Using a digital modeler live

[ratherdashing]

Just wanted to see how you guys with stand-alone digital modelers (Pod, Roland, etc) deal with them in a live situation.

I just started rehearsing with a new band, and I am trying to decide whether or not to incorporate my PodXT into my setup. So far I have tried #1 and #2 above with my Mesa DC-3, and I am not pleased with the results. #1 sounds too loud and harsh, and #2 sounds muddy and bass-heavy. I tried every possible "What are you connecting to?" setting on the PodXT with little success.

My inclination is to sit down with the Pod and the amp and keep tweaking until it sounds good, but failing that I would like to explore alternate options.

Anyway, I wanted to know what everyone else with modelers does, and what your experiences have been.

Thanks!

Edit: When I say "purpose built amp", I am referring to something like the Atomic: http://www.atomicamps.com/

 

[DiminisheD-7th]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

i have preformed on many gigs already with my pod.
the pod has 2 exits (left and right), i sent the right one to an amplifier i use as a stage monitor for myself, and the left exit goes direct to the PA.
that way you can get the sound you record with at home etc, and if you work at home in the same conditions, you can tweak the sounds at home and it should sound the same live.

 

[FireBros.]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

I prefer an amp for live use, but have played where a modeler was required. I ran it direct into the PA, and monitored with in an in ear system.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

I find that amp modelers sound best when plugged into as clean a power supply and speakers as possible. The closest I ever came to getting the sound out of my GT-6 that I heard in the headphones or direct to recording was plugging into our PA and PA speakers.

My GT-6 actually doesn't sound bad thru the effects loop of my Marshall, but it definately colors the sound. Dim7 sounds like he has it figured out.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

I find that amp modelers sound best when plugged into as clean a power supply and speakers as possible. The closest I ever came to getting the sound out of my GT-6 that I heard in the headphones or direct to recording was plugging into our PA and PA speakers.

I am inclined to agree with you here. The only problem I can see is that a lot of the venues I would play have really crappy PA systems, either that or they would have to run a very long line to get from the mixing console to my Pod on stage. This is why I was thinking that options 3 (power amp) and 4 (keyboard amp, which is basically a self-contained PA) would be good compromises.

My GT-6 actually doesn't sound bad thru the effects loop of my Marshall, but it definately colors the sound. Dim7 sounds like he has it figured out.

I'm sure Dim7's solution works well for him, but it won't for me. The two outputs on the PodXT aren't identical: they are left and right channels. I have a lot of presets where I am using stereo effects, therefore the sound going into the PA and the sound going into the amp would be entirely different. For example, if I had a ping pong delay running, the sound coming from my amp would be delayed. Unless the venue has really good stage monitoring (which as I said above, most don't), it would sound really bizarre.

 

[chcjunior]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

I've had no luck using my Digitech GNX3 at all. I followed the manual, tried all variations I could think of, even emailed customer service. While the GNX3 sounds good thru my soundcard on my computer, it sounds like crap thru a PA.

 

[Stevo]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

I think the small pa system is the way to go - maybe like a personal monitor system. Modelers are good when you have a full range system, like a PA. A preamp on a guitar amp will color the sound and it wont be like that in the studio.

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

I have never used mine live with a band for the amps sounds... I HAVE ran it through the FX loop, and used ONLY the Onbaord FX of my GNX3!

Now, I have used it during practice, and I have a Fender Acoustasoni Jr, with a stereo FX Return... I plug directly into that at is sounds damn near what you hear coming from the soundcard of my PC... NOTHING will ever come close to sounding as good as the headphones, because that requires additional amplification! I hated to learn that, but I did so the hard way!!

I tried the direct in, but it just didnt work... Even the FX sounded like crap through the front of amp option.....

Hopefully you figure something out!

Allen

 

[FireBros.]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

either that or they would have to run a very long line to get from the mixing console to my Pod on stage.

Don't they already use a snake for the mic cables and stuff.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

Don't they already use a snake for the mic cables and stuff.

The good venues do, but it's not them I'm concerned about. I imagine we'll be playing a few dives before we start getting booked at the decent clubs, so I'll have to contend with some pretty nasty PA's I'm sure.

Anyway, I stopped in at the music shop while on my bike ride today, and asked the guys there what they though. One of them grabbed a Pod 2.0 and plugged it into a Gallien-Krueger 400RB (a bass amp :11: ) and got me to try it. Needless to say, I was skeptical, but aside from being insanely loud, it sounded really, really good. The tones were very faithful to the direct studio sound of the Pod with a bit more warmth and "thump" to them.

So I'm thinking now that the keyboard/bass amp route is the way to go. It would mean having to give up my Mesa DC-30 though, because I can't afford both. :crying:

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

I think the small pa system is the way to go - maybe like a personal monitor system. Modelers are good when you have a full range system, like a PA. A preamp on a guitar amp will color the sound and it wont be like that in the studio.

My answer is close to this ...
Use the modeler as a preamp going straight into a power amp/PA speaker combo or a powered PA speaker. (Something like a JBL Synthesis or Mackie powered speaker will work fine.) You may want to use a preamp pedal to get a bit more volume going, too.
I've had geat results going from my VG-88 as a preamp directly into a Marshall power amp and 4x12 cab.

 

[YJM_Rocks]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

I was thinking of just running a V-Amp or POD into the board for my jazz band gigs. Don't know the best way to go about it or what to do about a monitor. It'll probably just a Cube30 or Valvetronix 30 with line out into the mixer. Don't know yet though.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

If your worried about the quality of PA's that you play in venues, then by all means I think a seperate PA amplifier and some PA speakers you own and carry around would be best. You can then just mike your PA speakers into the PA of the venue.

Take your POD to the store and try it with several different PA amps. Also, try it with some standard guitar power amplifiers. You may find one that works with your setup well. The trick to getting the live sound to sound like it does in your headphones is as clean a power supply and speaker as you can find. IMO and YMMV.

 

[YJM_Rocks]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

Well, i was thinking about getting a Cube30 for jazz band practices and gigs but i just found out that the line out cuts power to the speaker when you use it. I guess it's going to be the valvetronix. I was really liking that roland too. It had great cleans. If i want to try out a valvetronix i'll have to take a 2 hour drive. DAMN

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

Well, the Fender Acoustasonic IS a small PA of sorts... It has two channels, one for instrument, and the other for instrument or XLR mic input with built in pre-amp for the mic.... As I stated earlier, I go straight into the Stereo Returns of the FX Loop... SO really it is being used as a power amp... The Fender has 2 8" drivers in a closed by cab with some tweeters as well... The clarity of the pedal REALLY comes alive in this setup.. I found that I did have to go through and tweak some of the settings, beacuse they were just a bit too bright through the piezzo tweeters, but nothing major!

Not to mention it is a killer rig for solo acoustic acts... Me, an Ovation, a Sure SM58, and my Fender Acoustasonic Jr... What a good time and great sounds!!!

I paid nearly $500 for mine, but they serioullsy dropped in price since then! I have seem em go for around $200 on fleabay!

Anyway I just thought I would clarify....

 

[Animal]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

Not that I have this setup but I reckon a modeler into a tube power amp into a speaker cabinet would be the best way to go.

When I'm at home I plug my modeler into the effects return.

 

[Stringmachine]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

My POD-XT sounds best when plugged direct into the PA IMO. I dont use it that much though, as I prefer my amps.

 

[B2D]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

My GT-6 actually doesn't sound bad thru the effects loop of my Marshall, but it definately colors the sound. Dim7 sounds like he has it figured out.

Hey jeff, if you dont want the amps inital sound colored, make sure you have any and all preamp models, global eq's, mic and speaker cab simulators turned OFF. I had this complaint from a customer when i was working at GC once and as soon as he did what I just told you he was OK. I so this with my GT5 and it barely has an effect on the tone.

I've tried to get my POD 2.0 to sound nice live, but I don't seem to have the knack for it. It works best for practice or recording for me.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I just got back from trying out a bunch of different amp options at the music store. I had the best luck with bass amps and keyboard amps. The sound I got out of a Yorkville keyboard amp was very faithful to the Pod's tone with excellent low-end response as well. I am renting it for a week to decide if I like it. If I do, I may say farewell to the Boogie.

 

[Ironjose]

Re: Using a digital modeler live

well it really depends... you know when you have the time and lots of it, you bring your amp and set it up for live situation... but the last time i played live, we didnt got much time, the gig was at 6 and I was at the venue around 5:30 anyway i wanted to play with my amp but the PA guy said we didnt had much time so he gave me one DI box but then i asked for another (at least to played in stereo) which is better... IMO, the sound was ok, but the patch i used was made for an infront amp setup so it was pretty harsh.... but we did ok...
now i use more than two patches Studio/live and rehearsel/practice patches... it really defines the sound
JJ