Best Ways To Amplify Amp Modellers | FRFR or Guitar Cab? | Thomann

[@BrockOfBodom]

I don’t think enough people acknowledge the great guitar players that both of these guys are. They make videos like this so much more enjoyable

[@joamon559]

Probably because they aren’t that great. Just ok.

[@rojo7810]

​@@joamon559they are. Very versatile and therefore nice to watch on this channel

[@LefterisTrichakis]

Now I gig with the Fender FR-12. I design my tones with it and they translate perfectly into FOH. The knobs are perfect to quick adjust into the stage boominess or harshness, the legs give flexibility, the power gives sound re-enforcement capabilities, the sound dispersion is phenomenal. It is the best gear I bought for years.

[@whatmusiciwant]

yeah pretty sure I'm buying this tonight.

[@allboutthemojo]

Good video. For me personally, the idea of a modeler is 1. Extreme portability and 2. Get access to play around with different amp sims without having to buy a ton of gear. For these reasons, I'd go straight into an FRFR speaker. The tube amp and pedals would be a totally separate peice of gear that's stationary in one place. Finally a tiny portable amp like the Spark for travel practice

[@minuano08]

In midst of putting together that rig now. Have the Helix, buying Tonex end of month as well as an FRFR. Then, I will purchase a 2nd FRFR in 1 - 2 months .. for stereo 🙃🎸🎶🤜🤛🤟

[@timodelange]

Slow dance in a burning room is the new stairway to heaven

[@n.s.a5661]

It’s a great song

[@pumukliboti]

New. As in 20 years old.

[@timodelange]

@@pumukliboti why would you say such a thing 🤯

[@Thestinkues17]

It’s so annoying, I instantly fast forward a video when I hear it lol. Stairway is badass though, will always listen to that 😎

[@UncleYoshi]

I used to hear stories about guitar stores kicking out customers who play Stair Way to Heaven 😅

[@charlesg.1207]

I did this similar test and I didn't care for my Revv G20 result. The SD PowerStage works great. FRFR monitor sounds great, and mixing it with a real cab is superb.

[@Christian.Means.]

I run a HX Stomp XL into a Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170 going into an Orange closed back 2x12 with V30s. Love it.... Since I've gotten my modeler setup I haven't went back to my Revv G20/Pedalboard setup to compare yet. I don't think my modeler setup will ever replace my Revv G20 pedalboard setup, but man this modeler setup sounds wonderful.. What a time to be a guitar player.. lol

[@paulschlachter4313]

Do you use the Stomp's Mandarin cab for direct to FOH?

[@Christian.Means.]

@@paulschlachter4313 I've only played one small gig with this setup and I didn't run to front of house. I know I can split my signal path to front of house and to a cab simultaneously but I haven't gotten around to trying it yet. 😅

[@TheStinkyDinkyBand]

I tried my Orange PPC and it sounded really dark. But then again I had no clue what I was doing back then either. I should try it again. Have you tried a mesa 2x12 with V30s?

[@erifkind]

I run my live amp modeler into a Mackie Thump PA speaker. It’s so loud you can amplify an entire band mix through it and be louder than a loud drummer. For guitar alone, it sounds absolutely amazing.

[@amckaymusic8957]

having just the QC, this is absolutely the most sense to me. I use in ears but want to be able to have stage volume that can also add other elements in if my IEMS fail for any reason. Buying a cab (even FRFR) feels like just more things to have to hump around which was becoming the issue in the first place 😂

[@peterfknparker]

Which version of Mackie Thump do you use? And what style of music?

[@Yelbomsirhc1]

I've been running my Boss GX-100 into the effects return of my BluGuitar Amp1, and then the BluGuitar Amp1 drives a 2x12 guitar cabinet. I copied the patches I created for going to FOH or into a DAW, but then turned off the cab sim on those patches so I can go into a guitar speaker cabinet. To send my signal to FOH I just mike my guitar cabinet the old-fashioned way. It might seem kind of dumb, but it works great for me. I've used mikes like SM-57s to mike guitar amps for decades so I know how to do this and get a great tone coming through the FOH system without having to worry about special IRs or anything else. As someone else noted, if my GX-100 ever goes down I can just go straight into the BluGuitar amp and still get through the gig.

[@jelapeno]

I have all options available, but I really enjoy running my Helix into the return of my Marshall DSL40cr. As an added benefit, you get to use the amp's resonance and presence controls if need be. I have found that this makes the Helix preamp models shine.

[@MetalMathiasTP]

Cnan u tell me how i Can Connect helikoptere or tonex for that matter into amp? I have heard it have to be connected into the fx loop of the amp. But can u elaborate?

[@BryanGrigsby]

I have this setup as well with the Helix Stomp using the 4 cable method into my DSL40CR. I am on the fence about it, b/c what comes out of the Helix vs what the DSL40CR does to color the tone, are very different. I have to do a lot of EQing on the Helix. I also found the resonance and presence controls are hardly noticeable on the DSL40CR. Don't get me wrong, I still like the amp, but I play on my Helix Floor into FRFR more often.

[@Kcapollo]

do you connect it via 4 cable method?

[@shawnok1]

Fender fr-12 is the way to go! I just got mine a week ago, it works perfectly.

[@franknguitars7671]

my humble opinion: the best way to amplify a modeler is the Laney LFR 112. it basically returns the amp in the room feeling and sounds awesome - crisp and clear and beefy (and quiet). the Fender FR-12 is ok too, but hisses too much for home use (in my opinion). it is quite fine in a band context though.

[@mathiasbruce6582]

I have a Laney LFR-112 too and I like it.

[@mk2445]

Yes..agreed…

[@wildmilne]

It’s rumored they fixed the hiss without acknowledgment on new units.

[@franknguitars7671]

yeah, I read that too in forum. Kind of lame of Fender to not acknowledge the problem (even denied it), then silently fix it and not offer any help or compensation to those customers who have bought the hissy units. Well, in any case - good for the people who buy it now. It does sound good and the hiss is only really annoying in a silent setting. In a band context, it does not matter.

[@deschwann]

I didn't hear hiss on the mic in this video. I wonder if they did something to remove it.

[@bills4915]

I'm running a Cortex into an FRFR mainly for portability. But I like that I can use the FRFR as my stage monitor and I have control over it without affecting the house sound or relying on the soundguy to get the level to my preference.

[@adamkrauss303]

I for one, would have really liked to see the wiring/setup for each, accompanied by a discussion, as I am still trying to wrap my head around these “alternative” methods. Thanks.

[@chrismataran]

Great video. For me, I use my Tone Master Pro directly connected to my Audio interface (UA Apollo 8) with Cabinet emulation when I want to record my performance in my DAW (LUNA). In that case, I'm monitoring through my Kali L6P studio monitors and it sounds great, really great. I also use my Boss Katana Head 100W as a power amp connected to the Tone Master Pro on the FX Loop 4 left channel (hence mono) when I want to jam or rehearse. In that case, the monitoring is done through my Harley Benton G112+ Thiele Cabinet (Celestion 65W Creamback made in England). I some cases, I use a SM57 to record my performance but I have to say that I prefer to use the first way to do it. The TMP cab emulation is amazing and the acoustic of my home studio is not really good so... To be completely honest, the second method is more satisfying as a guitar player, using a real cabinet is always a plus even though it's hard to explain the feeling. Anyway both ways are good and the Tone Master Pro is an amazing beast. Cheers from France.

[@justinTime077]

I can’t say you guys really spoke to the most common points people are out there seeking.

[@giosundance5643]

The best way is what you can afford…both rigs are equally good. I run a fractal fm3 and a tonex The only people that care are other guitarist.

[@TheRflynn]

😢

[@swedeinla]

straight in to a QSC CP8....Best wedge monitor I have personally ever found. and lightyears better than every dedicated frfr speaker cab I have heard,

[@gabrielbarbeiro5313]

qsc cp8 is gold!

[@lalnuntluangachhakchhuak5767]

We have a cp12 as stage monitor. Its amazing. For personal guitar monitoring cp8 would rock

[@BryanGrigsby]

I like FRFR because it's close to the sound I would send to my audio interface to record. That's one problem the UA ox box has. If you use it as a load box, but then also record direct from the OX box, what comes out of your cab vs what comes line out of the OX sound totally different. The other thing that is easy with FRFR and sounds amazing, is stereo. My Helix Floor stereo effects sound killer in stereo. I run the helix floor, --> Looper --> drum machine --> stereo FRFR. I am a one man band, ha. Its great for practice.

[@giuseppefabbricatore4314]

I use an hybrid system, analogic pedals in front of a Victory Amp V4 Duchess Amp with Two Notes built in, HX Stomp on send/return. V4 Duchess has 3 out (2 with cabinet emulations and a Speaker 4/8/16 ohm out) and this is my use: XLR direct on Mixer with Celestion 4x12 Creamback emulation, Speaker out direct on a 1x12 cabinet Celestion Creamback loaded, and the Line Out (with the same cabinet emulation) of the pedal on a FRFR monitor. Love it…

[@PaulLawrence1972]

Hey, interesting set up - I have the v4 Jack amp - and was thinking of going to 1x12 instead of lugging about a 2x12 cab. But I thought they are rated 95w at 8ohm? So how has the creamback coped as it’s 65w? And do you use the frfr as a monitor instead of iem’s?

[@giuseppefabbricatore4314]

@@PaulLawrence1972 hey! The Creamback it’s 65w but in the middle I use a simple Bugera attenuator to choose the volume on stage, AND I use an FRFR with 2 input (and 2 volume pot) to mix the guitar tone with other instruments. So I can hear me from behind (with a good cabinet sound) and from the FRFR in front I can hear the sound I’ll have on stage (on the mix).

[@slingpeace]

I have been doing the power amp in on my amp into my 2x12 and I get the same issue you said, sounds good but need to make some adjustments. It’s a bit of a hassle. I really want to get the FR 12 now and be done with turning on and off cab emulator depending on the situation.

[@JoeScharnweber]

I had to sell my PA setup and am now plugging my Quad Cortex in to an old Fender Excelcior and it actually sounds awesome

[@ricardoleao_music]

I`ve tried it all, and ended back to "real" guitar cabinets with a solid state amplifier (similar to Seymour Duncan power stage). It`s the way it sounds more natural to me. I had the fender FRFR for some time, and it works fine at home, but at stage volume I struggle to find my tone on it. With the real cab and guitar speakers I feel at home.

[@sonofboar13]

Having gigged and used a Helix with a QSC k.12 frfr, I think the best combo is a modeler with a power amp and guitar cabinet You can still go direct to front of house but you still get the “feel” of a traditional amp and cabinet I’ve heard someone say that when people think of “amp like feel” it’s not primarily tubes vs digital vs solid state, it’s about the cabinet and speaker and I’m inclined to agree

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

Which then gives you limitations. You can switch between a Fender Twin, Marshall, Mesaboogie or Bogner. Not sure the cabinet could express the nuances required to emulate your preset.

[@timodelange]

I’ve the boss GT1000 bigboy. Love the thing. I own one amp and cab for bass. For guitar live I go direct but when there is no personal monitor for me (small gigs) I send one signal to FOH and one signal to the bass amp and cab. Bass amps and cabs are also very full range so this works great. The boss has many output options that will adjust the EQ slightly to work in that chosen setup. There’s an output option that says bass amp with tweeter when choosing that it has great guitar tones from the bass amp. So I can cover guitar and bass with one amp head, cab and modeler and be lightweight, great sounding and consistent with not many compromises imho ofcourse

[@Thesamtvv]

Hi I’m new to multiprocessor what does going direct in live mean? I’m guessing directly to PA but that’s my question how does it work? Because isn’t PA usually but distant from the stage? How do you make it work? Thank you

[@supaherc]

this video is perfect for me. much appreciated

[@jefft5854]

Based on the room mic, the power amp + cab and powered PA sound clearly best to my ears.

[@gibful8671]

Nice video! I'm using a fractal fm3 with the power amp of a bluguitar amp1 through a 2x12. It moves walls😂 the cool thing is that you also have a backup amp on your pedalboard and it's very compact^^

[@gilbertduenas6031]

I do this same thing with the helix. I absolutely love it

[@marcohermans3207]

At home I use studio monitors. Live I put it in the effects return of an old Fender Mustang 3 modeling amp. It has a neutral speaker so I can leave the IR's on.

[@SouidosMetanasths]

Can you connect the quad cortex directly to 2 active studio monitors?

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

@@SouidosMetanasthsfor anyone who’s reading this comment more recently. Yes, you can. With almost any multi effect, profiler or modeler you can run them directly into powered studio monitors. Which is what most of the world is doing at home.

[@DaneShippers-m4t]

I’ve tried the FM9 through Kali 8” v2 studio monitors, powercab, frfr. They all sound so muffled. I then ran the FM9 through a Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170 into a 2x12 cab with V30s. Better but still dark, muffled, and lifeless. I then ran the FM9 through the Fryette Powerstation into a 2x12 cab with V30s and FINALLY got it to sound good. Hopefully this helps someone.

[@WarzoneVictoryWins]

I use the Powerstage to a 2x12. Sounds great.

[@kly411]

Playing for myself at home, my experience has been that the separate tweeter in the frfr cabs makes a noticeably different sound than a traditional cab, and I don’t care for it. Same of course is true of monitors. I finally accepted that for me (good) amp in the room tone is of greater interest than absolutely flat response and I now run into the return of a quilter superblock into a stage right 1x12 and the tone is fantastic. I still use some cab sims to pleasing effect.

[@BryanGrigsby]

Have you tried a high pass filter on the signal out to the FRFR?

[@deskducker]

@@BryanGrigsbyright? 5k and tweeter kinda out of equation

[@anotherone9219]

wich is the best for home? Studio Monitors or FRFR? if i dont want to record and i dont want to buy an audio interface? i just want to hear the guitar / tones and i want them as clear as i have them LIVE when i go in the FOH, ?

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

@@anotherone9219definitely Fr cab. Unless you can spend a lot of money on studio monitors. Studio monitors do sound pretty dang good but, you get what you pay for with studio monitors. And to REALLY love guitar tones thru a pair, you need very good ones, that are going to be WAY more than a good Fr.

[@petervandebelt6062]

I use the Fender FR-12 with my UA Dream 65 and I love it.

[@tomcarmody5471]

Can you tell me if this combination would be good for low volume home use? Have you tried the 10"? One commenter said that the Fender FRFR hisses at lower volumes. Have you experienced this?

[@SalmiRahman]

Do you also use them on stage?

[@DanEtch]

Yamaha Stagepas 200. Without any doubt. There's a little yellow knob on that which I use as a "combo to 4x12" knob. Mega bit of kit.

[@BadCat1990]

I’d really like to give the Tonemaster FRFR a go. Looks really cool.

[@PooNinja]

8:25 ahh sending different outputs different places. I’m reminded of a chuck berry session where they had an amp for chuck set his way and another amp set up for the engineer … i love having my thunder 99 running my floor wedges from my modeler.

[@mjklein]

I've been on a new journey with the GOAT pedals from Japan. I'm now using a Harley Benton Thunder 99 and 2 small VOX cabinets. I'm now considering the Harley Benton G212A-FR Active Cabinet. Going forward, as much as I love vintage Orange amps, the analog pedals with digital FX seems like the way to do, especially considering recording.

[@jakestewartmusic]

1:15 ideally, you'd turn off the power amp simulation if you're using a real tube power amp. I don't think QC allows this, but Helix has pre-amp only models for each of their amp models. This is probably why the D20-amped tone sounded the most different from the DI tone...

[@rockitman403]

If I’m not mistaken, in the QC you can place an EQ in front of the outputs feeding a power amp and EQ that signal without effecting the signal to FOH. I prefer the EQ be done in the QC rather than the power amp. You can easily recall different settings for different power amp/cabinet combinations. So I prefer using a tube power amp with just a volume knob.

[@JoeBaermann]

Should have tried the Pedal Baby 100 too, class A/B differs enough from class D that some would prefer it while playing. On stage, power amp with cabs as backline, DI out with custom IR loaded to pa/monitors. A 1x12 cab with a neodymn speaker set in ear height will do, propper in ear solutions are still pretty expensieve.

[@paulschlachter4313]

HX Stomp into the poweramp of an old Peavey Bandit 112 combo with Celestion T75. Sounds really good, more than loud enough and the Peavey is dirt cheap second hand. I matched a dual cab (Helix IR stuff) to the Peavey's speaker sound for direct/FOH - works well.

[@Hellhammer1980]

I use the HeadrusH frfr 112 on my Kemper and Quad Cortex, i am very happy with the sound, but like all the guitarists here we are always looking for something better

[@MrPhotomiked]

Another option is use Celestion FRFR speakers f12m150 or f12x200 mounted into any unloaded cab of your choice as 1,2,4x12 and driven by a decent class D amp like the SD powerstage or via the send input of any amp effects loop. Both speakers sound great😊

[@garycrant4511]

I already own a Laney AH150 Audiohub. So if I was still gigging [our band is in limbo since lock downs] I'd try using that before considering spending more money on FRFR or power amp alternatives.

[@thedatabody]

When not playing my 4x 10 Super Reverb (and going deaf in the process), I use the Helix LT into a A800 power amp, in to two guitar cabinets, one loaded with 2x10 Celestion Greenbacks & the other with 2x10 Celestion Golds.

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Wish someone would do a hard rock or even metal, video using the Fender Fr 12 and 10. Been searching for days to find a video of at least hard rock, thru the Fender 10 or 12. No one has done it. Maybe I will order them just to make the video. And if I love one of them just keep it. Everyone that’s playing through one is doing the exact same thing. On a side note. All the S. Duncan Powerstage Amos are absolutely incredible. I have them all and they are worth every cent. Even the 170 is worth every last cent and a great piece of gear.

[@marctamtonthat]

My personal experience : I have played a long time with a Victory Countess V30 MK2 and Friedman Runt 50 in conjonction to a multieffet for reverb an delay (4CM). The setup was great but the problem was that effect loop was sucking the tone due to multiple analog to digital conversion. To avoid that, I have now a Fractal FM9 connected to a power amp and I really like it but I struggled to get the same tube amp feel depending on the power amp type. Tube amp have a lot of energy with the attack and it pushes the air very efficiently. One reason that tube amp players sometimes change their output transformer is to get a punchier sound and output transformers with the help of output tubes are an energy buffer that can deliver a lot when sollicitated. Regarding non tube power amps, I have tried PS700 => the sound is very loud but lifeless and lack of punch. I have read that class D amp we're not good to reproduce this tube amp feel and I definitely confirm that. Not the same attack as a tube amp. I then bought a Orange Pedal Baby which was better to replicate the amp feel. It is solid state class AB amp so a better configuration but it dit only replicate the tube amp feel at bedroom volume not during a gig or stage situation. Now I have a stereo 50 W tube amp Eng 840. I did have to tweak the EQ on the fractal with specific PEQ curves (fractal units are very good at this) to correct the sound as this configuration is colored by the tube amp but have retrieved that energy and tube amp feel. The problem now is that this configuration is heavy. Next step would be to buy a lighter tube power amp. I'm still looking for it.

[@nickjitsu]

Interesting video. NIce one. For my Quad Cortex I use a Palmer Mach 402 power amp in stereo with a Blackstar 2x12 loaded with H-75 Creamback and a CL80 on the dry (ish) side and custom 1x12 CL80 on the wet side. I find the trick to using Class D power amps is getting as much clean headroom as possible therefore go for the loudest you can get (without being loud)! I've got a Peavey Valve power amp, but it's broken. I know it will make the quad come alive when it's fixed. For masterclasses and demos I go straight into a wee Mackie desk into a Yamaha dxr 8 PA monitor. I can mix my Guitar synth in there and any backing tracks. With a band the DXR8 is just for my synth guitar. Everything gets sent FOH with both rigs. I personally hate the sound of just going FOH. It's like having a 2D willy! You need something behind you to give it size and meaning.......in audio form of course!

[@B_Wolfen]

I am equally surprised how good yet portable these Class D power amps are. Even on a budget. Kudos to you to avoid promoting Thomann's house brand in this video, however, I currently have a NUX Amp Academy hooked up to a Harley Benton GPA 100. The NUX XLR DI out feeds the FOH with IR, the 1/4 out feeds the GPA 100 without an IR. The GPA monitors out through a Blackstar 2x10 or a Thiele type 1x12 and both monitor signLs are just awesome. Playing feel is retained which is the biggest compliment to make to such non-traditional set up I think. 👍

[@jonhollis2534]

ive been running my Tone Master Pro into the power amp in of a hot rod deville. sounds great. I also have the FR12 - it's good but not as good as a tube power stage. Some one should make a power cab thats a couple of 6L6s (no preamp stuff) just for modellers on stage.

[@nerbuhc]

I believe the ksr50 is 6l6 could be kt88s too (dreaming)

[@jonhollis2534]

@@nerbuhc ive ordered up the 6L6 KSR one

[@nerbuhc]

@@jonhollis2534NO WAY i hope you enjoy it! I have no need for the small power amp but that is the one id grab, just watched rabeas comparison too the SD PS200

[@roynations4067]

I use a boss Gt 100 multi effects processor and run it stereo out into two Blackstar ID CORE stereo wide 100 watt amps. The spacious stereo wide from the amps give a surround effect and a richness to the effects of the boss processor. I've tried the line out and even used a Marshall amp for the on stage monitor but using the two stereo wide blackstar amps has taken the stereo effect to a new level, so that what I'm using currently.

[@hannosolo]

I used a Marshall 1936 stereo cabinet with a peavey cs200x stereo power amp. Everything was from the daw (boss gt) and it sounded great.

[@Plinity]

Thanks for the video guys

[@jefflebowski1838]

Both guitars sound simply amaaazing 🙏

[@danielferrera8773]

I'm using an Electro Harmonix Dirt Road Special (solid state combo) for amplifying the sounds coming out of my PC and audio interface. Comparing the signal straight out of my headphones connected to the audio interface with the sound coming out of the EHX setting it up everything at noon you can achieve a pretty similar result to each other.

[@deskducker]

I have several real cabs and 2 pairs EAW passive monitors. I have a rack setup with Carvin TS100 Peavey 50/50. Ada microtube 200. Rocktron velocity. I wanted tube ss and hybrid options. Positives and negatives on all of it

[@DirkRadloff]

I just ordered a full range PA speaker from you for exactly this purpose. Since I play guitar and bass I wanted a powered speaker, which saounds great, when I feed it with profiles from my Kemper. I have ordered the EV ZLX 15P.

[@richardputman3506]

I have a PowerCab+ for the rare occasion. Otherwise for my weekly gig I use in-ears to monitor myself from a send from FOH.

[@MarcelCoenenOfficial]

I am using my Fractal Axe FX III into a matrix poweramp into a Marshall 4X12 with mixed celestion speakers (V30 and T75) I am looking into FrFr options as well, but have not found the right one for my needs (high gain player)

[@crsantin]

I have a Helix rack and I really expected I would prefer it through the effects return of my tube amps and I didn’t. I use two Headrush units and the updated Helix cabs sound and feel very good. I still love my tube amps but I also love my Helix. I’d like to try the Seymour Duncan power and the new Fender FRFR

[@jonnychrist69]

I use the QC through an EVH Stealth 100 on the clean channel through 2 cabs and the sound is crushing. Nothing compares!

[@datooch]

If I’m just a bedroom player what is the best way for me to monitor my modeler besides headphones without aggravating my family? Sorry, I’m new to all this modeling stuff.

[@diegoiglesiases]

Consider using a pair of studio monitors connected to your audio interface instead of one FRFR!! These are way smaller and give a nice flat response. I use the Yamaha HS5 along with my Quad Cortex and I'm super happy.

[@Maroma5361]

⁠​⁠@@diegoiglesiasesI second this. Studio monitors is the way to go and the Yamaha is the best choice imo. I’d go for an HS8 though.

[@nerbuhc]

Second on the hs5s, you dont “need” the hs8s if youre in a small/medium room. If you do have the space definitely grab the hs8s but then youll probably need stands to get a proper effect from them I had a pair of hs5s for YEARS with no issues, just sold them to fund my quad cortex purchase, i dont do much home monitoring anymore and my headphones are usually enough for a session. I use beyer dynamic dt990s

[@gmcoates14]

Late answer but now the headrush frfr go would be great

[@rangerdoc1029]

Studio monitors, BUT they have to be positioned just right. They basically have to be aimed at your face.

[@ashasinov]

Great video! Love your energy and style! Technically i don't understand how you are able to record such clean signal from tube amps without any noise using condenser mics. Maybe a video on that would be great as well or some comments. thanks!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hey, thanks a lot! It's not a lot to "reveal" about not having noise when recording our amps with those sweet Neumanns. We just never have any serious noise or hiss coming from the amps we are using so the mics can't pick up any noise. Also, we play quite loud in the studio so the signal to noise ratio is great. This means that the gain on the mic preamps can stay low so they don't pick up that quiet background hiss of a guitar rig. Also, we barely play with a lot of drive which of course helps with avoiding loud hiss issues. That's it. :) Ohh and in this video we used a modeller (which we don't usually do) with a built-in a noise gate. If I'm not mistaking we had that on on a very mild setting. Cheers //Kris

[@19501960]

I use guitar cab 2x 10 cab swapped out guitar speakers for pa speakers, Duncan 170 power amp, modeller. Declined a FRFR speaker

[@Kellarimuusikko]

How about Cortex straight to fender deluxe reveb amp? Nobody tries??? I haven’t find any multieffectboard which works. All distortions effect sounds awfully plastic grab😅

[@matzer8846]

Thar U67 is just sooooo good ... my winner The Duncan power amp did a great job ... real speaker is nice

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Aww man, the U67 is by far my fave mix ever. It's perfect for everything. Guitars, vocals, room, classical instruments, acoustic instruments... Cheers //Kris

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

As an aging bass player, I decided it was time to start playing DI rather than keep carrying around my bass rigs - for smaller gigs, my bass combo weighs 89lbs, a rig for a bigger gig weighs at least another 50lbs more. FRFR for bass doesn’t give many options. My intention was to just DI and use the stage monitors at the venue to hear myself. However, not all places have a decent monitor set up, and if you trying to get on and off amongst other players, setting up a monitor mix takes too long. For situations where there the monitors were not great (some places have none) I decided I would buy an FRFR, which I would only bring out if the car if needed. I wouldn’t necessarily get the tone, but I’d hear the notes! I tried a few options and wasn’t impressed, so asked the music store to bring in a Headrush 12” for me. - it’s astonishing. I’ve never liked speakers smaller than 15” and lean towards an 'old school' tone. The Headrush is phenomenal, it gives me as much or more bass than anything I’ve ever owned, and it weighs just over 30lbs. For playing jams or pubs, even if there is no PA for my main feed, I will take the Headrush rather than a traditional bass rig. I wish I had known they would be releasing a newer version with Bluetooth, but it’s a great bit of kit. I’m now deciding which "amp in a box" I will be buying to replace my guitar amps, because I’m going to use the Headrush for guitar as well, probably without DI'ing it.

[@TheRflynn]

40kg….no. My neck feels odd after (singlehandedly) manhandling a 25kg amp.

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

My Ampeh SGT-DI weighs just over a pound I think? @@TheRflynn

[@TheRflynn]

What do you use when not going through a PA? I can lift my Phil Jones with 1 finger and some of the smaller german and italian (AER, GRBass) can be even lighter on a watts per kilo basis.

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

Traynor. I've used nothing else for decades. Any time I've gone looking for a new category of amp, I have tried every other brand - and every time left with a Traynor. I have a 400w Dynabass combo with a 15" speaker. This sounds so good that I bought the head as a stand alone unit, which simply slides into the slot on the combo. As well as that I have two 15" cabs. My full tube head is a YBA200-2 - another phenomenal amp, And when I decided to get a digital amp, I tried everything and left the store with a Traynor SB500H. Although I've only used their 15" cabs for some years, i've also owned one of their 2x10"s and had a 1510 cab for a while - 1x15' and 2x10" in one cab. - Ive also had a few of their tube guitar amps, but they are too loud for home use and I rarely play guitar for gigs. @@TheRflynn

[@TheRflynn]

Long McQuade have a B&W photo of the 1x15 and 2x10…they were probably the local dealer? I did get to try a 50w 1x12 combo at home, which rattled the furniture….but didn’t measure any louder than a 70w solid state combo. Odd that sound volume and floorboard movement were that unrelated. If you are experimenting with DIs have a listen to Philip Conrad’s video on the topic, they do vary more than I expected.

[@julianelison8508]

I use my Fractal AX8 through a pretty neutral solid state rack-poweramp through a 2x12, but I leave all Cab-Sims switched on. Works best.

[@bobk2314]

I use a Headrush prime thru the new Headrush cab sounds amazing

[@IvanoAntico]

PA is actually the smartest thing to use. With tool like quad cortex you have the completed signal chain, from the pickup to the mix in a song (amp, cab, mic, compression, equalization…). So you need a full range hifi amp, as if you were listening to a mixed sound or a song

[@Eddyvnhln5150]

I want to use my Valeton GP 200 through active / passive combo with a and a Ch mixer why would I need the Seymour Duncan power stage 200 ? How do I route it , is it a DI BOX I’ve never used one , I also have the BOSS IR 200 which sounds great in videos … not through my Marshall DSL thinking powered stage monitors are my best route

[@iwandegreef]

i got an "old" firehawk 1500 amp that i use with my QC. works great

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

That is FRFR.

[@beetle5000]

I use the Seymour Duncan power stage with a 2x12 barefaced cab with V30’s through an axe fx fm3 and I love it 👌

[@jjr.m.1002]

I´m thinking about something like this , could you please say me if it is necessary to disable the cab in the preset used from FM3?

[@beetle5000]

@@jjr.m.1002 yes I use the global settings and disable all the cab sims and I absolutely love it! Especially on the new firmware

[@armoredsaint6639]

I use 2 2x12 line six power cabs in stereo freaking phenomenal

[@Pekins_]

I would say if you gig with a modeler, setting up your presets as if would only be going through PAs is the best bet.

[@andregoring7718]

I am using a boss katana in the acousic channel for monitoring my nux mg 30 and really like it. Also having bass, middle, trebble and presence settings to modify the sound to my preference. But using them mainly in center positions. In that way, I also have a backup. If the modeler fails. Here in the video, I most often liked the neuman mic over the head mic, but was positivly surprised by the floor monitor. Nice video!

[@Jackryan229]

That was a fantastic video

[@anotherone9219]

little help, wich is the best for home? Studio Monitors or FRFR? if i dont want to record and i dont want to buy an audio interface? i just want to hear the guitar / tones and i want them as clear as i have them LIVE when i go in the FOH, ?

[@valendis]

What a missed opportunity to show off the Harley Benton GPA-400, I use it for rehearsal and it's great! plus you have the possibility to go stereo and that's a big plus!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hey, true, next time we can do a power amp shootout for modellers. :) We took the Seymour because a lot of people know it and love it, it has pretty much become a reference product for compact power amps. //Kris

[@valendis]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBassesThat would be an awesome video! Thanks!

[@tommywallberg]

I can’t wait for that 👍

[@musiccreation1198]

Should we apply a 70-5k eq curve on our modeler presets to mimic a guitar cab ... optimizing the FRFR?

[@kubehan]

Wow Iiked the neumann sounds

[@Eliminator-rl9sn]

Thanks for this video. This is a very central topic given the rapid development of digital recreations of legendary amps in the recent years. One can find tons of demo videos of all these gadgets recorded through audio interfaces, which alway sounds perfect. If you are recording only, this is fine. But I think, the majority of people being interested in these devices are live musicians. And there you find very very few videos dealing with this topic. There is also no music dealer I know of at least here in Germany, offering an environment where it would be possible to really test amplification solutions for Kemper, Quad Cortex, Helix and the like. This is very surprising if one sees how many of these digital preamps are out already. Even more surprising if the respective prices of these devices are considered. I would love to have the opportunity testing the amplification options of such digital solutions extensively in a dedicated environment. Even directly comparing them to real amps would be also very useful. Whatever sounds convincing on youtube, is not particularly good in a live setup or band context.

[@Porschetheus]

I dont't play gigs, i use a little tube-amp at home and my modeller with 4cbl method. this way i have presets with my real Amp, and other presets with the amp models out of my Ampero Stomp II

[@joebranston6330]

Could you explain the 4 cable method? Thanks!

[@Porschetheus]

@@joebranston6330 check Out google pictures of 4 cable method, there are good diagrams which explain it. Or just KZbin for some nice tutorials

[@michielroom]

I'm very happy with my Harley Benton products. I have the G112A-FR and the GPA-100. I have a couple of questions. How does the GPA-100 compare to the Seymour Duncan? How much louder is the Fender (1000W) than the Harley Benton G112A-FR (100W)? I like that you can use the HB speaker as a wedge.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Actually an FRFR shootout video sounds like a pretty good idea. :) It's on the list of ideas now, thanks! //Kris

[@michielroom]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses you should also include the Spark Cab by Positive Grid

[@oammoa6071]

Rename it😂 and btw happy new year guys!

[@yjneo2001]

Great Video! What Les Paul model is it?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks! It's basically this guitar only with a different finish. tho.mn/a05wa Mine is called Sunrise Tea Burst. Cheers //Kris

[@yvandewever6518]

I use the power amp in on my Katana Artist for my UAFX dream 65.

[@massimobianco4915]

How about an acoustic ampli (like acous for instance)? Since i use electric, classical and acoustic guitars i could use a channel for each of my gears and send them all to a pa if necessary…

[@martinopinto6323]

I usually go in the return of the amp, and yeah, true, sounds a bit different, but when I go in rehersal room it's so much easier

[@psamae]

Hello! I am new in this sector so maybe this could come out as a stupid question but why would you need a reamp/poweramp if the quad cortex is already emulating an amp head? Is it just for the extra lift? Could i use my guitar with just the quad cortex and the fender or would i be missing a step? and I’m a bit confuse by the setup sorry! Also does the power amp function as a pre amp…? Or is it more than that at this point Rather than that great video you guys play amazing!

[@ClNoBody]

I think your confusion is that Amp Heads (or combos) have both a pre amp and power amp. My simplistic view is that a pre amp shapes the tone and power amp moves a speaker. Modeling is the pre amp world and you either send a cab emulated signal to an FRFR powered speaker or non-emulated signal to a conventional power amp. The "powered" in powered speakers like the Fender have the power amp built in. They show 4 different methods at 1:14 and all use the pre amp from the QC for all 4.

[@ryanvergara3603]

Great review and awesome talk. A question though - I have an electric guitar that has a piezo pickup as well and I use both magnetic and acoustic sound for my outside gigs as a soloist or in a duo. Is the PA Wedge Speaker or the FRFR cab the best solutions for my setup? (since I can turn off the amp sim in multi-fx anytime to use the acoustic sound directly to the speakers)

[@matibrandrock]

For gigs I just plug it straight into the PA, for busking I plug in a regular Bluetooth speaker into the headphones jack

[@MRxr400]

just trying to figure out your examples. You have a head, set up with microphones, to get the sound you'd hear on stage, then a close mic'd cab example, but not a follow up of the DI sound. The Mic'd cab in a live situation would also carry the room sound and be closer to the head tone. The close mic sound, direct to your daw is as i would expect, sterile and lifeless. the head mic sounded amazingly like a full blown valve amp experience with the fender and the floor wedge monitor and even the seymour power amp. The harley benton cab sounded pretty cool, V30 loaded? Imagine a di to desk and a mic's cab like the harley or the fender frfr, that would give lots for the sound man to play with sonically. but at the end of the day, my gripe with modellers is you can spend time getting it to sound right through your choice of frfr etc, but the di sound to desk and out of front of house can still end up leaving much to be desired.

[@MRxr400]

sorry for the essay

[@nicolobalestrino]

Would you use the fr-12 in a home studio to play a backing track through it as well as your guitar signal? (replacing studio monitors)

[@joebranston6330]

Im currently a bedroom player using a spark 40, and thinking of what proper setup to get. Would it make sense to get a small tube combo and a simple modeler pedal? That way you can use the amp as a speaker + its also useful as a standalone amp. And you can dial in your digital tones for use in any scenario. better option than some FRFR thing?

[@ArvidNielsen]

Good stuff! I’ve recently bought a Boss GT-1000 Core from Thomann. I did, because I was looking for a unit to serve several purposes, of which one is hassle free live performances, meaning not having to carry a guitar amp AND the PA. With that in mind, it would be downright silly to then re-introduce any sort of amp or cab solution. Literally, within this next week I’m going to start rehearsing with the GT-1000, playing directly through the PA, I’m going to be using. For studio purposes, I’m afraid, I’m still a real amp kinda guy. So, within a few months the Revv D20 and the JTM 20 are going to make their way into my studio, likely through a Harley Benton “hybrid” 2x12.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Yeah it's kinda funny if someone goes for a modeller to have less stuff to carry but then needs a cabinet to hear her/himself anyway... 😆 Best is using in-ear monitoring at rehearsals and on stage if that's an option. But simply using the PA system is equally efficient, that's why we included the wedges in this video. It's such a simple yet great option. Cheers //Kris

[@stapeld]

👍👍 “not having to carry a guitar amp AND the PA”. Run your modeler direct to FOH for live shows and monitor via in-ears or wedges.

[@fadlyhans82]

JC-40 with multi effects or SC20H with multi effects. Any advice guys? Just for home use. No more gigging. I’m jamming to songs at home.

[@TheLucidDrummer]

Can you do basically this exact same video over again but with bass guitars? I'd be forever grateful. There's a surprising lack of modeller amplifying / monitoring content for bass.

[@therealone1288]

frfr cabs dont need a poweramp? i think that would give me what i'm looking for. i have a torpedo M and some preamps I like as well as strymon iridium. i think this is the way to go for me.

[@nekkon1989]

Thankfully I don't have such problems. My guitar amplifier is also my monitor on stage and I love the sound of it

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

And I salute you and your rig! Haha! I love the feel of a cranked amp through a guitar cab too much to stop using it. Whatever my back thinks about this, I don't care. 😆 //Kris

[@davixgt]

Tech 21 Power Engine 60...I use two to go stereo...