can you go amp-less?
- Thread starter eSGEe
- Start date
Pretty happy with a Kemper here…so…could I go amp-less? Yeah.
Would I go amp-less? Nope…probably not…voluntarily…
Would I go amp-less? Nope…probably not…voluntarily…
mcblink
Ambassador of Riffs & Spliffs
NO
I’ll go one better…not even a processor!
That’s what I’ve been doing for my practice rig. Recently, I began running from my guitar direct to one of the instrument inputs on my mixer. I also run my iPad to the mixer so I can practice along to the tracks I’m learning. I monitor everything on my headphones.
Here are a few pics.
Here’s the entire setup. Guitar to mixer. iPad to mixer.
Here’s a shot of the mixer. The guitar is in channel 1.
I realize this is just for practicing, but it’s cool in that I can hear what the guitar sounds like with no amplifier or guitar speaker coloring the sound. There are also no effects or overdrive at all. I prefer to learn parts this way. Having a completely clean, dry tone lets me hear all my mistakes better and forces me to be more precise. I work effects and overdrive in after I learn the song.
That’s what I’ve been doing for my practice rig. Recently, I began running from my guitar direct to one of the instrument inputs on my mixer. I also run my iPad to the mixer so I can practice along to the tracks I’m learning. I monitor everything on my headphones.
Here are a few pics.
Here’s the entire setup. Guitar to mixer. iPad to mixer.
Here’s a shot of the mixer. The guitar is in channel 1.
I realize this is just for practicing, but it’s cool in that I can hear what the guitar sounds like with no amplifier or guitar speaker coloring the sound. There are also no effects or overdrive at all. I prefer to learn parts this way. Having a completely clean, dry tone lets me hear all my mistakes better and forces me to be more precise. I work effects and overdrive in after I learn the song.
I could say the weight alone was sufficient motivation for me to sell all my big cabs.
Nobody is recording down here in SoCal with amplifiers, except in very, very rare instances.
Most studios are using Blue Cat Destructor or Avid Eleven Mk II for amp simulation.
We are also seeing more and more live performances where guys are patching a Headrush or a GT-1000 straight into the board and the sound is just phenomenal.
So, yes, you could do it, and a lot of guys down here are doing it...
The possibilities are truly endless these days...
LiveeviL2000
Ambassador of Pentagonal Pentatonics
But but but …. Are you saying not to go to the light Caroll-Anne ? Who gets that movie reference
Iron1
AmbassaDOOM of Red VVinter
Fractal > Orange.I'm all over the place at the moment, FM9 / headrush gigboard / Super Crush 100 / Pedal baby 100 FM3 ?
I think I narrowed it down to an FM3 and an Orange Pedal Baby 100, Orange Omec Teleport interface all portable (fit in a backpack) and I can mix in my other pedals and applications if I want to. YUP! I think I have some focus now...
All Day. Every.Day.
Even 10 year old Fractal stuff is better than brand new Orange stuff.
That‘s interesting. As you know, I‘ve kind of had it in my head to get a Fractal. Of course, I’d love the Axe Fx III, but the price tag is a little much for me to justify, especially since I’d also want the foot controller. How well does Fractal support their older stuff?
Dudes,
The list of session players who are using Axe FX III is staggering...
You always have the guys who feel tubes are better, but when we listen to the playbacks, there's no evidence to support that.
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Have you been able to compare the III model to the earlier ones, like the Axe Fx 2 or 2XL? I ask because if I do get one, I may rustle up something on the used market.
Personally, I have not compared the earlier versions.
I hear guys frequently say, "I only use real tube amps..."
To which I respond, "Are you earning a living playing music???"
To which they almost always reply, "No, I just gig or jam for fun..."
And I have to try to keep from chuckling out loud
I mean, you'll always have guys like Joe B, EJ and KWS who insist on using "real" amps and that's fine. They also have the support teams to move them and keep them running. But, they wouldn't sound any different through Axe Fx. It's just personal preference with no science or data behind it.
A top L.A. producer told me this once:
"If you listen long enough, you'll hear what you are imagining..."
Look at this:
www.fractalaudio.com
To which I respond, "Are you earning a living playing music???"
To which they almost always reply, "No, I just gig or jam for fun..."
And I have to try to keep from chuckling out loud
I mean, you'll always have guys like Joe B, EJ and KWS who insist on using "real" amps and that's fine. They also have the support teams to move them and keep them running. But, they wouldn't sound any different through Axe Fx. It's just personal preference with no science or data behind it.
A top L.A. producer told me this once:
"If you listen long enough, you'll hear what you are imagining..."
Look at this:
Artists - Fractal Audio Systems
Top artists praise Fractal Audio for its unmatched tone, flexibility, and innovation, highlighting its ability to replace entire rigs, deliver studio-quality sound, and inspire creativity both live and in the studio.
www.fractalaudio.com
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I found this comment interesting:
Steve Stevens
Billy Idol, Atomic PlayboysI have been an Axe-Fx user since 2006. Fractal Audio was the first to provide convincing real world guitar amps & FX in a rack unit. I cannot count the recordings I have done with my Axe-Fx; it’s an integral piece of my studio gear. The newest models are a giant leap in terms of sonics, ease of use & good ol’ fun. It’s truly mind blowing that you can show up at a gig with this little wonder box FM3 & blow the roof off the venue. It’s that damn good!
John Mayer is also a convert....
I would be open to Axe Fx II just based on how frequently you see them being used live and in the professional arena down here in SoCal. I would need to see a signal chain and figure out how to use it with a 2x12 cabinet, as we seldom - if ever - run guitars through the PA.
Everything I use still has to fit into my Mustang and I want no single piece of gear over 26 pounds.
Currently, I'm using a Marshall MG100HFX (SS) I got from @STU as my main teaching platform (using only the 2 button footswitch) at the music academy. I run it through the school's old VS-412 Marshall Cabinet because it's always there and I don't have to transport my 2x12.
Everything I use still has to fit into my Mustang and I want no single piece of gear over 26 pounds.
Currently, I'm using a Marshall MG100HFX (SS) I got from @STU as my main teaching platform (using only the 2 button footswitch) at the music academy. I run it through the school's old VS-412 Marshall Cabinet because it's always there and I don't have to transport my 2x12.
Now, when playing outdoor events, I'm running the 1993 Marshall Bi-Chorus 200 (with the full 34" Temple Audio pedalboard) through my 2x12, running each speaker independently from (2) of the amp's 4 speaker outputs.
