How To Run Your Pedalboard Direct

[@Monatcat]

Was liking the iridium - especially for the rock and roll I like to play and write.

[@anothamatt]

Iconoclast and RedBox sound the warmest. Not sure how much of that is because they used different preamps, though...

[@zachmiller4575]

When your playing direct live do you need to go into a DI box from the amp/cab simulator?

[@CaptainErn]

This answered almost all my direct guitar questions! But just for clarification, when running a cab sim to a mixer, you don’t need to use a di box? I’ve been having a hard time figuring that out.

[@CaptainErn]

@@BigMacSoss thanks for the insight. Funny enough, I ordered a stereo di and it just arrived as I read this.

[@kangaroofoot]

@@CaptainErnGreat question. Wondering the same thing

[@CaptainErn]

@@kangaroofoot i got the answers. I’ve tried it both ways and it doesn’t seem to matter that much. Currently I’m using the tc ir loader and I’m just goi g straight into my mixer. Granted I’m using a channel with a preamp so that might make a difference. But before I was using a can sim before my stereo effects and ran those into a di before the plain channels on my mixer and I think I had more problems with volume and noise that way than I do now.

[@zealfer]

Hi are you using a DI box after your pedalboard?

[@MaTTheWish]

They dont even explain that part. Im a newbie, where is the sound coming from. Mixer into a monitor.?

[@Steven1Cicero]

What are you running this pedal board directly into? Speaker? mixing board? computer interface? because we all know that you still need speakers and a driver for the speakers to deliver the sound, But you show neither. I would think that if I was able to ditch my amp you would show what takes it's place.

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

This is going directly to the interface; Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

[@Steven1Cicero]

@@BlackbirdPedalboards And I gather that this Focusrite is connected to your computer, This is my point here, No one that says that you can just abandon your amplifier ever shows what takes it's place in these videos, If you want to show us it can be done show us How it can be done from start to finish, I have a focusrite Scarlett 2i2 that only worked once on my computer when I hook it up now it comes up with an error that says my computer does not recognize the hardware! And that's after spending hard earned money on amp sim software, That I can no longer use because of this.

[@marksc1929]

" at only $399.00 ...... . 🙄

[@kangaroofoot]

Might as well keep your amp, right?

[@NamesReed]

Old video but I've been trying to find out why I need an amp sim pedal for about 5 hours. first video that explains why and has an audio demonstration. Thank you!

[@andrewsmith7543]

You aren't wearing headphones in the video. I presume we at home are hearing the units plugged straight into your DAW but there in the studio what hardware are you listening to the amp sounds on?

[@MaTTheWish]

Exactly.

[@cameron8619]

I actually love those DI tones without an amp he was playing at first. So grimey and disgusting sounding. Truly incredible

[@DGGriffinMusic]

Great video! Though I believe the AC Tone does have a built in cab sim. I used one to go direct at church for years!

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

It is a killer pedals for the price, no doubt

[@mkrj2576]

Yeah, great vid. And I too thought the Joyos had a built in cab sim. Dig my AMS direct to the PA.

[@GuitArmijo78]

It does. That’s the point of the Joyo line.

[@9277707]

Late to this party, but will share what works for me, for those direct times - my old BOSS DR880 ( yep, drum machine ), there's a "warm clean" 'Fender' amp model in there, tweakable, that takes all your (drive & otherwise) pedals really well, I know , I know, OLD TECH ( COSM ), but it works, just turn the drum vol., and bass vol. all the way down ( duh ), use the guitar input ( duh again ), maybe lower the input volume a bit ( avoid digital clipping ), 1/4" out to PA, mono or stereo. * you can add a touch of 300ms delay as an always on ambience ( sort of like Iridium's room, but different ), no need for a cab sim after the DR880 ( I tried the RedBox, didn't help ), I used this setup for church, soundguy loved it, and recently at a rock n roll jam session - I get all my tones from various drive pedals, set right, that "Warm Clean" preset in there, as said, is very friendly, believable Fender amp 'platform', if you will. I was amazed too.... COSM... who'da thunk it?

[@luckystryke68]

Value of Dr880 can probably get all the pedals mentioned.

[@chameleon-dream-band-official]

This is gold! Been trying to figure out how to use my stereo ambient effects without having to buy another amp! Thank you!

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Glad you liked it!

[@FrankSpeer66]

@@BlackbirdPedalboards do you need to use a DI box with the Stryman into a PA?

[@soto44123]

I have 4 Fender amps and a Marshal . fyi you won't really notice the separation in a confined space.

[@oliveirapoli1]

Take the mooer cab sim, it has stereo in and out and do very good cab simulation with OR

[@topdog2583]

I have an Iridium. I get awesome clean tones from it but I never can get any driven tones that inspire me to play anything. I hear good drive tones on KZbin but I never have any luck with it. I just need mid gain lead tones for blues type solos and that sorta thing.

[@Funkfreed]

JOYO's website says that the American Dream preamp also serves as a DI box and also has a cab sim. Does that mean you can plug it directly into a studio monitor and put pedals like OD before it? Although I guess delay and reverb is a problem since it doesn't have an fx loop.

[@mickyj8412]

Yep.

[@Xyrium]

I can't believe how good the Line 6 box sounded, it had that amazing woody characteristing of a matchless. I've been in denial about these for some time, perhaps I'm really in need to trying a few out. Thanks!

[@darryldoesit966]

all these TOYS are good for running direct yes, but wont give you any stage volume to hear your rig. If the venue has floor monitors in front of each musician (guitarist) AND they can pipe your guitar rig sound through those then yup direct is cool but still limited. Best is still old school with your guitar, an actual worthy amplifier, and a real speaker cabinet with a mic in front that is plugged into the main sound system pa. All this gear is created for alot of folks that dont wanna spend money on a real guitar rig and/or lug around heavy gear and have to actually take the time to set it all up on a real stage. I found this video because i was doing research on cab sim pedals for my studio rig so i watched this. Great information tho...i did learn some tricks !!! And also, I would just use a good effects amp/cab floor processor unit like a boss, line 6 or digitech or a zoom. Plug and play...

[@isaacramirez2238]

My question is to what does the red box house connected? In a home set up. Speakers?

[@MaTTheWish]

Wish I knew, they didn't explain that part. Did you find an answer.

[@DonaHannah-x8k]

I put a multy effect board threw a line aray pa. & sounds Terrible. But threw the valve amp .of cause is great. Any ideas

[@tutusrachmanto7658]

Newbie here. Did you plug your pedals straight to audio interface and daw?. Love your videos!

[@timzitzelsberger3200]

I haven't used an amp in years the pedal I can absolutely not do without is my boss eq it works on any sound source I plug into it pretty much acts as a preamp and colors mysound anyway I would like it when I was young my first guitar amp was my parents Panasonic stereo system

[@luckystryke68]

Yes, I did the same thing with the jvc system at home😂

[@stefanhansen5882]

Best overview regarding this I've seen! And beautiful playing by Tomberlin. I will sub to his channel right now. :)

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mickdestiny6542]

Great clip. Really helped me with the various types of these devices. I have several of the Joyo amp series. Some of the old Digitech pedals have a cab sim d.i out for anyone looking for other pedals that do this.

[@Santaheckler]

The Iridium has enough options without being overly complex, just wish it had reverb instead of “room” knob. Maybe V2…with inflation prices.

[@PERRADE]

He sido siempre de amplis a válvulas de toda la vida, pero desde que tengo el Iridium, ni enciendo los amplis !!!

[@TheDcwalsh]

The Iridium by far!!!

[@TheFhz648]

I like the Iridium pedal, best sound I've heard

[@TroyNaumu808]

I currently run my pedals combining Option 1 and 3.

[@bilalnachabeh]

Iridium sounds beautiful! I also like the joyo for an affordable direct input! If i put my drive pedals before the joyo and my delay/reverb after the joyo then go from the reverb to my interface will this act like an fx loop on a real amp?

[@El_Maycol]

I don't think it will act as the FX loop, because when you're using an amp you have the power section that also has an impact in the over all tone depending on how much you're pushing the power section, putting reverb and delay after the joyo should create a studio-like config adding fx in post, but I could be wrong. If you are using the joyo for your clean tones only and your distorted sounds are coming from your other pedals, I'd put everything in front

[@aifrmedia]

I genuinely think the JOYO sounded better than the Strymon!

[@danielcastillo5525]

So for the Strymon Iridium do you still have to use a DI box? Or can I just plug it direct into the PA?

[@nathanblack6128]

The Iridium has no XLR output, so yes, Iridium to DI box, to house mixing board.

[@jeronym_noise]

Buy Nux MG300 or Nux Solid studio.

[@ferramirez4570]

Hey Great video top quality, I have a question kind of related, I'm thinking about buying a Pod go, What do I need to use it at home without an amplifier? Do I Need to have it connected to my laptop to make it work? I know it can be used without an Amp, but what do I need? Thank you before hand!!

[@musicalpurpose2566]

I have been using the line out channel of my boss micro cube with my pedalboard then into the PA. I mean, it kind of sounded good.

[@iphong7173]

Great Content!! I love to use your pedalboard. Seems like the Iridium is a useful gear connecting my guitar into a op1.

[@wizardito7741]

I use the joyo cab box at the end of my pedalboard, what a good and affordable pedal 👌👌👌

[@tomzeto]

For the HX stomp do you still have to use a DI box? how are you connecting it to mixer without XLR out? Also does it matter if phantom power is on or off when running direct? is it safe for your rig HX stomp and pedals, if the phantom power is on?

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

In the video we ran the HX Stomp tp a stereo DI. Some users have used a TRS to XLR cable to run to the mixer and switched the HX stomps output to line level and have had great results. It would probably be a bad idea to have phantom power on with 48 volts hitting the HX stomp and your pedals.

[@cbolt4492]

Good video, very nice playing

[@candyCode]

Great info, even 2 years later. I feel like now days you’ll almost always get a great sound, it will come down to other preferences like size, options and price. What a great time we live in!

[@ericfolschweiler1354]

Thank you guys ! Wich preamp would you consider for a jazz sound...something like Bill Frisels sound ? Merci from France

[@Single_Songwriter]

The Iridium Really Sounded GREAT !!! stereo in and out is a PLUS PLUS for recording

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Indeed it does! Really great for an all in one pedal.

[@davidbakerscuba]

Iridium sounded fantastic!

[@aidab7258]

lol, and all this praise how good it was. Look, not everyone is savvy about DI boxes. THis was basically just an advertisement, DIdnt explain how an actual preamp (original amp head, hardware. not computerized digital, you said hardware, thats not what you were working with as a preamp ( so, maury Povich, that was a lie) ;) lol.... I work with original vintage gear. Shouldve been explained how to connect it. just sayin"

[@El_Maycol]

funny but really audience is there to have fun, they don't care about your tone unless they are fellow musicians

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

This is for the musicians in the audience. They will thank you after the set

[@kuyakoi3469]

Thats right! Especially if you start playing Dont Stop Believing

[@nottieru]

iridium on a 'punch' (marshal jtm45?) setting with Fender guitars... That's the tone.

[@alessiograziani6355]

Many thanks for this video. I own a Blackstar Amped1 (a complete amplifier in a pedal), and I'm satisfied with it when I use it at home with headphones. I tried two times to connect it to a mixer using the onboard cab simulation XLR output. When used in this way, the tone of the guitar is not bad, but the overall sound is thin, too soft, and there's no attack. The output is mono, but the mixer sends a sort of dual mono signal to all the speakers, resulting in something similar to a stereo sound, good for clean, but not so good for crunch and rock (the sound is very wide but thin). Using the provided Blackstar software I removed (from the cab rig simulation) the simulation of the room, and this contributed to having a less wide sound, with some minor improvements. On the mixer the EQ is flat, and the owner of the studio did not find anything strange (a part of the confirmation the signal is split in two mono signals sent to the two speakers), but he's not an expert in this kind of setup. Any suggestions? What am I doing wrong (I had the same feeling in the same studio also using a Torpedo CabM)? Thanks

[@mykalgambullmusic5520]

1. How does monitor size affect your tone? 2. Why wouldn't you want an amp? 3. Isn't that part of the whole appeal?

[@owlsonik37]

I’m a gigging musician and use the styrmon iridium almost exclusively now! the favorite switch lets me basically change amps on the fly. with that said, you can have the greatest set up on the planet and a sucky sound guy can ruin it.

[@JTNMax]

Exactly! So many people miss this point about going direct. Unless a band has their own constant sound system and engineers (or a church or similar place) I’ve heard the most expensive Fractal FX systems sound like tin cups because of a terrible PA or sound engineers. Plus show up somewhere that has limited monitor outs, and you are fighting to hear yourself over other things in the mix. I carry a Radial JDX with me as a direct backup, but I’m playing real amps with a sm57 with plexiglass glass else we don’t play that club.

[@deezee8508]

For the money, day tripper and radar is a can't miss.

[@Keith-rk4td]

My buddy uses a Di for his live Double Bass. Sounds better than using a mic amp setup. He uses a Behringer preamp Di.Very cheap. Under 40 bucks

[@FlaviaMessinese]

Iridium

[@niaralosusa]

Great video! I'm new to direct recording so pardon the remedial questions... With the Neunaber Iconoclast, I see that you paired it with an overdrive (Blues Driver and Tumnus). - Are these overdrives used in addition to the Strymon overdrive at the beginning of the chain? - What is the purpose of the Blues Driver and Tumnus when you already have an overdrive in the chain? Thanks!

[@makib9256]

Love the sound of Iridium.

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Very impressed with the tones it can put out.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

How to get that 65 Blackface Fender Princeton Reverb " Clean " - straight into the P..A.? ( Strymon, Walrus, Quilter, Two Notes, Humboldt Simplifier? ) Great comparison. Very informative. oNe LovE from NYC

[@ericwaller6603]

I like how going direct from pedal/pedalboard just sounded like Black Keys tone!

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Sometimes you just need that direct to desk sound!

[@chrispysaid]

Wait, I thought you said you were gonna keep the demos consistent across the board? Like using the same pedal board for all the demonstrations, but you switched between multiple different pedal setups throughout.

[@terro570]

I have an existential doubt, can I connect it to Seymour Duncan's Powerstage 170? I can tell that it is the amp that I use in conjunction with a 2x12 cabinet. I use analog pedals

[@andrewsmith7543]

The funny thing is that most of the audience wouldn't care if you went to the distortion pedal straight into the DI box

[@kuyakoi3469]

The iridium can go direct without changing your tone? I have an AD/A CabSim, shall i get rid of that and change it to strymon?

[@fmartini86]

Nice think you!. But what can i do when i need a fx Loop?. I like the Sound of an Delay before an Drive Pedal also.But i want to have the options . Could you also use Delay after the amp sim? So the delay would not get distorted , right ?

[@sparksnguitarsmike]

Iridium with Chime Amp sounded best to me!

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Strymon definitely nailed that classic vox "chime".

[@juan_de_laura3041]

Excelente información, gracias por este vídeo!!!! 👏🏼👍🏼 Yo uso en mi pedalboard el mooer preamp 006!

[@jonnilaww2782]

so how would i run the moor radar direct out? i already use a revv g3 preamp pedal which i love. i saw the Radar has a 1/4 out....im confused lol

[@fastronaut909]

Great video, tons of insight! Proud to be a Lakeland native with companies like Blackbird around.

[@stanscantling5914]

Thanks for all the great advise I’m using a mad professor super black as my preamp into my strymon flint into a radial direct drive cabs sim/di then to front of house .

[@MYGAS21]

Thank you so much for this. A long long time ago I had found on Ebay an old LINE 6 AMP MODELER that I bought mostly because it seemed so beautiful to me LOL!. I had it on my shelf sitting around.... I thought it was a gimmick.....but now I get it. I paired it with a small VALETON CORAL cab sim AND MY MIND IS BLOWN! I had no clue....really. Again thank you. I was told about this but only with your video I finally got it........QUESTION 1: Were do the time based fx go in the chain?....QUESTION 2: Especially if you take in consideration the interaction between the pre amp, power amp and the cab. how important is an effect loop for your time based fx in all in one sims, like the IRIDIUM....(that doesn't have one I think)

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Great questions. For a two pedal direct setup (amp sim and cab sim) you can easily put the preamp pedal before you delays and reverb and the cab sim after to create an fx loop. We did this for the Iconoclast setup in this video. For all in one solutions (especially those without a dedicated FX loop) there is not much you can do. Luckily if you are running the preamp section pretty clean there should be minimal effect on your time based effects that normally sit after the preamp section.

[@MYGAS21]

@@BlackbirdPedalboards Right, thanks for the quick responce. You know after experiencing this so spongy interactive alive sound when running my cheap chinese KLON clone and the sims basicly clean but on the edge of breaking, first of all I can't go back to pure clean (atleast for now as a tone neophyte) so I can't put time based fx infront of the pre amp (yea I did exactly the settup you described) AND I can't but help wondering how do I get MORE of this! I have become kinda greedy for tone I guess. So I am especially fascinated by the interaction between the power amp and the speakers! QUESTION: Do you have any idea if sims take in consideration this aspect?

[@LeonJohnEdwards]

Great vid but would have love to hear more variety of tone like jazz, funk, even metal.

[@IndyRockStar]

would have sworn the guy at the beginning of the video was running a Strymon big sky.

[@good4sound]

I noticed the Red Box is the only one that has an XLR out to feed into a mic in on an audio interface. How are you getting the signal from the other modelers into the audio interface? Inline direct box or 1/4 input on interface?

[@dnamusicchallenge5995]

This is an excellent video to help lots of gigging guitarist who are great players but needs help on the tech side of things...hello everyone and welcome to the wonderful world of no amp direct connection/front of house 👍

[@petermongayahogsholm3884]

What DI would you recommend with the Strymon Iridium?

[@vasko8]

Very useful! Can you clarify the chain? Is this the connection order: FX pedals (overdrive, reverb etc.) -> preamp -> IR loader -> DI box -> Audio Interface?

[@nathanblack6128]

Couple corrections. Your chain is missing an actual "amp modeler" to replace an actual amplifier. There are pedals that are amp modelers, and pedals that are cab simulators (IR Loaders), and DI boxes, and there are units that have all of these features combined. Correct chain is this. FX pedals > pre-amp > Amp Modeler > IR Loader(Cab Simulator) > DI Box > House PA mixing board. The Strymon Iridium fills the role of amp modeler and cab sim, but not DI box, so most of the time you still have to run the Iridium to the DI box, then the house mixer. Some units like the NUX Amp Academy have amp modeler, cab sim, and XLR output so you can go straight to the house board with no DI. Hope this was helpful.

[@andreheizer]

Yesss thank you so much! I wish i could record my amp with a microphone but my walls are razor thin and my neighbors would hate me 😭

[@karenfrye4546]

So will these work correctly with my JBL PA?

[@dylanstubblefield]

The HX Stomp is a clear winner for me

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

You get what you pay for with the HX stomp for sure.

[@KingOfRiley]

What are the foot switches on the HX Stomp at 16:13?

[@mattylyons6471]

Where does the pedal have to go in regards to the chain - at the end? Thanks!

[@wildonekj]

liked the chime the best

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

The "chime" setting is definitely a popular choice.

[@ralphholguin6353]

The HX Stomp is so compatible and versatile. Great Video!

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Agreed! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@lawrencetimer1024]

JOYO AC Tone

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

That one was a surprise for me on how great it sounded for the price. Definitely the best bang for the buck

[@johnmarkcarasig7461]

If I use the daytripper I don't need a DI?

[@rifatahmed6214]

The video I've been looking for :')

[@stephenkennedy7347]

I have the Strymon Iridium running into the Strymon Flint Into my interface and any OD, Fuzz or distortion in front of the Iridium. Simply on a pedalboard into my interface I have great versatility and sound quality.

[@OrvinReyes]

Nobody cares

[@ethanfullerton507]

Do you still use a DI box? If so, passive or active? I've used a Boss Gt 1000 for awhile but I'm getting a pedal board setup now.

[@taurushamilton2739]

Sounds like a killer fly rig. I’m working on an all Strymon board w Iridium, Orbit, Zelzah, Ultraviolet and Sunset. I also use the 3 button Strymon multi switch which really opens up various options on the Iridium. I Have a clean Fender tone on Iridium bypass switch and dirty Marshall on the fave switch. A clean and dirty Vox lead tone and Marshall clean on the multi switch. Bees knees indeed🤘🏾

[@christopherdouglas512]

This just shows it costs at least 1500$ to “simulate” the sound of a real Amp…. and he’s actually using an amp,They said it at the beginning! But if you’re playing live, you need a real Amp and a real cab and you’ll meet chicks and get muscles bringing it into the club;) that ambient crap is cool for about two seconds! Lol

[@rocksully]

I like the HX Stomp!

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Definitely one of our favorites.

[@espada6998]

Compren un afinador !!!

[@JimNavarro]

Great and simple video! thanka for help us to get the best sound!

[@AustinRiddle1997]

Love the video :)

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Thanks! We had a good time making it and will be uploading new content every week (fingers crossed)

[@conorbelvin9024]

I thought the Daytripper sounded the best, it’s a little darker than the rest, which I am always looking for in my guitar signal.

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

It was a pretty great tone for only $99. Definitely one of the surprises from the bunch

[@avantgardenovelist]

Strymon should charge the same as the Stomp, then it wouldn't have the stigma of being a price-point lower. Better yet, it should be $100 more than the Stomp.

[@tonelocrian]

The HX was the only one that's sounds useable to me, but it's more expensive than some guys' whole rig ! Line 6 or another brand like SansAmp need to do the mini version of the HX stomp with half the options @ under half the price point. That would be much more valuable for the average gigging player or recording artist. PS : Most these direct options have that cold digital breakup that sounds harsh & ugly - especially in the high EQ. The average guitarist wants warmer sounds - that tube-like gooeyness is still lacking here as a believable option.

[@sparksnguitarsmike]

So much cool information!

[@BlackbirdPedalboards]

Glad you found it helpful! We will be doing more videos like this in the future for sure!

[@lowrencemayfield4271]

Very great video guys, just one question please, i have the Mooer Two Stones and i use an IR loaded into the Nex Cerberus for the cab. sim. , i'm thinking about a DI BOX without cab. simulation, The point is that i read that an active DI is recommended for guitars with passive pick up but you are using a passive DI here. An active DI needs phantom power or battery, etc...more hassle. Do you think a passive DI vs an active makes all that difference with guitars with passive pick ups ? Thanks a lot.....

[@hayleonard2784]

I was just wondering what kind of di box (passive or direct?) do you use if you’re gonna plug in your pedalboard straight into the di box without an amp?

[@mickdestiny6542]

The Mooer Daytripper would be what you're after.

[@whatdoyoucare777]

No wonder he uses so much ambience.... Gotta cover that pick swipage and inability to actually play... Sorry that mean but... What Do You Care?!?!