A Vintage Amp Snob Goes Direct - Ask Zac 104

[@otisgibbs]

That sounds a hell of a lot better than the Rockman I got for Christmas back in 1985! : )

[@ChristopherDowning]

Haha! You just woke up Rumpelstiltskin matey? The Rockman for it's time was World beating. Unfortunately, the Chinese discovered that they could open up everything and just copy whatever they found - so all sorts of wonderful innovation was sold to everyone at super knockdown prices - like when you don't have to do any creation or R&D - life gets easy and profitable.

[@bermibrit]

as a blind guitarist, the trend towards going direct is a real concern for me. I cannot use the Kemper, Ax, or Line6 Healix because none of those companies have taken the trouble to make the phone apps or PC editors accessible, although it is entirely possible to do so. I was blown away when I purchased the Iridium. Whilst I cannot upload new IRs or make any changes on the PC (again, Strymon have not made this accessible) I can get good sounds using what was included out of the box. But in the medium to long term, I think this trend will prevent guitar players who are blind or who have very little vision from gigging as successfully as we have in the past.

[@davetbassbos]

If those allow MIDI control, something could be cobbled together!

[@bermibrit]

@@davetbassbos indeed, the most do not in favour of non-interoperable solutions like editors.

[@Markleford]

Young software coders who don't care about accessibility lack the wisdom to grasp that "low vision" catches up with most of us eventually.

[@RustBelter]

I feel ya brother

[@therealkevinmcnally]

I am a blind guitarist as well. I just wanted to let you know that I share your concerns.

[@DDPAV]

In the 80's i went to the gig with two full marshall stacks and several guitars in a van. In the 90's and early 2000's it was a 4x10 combo and two guitars in an suv. Since 2019 it's a Headrush and one guitar in the trunk of my two seat convertible. Thankfully technology has kept up with my aging process and the audience can still hear all my bad notes with perfect amp-like tone😜 One thing often left out of the equation in the smaller venues, clubs or churches is the fact the sound person is often the weakest link(I'm a live soundman myself so I know). That Dumbel you brought to the gig with your perfect tone somehow gets lost thru a beat up 20 year old 57 hanging from the amp handle somewhere close to a speaker, going into generic guitar preset in the house X32.......

[@jburdsinfuse]

^^^^ This ^^^^ It totally doesn’t matter what you use if the sound guy can’t figure out how to mix at the board.

[@oyajiblues]

Yep, how many times have I had attendees approach me on a break and tell me how bad the mix is... kinda destroys all my hard work to get the sound right on stage. Luckily, tech on boards and for live sound, in general, has made it much easier for someone who is tone deaf to sucseed.

[@Spuzzmacher]

Hah same experience. Now I’m down to travelling w/ a tele, scarlet tunic + carbon copy bright & that’s it. It let me roll all my music money into a nicer guitar that’s wundebar to play & everything fits right in the case!

[@jessebfly]

I'm a certified amp lover.. but this is really cool. I've always been curious about this. Talking with a good friend and fellow amp geek who's on tour w a major act, he told me "we hardly use amps anymore".. I nearly cried when I heard this but most of his gigs are fly in dates where hauling big gear is really a hinderance. I get it.

[@patrickcasey357]

Been using the Helix for 6 years for every gig. My go to country patch is a Deluxe Reverb model with a compressor, slap back delay and a touch of verb. Sounds great.

[@JtotheP68]

For that gig, if you’d said to the hire company “I’ll just have a hot rod deluxe like everyone else does” you’d have saved yourself all this heartache!

[@RBruceStewart]

Thanks!

[@AskZac]

Thanks

[@dougwerner4588]

Hi Zac, I am using the Milkman Amp on a similar board for small quiet stage gigs. It replaces the Flint on my board since it has REV and TREM footswitches. It has a great cab sim and a 12AX7 tube to give me a 95% Princeton Reverb tone with my Glaser tele into the board. In Ears or a QSC K8 sounds pretty nice but it takes some adjustment not having an amp behind me. Welcome to the future!

[@TheGtrjim]

My gig is a board with my effects going into my Milkman The Amp 50 and just lining it into the house boards. It is more than enough for the places I gig at

[@ShinyShinyBlack]

I’m so glad you touched on the user interface - I really think tools like the Iridium or the Simplifier (which has XLR outs!) are such a great solution for the majority of players - especially those of us who have a board we already love that’s set up to work well with traditional amplifiers!

[@roscoenyc]

Excellent look at the box. "On the gig" indeed. These are also mighty good for the simple home recording setup. I've got the OX but a bunch of my pals are using the Iridium and I was just suggesting it for somebody who was new to home recording.

[@otisgibbs]

Ya never know who you're gonna meet around these parts! : )

[@AskZac]

@roscoenyc I only made the jump as I felt I had to for my own sanity. I hate futzing with rental amps. So many are ragged out.

[@AskZac]

@Otis gibbs, Great to see you! I hope to meet in person one day!

[@roscoenyc]

@@AskZac makes sense! Probably better than the "get my tone from a pedal with some big clunker of an amp" strategy!

[@roscoenyc]

@@otisgibbs Hey Otis!

[@sgriffett541]

that true tone youtube guitar sound, that made some of the greats sound great, dialed righthere folks... thanks Zak!

[@gr81dorn]

I A/B'd the Iridium and the ACS1 from Walrus Audio as a pretty apples to apples product and I only really cared about the Fender clean type sound and the ACS1 is astoundingly great-sounding in the standard Fender setting that it comes with ...shockingly great. I highly recommend guys looking for a really legit country-sounding amp that the ACS1 is a little better than the Iridium...maybe a lot better. It also has a cool stereo feature that the ididium doesn't offer if you like to mimic running to two amps.

[@blairmichaelhogan4502]

I haven’t tried the Walrus but I own an iridium and based just on the KZbin comparisons I’ve seen this checks out 100%. I’ve struggled a bit and gone through a good few IR’s to get the deluxe setting to sound good on the iridium. The Chime and Punch seem to sound good stock but it lacks the high headroom, pedal platform thing I need from a Fender in its stock format.

[@mikeb1841]

During the intro I just thought your amp was hidden and you were showcasing pedals lol. Sounds sooooo good!

[@daringbarons]

I’ve come full circle a couple times. I always used amps for awhile, then no amp for awhile, now back to amps with few to no pedals. That balance between convenience and sound is always present.

[@christianstevens9804]

I love my iridium and just getting started with an H9

[@ranchoricardo]

Thanks so much, Zac! I've been looking for a satisfactory direct solution, torn between a few options (the Iridium included). The simplified user interface of the Iridium keeps steering me down the Strymon road as well. Glad to hear it worked out so well for you. I think you may have helped me make up my mind!

[@AskZac]

Glad I could help!

[@Tony15068]

I have a TM Deluxe (BF) but I also recently purchased an Iridium. IMO, the two biggest issues are using your pedalboard that you are already completely familiar with and the fact that the Iridium provides a level of consistency no matter the venue.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Very cool. Nice, simple, and straight forward rig that makes sense for certain situations. Can't wait until all the venues make drummers play electronic kits to keep the stage volume down 😂

[@gorandalls]

I went direct a while back. I used the Strymon for a bit but I switched to the Tech 21 Flyrig. It has built in reverb and XLR out plus you can switch between the blonde setting and the plexi setting

[@fivewattworld]

Nice! Good to see you dragged into the modeling world Zac! :)

[@jltrem]

And he didn't go kicking and screaming...not that we could ever imagine Zac (Mr. Amiable) kicking and screaming.

[@AskZac]

It was better than I thought!

[@BV_Beve]

salut Keith mon ami ! & there is even more pick dynamics 'direct' with the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier Deluxe you have to try it out plus the updated Walrus Audio Mako ACS1 much improved as 'pedal' direct solutions !)

[@scotthd2841]

Are you referring to the Iridium, or the rodeo queens?

[@Santaheckler]

I’m surprised you didn’t go for the Dream 65…would love to hear your take on it!

[@davemassie3726]

Nice Zac, love your Tele! Thanks for sharing. Happy holidays.

[@nedward5871]

I have an Iridium as well, and when I can't use my Fender/Dr. Z amps it's great! If you haven't, Get the Nixie Beta editor as it unlocks a lot of features you can't do on the panel - you can use any of the 9 speaker IRs for any of the 3 models. Other thing that's fun - Chase Bliss makes a Fave pedal that's small but let's you switch between 3 banks of 3 presets on the Iridium so that you can have different amp settings/gain stages or volume... I have found the York Deluxe Reverb 1x12 IR is a favorite, not only for Fender, but also for the Marshall sound. YMMV. I printed up a small card to remind me how to defeat the speaker cab emulation in case I can plug into an amp effect loop and still get the sounds...

[@gustafson907]

I’ve been playing an amp head with a captor x as the speaker cab, seems to do the trick for DI applications .

[@richardelson3261]

Thanks for this Zak. My own solution is the Yamaha THR100HD head. Lightweight, carry it in a regular backpack, can put it through speakers or go direct or both. Dials in like an amp sounds like an amp and behaves like one with many more tones including doubling up tones (which I do). Seriously under appreciated recording and gigging amp

[@AskZac]

Great tip!

[@stephenleake81]

I’ve been using an Iridium and a Flint on my board for about a year now. Thanks for your input.

[@AskZac]

Very Nice!

[@chuckhall1015]

Fabulous sound...nice explanation. Merry Christmas Zac!

[@jimleininger8963]

Outstanding! I run a similar rig, but I run my Flint after Iridium, followed by a Strymon Deco. I love old tube amps! Always will. However, I also love old hit and miss engines, but I prefer driving my modern Cummins RAM truck and would never haul my RV around with a hit and miss engine...

[@monmixer]

radial is good for sure. There was a nice guitar DI awhile back called the redbox that sounded pretty good. they were popular but I haven't seen one in 20 years and I see a lot of everything.

[@klvs2ply]

I’m hearing a lot about the Revv D20 which is basically a deluxe designed in Nashville to go direct!!! Supposedly it sounds better direct than a kemper and much easier to use.

[@ChristopherDowning]

I've had a digital DV Mark Raw Dawg now for 5 years - pretty much since they came out and before the Tone Masters were launched. However many high-level pedals I buy, speaker replacements, and however I set the EQ and the EQ pedal I have in the loop - it never sounds like my good ol' DLR. I think Zac is on the money in the end - number one the DLR - number 2 the AC10.

[@theirritatedirishman5440]

I’ve been servicing and building amps for years! Built some of the first boxes for Kenny Fischer of TrainWreck and then had Denny Kager from Sundown amps as a mentor. Both those guys along with George Alessandro became heavy influences on me. What I noticed back then and still now is the inconsistency of tube amps sound & feel with change of weather. Noise I can deal with but the feel of amp being stiff or sound shrill I hate! I have not played enough through solid state preamp pedals and going direct but the more I hear stuff and what little I have tried, I beginning to love. It’s always consistent. My question is how does it feel? Your setup even through my iPhone sounds great! Plus the fact you’re a killer player helps. Thanks.

[@AskZac]

It feels very "in your face." So direct to your ears sounding. Takes a bit to get used to, then I am fine, but miss my amp.

[@randalclarke5487]

Fwiw, I'm a longtime tube amp fanatic, but the last couple years live been using analog all-solid state amps for electric, full band gigs, mostly an 80s Marshall 5210 and love the consistency and freedom from worrying about breaking down and the tone is just fine. Just saying- been gigging professionally since 1991

[@iamgcase]

I appreciate your honesty. Direct is really easy, if you just do it!!!

[@tonyfdesign]

Sounds great! I recently bought the Two-Notes Captor X. It's great with headphones and the IR options are fun to experiment with. Although I must say there are so many, it can be overwhelming and easy to spend practice time "messing around" with so many options.

[@samuelhatman8995]

In my effort to add to my own channel, yes, I saw your Dang, perfect honest entertaining content. Iridium! But on the shelf halfway through, I see Robbie Robertson Testimony, go and order the book and find the music by Robbie "How to be Clairvoyant." The rest of your episode has him in the background on another tab. Thanks Zac, it's a great day. Your shared knowledge and experiences and a new to me song from Robbie and a good Book to boot. Thanks indeed... Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@MrLiqid]

great video, but one topic i was hoping you would tell is how does it feel in live gig under the fingers

[@williamsanderson9279]

Great video Zac. Sorry I missed the Vegas show. Looking forward to meeting you in person sometime in the future.

[@AskZac]

That would be a treat.

[@scoobers90]

I started playing guitar in '01 when modeling was in its infancy. Got a used Twin Reverb a couple years later and swore nothing digital could compete. Fast forward to my late 20s/early 30s, living in apartments, a Twin ain't gonna work. I started using Biasamp a few years ago and loved it, and recently got a Helix and don't think I'll buy an amp again...

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Great video Zac , I have been a DI dude for 2 years now for many reasons, convenience, poor or lack of a decent or usable backline amps. Sonically they sound good enough for rock and roll and really make loading in and sound check a breeze !

[@AskZac]

Totally agree

[@frankenstein4106]

Love the Karma MTN-10, a great pedal with some sweet tones!

[@AskZac]

Agreed!

[@Strumbum01]

Thank you for this Zac! I’ve been pondering the idea of trying the Iridium for smaller gigs to save me from lugging my amps. I may have to invest in one now to save me some back pain.

[@UncleDanBand64]

I played direct some on the late 90's. Then about 5 years back I went direct with a huge church. Now I bought the Tele Acoustasonic a few months back through a Bose it is pretty dang good. Oddly enough I am enjoying my custom built broadcaster with a Street Cube Ex. Now I built that tele. Rio in is the one and only Pick up...in the bridge and the bridge is lefty and I am righty

[@CC-te5zf]

The intro sounds amazing with headphones.

[@fretbuzz70]

I've been using a Line6 HX Stomp and a pair of Eventide H9 pedals when I have to go direct. Its nothing like the symbiotic relationship of a tube amp rig but it'll get you though...

[@drgarlandglenn]

I started using a POD in the mid 90's for playing in church. Even though I'm totally a tube amp guy, it was easy set up (especially when you're only playing 4-5 songs ie 15-18 mins.). Hard to justify an amp for only that much. And, when you can't turn up load enough for a tube amp to start working well. Just have to make certain you get a good monitor feed because without it, you can't hear anything. Now I'm using a Deluxe Tone Master because I have a line out for the board but I can use my amp as my monitor.

[@CargoShorts7]

Hey Zac, do you have an episode on in-ear monitors? I play in a banc in the Triangle, NC area where a couple of my bandmates use in-ears and are making a push to get the rest of the band to use them too. Thing is, I just love hearing my tone from my amp and getting anything else I need from a monitor on stage. It does sometimes lead to mix issues, or not being able to hear my own vocals. But I'm averse to using in-ears because I've gotten it in my head that there's no way a tiny speaker could sound the same as my actual amp in the room with all the ambient space and what not. So what's your take on in-ears? Are they a guitar player's friend? Are there better ways to achieve the tone you desire, but still hear the rest of your band clearly, or are in-ears really the only solution? Cheers!

[@AskZac]

I have not done an episode on this yet. I will

[@wallymarx9646]

Crazy -- I was looking at the Iridium last week. I have a lot of vintage and new amps. The other player in our band just got a Helix. That's a beast of a machine, but he gets all the tones we need for a wide range of covers. It's a great way to manage the volume, and the new equipment makes it sound really good.

[@AskZac]

Very cool!

[@nathanpickett202]

Wichita Union Stockyards less than 2 miles from my house. Unfortunately I have other plans that evening.

[@alexmbrenner]

I record with amp sims exclusively now. I honestly can’t tell the difference between the tube amps I had. But it depends what music you are making. For heavy rock amp sims are great. For country I’d much rather have an old Princeton or something.

[@TeleBlaster]

I have tried so many direct solutions. Joyo American AMT F1 and Mooer Radar Iridium with a million different IRs (York audio Matchless was a winner) Just got a Simplifier DLX. Blows them all away. I havn't tried ACS1 but it gets good reviews.

[@kylecravens8052]

Have you checked out the DSM Simplifier/Deluxe? I have the deluxe and love it!

[@AskZac]

Not yet

[@telecasterbear]

Thanks for spreading joy.

[@mooseymoose]

Quilter Superblock US is the best of all worlds for me, 25w or 1w if you run it off a pedal supply. XLR out with cab sim, reverb and an effects loop and it is far better than the modelers to my ears. I sold all my tube amps but one (no real reason and I never play it) and I miss none of them. The UK version is really nice too,

[@the-LeoKnightus]

Done quite a bit of direct and not every really stoked with the tone and feel while I am playing...then I listen back and say...."I woulda had to get a lot right...and prob lucky with mics and sound guy etc...to capture a guitar sound that good with an amp." Funny. For convenience sake...it's great. And sound too.

[@smellytele9629]

The Iridium is great. I used one with my pedalboard like how you have yours set up. Recently jumped into the Fractal universe with an FM3 and I'm totally blown away. Is it as good as my stable of vintage and "boutique" amps? Completely different experience. Not better, not worse, it's its own thing. I'm an old amp dog and I resisted any kind of modelers or profilers for a long time, but in the last year I've done many gigs where the venue and/or the artist who hired me asked for an "ampless" set up. Didn't think I could possibly enjoy gigging running direct, but I was wrong. In some ways I prefer going the modeler route for live use. Your setup sounds great in this vid!

[@maxwrangler5788]

"hello, hello , hello are there any amps in there?" lol love ya Zac

[@scotthd2841]

This video helped allay some of my fears, Thanks!

[@AskZac]

Glad it helped!

[@mjvicc1952]

Zac, this question is a bit off topic, what’s your opinion of Leo Fender’s last creation at his namesake company, I’m talking about the Jaguar. I know it was supposed to be their flagship product that never took off the ground. It offers a myriad of tonal possibilities and I’m particularly interested in its applicability to country music with the option of engaging the strangle switch. Yep, I know the tone is “in the fingers” but I highly respect your analysis and opinion.

[@AskZac]

I don't like its shorter scale

[@mjvicc1952]

Your dislike of the shorter scale is it the feel or the tonal quality? What is lacking for you specifically?

[@alafenetre81]

Very interesting as always. I use a Line6 Helix, and you're right going direct is convenient, but the feel is different, and I miss the vibration of an amp.

[@AskZac]

Well said!

[@RaxFx]

Cali76, Rockett Archer, Flint & Iridium - what else?

[@xCarlosx19]

Have you tried the Quilter Superblock US? Those are great

[@AskZac]

I have not

[@xCarlosx19]

@@AskZac i think you should, they come with a XLR out

[@DaleBoyle]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences Zac :)

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@CBGypsy03]

The simplifier deluxe is a go to for sure, but a real amp still takes the pudding !! 🍮

[@GregoryTanner-ut8zk]

i know robben ford has amp alot of others too i can do both i like amps i dont record very much like you guys im taking note thanks zac

[@alwatsky]

How’s about a Milkman “the amp”. Got your verb and trem on board. Small footprint. Sounds dandy.

[@jakestewartmusic]

I love playing direct on certain gigs, and I love amps on others. Loud cowpunk band starting mosh pits at the honky tonk? I bring an Esquire and an amp for that gig. Radiohead inspired textures where I'm doubling on synthesizers with a soft vocalist and blend of acoustic and electronic drums? Direct is way more inspiring for that... Each has their place

[@allenmitchell09]

We have everything! So, what do you want? Na, ain’t got that.

[@littlerhodyguitar2169]

Always enjoy your content 👍

[@AskZac]

I appreciate that!

[@nostromo4269]

Personally I prefer the amp. Night and day difference in sound. Especially compared to your deluxe. The amp is warm and chunky, where the direct system is like unsalted butter

[@TheGtrjim]

My rig has turned into a board. I run my pedals into my Milkman The Amp 50 and line it into the stage PAs.

[@mjvicc1952]

Zac, Read so much about Dumble Amps, another article in this months VG magazine, exactly what did this amp do that the other amp manufacturers weren’t able to replicate?

[@AskZac]

His real talent was dialing in amps for certain players. His amps seemed to idle higher, and be a bit more touch responsive.

[@mjvicc1952]

@@AskZac WOW, dialed in for an individual player is truly custom or in todays language “ boutique”. Thanks for the enlightenment, the story now has greater meaning.

[@quiksilver78]

Have you tried or considered the Walrus ACS1? And why not use the IRs from Celestion?

[@robertgoodman1454]

Zac, check out the Diso+ by Pinstripe pedals 👍🏼

[@UltimateElvisGuitar]

For beginners, a good start to check these pedals out is Joyo's "American Sounds", for blackface Fenders basically... They are very cheap, but get the job done. I got one a few years ago and it was great. But yeah, Iridium is a huge step up! I absolutely love Strymon.

[@dahliafiend]

Ya I got one last week cause I’m broke and it’s so much better than the plug-in sounds in my DAW, it’s also better than any of the croaky practice amps I’ve owned.

[@howardskinner4916]

Hey Zac, have you ever tried a FlyRig5 from Tech21? I like the Blonde voice amp sim.

[@AskZac]

I have not

[@antoonhermans8953]

Hi Zac , you where saying you wanted an a deluxe with an direct out , well the tonemaster has an direct out , so i guess you can use it for direct playing ? But do you have to put in silent mode when doing so ?

[@AskZac]

I like the TM Blonde Deluxe, and like its direct out. You don't have to have it in silent mode for the XLR to be active.

[@antoonhermans8953]

@@AskZac ok , thanks zac .

[@asleepinthealley]

You got the Sonic Research Turbo Tuner.

[@TheDullBoy]

Hey Zac, how do you power those 7 pedals with the Truetone Cs6? Nice setup even with the Flint! Cheers ✌🏿🎸

[@AskZac]

I use an MC2 splitter to power both the tuner and compressor.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

If you like that ... try those Strymon pedals in stereo

[@therealkevinmcnally]

Hey Zac, will you explain your Countryman DI comment - that they are a bit harsher than say a Radial? Thanks.

[@AskZac]

The countryman seemed brighter to me, and it brought out more attack, which made it seem harsher

[@christophergallagher531]

I felt like crying when finding out Pete Anderson went direct. Of course he had been pulling the wool over my eyes for years. This tec got good. The way Zak approaches the amp, it is just breathing. Low gauze pick ups have their place in this fantastic discipline. Here the guitar is alive, not dampened by strong magnets. At these modest volumes with 18 watts working, there is not much interaction between the amp and guitar. I love that natural feed back feel. I may find a thin line some day. An ES335 helps with this. Dynamic range has been key in my approach. Thanks Zak, for a close look at the subtle side of things. Chris

[@DaveBroTube]

Not just direct, but original Line 6 Pods! TBF, Line 6 did model his personal amps and burn custom ROMs for the Pods. But Pete felt the sound was indistinguishable from his real amps.

[@christophergallagher531]

@@DaveBroTube sound is one different, than playability. A pro is a pro.

[@michaelmurphy7987]

Hi Zac have you ever heard of the Mojo tone Telecaster no hum pickups?

[@AskZac]

Have not tried them yet

[@michaelmurphy7987]

@@AskZac Happy Holidays Zac could you do a review on the Mojotone Noiseless Telecaster pickups in the future?

[@gotzonmujika9900]

Great video Zac! can you share your experience in flying with vintage guitars? Thanks!

[@AskZac]

It was fine, as long as I got on the plane early to get it in the overhead.

[@jchavins]

in any decent sound system at a club, dance hall, local bar etc the guitar is going to go to a mixer and main sound system.....if not there's no hope for a consistent sound as there's always a volume battle within the bands,,,,its normal. Once patched into a main system the output comes out a speaker array that is nothing like the speaker in your amp. The amp becomes your own stage sound and the sound coming out of the main must be adjusted.......all you really need is an amp that patches and if required the speaker unplugs......the monitor circuit also raises its ugly head as it will sound different also. It really shows up if you aren't going thru a monitor mixing system.....I don't understand why it has taken so long for information we new in the 1980's to go mainstram....

[@normanmcneal3605]

I don’t have pedals. I have a 1980s Peavey studio pro( first non tube that I know of). It finally quit on me last year. I sent it back to Peavey. I bought a modeling champion 40, thinking I’d never see my Peavey again. Love my modeling amp, but the repaired Peavey is better. It’s as buying firearms, most equipment shoots better than the shooter!

[@robertfair1770]

Well it's nice to use something you are somewhat familiar with ie Iridium. Kemper and HX stomp are way to complex if your not familiar and that's a brain fart I would not like to have on a first gig with a direct rig.. Good info ..

[@johnpandolfino8663]

I have a Pandoras box which is ancient.... I use it to practice with headphones as I live in an apartment complex..... I also have a Pod mini which I got after one night at a jam and a friend setting me up with through his Fender pro junior..... I've never used a setup without an amp unless I was recording which I would use either the Pod or the Pandora...... I haven't played out in quite a while....so it's interesting to hear that more clubs are not using amps......the Chinese created pandemic really screwed things up when it comes to clubs and open mic night blues jams.....at least around here.....missed your point with my first post.....

[@martyc4906]

Great & informative video.

[@AskZac]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rikkousa]

Does anyone know if the Mustang Micro HP amp that Zac mentioned with Bluetooth is available on the market? All of the ones I have seen are wired.

[@WithTheGrain]

They are Bluetooth TO the device. You used wired headphones, but you can use Bluetooth to pump music into the amp so you can play along.

[@jspendleton3898]

Zac, have you tried the Quilter products? Specifically the Superblock? Asking because I'm trying to figure all of this out myself. The Superblock (and similar products like H &K Ampman) is appealing because it's all analog, so no software updates, file buying, etc. Trade-off probably is the cab sim output likely suffers from but being digital.

[@jameshanmer4418]

Does the iridium require a direct box to go to a PA system?

[@boddumblues]

I just checked the manual, yes it does.

[@crubenbauer1]

Zac, there may be one more "wild card", issue. The sound of the Stage and Room. Had you found the need to EQ your overall sound? This issue can be dealt with , with those magic Tone Controls.

[@coyotefurtrumpet]

Would add a eq pedal to move around the other players other than that, sweet sounds.

[@svendtveskg5719]

It's easy, it's close, it's convenient, especially on flight-gigs. But I have to say, that it sounds nothing like the Deluxe reverb you normally use. THAT sounds very, very good. :-)

[@AskZac]

Well said!

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Who's on first...... I don't know...... I used to go to a blues jam and the back line was a couple of fender hot rod deluxe's..... I'd bring my tube screamer.....sounded great.... All the amps were mic-ed and run through the board and mixed out front.....

[@mmike65m]

Zac, what model JBL powered speakers were you using? I have the Iridium and have been using it as well as a glorified headphone amp. I have tried different FRFR's but have found nothing I like. I want to try powered speakers next, but am unfamiliar with that rabbit hole. Thanks for the video.

[@AskZac]

305p mk2

[@mmike65m]

@@AskZac Sorry one more question, 5, 6, or 8 inch speaker? Thanks so much for the response, and ordered the Pinecaster book on your recommendation :)

[@mmike65m]

Sorry the 5 means 5 inch, got it!

[@JamesHindsW5ATJ]

Great video Zac. Are you using the single channel Radial JDI?

[@AskZac]

Not in this video. Going from Iridium to the powered speakers

[@LennieDean]

I'm another tube snob that finally had to move to a DI rig for a band last year and got a Joyo AC Tone and CabDryVR for less than a hundred bucks that easily sounds better than a helix, and at least as good or better than a Kemper or The AxeFX my buddy has spent years sending my A/B's that I can pick out the digits on every time.😆 And like the iridium I just toss 'em on the back end of my pedal board and go - with out the programming hassle AxeFX are!

[@reverbdeluxe]

This was new to me, but interesting. So if I get the strymon I still have to get a really good direct box?

[@tomcoryell]

No XLR s on the iridium. Strymon? Anybody?

[@AskZac]

A good di helps it sound better. You do need a di to plug into the PA