Guitar monitoring options-live use

[The_Kid]

Hey guys... looking for a live guitar monitoring solution that won't break the bank... but isn't just a typical powered wedge.

I run a Line 6 Helix (far from the cool amps you guys post and I drool over, however its what my budget, and project demands allow) and I normally have been happy with everything coming out of my vocal wedge. However I've been wanting something more of a live cab/wedge for guitar only.

I know Friedman makes a wedge style FRFR but wondering if there are other similar designs with a lower price point. L6 makes their power cab, which tilts back and may be my best option... but you guys always seem more connected than I'm aware of myself to companies and products out there.

Thanks for any suggestions..

 

[El Mariachi]

Hey "Kid",

I used the Helix for a bit and switched to the AX8. I also kept an HX Stomp as a backup rig for a while.
I've owned/used three monitors in live situations. The Atomic CLR, Friedman ASC-10, and the Line6 PowerCab.

From my experience... The Atomic is the most accurate sounding of the bunch. Sounds great at low volumes, but gets washed out in a loud band situation.
The Line6 is a toy. The Helix is a great platform, but the PowerCab just flat out doesn't sound good at all.
The Friedman ASC shines at loud band volumes, but sounds quite dark at low volumes. Doesn't make a good platform for recreating your presets at low volumes like the Atomic.

Hope that helps a little.
Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.


Enrique

 

[PBGas]

The Friedman units are really nice but they are pricey. The 12" version is uber heavy. Might as well just have a 212 at that point. I had a couple of the 10" units for a better part of the year and they did a great job. You may be able to find a nice ASC or ASM 10 for a good price used. The ASM monitor is brighter than the ASC monitor. The line6 powercab is a decent unit but if you are playing heavier stuff with more bottom, probably not the best choice. Now, the Line6 powercab 212 is outstanding. Tons of bottom and clarity and plenty loud in stereo. It sounds much different than the single 12 unit. Again, it is more expensive but you have a great stereo setup with it.

 

[El Mariachi]

The Friedman units are really nice but they are pricey. The 12" version is uber heavy. Might as well just have a 212 at that point. I had a couple of the 10" units for a better part of the year and they did a great job. You may be able to find a nice ASC or ASM 10 for a good price used. The ASM monitor is brighter than the ASC monitor. The line6 powercab is a decent unit but if you are playing heavier stuff with more bottom, probably not the best choice. Now, the Line6 powercab 212 is outstanding. Tons of bottom and clarity and plenty loud in stereo. It sounds much different than the single 12 unit. Again, it is more expensive but you have a great stereo setup with it.

Agree on the ASM12!
I forgot... I had an ASM12 for a minute.
Sounded good, but Oh My! SUPER HEAVY and awkward to carry.

 

[PeteLaramee]

I had an Atomic CLR and currently have two Xitones and two Headrush 112s.

The CLR sounded very clean, but the two negatives I found were probably positives for other players - it was NOT directional (I like moving around for different volume sweep spots) and was loose.

The Xitones sound great and are punchy like a real cab.

IMO the Headrush sounds 95% as good as the Xitones and they are almost as punchy. Also they are inexpensive and can get stupid loud. I prefer the Xitones, but wouldn't complain if I only had the Headrush cabs.

 

[PeteLaramee]

I had an Atomic CLR and currently have two Xitones and two Headrush 112s.

The CLR sounded very clean, but the two negatives I found were probably positives for other players - it was NOT directional (I like moving around for different volume sweep spots) and was loose.

The Xitones sound great and are punchy like a real cab.

IMO the Headrush sounds 95% as good as the Xitones and they are almost as punchy. Also they are inexpensive and can get stupid loud. I prefer the Xitones, but wouldn't complain if I only had the Headrush cabs.

 

[The_Kid]

The Friedman units are really nice but they are pricey. The 12" version is uber heavy. Might as well just have a 212 at that point. I had a couple of the 10" units for a better part of the year and they did a great job. You may be able to find a nice ASC or ASM 10 for a good price used. The ASM monitor is brighter than the ASC monitor. The line6 powercab is a decent unit but if you are playing heavier stuff with more bottom, probably not the best choice. Now, the Line6 powercab 212 is outstanding. Tons of bottom and clarity and plenty loud in stereo. It sounds much different than the single 12 unit. Again, it is more expensive but you have a great stereo setup with it.

Yeah if I got the power cab, id probably flip for the 2x12. I really like the monitor shape form factor of the Friedman. I'll have to look into the 12"version. I don't mind weight, I'm young enough yet. Lol...

As far as loudness, I do my tweaking at home really in headphones and have a good sense to adjusting things and getting 90% of the way there and making smaller adjustments at practice.

I see the Friedman has an output link... is that a direct link out that I could run to our mixer then? I tried looking online and didn't see anything other than the name.

For the price of the asm12, if it blows the power cab away then I think I'll go that route. The IR loading feature would be cool with the Powercab, however, my presets aren't whining about lack of space so it wouldn't be anything "needed". I also use specific IRs so the speaker flavors they have wouldn't help either. I'd want a clean representation for my stage use.

 

[The_Kid]

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[The_Kid]

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[PBGas]

The Friedman units are really nice but they are pricey. The 12" version is uber heavy. Might as well just have a 212 at that point. I had a couple of the 10" units for a better part of the year and they did a great job. You may be able to find a nice ASC or ASM 10 for a good price used. The ASM monitor is brighter than the ASC monitor. The line6 powercab is a decent unit but if you are playing heavier stuff with more bottom, probably not the best choice. Now, the Line6 powercab 212 is outstanding. Tons of bottom and clarity and plenty loud in stereo. It sounds much different than the single 12 unit. Again, it is more expensive but you have a great stereo setup with it.

Agree on the ASM12!
I forgot... I had an ASM12 for a minute.
Sounded good, but Oh My! SUPER HEAVY and awkward to carry.

Wasn’t that the most awkward thing to carry around with the handle underneath?
Cripes...I’d whomp my shins turning it over! I borrowed a friends and I saw that he now put side handles on it and that made transport so much better.