Powered FRFR Cabinets Shootout - Line6 vs Atomic vs Friedman

[@TheVigilantStewards]

Direct A/B/C shootout at Friedman > 30:56 Line 6 > 33:14 Atomic > 35:46

[@ZachPetch]

Unrelated, but wearing a good pair of headphones, after clicking that first timestamp, you can practically feel Pete's stomping on the floor during the Friedman demo. That sounds/feels really cool. But anyway, thanks for posting this, Carmelo. It's exactly what I was looking for.

[@TheVigilantStewards]

@@ZachPetch Foot tapping good :) Foot thumping better! No problem

[@michaelpietzsch]

0:00 Atomic / 9:57 Line6 / 19:35 Friedman

[@tomaburque]

I'm not in the market for any of this stuff. I watch these videos because they are so entertaining. Keep em coming :-)

[@mclarensmps]

I'm late to watching all he Andertons videos.. (been binge watching through all your videos during the pandemic). I could sit and listen to Pete play all day everyday; but Jos, when you're not shredding (just not my thing), you sound OUTSTANDING. Thank you guys for these amazing videos. Better than any tv show

[@nickblindlemon3383]

Using an Alto TS212 and a TS312 (same as Headrush I believe) in stereo. Sound pretty damn good and about the same price as the Powercab for the two!

[@SpedSpedding]

Love the fact you were saying... “You know we’re not close micing it up, we’re using room and clip on mics so trust our judgement....” First tones are absolutely outstanding. 🤘🏻😂😂😂😂

[@philedwards5110]

Lovely tune at the end. Got me liking the Friedman. You're clearly enjoying it.

[@Chanok69]

The best thing about these videos is when the captain isn’t in them cutting everybody off when they’re explaining anything.

[@wingee]

Having owned a Friedman ASM12 the thing it's got that others don't have is the cabinet thump when palm muting. Try a high gain profile and djenting through it, you'll see why the weight and construction makes a difference. Think of it like an open back 2x12 and a closed back 2x12, the ASM12 is more like a closed back.

[@ahmedrashed78]

Do you still have it

[@AuntAlnico4]

Dude my head rush pedal board through an open back vox tube amp has so much low end thunk with speaker sims and it these days you can have whatever you want.

[@guitarsimon1]

Ooo, and a comparison between using the IR in the Helix with the Powercab flat, and the IR in the Powercab would be appreciated also!

[@trentsaggus6247]

I'd second that with a whole Line6 setup (variax, helix, powercab) and how easy/hard it is, the tones and anything else

[@RyanChansler]

The selling point of the power cab is the 6 speaker sims that promise amp in the room feel. This just showcases the frfr mode which Line 6 has even said is more frfrish because the speaker is a guitar speaker, not a pa speaker. It's cool that you guys liked it just a little less than the Atomic considering it's not the main focus of the product. You need to do a video that showcases the speaker models next.

[@DreaScarlett]

I came here for the FRFR cabinets and got treated to some beautiful guitar playing. This is some serious soul!

[@wolfhorsky]

Great vid. These Two are the most talented and capable duo here IMHO. Pete has got great taste and phrasing. That outro was something special.

[@AJG76]

I tried the line 6 and the Friedman this morning and ended up buying the Friedman ...thought it had more ‘weight’ to the sound, I’m using Britt patches and IRS on Helix ....each to their own I guess! Nice playing Pete;)

[@joefres]

0:35 nice outside playing! I like it!

[@dwg116]

awesome review! I wish there were more reviews like this as more and more people are going the modeler route.

[@BigDaddy-nt6yc]

Smooth, groovy, cool, and badass all at the same time. Pete's playing always puts a smile on my face (and in my soul!)

[@trollfiddler]

Joss's playing has improved 100-fold since he started at Anderton's. Well done Joss, couldn't stand you back in your early shredding days on the channel. New fan :)

[@Foghat1961]

Here's my solution. Take an old Fender Cybertwin, replace the speakers with Celestion F12-X200, dial out everything on the amp, take the outputs from your 'modeller' (Kemper Stage in my case) and plug them into the stereo returns on the Cybertwin. Then just match the EQ from your monitor to the PA. Sounds great, looks great.

[@user-fk5lu6jp8p]

The best cab is always the one Pete plays through - no exceptions.

[@JM-eq3sx]

The Powercab only has one input. The Powercab Plus has 3, if you count the L6 link, but two combo inputs with 1/4 / XLR jacks. The Powercab will work with anything that the others do. What makes it unique is its speaker modeling (not to be confused with cabinet IRs) along with various FRFR options. Maybe Paul Hindmarsh could come in and give you guys a class on everything the PC+ can do. It's an amazing little cabinet. You may still prefer the tone and performance of the Atomic, etc, but you haven't even scratched the surface with the Powercab. Great review though, thanks for putting this together!

[@brianmarker]

This is why expensive isn't always better! ive been going back and forth looking at the Alto, the Line 6 and the Headrush models

[@xprophet9]

I’ve had them all and the Friedman is spectacular. The Line Sux well...atomic can be ice pick painful but great if used properly. Fractal Axe Fx III because there is nothing better!

[@TheVigilantStewards]

I also thought Friedman was nice.... I wonder what playing through an LR Baggs would sound like? Their new pa with the horn

[@el34superlead]

You guys convinced me of one thing... I need to try a Fender Princeton ;)

[@5F6Reverb]

el34superlead You won't be disappointed, they're lovely Amps.

[@wenisinvietnam]

It's simple. I see Pete in the thumbnail and I click

[@guitarsimon1]

Fingers crossed for a Line 6 Powercab speaker sims vs real speakers... ;)

[@gabrielthornmusic]

Any particular reason why Andertons does never talk about the Axe FX?

[@foxmeisteruk]

They can't sell them!

[@TheDankCat127]

AxeFX only sells direct, they don’t use dealers.

[@foxmeisteruk]

@@TheDankCat127 They only sell direct in the US. For example, if you want one in Europe, you have to go to g66.eu.

[@markdesouza6044]

Wow, such exceptional playing, particularly on your outro. Thank you!

[@FlyingEddies]

God dang, the tone in this video was just fab.

[@bubbaw1234]

seeing the process of you dialing in the kemper (or the amp) is really helpful.

[@MrCgar18]

I know this is old but I appreciate videos of speakers because it gives you some sort of idea.if it sounds good in the video then I imagine it sounding even better in person.

[@jkym3706]

please please do one for basses with FRFR cabs

[@nathanmontover1436]

Thanks for this! Super helpful and relevant!

[@lamech006]

I've heard of cookies and algorithms but this is nuts. I was just looking at Kemper and FRFR yesterday

[@JMBvideo]

We know

[@Just_lift_anyone]

That tone at 7:47 is naughtier than a nun' s arse! Love it!

[@mooferoo]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppuZmoerqtShpq8

[@Just_lift_anyone]

xD

[@Guitaural.]

Hmmm...Maybe have been a couple of wacked exceptions throughout history, but I never associated nuns with naughty arses...pornstars maybe... those cabs do sound GOOD though!

[@torbenmeldgaard8112]

I think an important point about the PC plus is that it has two inputs (versus 1 in the smaller brother). And the 2nd can be set to FRFR while using speakerprofiles/IR in input one. Sounds KILLER with my piano. So - don't use the "two inputs" argument for buying the Atomic. Get the "plus"

[@AndrewReynolds1]

I’ve been waiting to hear the Line6 Powercab compared. I would like to hear it in its other modes too though. I really enjoyed Joss’s playing in this video too (I always enjoy Pete’s).

[@phel21]

I miss the Mission Gemini 2 in this comparison as Andertons sell Mission products. Maybe also one of the high-end Blueamps units (Spark or Beast), but Blueamps (.de) like Fractal (AXE-FX) only sell direct. These are all stereo units, and while there is not much separation with all speakers in one box it still does wonders to the sound. It's the closest to the "amp in the room" feel you can get with cab-sim and FRFR. My rating of the various FRFR cabinets I've had the opportunity to try both for practise and gigs: 1. Tie between Mission Gemini II and Blueamps Spark. Both are 2-speaker stereo units. 2. Atomic CLR (neo) 3. Dynacord AXM 12A 4. Yamaha DSR112 (DSR115 when used with a bass) 4. Yamaha DXR10/12

[@eryckcrypton6412]

Blueamps = Blug?

[@markk9184]

No love for the Friedman ASC-12?

[@markk9184]

No love for the Friedman ASC-12? Just curious. I have the Gemini 2.

[@latrite2542]

Is it just me or do other people use Lee's gifted PRS more than Lee does?

[@HPPrintervx4p5q]

Trevor McCloughan yeah... lee isn't the biggest prs fan

[@Claimjumper55]

For pure FRFR, out of the 3 I'd take the Atomic. It's great to see the Powercab do so well when pure FRFR wasn't their goal. It would be cool to see the Atomic vs the Yamaha DXR and QSC PA speakers.

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

I gig with a DXR (15) with my Rp1000..Killer Killer Tone!! I can't wait to get my Axe AX8.

[@Wes2578]

Pete, when is the helix + power cab video coming? Purrrrrlease, thank you.

[@FLdb-wj4wc]

Great playing here

[@chriswhatsoever2001]

The part where Pete plays around 6:50 the clean lick - just insanly good!

[@МихаилЛогинов-я8э]

Hi there! Regular wedge converted to 'FRFR guitar cab' (by attaching Friedman logo) isn't actually suitable for guitar use. Joss said that Friedman sound a bit fizzy but Pete said is't ok, and I can tell why. Joss is seating closer to the tweeter than Pete is! So easy to imagine how inconvenient you can feel yourself moving on stage around this cab. Traditional guitar cabs have pretty wide direction diagram and players got used to it. So it's better to use wide range or coaxial speakers for FRFR guitar cabs. After all Atomic sounds best, Line6 - rules.

[@lunawroblewski]

I do something similar but I'm just using a 100 watt 12" Floor monitor with my tech 21 sans amp. Go direct with that and the monitor is just for stage volume

[@ThePlemon]

Also hoping for a Headrush FRFR review when you get a hold of it

[@ty_sd]

Would have loved to see a mission gemini 1 or 2 thrown in there as well :)

[@markk9184]

They're too heavy.....waaaah

[@gabiargento25]

Pete is a great guitarist, a teacher. Make videos that are entertaining and valuable in information. Rabea congratulations to you too, another big one with a big heart. mdfkr 💪🎸💪❣️

[@danielelamworshipguitar]

Awesome video guys. Beautiful playing all around. So nice!

[@Guitaural.]

Wonder if the Kemper is up for a redesign, or if they're just waiting for me to buy one first ; ) Anyone heard anything about their future plans? (and yes, I know they don't HAVE to redesign it because it works fine)...

[@jake2355]

Yeah I have the same worry. I just know - knowing my luck - I’ll fork out the £1,700 for one and they’ll bring out an upgraded V.2 making mine worth it’s weight in shit

[@Prometheus4096]

@@jake2355 Your Kemper 1.0 will be just as good as it was before, if they release a Kemper 2.0. But I understand your point, though.

[@muleblues71]

Using a kemper with my powercab. The PC sounds harsh when pointed back. Using speaker sim (heritage) cabs off on kemper. Used both ways (FRFR with cabs on)

[@kcussrebutuemos4815]

I just use it thru a guitar can 1x12. Every processor I g hv ace used really needs a real dirt or fuzz ideal in front of an amp block. Except the Yamaha 100hd sounds and feels the best and is super simple.

[@marlonbrando2698]

Everytime Danish Pete is on, I grab my guitar and play "copy the nasty licks". The dude can play.

[@MrDavemiley]

Many players do not like In-ears . I prefer a floor monitor myself. I just tried bother the Friedman ASM12 and a Mission Gemini1 Wedge, The Friedman sounded waaaaayyyy better than the Misson. The Friedman sounded much more natural and had a huge sound floor. I am waiting for Atomic to get the CLR's Stock . I am going to try the CLR before I settle for the Frriedman .

[@troglodit6169]

hi there! I know it's been over 2 years....but what did you end up with?

[@MrDavemiley]

@@troglodit6169 I have both the Atomic CLR and the Friedman ASM12. The Atomic CLR more than gets the job done, but the ASM 12 sounds more like a real guitar cab to me. . About 70% of the time, I am just plugging into one channel of my QSC12-2 floor monitor , regular monitor mix into the other channel.

[@troglodit6169]

@@MrDavemiley thanks for replying! Oh man you surely didnt make it easier for me :D I was tube guy for 15 years abd recently jumped into modeling world. So much to learn :D have a good one!

[@MrDavemiley]

I'd like to grab that Princeton profile for my Kemper .

[@Adieu]

how would the new laney FRFR compare to these two? havent seen many reviews on it yet

[@locely4553]

Touching and great

[@vidicsferenc182]

you can get a cheap 800w power amp like a crown one and a great 4x12 v30 cab for the price of these cabs. and it will sound better

[@simonrourke1978]

When are Andertons going to release their range of Parden Garties?

[@WillC]

Joss your O-faces never disappoint. Get it my dude.

[@dmj09]

The Atomic for me, when Pete plays licks from 36:05 it sound so sweet....

[@johngonzales8224]

why didn't you include the Headrush frfr 112?

[@JM-eq3sx]

Great review.

[@WarrenPostma]

I hope this puts a lot of guitarists in the mood to sell their sweet old tube amps for cheap as they run after this new funky stuff. i mean I like this. But I still haven't even bought one really ass-kicking tube amp. can't bloody afford it. maybe this will help

[@MikaTarkela]

I'm trying to decide between these 3 for the Fractal Audio AX8. Hard one..

[@garylayton5719]

Me too. Give the Laney a listen too. It sounds great.

[@mikeaustin4138]

@@garylayton5719 Which Laney are you referring to? I've got the IRT-X and it sounds very good at lower volumes, but not so good when cranked...

[@lcpholman]

You will have to trust our judgement: 0:35 Let's call it jazz and move on :)

[@Bowlman84]

First clean is to die for.

[@frmcf]

I'm kind of attracted to switching over to this kind of setup and getting rid of everything except a Helix and an FRFR wedge to carry everywhere. People who are doing this: do you still use a regular monitor wedge for yourself as well, or do you pump everything through the FRFR? Also, do you feel like you really hear yourself the same as it sounds out front (within reason)?

[@AndrewBonicaRR]

Fraser McFadyen the Powercab 112 Plus (not shown in this video) also has a second input which is perfect for bringing in your monitor feed as well. In fact, you can even use the Powercab speaker models with your Helix for the “amp-in-the-room” feel and tone, while the second input that is your monitor feed remains in Flat mode. 🤘

[@frmcf]

Thanks for the reply, Andrew, that's what I wanted to know!

[@AndrewBonicaRR]

Happy to help! :-) 🤘

[@marc12marc]

What is the best FRFR cab for cleans. Alnico blue emulation ?

[@thorwulfx1]

I liked the Line 6's sound the best. For guitar, I'd have probably taken just a touch of treble off of the Atomic. I'm sure that, within the reference of using it for many different purposes, it has the flattest response, but the slightly darker tone of the Line 6, combined with its lower price point, made it the winner for me. The Friedman...not sure what happened there, but it didn't quite perform like I expected. I'm sure that, in exclusion and after a little tweaking, it would be great, but it didn't fare well in a heads-up test. Wonderful playing by Joss and Pete, of course.

[@eddiezandqoystudio]

What is the best FRFR for boss GT1000? And Is it better to use FRFR for Boss GT1000 or a normal guitar tube amp through return input directly?

[@postoffice146]

How about just small ones for home use?

[@reconceive]

I have a Kemper and have been curious about FRFR - but in so many videos they run it through standard cabinets and struggle to tell the difference between the Kemper and the amps. If that's the case I'd rather just have a regular guitar cab... Also you can get the Friedman used for affordable prices for the reasons they mentioned ...

[@srmd22]

I think you are missing the point a little bit on the Friedman. While I agree, I would not purchase it due to the weight, it is still not as if the alternative is a tube amp/cab with pedals. The modeling solution is still providing a completely different experience and level of versatility in terms of an affordable flexible switching alternative with monitoring and FOH options that are just not available to the traditional amp user (and I prefer the latter myself, but use a Helix too sometimes).

[@RyanChansler]

The powercab is made for all modelers too.

[@lukasvandewiel860]

Did you guys remove the handle at the bottom? It looks as if it is standing very stable.

[@jerryrichardson5545]

When you set up the Kempler, which cabinet did you use to dial in the tone? If it was the CLR then it's probably not an accurate representation of the Line 6 and Friedman.

[@LucasMastropasqua]

What drive pedal did you guys use in this video? Is it the Lightspeed? Sounds great!

[@hawedehre]

I don't get it. I do have PA speakers in all sizes and a passive Kemper. Why should I get such a FR cab? Just because of the visual? I will try using a amp module and guitar cab instead. So three options but still no idea which sounds best.

[@jhonfelo]

I wonder why you guys at Anderton's never mention the AXE FX when it comes to modelers and digital platforms... Also, summary of the video: "Yeap"!

[@ZachPaddock]

Jhon Felipe Vivas I've heard them just mention it but they'll never demo it or anything; because Fractal sells direct.

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

I always notice that as well, but I assume it’s because they don’t sell it. A pretty big omission when discussing modelers, but I can understand why.

[@legendfpv]

because they dont sell it

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

They only get them in second hand.

[@bedemccarthy9875]

Good video - have you guys tried the Bose S1 as a home use case for guitar modellers? These three seem designed for stage use at volume ...

[@screamalongsongs]

Yes S1 was great with my Kemper but it has a sweet spot right in the middle of the volume control on each channel on the S1. The second you turn it down below half it’s super dark sounding.

[@guitarist100]

Wanting to replace my Frfr108 it's to much low end ,powercab 112 ? Any thoughts?

[@giovandenberghe1628]

Pete is such a great guitar player, worldclass

[@nunocarmona]

A pitty you didn't compare the Headrush FRFR speaker

[@andertons]

We wanted too, but unfortunately we couldn't get a hold of one.

[@ShredRexGuitar]

The mythical creature...elusive

[@screamalongsongs]

Headrush FRFR It’s just an Alto TS312. Go to GC and try one.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Christopher - What makes you write that? Is it actually the guts of an Alto 312? Or did it just sound like one to you? Not that the Alto is bad... in fact, I really like the sound of them, while recognizing that they have the build quality of a budget speaker. Curious, though...

[@billtrantos19]

Yes, it's the same FRFR with a different logo. Make a google search and you'll find plenty of stuff to read about it. Not that it's bad though, just saying what it is...

[@archkarr18]

Where can a guy find a video of some shredding on these cabs? They all sound ok with blues and clean sounds.

[@lovesongsound1]

Try the cream setting and tell me what you think please

[@jamesdaviesguitar]

Just looking closely.. don’t you have the cab simulation still on - on the kemper? Won’t that effect the tone as you’re going through a real cab?

[@vjau75]

Those are not real cab (except the Line6 powercab that can be used in "cab simulator" mode, which was not done here), and must be used with cab simulation on.

[@jamesdaviesguitar]

vjau75 thanks for clearing up :)

[@dannyinaus]

The Atomic Wedge is WIN, Line 6 is best with gain on, Friedman, best with humbuckers and gain on. So if I had money to burn, I would go the Atomic Wedge.

[@N940-w9x]

Pretty good

[@MrKnisterable]

Hey folks. You are making many great videos. But nobody made a video of speaker beam so far. So many of us wanna know if a Vintage 30 beams more than an Eminence Wizard or WGS invader. We wanna know which speaker beams the most and which the least... Please please! Please make such a video

[@ERPRocks]

It would have been nice if you also included a relatively inexpensive PA such as the TS212.

[@potluckfishing]

Can these also be used to take an aux from the mixing console so you have your vocals as well?

[@Doty6String]

how about a good old fashioned QSC wedge

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

Subjectivity of listening through my monitors considering the signal chain they described, the Atomic just sounded fuller and more three dimensional to my ears.

[@ariraphiel39]

They look related Father & son, like some Back to the Future stuff

[@officialWWM]

Shouldn't all FRFR cabs sound exactly alike by definition?

[@cosmicdog2000]

No.

[@ahall3823]

In a perfect world, they would.

[@jacoobyslaps]

Technically

[@mysticsailor9]

Yes, they should..the reality is that FRFR is an oxymoron..

[@jerryrichardson5545]

Not really. QSC, JBL, EV, etc all make a 12" two way PA speaker, they all have similar response curves yet they all have a different sonic signature due to the cone material used, compression driver diaphragm material, shape of the waveguide, crossover point, cabinet design, etc, etc. A birch ply cabinet will sound different than an injection molded enclosure. All of these FRFR's vary in the same way.

[@kempsole]

Can these be used for bedroom use ?

[@teerexness]

So my question is, why shouldn't powered, full-range PA speakers be considered in this category also? I actually use a JBL EON 615 PA speaker as an FRFR speaker for my Helix. It works so well, I'm failing to understand the need for a "real" FRFR speaker. It's a PA speaker, so it's light, durable, loud and reasonably accurate. 1000 watts, and $400 new at Sweetwater now. Get two if you want real stereo! The economy of scale advantage obviously goes to the PA speakers. It seems to me that this FRFR speaker thing is kind of a solution looking for a problem that's already been solved. Just my $0.02.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Yep. I run my multi-effects pedals into a Behringer mixer with two Behringer 220 watt B210s. Although I'm not trying to pretend that this is "pro" level gear, the whole outfit cost less than any one of these cabs and, as you noted, it's stereo. Oh, and it sounds good and is plenty loud.

[@tappistrt]

PA speakers in plastic cabs aren't going to resonate like wood cabs, especially baltic birch. Go try one in person.

[@goldmole1]

Larry Carlton already uses a setup with two small PA cabs longtime.

[@emanuelecampiglia5762]

What overdrive are you using? Is it the king of tone?

[@auwdioslave]

What's the difference between an FRFR cab and a normal active floor monitor?? I've never understood the need for this special category, except maybe for the visual aspect...

[@_GOV_]

What enclosure is that for your Kemper rack? Looking for one that isn't full rack depth, just the depth of the Kemper.