Mr. Willy
Well-known member
Tube amps for me. Either a SLO 30 into a 1x12 or 2x12, or my wet dry rig of 92 SLO into 2x12 dry line out into fx 1x12. My band mates and other guitarists rave about the wet dry tone. It’s huge and clear.
Orvillain
Active member
Mesa Mark V.
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legend71
Well-known member
I use both at times. Depends on the gig. If I am going direct, I use the Tech 21 Plexi fly rig pedal and a few other pedals for color. It is very simple and primitive and it sounds fine. But it doesn't feel like an amp behind you moving air. I prefer amps almost all the time. But I can get used to most things and make it work.
The interesting thing about the modelers (and I do think they sound good) is that most people I see using them utilize like 2% of its capacity for tones. Usually it seems like they just use 1 hi gain setting for the whole show and maybe some boosts or modulation. But the base tone is the same. Mostly I see cover bands so I am always perplexed as to why they do not match tones from the songs they cover. I think these devices have some type of "set list" mode where you preset the sounds and switch song to song. My Tech 21 is a simple pedal so it doesn't do that but if I had a Line 6 etc - I would run it that way. I also see people use huge amounts of gain with their modelers and a lot of times it sounds fizzy.
I saw a band last Saturday and the guy had been previously using a Fractal had a brand new Friedman Jose head with a 2x12 instead. Guess he went back to amps. I liked that tone better live especially since he was in a 2 guitar band.
The interesting thing about the modelers (and I do think they sound good) is that most people I see using them utilize like 2% of its capacity for tones. Usually it seems like they just use 1 hi gain setting for the whole show and maybe some boosts or modulation. But the base tone is the same. Mostly I see cover bands so I am always perplexed as to why they do not match tones from the songs they cover. I think these devices have some type of "set list" mode where you preset the sounds and switch song to song. My Tech 21 is a simple pedal so it doesn't do that but if I had a Line 6 etc - I would run it that way. I also see people use huge amounts of gain with their modelers and a lot of times it sounds fizzy.
I saw a band last Saturday and the guy had been previously using a Fractal had a brand new Friedman Jose head with a 2x12 instead. Guess he went back to amps. I liked that tone better live especially since he was in a 2 guitar band.
alund
Well-known member
Depends on the band: My yacht rock band: small stuff… either axe fx or goofy little H&K. Grandmeister 40. 
. It’s good enough. Not trying to punch anyone with “take it easy” and “ride like the wind”. However, my rock band will be my rack or head into rack and WDW 2x12 with 2x 1x12s. When we play AC/DC or DIO it has to be shoved in… deep.
. It’s good enough. Not trying to punch anyone with “take it easy” and “ride like the wind”. However, my rock band will be my rack or head into rack and WDW 2x12 with 2x 1x12s. When we play AC/DC or DIO it has to be shoved in… deep.
K
Kevin11
Active member
My main gigging rig since the late 90s has been a Bogner XTC with one or two 4x12 cabs. Bought an FM9 a couple of years ago for fun to mess around with at home and just recently started gigging with it. We're a loud, old-school rock band. We don't do in-ears and the other guitarist runs a JCM800 half-stack. I run the FM9 to two EV PXM-12MP wedges (stereo) set behind me as my "cabs" and pointing to the back of my head for stage volume. Works perfectly and sounds killer. Zero issues holding up against the Marshall. Admittedly, it's taken me a few years to get here with digital, but for me, it isn't about "real" vs. "fake", it's about making great, inspiring guitar sounds regardless of the method.
Some reasons why I'm digging the digital rig:
1) Tones: In the Fractal ecosystem in particular, I've been able to build my idealized amp rig from the ground up to give me exactly what I want. Early on, I felt the same as others have said, that it was just meh, lacked depth, punch, realism, whatever. Not anymore.
2) Variety: If I need something different tonally, I can easily get it. With a real amp, I'm kinda' painted into a corner with that amp's tonality.
3) Volume: One of the most useful FM9 features to me is the separate output volume knobs. If I want to crank my on-stage volume, I can reach down and easily do that without affecting the FOH signal. If I need more, I don't have to get a crappy guitar mix pumped to my vocal monitor.
4) Sound: In my particular case, the EVs have a much wider sound dispersion than a beamy 4x12 cab, so I can hear them all over the stage. In venues where it matters, they project to the audience without sounding one way to folks directly in-line, and completely different off-axis like a 4x12. And...I can still get the same feel, interaction and feedback as a traditional cab.
6) Portability: We do a lot of traveling and hauling our own backline. Amp, cab, mics, pedalboard, all in one unit. Effects are stellar. Ditched my bulky pedalboard ages ago and even use the FM9 in 4cm for effect only when I run my Bogner.
7) Consistency: FOH gets my "curated" tones with zero fuss. No mic positioning issues, bleed, stage floor material, cab-coupling. Tones at FOH are as close to identical as what I hear on stage as I've ever had and are consistent at every gig. Lots of compliments from the engineers we've worked with.
Some reasons why I'm digging the digital rig:
1) Tones: In the Fractal ecosystem in particular, I've been able to build my idealized amp rig from the ground up to give me exactly what I want. Early on, I felt the same as others have said, that it was just meh, lacked depth, punch, realism, whatever. Not anymore.
2) Variety: If I need something different tonally, I can easily get it. With a real amp, I'm kinda' painted into a corner with that amp's tonality.
3) Volume: One of the most useful FM9 features to me is the separate output volume knobs. If I want to crank my on-stage volume, I can reach down and easily do that without affecting the FOH signal. If I need more, I don't have to get a crappy guitar mix pumped to my vocal monitor.
4) Sound: In my particular case, the EVs have a much wider sound dispersion than a beamy 4x12 cab, so I can hear them all over the stage. In venues where it matters, they project to the audience without sounding one way to folks directly in-line, and completely different off-axis like a 4x12. And...I can still get the same feel, interaction and feedback as a traditional cab.
6) Portability: We do a lot of traveling and hauling our own backline. Amp, cab, mics, pedalboard, all in one unit. Effects are stellar. Ditched my bulky pedalboard ages ago and even use the FM9 in 4cm for effect only when I run my Bogner.
7) Consistency: FOH gets my "curated" tones with zero fuss. No mic positioning issues, bleed, stage floor material, cab-coupling. Tones at FOH are as close to identical as what I hear on stage as I've ever had and are consistent at every gig. Lots of compliments from the engineers we've worked with.
V
VonBonfire
Well-known member
blackba
Well-known member
I love amps, but I am using a Kingsley tube preamp into a two notes cabm direct to the PA and we use IEM.
I am considering bringing one of my many amps and using a Suhr RLIR or Two notes Captor X.
For the Sunday folks like myself its not tube amps, versus SS amps, versus modeling amps. Its amps versus direct to the PA.
I am considering bringing one of my many amps and using a Suhr RLIR or Two notes Captor X.
For the Sunday folks like myself its not tube amps, versus SS amps, versus modeling amps. Its amps versus direct to the PA.
F
Faded Abyss
Active member
I can’t say for myself but I just saw Lamb of god. I don’t know what they were using, butt sanguisugabogg (< wtf) used the 90’s dual rec reissue and their sound was really good. Not sure Fit for an autopsy played but their sound was off (not just guitars but overall) and Kublai Kahn’s sound was the best overall. I thought I saw a solid state power amp and mic’dcabs? I’m curious to find out what they were using
4406cuda
Well-known member
I use both. Fractal Audio FX III through Fender FR-12s and FOH if I need extreme versatility. MGL 50 or a Boogie Filmore for straight up Rock!
G
gudbrand
Member
HX Stomp for smaller shows, but tube amps when I can for larger or outdoor shows. Laney GH100L or Rivera Knucklehead.
I do this. My band mostly plays covers. Even when using a modeler, I'll use a base clean tone, a base distorted tone, and a couple effects. It's simpler to dial in and to adjust on the fly, so there's less risk of a patch being unexpectedly too quiet, too bassy, too wet, or whatever. I know there's a global EQ section, but it's still so much more work to try to set up a bunch of different patches and manage them all during a gig, especially at different venues with different monitoring situations and different PAs.
There is also something nice about sounding consistent, even if each song doesn't match the recorded tone of the original as closely as it could.
That said, if I could more easily match tones, I would. Clearly other people manage it.
I do this. My band mostly plays covers. Even when using a modeler, I'll use a base clean tone, a base distorted tone, and a couple effects. It's simpler to dial in and to adjust on the fly, so there's less risk of a patch being unexpectedly too quiet, too bassy, too wet, or whatever. I know there's a global EQ section, but it's still so much more work to try to set up a bunch of different patches and manage them all during a gig, especially at different venues with different monitoring situations and different PAs.
There is also something nice about sounding consistent, even if each song doesn't match the recorded tone of the original as closely as it could.
That said, if I could more easily match tones, I would. Clearly other people manage it.
SgtThump
Real OG
This past Saturday night (I change it up often.)
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DrewJD82
Well-known member
Both, but in both cases the sound is coming out of a tube power section and into a guitar cab.
Got a first rehearsal with a Tool tribute this Friday night and trying to decide if I’ll use my Plexi50 for everything or if I’ll use my FM9 into the Fryette, where I’ll be able to run dual amps and get a bit closer to Adam’s tone.
Regardless, I know there’s not a damn person on the planet that will be able to stand in front of that 4x12 and tell me if it’s a digital preamp or a tube preamp making the distortion.
Got a first rehearsal with a Tool tribute this Friday night and trying to decide if I’ll use my Plexi50 for everything or if I’ll use my FM9 into the Fryette, where I’ll be able to run dual amps and get a bit closer to Adam’s tone.
Regardless, I know there’s not a damn person on the planet that will be able to stand in front of that 4x12 and tell me if it’s a digital preamp or a tube preamp making the distortion.
PurityS.L.G
Well-known member
I fall with the traditional head/cab crowd but man times have changed. It seems like the majority of small clubs & venues (not all) in my area, prefer direct connection with modellers for obvious reasons and you get treated favorably compared to bringing a cab to mic up.
Speaking of, cabs are what kill it for me as far as transporting and wanting to bring to a gig but in the end, I much prefer it over a floorboard unit. When I played with a modeller, its definitely more streamlined and gives you a lot more room to move on those smaller stages but you feel much less like a rockstar having a beastly rig behind you.
Also, I agree with @VonBonfire that modellers indeed killed what made playing guitar, especially live, fun for us all. Nothing like the sweet sound of squealing feedback!
Speaking of, cabs are what kill it for me as far as transporting and wanting to bring to a gig but in the end, I much prefer it over a floorboard unit. When I played with a modeller, its definitely more streamlined and gives you a lot more room to move on those smaller stages but you feel much less like a rockstar having a beastly rig behind you.
Also, I agree with @VonBonfire that modellers indeed killed what made playing guitar, especially live, fun for us all. Nothing like the sweet sound of squealing feedback!
M
matttornado
Active member
Marshall 2203 or DSL for me.
V
VonBonfire
Well-known member
I'd rather someone chain a cement block around my neck and toss me overboard into the mariana trench. There will be no compliance from me, ever. "hEy gUyZ iTz jUsT s0 mUcH eZeeR f0uR mE t0 rUn U Fr00 teH mAinZ" and dudes go right along with it. Then they go home and wonder why rock is dead, because inside, they are already dead men.
Alpha Stryke
Well-known member
MARSHA MARSHA MARSHA
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gibsonash
Active member
FM9T 99% . But i prefere some pedals straight to the mixer like Tone King Royalist Pedal or IR-X , FM9 for effects in 4CM
crankyrayhanky
Well-known member
Kemper toaster with remote live. Sets up in 2 minutes and sounds amazing.
Tube amps are still the best for me when recording at home.
Tube amps are still the best for me when recording at home.
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