Going digital

[James M]

I did my first live show since I was a teenager a few nights ago. It was lots of fun and fairly successful. But I was disappointed with how different my sound was compared to rehearsals. It was a mic’d amp. It made me think that I would prefer to go digital and use modelling software so I have dependable sound, and can play it quiet or loud depending on the circumstances.

Has anyone made the switch from tube amps/pedals to digital and have suggestions on the best approach? I’ve been watching videos on Helix and Quad Cortex, but wondering if there are simpler solutions.

[Nick M]

I don’t have one, but you could explore an amp pedal. You can go direct to speakers this way, but still be able to have and tinker with all the analog pedal goodness.

https://www.andertons.co.uk/browse/amps/electric-guitar-amps/pedalboard-amps/

edit: I just reread your post that you want to move away from pedals. so ignore me 😆

Nick

[sunjamr]

Hey James, what kind of gear are you talking about? Were you playing an acoustic guitar which was miked, then fed to your amp? Were you singing as well as playing guitar? Do you have a video of your performance?

Sunjamr Steve

[Jean-Michel G]

Hi,
Steve is right: there are lots of variables in the “great live sound” equation…
Even going digital will not necessarily guarantee an identical sound.

[Mark H]

I’ll be checking out the Boss Katana Gen 3 Artist 100 watt head & separate cabinet when they become available. To fund it will sell some under-utilized gear, of which I have plenty.

I’m not a big pedal guy and the Katana approach fits everything I’d want to do tone-wise. Will keep the Deluxe Reverb ’65 reissue though, it’s too good to let go of.

[James M]

Thanks for the responses. I was playing a tele through a Fender Deluxe Reverb, with a pedal board (tuner, wah, compression, tube screamer, big muff and clean boost, noise gate).

[Dietmar S]

I’m thinking about going digital too. I’ve tried the Liner6 Pod Express recently, but I wasn’t happy with it. Checkout this video:
Neural Quad Cortex vs Fender Tone Master Pro vs Kemper vs Headrush Prime vs Line 6 Helix – FIGHT!!!
My current favorite would be a Fractal Audio FM3, but it’s quite expensive.

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