell it for what you paid.

 

[Bash_Man]

The amp has built in Reverb

How did you get that

Disregard that. I told a lie. LOL. I don't know why I thought it had Reverb. This show you the last time I looked at the darn thing. Its been sitting in storage for so long.

I don't have a Nitro and I don't gig but this is my set up. So if you're looking for a pedal route recommendation I can recommend everything on my board. Nothing expensive. Easy to find. Works well. All powered off of a OneSpot.

Very nice setup my friend.

Considering doing the 4 cable method at some point so following that.

I used to do "a" 4 cable method with my pedal board. Made a 20' snake and ran the modulation effects to the Loop of the Splawn.