How to optimize live use of digital?

[Kane17]

Right now I have a Tonelab SE going to a no frills 200w power amp and then to my cab.

Senheizer mic and I have an ART tube mic preamp or will use a behrigner ultra-gain tube mic preamp.


Just wondering if anyone has some tips on getting the most cut / presence on stage when using digital pedals.

Your thoughts?

 

[aleclee]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

Your thoughts?

• Lack of stage cut is generally a function of too much compression (including from distortion) or not enough mids.
• Gain staging (google it if you're not familiar with the term) makes a difference
• There's some good digital stuff out there but most of it is the sonic equivalent of plastic dog poo.
• If your modeler is disappointing, cluttering your signal chain with more stuff isn't going to help.
• Dialing in a tone with one form of monitoring (e.g., headphones) is likely to lead to disappointment when playing through something else.

 

[Kane17]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

Thanks!

 

[dd12939]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

In my experience, a tube power amp made things sound a bit nicer. Granted, my experience is largely limited to my own set up, but fwiw...

 

[Kane17]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

hmm

Yes that would be nice. Maybe will go for a large scale stereo tube rack once the cash is available..Could always cross over to analogue preamps and racks later on after that.

 

[Jessie's ghost]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

I have a ToneLab with the big foot controller, and I actually like its Marshall sounds better than the preamp section in my TSL100. You could to a lot worse.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

Answer for me was more mids and less gain.

 

[Jessie's ghost]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

Answer for me was more mids and less gain.

That usually helps.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

Sell them all for whatever you can get and buy an analog (preferably tube) amp. Im not being fascetious. It will save you a lot of time, money and frustration over the years which will still inevitably result in a weak, unpleasant and unrewarding live sound.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

more mids, less gain. sometimes rolling off some bass will help.

 

[uOpt]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

Right now I have a Tonelab SE going to a no frills 200w power amp and then to my cab.

Senheizer mic and I have an ART tube mic preamp or will use a behrigner ultra-gain tube mic preamp.


Just wondering if anyone has some tips on getting the most cut / presence on stage when using digital pedals.

Your thoughts?

Whatever digital gizmo is in the center of your rig - bring a spare one. Don't get me wrong, I love the tonelab.

 

[Kane17]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

Sell them all for whatever you can get and buy an analog (preferably tube) amp. Im not being fascetious. It will save you a lot of time, money and frustration over the years which will still inevitably result in a weak, unpleasant and unrewarding live sound.

I'm willing to bet everything you say is true..unfortunately right now I can't afford to "save" that kind of money :sad:

I play for church, conferences, and events..I don't get paid to play so getting a good tube amp that I'd actually want + the accessories I'd preffer is just too far out of my financial grasp at the moment. I do like the tones I get in general from this thing..just trying my best to get around the common digital/modelling issues.

 

[Mincer]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

I don't use an amp, and go direct to the PA. I hear my sound through in ear monitors- sounds great out front, and there is pretty much no stage volume to compete with.

 

[ericmeyer4]

Re: How to optimize live use of digital?

I play for church, conferences, and events..I don't get paid to

This seems to be problem one right now. I understand not getting paid for church, however I don't think it is unreasonable to get paid for playing conferences and events. There always seems to have been a fee for the ones I've attended so I wouldn't think it is unfair to expect some money.


As per the OP- try a bit more mids and a little less gain. What sounds good at home doesn't always sound good live.