Palmer Pocket Amp MKII and ALTO TS210 Demo

[@Curveballsimon]

What a great video ! You actually get some sense of what the alto sounds like , superb work my friend .

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thank you very much! I'm glad the video was helpful. :)

[@jeanpat8946]

OMG !! Great sound and playing !!!

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thank you very much!

[@chrissteffers6931]

really enjoy my Helix LT with the Alto TS210 monitor! You sound great, keep up the good work.

[@javiacustico]

does it have enough power to keep up with a drummer?

[@vjau75]

Thank you for the demo, i like that you choose to use a room mic, that's much better to get a sense of the result you can get.

[@steve14437]

Thanks for the test drive. That helps me decide I'd like to buy one.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

I'm still using the ALTO TS210 with my current Helix rig. I love it! It's now my center speaker for my W/D/W rigs!

[@steve14437]

Nice, thanks for the info! I see in another video that you were using a Helix and able to get harmonic feedback with the Panama model. I have an HD500X and that amp pack. Will have to give it a go. Thanks again!

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Yes, it's capable of producing that harmonic feedback. It's really nice!

[@izmar]

I just picked up the TS212 last month. Using it with my POD HD500, and I can get some fantastic tones out of it. The distortion is just a little too digital though -- but that may be the fault of the POD. The cleans are beautifully clean, especially with single coils. Still very happy with it! Great for parties too. Also great sound quality, much better than most on YT.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

I would agree. This ALTO 210 provides you with the exact tone that's being fed to the FOH, so if it sounds digital it's likely the result of the POD or Helix patch. I'm loving my TS 210! Thanks for commenting.

[@izmar]

I've had the same experience. I can dial in a tone using the TS212, then plug my POD direct into my computer, and it'll be the exact same tone. Thanks for the video!

[@justtuffjohnjf]

Man EVERYTHING is RIGHT HERE!!!!!

[@TheLadsBandLive]

This demo is fantastic. Lots of playing and different tones. Great job. Thank you. I’ve been struggling with finding the right FRFR for my Helix. Considering Alto 310 or 312, Atomic CLR or Xitone wedge. Some say the 312 is too bassy. I hear the Atomic CLR has the truest tone and best overall audio spread & sweet spot. Leaning toward the 310, as I’m not sure there’s that big of a tone difference to justify the $1000 price tag for the non-Alto models.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thank you very much for the kind words! I think the decision factor should be how you actually plan to use it? I agree, the ALTO 210 (now 310?) is perfectly suited for FRFR use by itself. I'm using it now to augment my 8" studio monitors as the center channel in a Wet/Dry/Wet configuration and it's perfect! I also used it as a personal wedge monitor at church every week for over a year and it was perfect in that scenario as well. If you were going to use it as part of your live rig it would be more than adequate. If you were just looking to use it for jamming at home or in a studio where you are really trying to get that amp-like feel then maybe the other higher priced monitors would be worth a look like the Atomic, Friedman, or even the Powercab series that Line 6 just released! ...but for a live rig, this works great. Good luck on your search.

[@TheLadsBandLive]

CoffeeDrinker71 My hope is to find a 2-piece, live solution for small/medium venues. Basically, my Helix + Alto or Helix + CLR, etc. It sounds like you’re saying the Alto could work in this kind of setup. By the way, I tried the Powercab and thought it was okay but didn’t provide a true FRFR, as the FR mode just didn’t sound “alive”, while the modeled speaker modes sounded better but colored my preset tones and that’s not the point of FRFR.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Ok, I totally understand. In that case, are you using the Alto as a personal wedge monitor and running direct to FOH? Or will the Alto be the only source for your sound? That's what I was hoping to convey earlier. In the live setting, the Alto is a perfect monitor because it will allow you to hear exactly how your signal is being delivered to the FOH...and to me, that's valuable. Some people like mic'ing an amp on stage, so I am curious if that's what you intend to do with it, or just using it as your monitor? Yeah, I'm on the fence about the Powercab yet. If I bought one, it would strictly be for home use.

[@TheLadsBandLive]

My plan is to use the Alto as my main source of sound output, like an amp (not as a monitor), but I'm not sure how realistic that plan is.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

It will definitely put out some volume, so it might worth a shot. Check out the latest video on my channel with the Washburn Parallaxe "V". There are some sound clips toward the end with the Alto pushing a little bit of volume out.

[@jerbear1601]

I use the TS212 with a Digitech RP1000 and I think it is great! You just need to use EQ and amp level to get rid of some high end harshness sometimes especially with clean sounds that should be pristine sounding. The output level of your pedalboard or multi effects matters as well, sometimes you can dial it in and make the guitar sing nicely. I use mine XLR in and XLR out to the board for recording and it is pretty nice.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thanks Jerry! This is very helpful. I'm still enjoying my Alto every week during service. Between this pedal board (shown) and my Helix, it works very well!!!

[@jerbear1601]

Yeah, it is a lot more versatile than any amp out there although you do give away some sound quality and gain way more control and options. I used a Marshall 2×12 before and the clean always sucked even with modelling through it because of the speakers and them being tuned to distortion sounds mostly. With an FRFR powered speaker the cleans are beautiful and so can be the distorted amps with adjustment. The other really handy thing is making patches for different guitars and just pushing a button to change the tones.

[@gauloiscalifornien]

CoffeeGrinder you have convinced me to get the same for my kemper!!

[@rsvette123]

Can I use a instrument cable or are you using trs cable ? from pedal to Alto - thanks

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Just a simple 1/4" instrument cable.

[@rsvette123]

Thanks for that info :)

[@hereonmars]

there are so many times i just need someone to make a video like this. Thank you. Has the Alto held up over the years?

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

I’m glad the video was helpful! Great question. Unfortunately it ended up having an issue with the high-frequency driver (tweeter). I tried replacing that part specifically but it didn’t solve the problem. However, it lasted for a few years and eventually wound up being used in my W/D/W rig with my Helix and it performed well, until that malfunction. I ended up replacing it with a much higher quality Friedman ASM-10. I don’t believe these ALTO 210 models are made anymore, and are probably identical to the Headrush units (they looked incredibly similar). Hopefully that helps! I’d say, they are good for the price.

[@hereonmars]

Thank you for the reply! I use a tonex and kinda just need something pushing air behind me for the cover band gigs I do, so I think the 310 model will work! Though it is definitely appealing to get one of the units that looks like a cab (would probably go for the fender)

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

@@hereonmars That’s a good option (the new Fender stuff), or also the Line 6 cabs where you could actually load IR’s (or not).

[@hereonmars]

I feel like a lot of it is kinda unnecessarily expensive for what is essentially just a pa speaker in a different wrapper. I would probably do the fender as it's the most affordable in that format. I want to try the simplifier also and see if I prefer it over the tonex.

[@rsvette123]

Thanks again for all your help Buddy :)

[@johnking8037]

Thank you for the demo, it helped me make up my mind. I ordered a TS210 last night. I watched Dustin Plumbs video also. I almost bought the TS212 but it sounds like it is a little boomy on the low end.Just got an HD500X a couple weeks ago, hoping this will complement it well.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck with your new rig. I think the ALTO TS-210 is a great choice. I'm still enjoying mine!!

[@shedstudios]

Great demo , thanks for sharing. I've been looking at getting the Yamaha DBR10 for my Avid Eleven Rack but am now very interested in the Alto. Cheers

[@Luzuuu]

Thanks! This was very helpful... and great playing, too!

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thank you so much!

[@mojavisanz597]

Badass! Thank you for the video

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thanks for watching!

[@jhonnydoe9146]

nice setup! I have a question regarding the palmer pocket amp. Does it split the signal? I mean can i use the xlr straight into the PA and use the normal output on an amp or monitor? thanks!

[@rsvette123]

Yikes I need Palmer Pocket Amp MKII to use an Alto with my guitar - wont work with out it correct ? thanks

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

You'll definitely need some type of preamp or amp sim pedal. There are tons of good choices. The Palmer was hard to get my hands on because it's made in Germany and had to be imported. You could also use any of the Tech 21 "Character" series pedals like the "Blonde" for example, and they have a few others. Just depends on the flavor of amp that you want to model. Mooer also makes those mini preamp pedals as well, so you have a ton of choices.

[@rsvette123]

Thanks for getting back to me - guess I didnt do my homework - hmm if you are a Gilmour fan like me which one should I get ? and it goes last in the chain ? appreciate your help - have speaker on the way and now I cant use it

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

@@rsvette123 Well, just imagine the preamp pedal to be somewhat "generic". I think you could get a Gilmour tone easier in terms of what type of overdrive you are using...but take a look at Tech 21's website and see which one you think works best for his clean tone...possibly the "Leeds"???? I would slap this right after your overdrive pedals, and before your modulation and delay. I'm still using this board at church and it works great. www.tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/characterseries.html

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Did you say you were running a Helix too? If that's the case, you don't need a preamp. You only need a preamp if you were using the ALTO with a regular pedal board like the one I'm using here...with individual stomp boxes.

[@rsvette123]

no I am running helix native in my daw using rig kontrol 3 pedalboard - I would have to take my pc and RK3 and Alto to teachers house - that would work but bought new pedals to just go to teachers house and still sound like Gilmour tones - now I need to get a preamp to just use pedalboard and alto at teachers house - sorry for all the questions

[@antoniomastrogiorgio]

Great sound!!!

[@scottvarga1288]

Have you tried it with a Behringer V-tone pedal instead of the Palmer pocket amp? It's basically the same thing but $120 cheaper. I love mine but haven't tried it through the TS210.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

No but I have tried it with the Tech 21 Blonde pedal and it sounds GREAT! I don't think you'd be disappointed with the V-tone pedal either.

[@scottvarga1288]

@@CoffeeDrinker71 have you seen the Joyo American Sound pedal? Same as your Blonde, I reckon.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

@@scottvarga1288 Yes, it is a GREAT pedal as well. I loved mine!

[@alepagna]

Great video! I'm thinking of getting one too (or the 12" model)! I wanted to ask you for some feedback. I'll be using it + helix as my main sound source for reharsals (guitar->helix->alto ts212)with my band, would you recommend this setup? Maybe I can even use it in a live setting as main source or as a personal monitor, by connecting the out xlr to FOH system ? I'm sorry but I have plenty of experience with line6 products/dialing tones but I never tried using one this way, looking for a more "neutral" sound, no coloring... Thanks for your reply and congrats on the video, again !

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Hello, and thanks for watching. I've heard a lot of reports that the 12" version is too boomy, or bass heavy! I would stick with the 10" version personally. I've used my ALTO TS210 for as long as this video has been uploaded (just over 2 years). I used it weekly at church as my personal monitor on about 50% volume. Then, I brought it home and integrated into my W/D/W rig as my center channel and used it quite a bit more often. Over the past 2 weeks, the crossover has died and now it's in a repair shop for evaluation. Obviously it's only $250 new, so I feel like I got my money's worth out of it if it's dead. Have you checked out the Headrush models? The reason I'm asking is because the ALTO units have a built in mic preamp, whereas the Headrush units do not since they are built specifically for guitar modelers. It might be a little better suited for how you plan to use it. I think they are made by the same company too.

[@alepagna]

@@CoffeeDrinker71 Great, thanks ! I/ll be sure to check all of it out !

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

@@alepagna Good luck! Cheers!

[@tjnugent62]

This sounds great... Nice picks...

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thanks for watching!

[@rsvette123]

Will this work by just plugging my guitar into pedal board effects then into the Alto without having to pre amp ? thanks

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Definitely need a preamp. Even though your pedal board will still generate a "signal" it just won't sound very amp-like. It would be like plugging into a recording interface without some type of modeling.

[@rsvette123]

Do you have one for sale ? why did you replace your Palmer Pocket Amp MKII

[@rsvette123]

Couldnt find the leeds what about the blonde that looks nice will that do the trick ?

[@rangerdoc1029]

Depends on what pedals. Some can function as an amp-in-a-box. some have cab simulation built in. A graphic EQ pedal at the end can do the trick nicely. Or you can use a cab simulator/IR like the MOORE Radar. Truth be told.... it's all just EQ.

[@TheTactical6string]

Youve got to get another one, especially if youve got Strymon's, for the stereo effect! So did you try the usual things like plugging into the return of an amps loop before you got this and was it the answer for using a modeling setup?

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Yeah, I've been anxious to hear those Strymons in stereo. I still love my ALTO TS210 and use it every week at church for my personal wedge. I originally bought it in anticipation of buying a Helix. They work well together because it gives you exactly what's being fed to the house. No, I didn't hook my rig up to the effects loop return because I never intended to use this pedalboard with my JSX...only direct to the mixing board. I've since replaced the Palmer Mark II with a Tech 21 Blonde character pedal with a built in amp sim and I think it was a positive change. The ALTO gives me exactly what I need to monitor my sound, which is being fed mono to the board. Thanks for watching.

[@TheTactical6string]

So are you saying you can get away with just one? Im just a livingroom Rockstar and currently running an Atomic AmpliFire pedal through some 3.5" computer speakers, i need something REAL cause its only a matter of time before I blow my computer speakers up.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

I'm not totally familiar with the Amplifire but I see it is an amp modeler....so...with that in mind, I might have a suggestion. Recently I purchased a set of 8" Stereo monitors from Rockville Audio for $190. It's the best money I've spent for obtaining that real amp sound in the room when I'm just needing to jam at bedroom volumes. I keep my Helix hooked up to it in stereo and it sounds amazing. I posted a video of "Hill of the Skull" a few weeks ago. I used the speakers in that video. Prior to that I was using a set of 5" M-Audio monitors and I could hear the difference immediately so I can only imagine your experience will be even better coming from 3.5" computer speakers. www.rockvilleaudio.com/apm8brcdstr10brrs190s/

[@TheTactical6string]

Wow, i was looking at those Rockvilles as theyre super cheap, cant believe you mentioned them and im psyched to hear theryre worth it.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Yeah, it's fair to be skeptical at that price. I took a chance and I think it was well worth it. I studied up on the frequency ranges between all of the competitors at twice the price. For a guitar modeling rig, you have to know that you won't use the entire range of ANY brand of studio monitors so those extra frequency ranges aren't necessary or worth spending hundreds of dollars just to have. Keep in mind, all powered monitors have a slight hiss to them even when there is no signal. I went to Guitar Center and verified this with every single brand. The only exception was KRK's but that's only because they have a auto-power feature that turns them off after 5 minutes of no signal. As soon as you start playing and they "wake up", they'll have a slight hiss too. So, I put these on a set of Walmart 3-cube storage shelving and put them on their side with a downward angle with the supplied foam isolator pads. They sit at the perfect height and sound GREAT! For the money they can't be beat. Glad I could help too!

[@blueeyephil]

Nice video. I recently bought a Helix and I play at a smaller church. Our building would hold 300 I would guess if packed but it never is. I am the only musician trying to go to FOH and our stage is very tight. I'm sandwiched between the other guitar player and the cojon. In addition, our sound people don't come to practice on Wed nights so no way to work anything out with them until Sunday morning and then there isn't time. So last night I was struggling hearing myself through the stage monitor with no way to really fix things without holding everyone up while someone runs upstairs to tweek the board and they don't know anything about it other than how to turn it on and raise the master volumes. At home I've been using my small computer speakers or headphones, so I know there is nothing that is going to sound the same. So I'm on the FRFR hunt. It's either that or just drag my guitar amp in and forget the amp/speaker sim's. I don't have a ton of money to spend either. So, are you still using the TS210? I was looking at the TS312 but hear that the bass is pretty overpowering. And I don't know that I need anything more the than 210/310. I will use this as a monitor at church and probably still go FOH, but then again, maybe not since our sound person doesn't really care much. That and use at home. Any thoughts are appreciated. I also am in a rural area so no way without traveling hours to get to a GC to try anything.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Hi Phil! Thanks for taking time to write, and thanks for watching. I can COMPLETELY relate to your situation because I have always been in a similar lineup myself, so as I read through your description I kept saying to myself, "yep, that was me" LOL. So to be totally honest, yes I still use the TS210 but now I keep it at home for use with my "Wet/Dry/Wet" Helix setup for some really cool mid-90's Van Halen tone. But back to your issue, I would 100% recommend buying the TS210 (don't go larger). It's the perfect size for personal monitoring. I used this one for many, many months at church and it was perfect for that use. Since you already have the Helix, I would still go direct to FOH through your Helix XLR output. Then, run a 1/4" from the Helix to the back of the TS210. That way, you can independently control your TS210 volume with it's own volume/gain on the back of the cab. I think there is a way to run your signal THROUGH the TS210 and out to FOH but any changes you make to the TS210 would also occur in your FOH signal and you wouldn't want that. So, yes 100% I have tried this at my small church. I used it in a very cramped space, but it fit nicely on the floor in front of my Helix and projected a perfect amount of volume right at my face. It's very clean and accurate. It's the perfect solution for a budget FRFR especially in a live church/worship environment. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one if this one every took a dump. Honestly, it sounds so good that you'd be tempted to keep one at home and one at church, since you are only used to hearing your Helix through PC speakers. It's night and day better. But, again, for your situation, the TS210 is all you need!!! By the way, if you want a good affordable solution for your home practicing, check out a relatively unknown company called Rockville Audio. I purchased their set of 8" studio monitors for around $200. They brought me to a whole new level, tone-wise. I was using a set of M-Audio 5" studio monitors prior to that and they didn't do the Helix justice. Once I installed the 8" monitors though...whew....they blew me away. Suddenly I felt like I was sitting in front of the real amps that I was modeling, not to mention I could take advantage of the stereo effects. You want to hear the real "Jazz Rivet 120" with stereo chorus? ...then you need to try these 8" monitors. I have a video of an unboxing of a Michael Sweet/Stryper Washburn V. It's the only video that features those speakers, and the Alto in unison. The sound clips are near the end of the video when I actually play a demo of some Stryper material. You can hear it for yourself, granted, it's full-gain type of stuff. Stay in touch!

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Hey Phil, I forgot I had this unpublished video. It's a jam improv with the Helix and the Rockville Audio 8" monitors. The camera was a Zoom Q2N so you are only hearing ambient room sound, nothing direct. I have been totally impressed with these cheap monitors. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5OQonWqZt-hppI

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Phil, here's the other video where I'm using the Alto TS210 AND the Rockville Audio monitors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/movPqoKOgLKVmZY

[@blueeyephil]

@@CoffeeDrinker71 Thanks so much for all of the info

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

@@blueeyephil You bet man. Happy to help out any time. So I dug up something else if you want to hear the Alto in a live monitoring situation exactly how you would be using it. In this clip (should start playing at the 19:30 mark), you will barely see the Helix and Alto at my feet on the platform. I'm using a relatively wet signal with tons of verb and delay so it's not as punchy as it should be for a demo purpose, but you can hear the guitar clearly in front of me in a live mix. I used the same Zoom Q2N to capture the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX2tg4CQdrtmaK8

[@rickmurphy4533]

Hey coffedrinker71 , did you find the ts210 had enough bass .I am looking at the 210 or the 212 and just wondered

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Hi Rick, yes I find that it has enough bass. I was concerned about that too so when I was still considering which model to buy I watched this video by Dustin Plumb, who at the time was their product manager. Scroll through the comment section of this video and you'll see where I asked him to compare the TS210 and the Black Alto line. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpS6i3iBmtWeh6M The Black Line is different but it's the same issue. The 210 has offered plenty of bass for my tastes so I'm totally happy with it. Also, the TS210 weighs 10 pounds lighter than the TS212 so that was another big factor! I have posted a few more videos with my Helix if you want to check those out as well.

[@rickmurphy4533]

+CoffeeDrinker71 Thank you , I just got my Helix a bit ago still learning it lol .thank you you for the reply -this helps me a lot !!

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

You are welcome Rick! Good luck with the Helix. I've been using the Helix and the ALTO TS210 for the past 2 months at church and the combination works beautifully. I can hear myself very clearly over the rest of the band at live volumes. You won't be disappointed.

[@AmarylisFlow]

Nice video, enjoyed the playing and appreciate the ticker tape info! Nice one. Do you still have the alto, how's it holding up? Thanks

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, I still have the Alto and I'm using it weekly at church. It is very durable and holding up just fine! Since we are in a temporary location, we have to setup and tear down each week. It's performing just great!

[@AmarylisFlow]

CoffeeDrinker71 that's great to know. Thanks :-)

[@steve14437]

What's in your pedal line up?

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

At the beginning of this video, it was 1) Korg Pitchblack tuner 2) Xotic SP compressor 3) Xotic BB Preamp "Andy Timmons" model 4) Wampler Velvet Fuzz 5) down to the mini Dunlop volume 6) over to the TC Corona chorus mini 7) Strymon DIG 8) TC Flashback mini 9) Strymon Blue Sky 10) out to Palmer pocket amp and to the ALTO. Later in the video I switched out the Wampler Velvet Fuzz for the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe. Not all pedals were engaged the entire time though.

[@peavey41]

hi, great review. i was undecided as to go for a guitar combo amp or a powered speaker and a small desk for my solo act. The alto sounds great, i always think a powered speaker sounds way better than a guitar amp especially with vocals added as well. Im just about to order the alto, many thanx for making my mind up, regards, mark, ireland.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thank you for commenting. I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@suvro3]

Great demo! I use POD HD500, and it does not work well with Guitar amps. Tone I create using PC & Headphone, gets changed a lot in Guitar amp. I could not find any Guitar amp without effects. I think I should go for a Powered Speaker like Alto, instead of Guitar amp.

[@alvarofelipe_sepu]

Shamim Hasan you should try with Line6 DT 25 combo.

[@PedroDeHoces]

Hi, do you use the Palmer with battery or with the power supply? Can the Palmer be used with a regular power supply as a normal pedal o needs a specific supply?

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

It would take either battery or power supply. It came with a power supply so I used the one provided, but it might work with a standard Boss PSA...not 100% sure though.

[@MeTuLHeD]

And THIS my friends is how a modeling unit is supposed to be amplified.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Thank you, my friend!

[@TheIranxican]

Quick question: I have known that FRFR speakers pair well with any modeling pedals/systems. If you’re plugging simple analog pedals into speakers like the alto, what is everyone’s opinion? Does it phase well?

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

I think it does. In this example you'll notice I'm using a pedal board with a mix of analog and digital pedals the whole way through. The only "Modeling" was the Palmer Pocket Amp which serves as my direct box. However, since this video I have removed the Palmer from my chain and switched to a Tech 21 "Blonde" character pedal as my final pedal in the chain. I think it works great for this purpose. I'm using this as a personal monitor in a live setting though...along with a PA system.

[@TheIranxican]

CoffeeDrinker71 hey thanks for the fast reply sir! Well good to know, I actually own the Tech 21 RK5 flyrig pedal and been trying to find the right pairing. I tried a orange micro terror with a 212 and while it’s exceptional, I find the cab colored the tone wayyy too much. Hence why I’m putting attention for alto ts210 myself. So it doesn’t do this. The RK5 already has a cab simulation integrated within it so a direct box shouldn’t be necessary. At least I hope not lol

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Yeah, those FlyRigs are nice pedals! I've always been tempted to own one. I guess you can say since the Character "Blonde" pedal has the same cab simulation on it, then it would be safe to assume the ALTO would pair very well together with your RK5. The only reason I used that Palmer Pocket Amp was for the "amp modeling" that it provided but also because I needed an XLR output option to run direct to my church's board BEFORE I purchased the ALTO. Once I bought the ALTO...and the better Tech 21 Blonde pedal, that Palmer was useless. So, no you won't need a direct box. Just run straight into the 1/4" jack on the back of the ALTO and you are good to go. It actually has a combination 1/4+XLR option so you can use either. There is also an "EQ Curve" switch on the back so you can either set it to "Off" for a FLAT EQ or "On" for a slightly scooped EQ. They both sound find. I have a few more videos on my channel where I am using the ALTO with a HELIX as the primary amp source. I got this as an open-box item plus a coupon code on MF which brought the price under $200. It's hard to beat.

[@TheIranxican]

CoffeeDrinker71 hell yes! Will then be on a lookout for one, I appreciate your time to respond sir. Happy strumming!

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

My pleasure...and good luck! This was the video that sold me. You can read my comments near the top. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpS6i3iBmtWeh6M

[@m0jak0]

Are you running a cab sim also?

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

m0jak0 just the built-in cab Sim on the Palmer Mark Pocket amp.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

m0jak0 just the built-in cab Sim on the Palmer Mark Pocket amp.

[@m0jak0]

got it!

[@swmorgan515]

WOW this sounds incredible. I'm going to take a serious look not only at the TS210 myself, but the Palmer MKII. It sounds great.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Spencer Morgan They are both great devices, and the Palmer takes pedals really well. The high gain settings are too noisy on the Palmer but if you keep it in "clean" mode and add your stomp boxes it will sound great.

[@swmorgan515]

I'm really impressed with the speaker sim going on in the Palmer. I've found the tech 21 style devices I use (GT2, Joyo American Sound) to be lacking in that dept. once I push them with drive pedals, and I have found the need to use a CAB I/R loader. Doesn't seem like that's necessary with the Palmer...

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Hi Spencer! Yeah, the Palmer seemed to solve a lot of problems for me. If it wasn't for the fact that I saved up my $$$ to buy a Helix I would have been totally happy to continue to use that board in the video. In fact, I still have it and thought about switching back and forth when the set list calls for the extra horsepower in those Strymon pedals...and I just love the Wampler pedal too. But, you are right the Palmer gave me a very workable "cab sim" type of sound. No one in the church congregation could tell it wasn't a mic'd amp, and I guarantee any other crowd would be hard pressed to tell the difference.

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

One more note, I always keep the Palmer on "Vintage" mode and in the "Clean" setting. The rest of the gain was all coming from the Wampler and BB Preamp pedals.

[@panicoguitars4614]

Hi, the ALTO TS210 chassis can be used for study? loses dynamics or beauty of low-volume sound?

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

I think I understand the question...yes, it sounds good at lower volumes too.

[@rsvette123]

Decide to sell my pedals - ordered Heilix LT and Alto TS310 - should be great

[@CoffeeDrinker71]

Have fun! I love my Helix! I'm sure you will love yours too!

[@rsvette123]

Thanks my Friend - should great - I luv Helix Native - picked up Kali LP-6 monitors - awesome stuff

[@therealjackfisher]

In my opinion it sounds weak. Just a stomp box hooked up to a power amp with no preamp.. But I think you picked the wrong type of amp for the wrong type of pedals. With a rig like that I would go for a tube amp. FRFR cabs are made specially for modelling amps with built in amp sims and cab sims. You dont have that on your rig so it sound like ass. Its probably a good amp but you made the wrong choice for your rig. Try getting Mooer Radar and see if you can get a cheap amp sim in a pedal format somewhere. That should fix your weak sound and give you the POWWAAAHH. By the way Im not entierly sure if Alto is a true FRFR. They sell it in Thomann as a regular stage monitor, and not ment as FRFR guitar cab.