I Built The Ultimate Small Pedalboard (for live shows)

[@tomquayleguitar]

This is basically the exact same setup I used in Italy last week. Just the QC and my Dual Fusion Pedal with a boost. It was an amazing rig.

[@ZacPettyMusic]

How did you end up powering it, Tom?

[@piffe]

@@Boobobearboomer

[@spencerb2631]

Been using my quad cortex for all amps and fx now since October and it's been incredible! I never fail to get compliments on my tone at shows. I run it into front of house and also in a real cab for some stage volume and it's just perfect

[@parkerkenney6113]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for more tour vlogs to come out. I’ve been rewatching all of the old ones

[@micktheman6]

This is a definite improvement from the previous small fly rig I had something similar with the line 6 but now I’m glad to have the quad cortex

[@emilyharpist]

I wish I could fly with my harp and board that easily!!! Awesome small board!!!!

[@AlanW]

Maybe Sca-Taylor Instruments can make you a foldable electric harp! I'm sure it'd at least be pretty ... metal.

[@joshuabenton3785]

When you went to the basement I INSTANTLY knew why. Georgia has been melting lately. The basement is the only place of solace for us in our home right now.

[@SunshineHB]

The Quad Cortex has totally blown me away. I find it much better than the Helix I was using previously. I plug in and just can’t stop playing through it.

[@chewybang]

Hey Rhett, can you do a follow up to this video and let us know how it went? What went well, what went wrong, how you dealt with different venues/setups, and would you do this again?

[@HugoPaulo]

Awesome vid! If you get something small like a Mooer Baby Bomb, you don't even need an amp. Something like that will power whatever cab is at the venue for stage volume just for your own monitoring and you can go direct to FOH which is IMO the best way to use units like the Quad Cortex anyway, since it's got amazing amps and sounds and you normally want to color it as less as you can with an actual amp

[@bringit2ya122]

how do you send FX + Amp sim + Cab sim to FOH at the same time you are sending FX + Moore Baby Boomer to Cabinet for monitoring? Thanks

[@hansgettheflammenwerfer69420]

I just finished rebuilding my pedalboard. Managed to fit 10 pedals on a normal/small pedaltrain. Love watching these videos to see the things I didn't think of.

[@lucagarciaferrari]

What board do you have exactly? I run a Nano+ and am curious what people consider normal/small haha.

[@hansgettheflammenwerfer69420]

@@lucagarciaferrari pedaltrain metro 16 for the board itself.

[@silverstaralchemist]

My favorite small rig is my buddy's rig who plays out weekly in Orlando, FL. An OCD overdrive into a 50w Silver Jubilee head balanced precariously on top of an ancient Epiphone 1x12 cab, mic'd with an SM58 and a delay pedal in the loop. Covers everything from funk to hard rock and metal. Two pedals, a head, a cab. 🤘🏼

[@svenzia]

Oh the SJ mini is one of my faves. OMG what an amp imo :) Sounds like an awesome rig. I too like it easy and versatile. I dont gig though, but still :) I got a clone of the OCD at least :)

[@paulorr7471]

I have a 1988 50 watt Silver Jubilee in black. I don’t need any OD pedals with this amp. Every time I have my buddies try my amps they all seem to pick the jubilee.

[@svenzia]

@@paulorr7471 I am not surprised. Top class sounds to be had + easy to dial. Hurrah for the SJ :)

[@mralgebro]

That shot of your flight case 🤯 Thanks for sharing this process 🙏 One of the only subscriptions where I consistently watch the ENTIRE video.

[@schrom81]

I hope you will bringing back your Backstage Journal series. It is the reason I started following you a few years back. Love it!

[@gccheatham]

I see you will be at the KY state fair in August. Welcome to the Bluegrass state. I spent many hours at concerts there in the late 1960’s and 70’s. Even though I am 70 years old, I enjoy your KZbin channel, thanks, CC

[@kylefletcher8489]

Glad to see you’re coming around again to the QC. I love mine and super versatile for the job you’re needing it for! Hope you enjoy. Have fun with your tour dates!!

[@sneaky_general]

Just put together a QC Metro 16 board this weekend! Love it

[@ZackSeifMusic]

I've been touring the Fractal FM3 for about a year and a half and it's been perfect. Just that and a single expression pedal accomplish my yearly tour schedule with no issues.

[@nahnotsomuch2292]

Pretty sure the FM3/9 would do the trick for him. But, he did a vid a while back on his Axe FX III. Said he'd had issues adjusting to editing on the front panel. I'm assuming since they're extremely similar front panel layouts, he'd have issues with either floor unit as well. I'll admit, I'm not great at editing via anything other than Axe Edit either, but I think given time to adjust I'd make it work, but maybe his day is busy doing other stuff. That and if he's already got a QC, probably easier for him to just give that a shot and see if it works instead trying to purchase or order an FM3/9, then get it dialed in before he has to head out. Who knows though.

[@maxmunzert9725]

Tone with that guitar at the end is absolutely furious!

[@johnfitzgerald1055]

Nice work Rhett. I've been using my QC as a multi-instrument rig. My frontman and I both plug in and I take care of all the song/scene changes and instrument routing. Love the versatility!

[@truthfactreality6814]

Quad cortex with a bluguitar amp 1 is super powerful and direct too. I always use my bluguitar into a two notes captor x that way you get the power amp interaction.

[@georgelincoln5041]

You found my bag of Cioks cables! Been looking all over for them.

[@warwicker22]

I LOVE my QC! I had an HX Stomp rig inspired by yours but I sold it once I picked up the Neural. I’m really excited to hear your thoughts once you’ve put it through its paces.

[@nickwagner5048]

why do you prefer the quad cortex over the hx stomp? I feel like all the presets that you can get win over the quad cortex for now...

[@joeygentile7829]

@@nickwagner5048 the amp sims are incredible and the user interface is very easy to use. I liked it so much, I bought two, in the event one goes down at a show.

[@warwicker22]

@@nickwagner5048 Part of it was the ease of which I was able to dial in the sounds I wanted. I really like the interface and I found it super easy to use. Then you factor in that I can do captures of my own amps and I was pretty much sold! I know I only used 10% of what the Stomp could do (and the same for my QC), but I’m getting exactly what I want and need out of it. I see it as an investment, one that with each update, pays off more and more. I hope that answers your question. :)

[@tonepilot]

Been using the Quad Cortex for playing live for about 8 months now. Don’t use amps anymore. The new Bassman patch has become one of my favourite amps for crunch. I’ve been able to find a tone for every song we cover. And, there’s a lot of great presets you can grab from the cloud from folks like Rabea.

[@SunshineHB]

Have you tried Rabea’s Ultraphonix capture? It’s so good with an edge of breakup amp.

[@tonepilot]

@@SunshineHB No, I’ll have to check it out

[@shawnshipstad9281]

I think they both sound great. I would not worry about "Splitting Hairs"-The audience would never know the difference with all the other artists playing.

[@telecastersRthebest]

It’s great to see that more and more touring musicians are using the QC. It’s a testament to how good a product is when even Dave Mustaine made the switch.

[@olivermahovlich6390]

Excited to see more backstage journals

[@taylormesa]

Love my QC! Anxious to hear how it works for you on your and looking forward to any captures you release/share!

[@Andyanddiana467]

I play bass and I just switched to one of those Tech 21 fly rig boxes. Love it! I got tired of lugging around a pedalboard.

[@andywoodmusic]

Thats a great room /quick slap sound you have on the basic tone testing. killer

[@aintgottime2bleed78]

Thanks for linking those cable tie downs, I’ve been looking for the right ones for a while now.

[@ehabsh9427]

I hope you and your band come someday to Germany Rhett! I would love to watch you playing live in concert. All the best.

[@briankuyken9788]

Great video! These are my favorite videos that you make because I always go through trials, tribulations, and frustration while setting up a new pedal board and it’s nice to see someone with a lot more experience than me going through the same and coming out on the other side with everything just the way you envisioned it.

[@somebodysdog9235]

Really cool video Rhett! Icing on the cake is it all fitting into one case. Looked cleeeean. That should have been the thumbnail!

[@JiminTennessee]

Good on you man...getting out again should be fun! Pre-ordered and hope that you are able to enjoy a sting of incredible shows. Keep shining. Peace.

[@FJMerlin]

Great fricken video. Looking forward to hearing your opinion once the rig is flying. Ive been using my QC for a year now and love it. Learn something new on it daily.

[@sorenledet]

I love the Overhive from Beetronics it is awesome, such a unique sounding overdrive 🔥

[@basdenchris]

Sick! Love that flight case, too! Looks like something even a disgruntled baggage handler wouldn’t be able to destroy

[@martianmurray]

Awesome you’ll be in TX, maybe I’ll get to see you perform.

[@Moonsteal]

Hey Rhett. I saw the first iteration of this video when you made it and it inspired me to make an ampless rig. I have been ampless for almost as long as that video has been out and my back is VERY THANKFUL Thanks for the inspiration my dude. Keep kicking names and taking ass 🤘

[@mattkoonts3533]

$2500 "brains" pedal, $2000 amp...Rhett is slumming' it out there again! 😜 Great ideas as always Rhett. Keep em coming!

[@rogersmith6148]

Love the Backstage videos. Glad to see your going to be touring, miss those videos.

[@jasonchavez4304]

Been using my QC for almost a year now and honestly it get the job done and then some. I know they're still updating the software but I've gotten nothing but compliments on the sound quality. MY ONLY "issue" is the power supply so thanks for the CIOKS idea. Good stuff and setup, cheers.

[@createlovehappy]

Opening for Willie Nelson in OH? Wow, that ought to be a good time. Have a good tour.

[@soulcactus19]

I think it really depends on what suits your needs as a player & what you feel you can get away with based on the situation you are playing in? Mostly this just comes down to personal preferences & comfort level. Well done & Rock on!

[@Eggospartan]

Literally just got a QC and was brainstorming how to put it on a pedalboard.. Great timing!

[@danielbertola7868]

Awesome Rhett. I have the QC on a Metro 20 with 2 Dunlop Expression pedals. It all fit perfect and is all I need. Cheers my man.

[@chris_beasley]

The show in Springfield MO with Read Southall is a good fair. I opened up for Parker McCollum there last year. Hope to see you there!

[@caseyholford]

Dope demonstration of the QC! Seems like the perfect tool for you.

[@jonhayesofficial]

5:48...KZbin world is so wonderful. Rhett spends prob 30 mins rummaging through boxes to find the cables, for me it's 2 seconds hahaha thanks rhett ;)

[@Stboser]

Would you be able to make a follow up video based on how the QC worked at your gigs? Likes/dislikes, sound quality, etc.

[@Awesomelvis]

Wondering how this panned out and thought I'd share a little something with you as well. I remembered the soft shaper trick you shared about the kemper in the effects section so, after much testing the cortex in front of my kemper I decided to do a capture of the soft shaper and it works pretty good, not quite the same. Maybe if you give it a try you can get it where you want it. Cheers!

[@johnplunkett2004]

So glad you are headed out on the road! I just have two important words for you - APPLE TAGS! Can't trust the airlines with your gear these days. Throw tags in every case and bag you might need. Talk to Fluff and ask what happened to his and his band's gear...

[@zynthio]

I didn't know this thing could capture pedals too... That's kind of insane... I'm assuming it can only do dry effects? No wet/time based effects.

[@robertsimpson5801]

Yeah, so far, it can only do dry effects. NDSP made some comments early on that they are hoping to get it to eventually capture wet effects and modulation, but that was all hypothetical.

[@craigtyler9765]

Just found it! Austin with Billy Currington. I’ll be ordering my tics tomorrow. 🤟🏻

[@LRogers2806]

Yes! More tour vlogs coming up!

[@rocknrollteacherpy]

Wow! That pedal capture sounded so close!

[@ericajohnson7535]

Dude, Cortex can CAPTURE freaking pedals. DUHHHH

[@itsmekaaa9635]

Nice! I did something like this but with a hex stomp xl instead

[@jensenbell]

You weren't kidding about that Overdrive, were you? That thing is delightful.

[@joshualessore7652]

I honestly run an ME80 into Hall Of Fame Reverb 2 into an Orange Micro Terror into a torpedo captor x into the mixing desk. Everything fits in my small backpack and I don't think I need anything else for both live and recording situatiuons!

[@nuthinbutlove]

I love an ME80

[@dr_tomK]

I use an ME-70 but yeah, it works for live.

[@bradleyhenady2032]

You should look into the terror stamp. Fits on your pedalboard, has a very good cab sim, and would eliminate the need for your captor x.

[@zbqb84a]

Best part of the video is that flight case. Whoa, awesome. 15:58

[@robertbenson4612]

I’m glad you’re using the quad cortex! I’ve had one for a year now and no one seems to be making much content for it. I like it but it just doesn’t have the community that the helix has

[@carsgunsandguitars]

I'll see you at the show, I live right by the RR amphitheater. Nice board!

[@tonypetrillo3488]

How great that you are touring again!!!

[@robertsimpson5801]

Ohhhh…. NOW the QC is worth the hype? 😉 Just kidding! I’ve been using a QC for a while, and I really do love the thing! It is so powerful for its size and weight… A lot of the other modeler makers could take notice! Quick question: how come you didn’t just capture those to drive pedals instead of putting them on the board?

[@landguitar]

All the best on the gigs! Now, when you get back home, tell us how the QC worked out please, how you ran it, were you happy with the way it sounded and worked, etc. Take care!

[@christopherbent2359]

Take a shot every time Rhett starts a video with, "SO..."

[@kylemcintosh8020]

The Quad Cortex has recently really caught my attention, seriously considering getting one of those things… From a live perspective there’s no way the audience would hear that your using a capture on it vs a physical pedal… I’m still not sure whether buying a small tube amp like a Princeton and a hx effects unit would be more future proof though… Great video man!

[@janebond4175]

Just got my QC a few weeks ago and have used it live a few times now. It’s absolutely a gift to guitarists.

[@tonepilot]

Best music-related purchase I ever made.

[@danielbertola7868]

Do it. You will be blown away in every regard. UI, sound, feel, ease of use, options, looper. Get yourself 2 8" Dunlop exp pedals and a Metro 20. Boom!

[@nickwagner5048]

@@danielbertola7868 why two expression pedals? one volume, one wah?

[@danielbertola7868]

@@nickwagner5048 That's a good use of them. Can be anything though, panning, drive amount....etc. I play a lot of ambient stuff so delay and reverb are almost always on, so for me, one is my delay wetness and the other is reverb wetness. Infinite adjustment and I don't have to waste scenes cutting them in and out, I just heel down. Set it so it ramps mix and decay/feedback together. The range is adjustable for each and any "knob" on QC can be controlled via expression. Have a ball.

[@CMHobbies]

Giant, heavy spaceship boards are for the birds, especially for touring. The upkeep, the trouble shooting when something stops working. I don’t know how Kevin Shields did it with his giant pallet.

[@marcelgaryjames]

Just did something similar with a hx stomp xl. I fit a broadcaster, zen drive and a JDM fuzz 292 on Metro 24 board. The ability for you to “capture” other pedals and amps is awesome. I don’t think the stomp has that feature.

[@natashanyxx9486]

Great concept for a mobile rig. Have fun on the road!

[@masterofreality230]

I was very close to getting that Beetronics pedal, I still need to get it.

[@RussellBobel]

Awesome vid Rhett! Looking forward to seeing y'all in Columbus OH!

[@weschilton]

Congrats on finally getting back to gigging!

[@janebond4175]

Rhett, I downloaded your Cub capture today and it sounds great! Thanks for sharing.

[@grayman7914]

Gonna miss you and Noah by a day in Austin :-(. Have to say I was skeptical of the QC capture but it nailed it.

[@adammichaelsen7354]

Love how you solve connection probs. cool video.

[@XxSypherxX91]

You think you’ll ever slap a floor wireless unit on that fly rig? Don’t knock it til you try it 🤘.

[@BadHorsie2]

You guys need to book a show at Cooks Garage in Lubbock TX. The always have big crowds.

[@RobMichael]

What happened to the HX Stomp-based rig?

[@scottwhitlow8468]

He said at the beginning of the video that he needed something to run direct and do amp sims. Plus, he wanted to capture some of his pedals so he went with the Quad Cortex 👍🏻

[@bjlatter]

@@scottwhitlow8468 Think Rob's talking about the small HX Stomp Fly right he built with the Revival Drive and GFI Specular tempus, not one with HX Effects. I thought the same. I'm assuming the QC has better modeling, but have the effects started to catch up?

[@sugatooth]

Bummed out for not being able to make the Austin date. I hope y'all can come through Houston one day.

[@charlescdt6509]

Learning bass via Rocksmth. Just got a zoom b1x and having fun learning how diffrent pedels work.

[@YACYDOODLE]

OMG I'm going to miss you yet again..... ATL fan.... Missing Austin show by 12hrs.....

[@techniqueswithtodd]

Really don't need the overdrive pedals do ya? Capture em on the quad and bam done. The quad can really do it all in terms of processing.

[@carlossalazar4508]

Romeoville is really close and it’s a Saturday!!

[@michaelhubbell1260]

Bring some shorts when you come to Austin, we're roasting down here!

[@MarijnSlot]

That dark workshop with the ducts gave me flashbacks!

[@braxal6983]

Rhett, Could you please show us exactly how you capture an amp with your Quad Cortex?

[@landonsommers9589]

YES!! Are you making backstage tour vlogs??? Those are my favorite

[@LiamNashMiller]

He said there would be a return to Backstage Journal vlogs when I asked on Instagram.

[@kellymckenzie4865]

Based off the all the videos I'm watching and thinking about my own rig, this is the youring rig. Less points of failure and just as weakable. Im thinking of getting a stomp or stomp xl to replace my amp sim, delay, reverb, amd modulation pedals and couple it with a few drives.

[@snapfinger1]

Pretty close to the sweet spot on an original Eventide Harmonizer when you first plugged up. I’d think a guy like you could make do with an unmiked black face Super Reverb.

[@jurekwoz]

hey Rhett, awesome video! thanks a lot for uploading your captures - the 'RS' ones sound great with my strat. And (I think it's the 'Highwatt' version) gives me this warm, vintage'y, not driven but not perfectly clean tones.

[@seanrosedotcom]

Thought about Neural. But ended up with a Headrush MX-5 and Strymon Timeline & Big Sky. Cheaper and does all other than capture. Also, the Strymons can be patched into the desk for buss duty. Was a better fit for me, slightly cheaper and still as small.

[@loveisrealdudes]

I was just looking for cortex content and bitching that there isn’t really that much new lately. Thanks mate

[@TheFeelButton]

Nice board but I'm more excited you're on a bill with Willie Nelson! Cheers Rhett!!

[@mickster4455]

That flight case is the bomb!! Please share the details with us. : )

[@d3w4yn3]

I was following along, happy and interested, but man, when I saw the beetronics, it sealed the deal!!!

[@synonyx]

That all in one pelican case is dope!

[@GuitarFuYou]

Rhett, why wouldn't you capture the Overhive and Fuzz pedal and just fly with the Quad Cortex?

[@weschilton]

Because if the Quad cortex dies at least he has a couple of working overdrives.

[@luismigelgb]

If I remember right, the Quad Cortex doesn't really capture Fuzz effects very well.

[@lilybeejones]

I use a modeler with analog drive pedals too. In a live situation, I want to be able to see where those pedals are set. I want to be able to adjust them instantly. Everything else doesn't need to be as specific.

[@CorbCorbin]

Because it doesn’t sound like the pedals. It’s not about whether the audience can tell. It’s about how one feels it, and reacts to the tone. I’ve played through many different “pro captures,” and they just don’t sound very good, unless it’s a base crunch tone. If you look at nearly every pro, who uses these units, they still have various analog dirt, and other pedals.

[@CorbCorbin]

@@weschilton Another great point.

[@danielmiller2886]

You're workbench is clean and organized. What kind of a monster are you?! Lol