Using Amp Modelers Live - You're Doing It Wrong! | GEAR GODS

How to use amp modelers live - 8 different ways to connect your amp modeler!
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Revv D20 amp: imp.i114863.net/gzVjv
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Fender Player Series Strat: imp.i114863.net/0LGqP
Mission Engineering Gemini FRFR powered speaker: imp.i114863.net/XPq6G
0:00 Intro
3:36 Direct Only
5:53 Modeler Preamp and Effects into Tube Power Amp and Cab
11:27 Direct and Into Flat Power Amp And Cab
13:43 Direct and Into Tube Power Amp And Cab
15:48 Four Cable Method
21:00 Modeler Preamp and Effects Into Front Of Tube Amp and Cab
22:35 Modeler to FRFR Powered Speaker
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[@treyxaviermusic]

What kind of setup are you using with your modeler when you play live?

[@treyxaviermusic]

hmmmm interesting, although it wouldn't really be any different in the idea - you still have the same things turned on or off, and the routing would be the same but you'd be doing it from your interface instead

[@labyzoune5751]

I use and Ipad with bias fx2 (via an Alesis io dock2) to a tube power amp to a 2x12". Just turn the cab sim off and it sounds very good !

[@droidfan]

@@labyzoune5751 iPad w/ BIAS changed my life haha too old for carrying amps. I added the MIDI Commander and VOILA! I just go straight to FoH - and it sounds good, but as I mentioned to Mr. Xavier, there is something missing...

[@TheCrumpers53]

@@droidfan My entire band uses Neural DSP plugins live. All from a laptop and all the presets are being triggered by the midi in the DAW. Completely pedalless. We use on stage cabs so that way we have stage sound.

[@blacknessfallsmusic969]

@GearGods Is there a way you can go from your guitar, to your audio interface, then use something like Bias, or Neural DSP, etc, then from out of the audio interface to a cabinet speaker? My monitors are good, I have the KRK’s, but it doesn’t sound good to jam through those things compare to a real cab.

[@jaymarzullo951]

I have to say: there are 1 million videos covering this subject. None of them did the job the way this one did. Kudos and thank you.

[@mikeyo3230]

1. 3:37 Direct Only 2. 5:53 Modeler Preamp Direct into tube power amp 3. 9:45 Modeler Preamp, Power Amp, and effects into flat power amp and cab 4. 11:28 Direct and into flat power amp and cab 5. 13:42 Direct and into tube power amp and cab 6. 15:47 Four Cable Method 7. 21:01 Modeler Preamp and effects into front of tube amp and modeler 8. 25:35 Modeler to FRFR powered speaker

[@banditbiker5190]

Goated

[@williamhenn5785]

I used to gig with a BOSS ME-80 going into the effects loop of a pawn shop no brand solid state 120watt head and 4x12. I never wanted for anything else live. It worked. I could kick the whole set up down a couple stairs and not have to worry. It sounded great from clean sound scaping to my octave breakdown setting in a live show where most of the room couldn't care what brand anything was.

[@Techo1329]

Great video man, modeller integration is not discussed widely enough. I integrated a GT-1000 Core into my old amp with great success to get the best of both worlds in my home playing setup. I had my trusty old VS100R 112 Combo atop it's matching VS112 extension cab. Instead of buying a new amp I built a new pedalboard around the GT-1000 Core which is 4CM into the VS100R. I left the guitar speaker in the VS110R combo and put a Celestion F12-X200 modelling speaker into the 112 cab. I then put an A/B switch on top of the amp to control which speaker is on. The F12-X200 works really well with the GT-1000 amps and IR's.

[@andybetezema34]

I have been messing this up all my life and wondered why am I getting this weird sound on stage!!!! tnx. You changed my life!!!!I used all on my modeler and straight in to the front cabinet input and it felt like a blanket on me! Now am free!!!!!🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@mksounds6326]

Moving to the Pod Go from my old Floor Pod Plus this video covered routing clearly and completely. I have an Evil Twin that I was thinking of using as a powered cab when I don't go FOH and you just answered all my questions. Thank you very much for the tutorial. All the best from the Bay Area. MK

[@_The1whoknocks]

Man you are an absolute LIFESAVER!! I have always ran these units straight into the front of my amp or used the 4 cable method and then used my units for modeler, preamp, cab sim, and the entire works and I never could figure out why it sounded so muddy and unimpressive. I have sold countless units like this for this exact reason. I plugged in my new Pod Go using the Flat Power Amp And Cab method and it instantly sounded so much better! My gain wasn't muddy, my effects didn't sound all jumbled up and off-putting from hitting the front of the amp. I never would have thought in a million years about running an effects unit straight into my power amp in. And the cool thing is I can still use my JHS Little Black Amp box between the modeler and the power amp in to tame the awful volume taper on my Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue. You got a sub from me bro, you are an absolute champ for taking the time to explain this to everyone! Now I can finally stop being opposed to the age of digital processing and I can enjoy my Pod Go for the amazing unit that it is while still getting the clarity and warmth of my favorite amp. Thank you so freaking much dude!!! Now I just have to figure out how to implement my physical drive pedals into this equation 🤣

[@dylanporter8105]

Why did it take so long for a video like this to come out super informative

[@andyfenton1510]

Pete Thorn did a great video of the Helix when he reviewed it, showing all the different ways of using it and connecting it. So too Ritchie Castellano, definitely both worth a look at. These guys are also using these modellers in a pro situation with their full rigs.

[@maxammo6282]

You ask why because most guitars know what the hell they're doing this is obviously a video for hooking up your gear for dummies. I run into dudes like you all the time they come in set up their gear have no clue how to do a sound check, show up to their first second or third gig don't even own a tuner got everybody on stage tuning out loud, and then they start playing and they're still out of tune. And then ask me if I have a tuner I said yeah I have one but I'm not playing tonight you are you should have one. Just because you know a few cards and can play a couple of eighth grade songs does it make you a professional musician it makes you a pain in the ass for all the other professional musicians. You want to be a professional know your gear, know how to set up your gear, and most importantly know when to keep your mouth shut.

[@dylanporter8105]

@@maxammo6282 go outside bro ❤️

[@maxammo6282]

@@dylanporter8105 pfft

[@pb12661]

@@maxammo6282 I bet you are a real treat to be in a band with....if you can even play good enough.....

[@BottleMakesMusic]

Thanks for the extremely detailed and comprehensive run-down of the various options with the Pod Go. I'm a bassist and I've been using a DarkGlass Alpha-Omega head into a 1x12 PA cab, which has suited me just fine. Love the preamp tone on the DG but I've been looking into adding more effects pre and post amp and the Pod Go seems to fit the bill. I think the video has answered a lot of questions I had about effects order and in particular using the four-cable method. Thanks!

[@davidweesner5997]

Outstanding! Bought the POD Go last week and was a bit mystified on all the different ways to connect and wasn't sure which worked for me. Great work!

[@tooofart]

Outstanding. This should be mandatory viewing for everyone using modelers live. My setup sounds like it should now.

[@SamueleForte]

Great video! As a sound engineer i will send this one to everyone i find struggling with understanding those concepts.

[@faylonbiryani]

I've just bought a Pod Go Wireless and am considering an FRFR speaker so this video has been hugely helpful. Many thanks!

[@willrobinson6866]

Awesome and informative. Helix floor XLR stereo out to FOH for me! Simple and it works. Some of the tones are pretty stinking close to the real thing and the convenience of not lugging amps around is well worth it for me.

[@flixsymmetry]

What an awesome video! Thanks for the concise, easy to understand instruction! I have a Helix LT and EVH amp/cab so this was a great tutorial for me as I want to use all the gear. I also have a bunch of pedals to work into the mix. I’m not a pro but I have fun screwing around in the room above my garage!

[@dallascowboys75006]

I currently use #8 - Helix LT into Mission Gemini and then also to FOH = the Helix LT has XLR out and TRS out so you can send both same time and I have it set up to send the same thing to both. As you said, very simple and consistent! There is also a cool knob on the back of my Gemini that lets me switch the way the Geminia "sounds" or behaves -- switching between "Flat" and "Cab" -- i keep it set ion Cab when I play live so that its replicating the tones I built in the Helix but some day i will mess with using it as a cab and see how that sounds. Thanks - your always a wealth of knowledge and fun to watch -- keep up the great work!

[@A_Brainless_Goblin]

The direct and into flat power amp and cab section answered so many questions an hour of googling could not, this was super helpful thank you.

[@zdf14]

This is an AWESOME video. I pair my Pod Go with the same Power Stage used in this video. I rarely play live, and have never even gotten to use the Pod live yet, but this was great info to have, as I was curious how to run to FoH *with* my cab as well in case it's volume alone didn't cut it. Tl;dr much appreciated!

[@zt2790]

This has successfully talked me off of the ledge and restored my faith in my HX Stomp lol. Can't thank you enough 🙏

[@bettsdon8086]

PS. Your article really nails the issues of routing. Best I’ve seen anywhere

[@danknight3557]

Great information mate thank god for people like you who explain this stuff a lot of the time i scramble my own brains with it and have a massive mental block have to walk away for a cup of coffee and come back later to try and decode it absolute life saver what a time we live in where we can retrieve this info great content right here and a massive help thank you so much

[@idanshahar]

WOW Man, amazing video! This, along side a "difference between a distortion and preamp pedal" are the two most important videos for guitar players in my opinion!

[@TheZakkmylde]

You got a link for that video ? :)

[@tinamichelsnelson1563]

OMG! I was waaaay off! Thank you for this! Mine XT model has been sitting in the case for years. I bought all new pedals because I was so frustrated by my inability to get any kind of power or semblance of any usable setting at all. Right off the bat, you fixed two big, basic mistakes I was making.

[@Icipher4]

Trey, this is EXACTLY the type of video I wanted to see. Thanks!

[@bennybroll]

Thank you so much. I've been trying to learn a little bit more about modelers lately and haven't been able to find anything as informative as this one. Awesome!

[@mhsigrist]

Man, this video is just AWESOME. Really easy to understand. Thank you so much for that, I just learned how to extract way more from my actual gear (specially my tube amp!). THANK YOU!

[@richdaigle]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! I'm currently using the Headrush MX5 (fits in a carry-on for flying gigs fantastically) I use your #1 setup... I request an FRFR , However most venues can give me a monitor wedge exclusively for my guitar mix...I guess I'm like an old trained dog...40 years of playing with an amp nearby! Works great keeps my vocal monitor less "cluttered"!

[@charlieanddad2]

Superb video, absolutely common sense when you see it explained. MUST SEE for anyone with a modelling effects unit that also plays live and wants to get the best guitar sounds.

[@akzdb]

Simply perfect bro. I don't think there can be a better guide than this.

[@archstanton3468]

Definitely agree with all principles here...and certainly demonstrable with latest modelling technology...not always as linearly transferable to older modellers to achieve most musical results!...a little trial and error turning something on and off in the chain certainly worth experimenting with on older stuff-POD HD units tend to like knowing in advance what sort of cab/speakers you are going to physically use after it!!...

[@mversantvoort]

Excellent explanation for someone new to amp modelers like me, thanks a lot!

[@JohnOrtynsky]

Thanks so much Trey! Excellent job of showing all of these options in a manner that is easy to understand!

[@CrazyCharlie78]

Dude super badass video. Extremely informative. Boss GT1000 to the FRFR is my setup. This helped tremendously on ALL fronts! Great job. 🎸

[@jcdocrock1624]

Thank you for this truly outstanding primer. I'm going to test the waters and try my Quad live. Still deciding whether first try will be with a Duncan through a guitar cab which sounds like what i'm used to or the FRFR. This is a really great resource. Thank you again!

[@Oilid]

Very interesting! I used to leave the cab sim "on" on my Valvestate 800 cab when I used the "Line 6 X3 Live" back in the days: interesting sound.

[@rickfeith6372]

I've been using an HD500 through the FX return of two heads in stereo. Using tube power sections and real 412 cabs on both sides. I've got the HD in Studio Direct mode and the cab simulation is absolutely on and it sounds bomb. Maybe it's because the IRs on the HD are shit, but it sounds considerably better with the cab on...I'm 100% in love with the tone, otherwise I would use something from this century. In all fairness though, the old Line 6 Recto model is brutal and was the one high gain model they got right since the XT. It sounds really good. I tried using a Mooer GE200 in place of the HD and it sounded like ass with an IR running.

[@rickfeith6372]

Basically....this means that YMMV and use whatever sounds best, the "rules" are more like recommended settings and should only be used as a jumping off point. Don't be afraid to break the rules and experiment with your Lego set.

[@Oilid]

@@rickfeith6372 Thanks for your feedback on the Mooer. And you're absolutely right about the "rules".

[@filipesabino]

This is definetely a MUST WATCH for all modeler users. Great job!

[@eduardolorandi3628]

Excellent video! Exactly what I was looking for! I would just add that on the #8 FRFR Speaker method it would be best to connect the Line out of the Speaker to FoH instead of using the microphone. Using the microphone you are kinda doubling the mic signal (mic sim from the modeler + the real mic on the FRFR Cab).

[@KendrickSajorda]

I wish i had this two or three years ago, I had to learn the hard way by lots of trial and error. Thank you for the great video!

[@JohanVanCauwenberghe]

Thanks a lot for the clear explanation. My Marshal tube amp now sounds brilliant via my PodGo. :-) Just reconfigured all my presets and move my cab and changed to preamp. :-) Wonderful.

[@diontes1480]

4CM is absolutely amazing with a nicely kitted valve amp with a clean sound. You can actually switch your amps preamp on and off w the FX loop, letting your power amp give EMULATED PREAMPS a realistic flavor to it when your actual preamp is not in use. Absolutely loving being able to do aggressive grind tones, and switch to Western tone in a flick of a switch. -10db in Main out and Return in modeler, OR if your amp has that switch, even better. The pnemonic Stevie Ray IS Lecturing Riffs helps me set up real fast

[@BottleMakesMusic]

That was one of the questions in my mind as the Amp input is expecting Instrument level but the modeller is outputting Line level (unless I missed something in the setup?). Is there a global setting for input/output levels on the Pod Go?

[@diontes1480]

@@BottleMakesMusic yes there is! As well, you can also affect in through snapshots if you want a more personalized signal

[@danraiche4823]

great video so helpful! if you love your amp and just want some nice effects and some drive to go with it, the 4 cable methode is by far the best way to go! cheers!

[@flbiker57]

Very informative video. Explained several things I just wasn't understanding about my Pod. Thanks.

[@AmishMutantPower]

Really a great review and very detailed. Thankful for this one 😉

[@BillDutton]

Nice job. I use my HX Stomp direct to FOH and monitors are either IEMs or floor wedges.

[@frankmccreary9050]

That's what I've been considering. I am several of the Fractal units and I am looking for sweet and simple. I just need a good clean sound and a good overdrive sound with possibly something to boost for solos. Is that what you're doing?

[@BillDutton]

@@frankmccreary9050 exactly 💯

[@MichaelMoore-od4jz]

Hi, I have never heard anyone explain this as well as you are Great job Thanks so much Michael

[@tylerbruner8203]

Great video, I'm making the switch from all analog to a digital setup. Appreciate the good info!

[@billyshears6622]

I'd like to add 2 things, the first of which is super important and no one ever talks about. 1. I found INSTRUMENT LEVEL far better than Line Level setting even into a really good FRFR with DSP that can be configured for either instrument level or line level inputs. Yes, I always had them matched correctly, line into line and instument into instument settings. The line level setup just sounds muddy and lifeless. This was true with both Quad Cortex and Pod Go. I pulled my hair out with this for like 2 months because all the units including the FRFR came set to line level from the factory so I assumed that was the best way to go. NOPE! 🤦🏻‍♂️ 2. I returned the FRFR after figuring out the Instrument Level setting sounded best. For my purposes at home to setup patches, the POWER AMP IN jack on my Katana 100 MK2 sounded just as good, cost $1500 less and I didn't have to store 2 10" PA speakers anymore. The main reason I bought the PA speakers was to figure out why everything sounded terrible, figuring it had to be that.

[@VexxJam]

SUCH A GREAT VID!!!! I'm subscribing just for the level of awesomeness this video has. Super informative 👍👍

[@jesman1]

Thanks indeed. A wealth of solid info right here. Well spoken.

[@denislavstoychev7240]

Good Video, maybe next time you can expand on this by going over how to EQ properly for some of the most common scenarios. For example, at home your scooped tone may be the best ever, but in different rooms + other instruments you are in for a disaster of a surprise. Also, High pass/Low pass for going direct, since these frequencies will be massively amplified via the PA, if the sound guy does not cut them from the board.

[@catoway312]

#1 is all I needed. But I’ve looked everywhere. Thanks for all this information 👍🏻👍🏻

[@AbrahamBarberi]

The best video in KZbin on this matter! Thank you

[@jhonfelo]

Very comprehensive and helpful video, thanks a lot man!

[@sevynn3970]

Spot on. Have to look at it like you aren’t hearing the amp in the room with you but the amp, cab, and microphone in another room in the studio through monitors.

[@felinekaiju4517]

thank you, you've answered all of my questions in the vid!. I'm making the switch from a tri rec, to a lunch box amp and a modeler. I just need to check out your POD Go vs HX stomp.

[@DieToFleshNotSpirit]

I just purchased the pod go. I'll run it through my orange micro dark and orange cab loaded with 1 vintage 30.

[@felinekaiju4517]

@@DieToFleshNotSpirit Things have changed since this, at the time I had no idea of FRFR cabs, I'm thinking of going with the Mission- Gemini as they have tubes powering the cabs.

[@enigma-g5549]

yeah! i've been waiting for this video!

[@miguelfarukpires9325]

Very good info!! Great stuff, job well done! Cheers from Portugal!! 🤘🤘🤘

[@danielpurim]

Great content and clear presentation! Thanks a lot!

[@sglee4708]

I love modelers but there's nothing like the sound of a cooking tube amplifier pushing some greenbacks with all the real dynamics in natural compression God it's beautiful ! Ain't nothing like the real thing baby

[@jamesatkin9412]

Damn, as soon as I heard 'blanket over your gear' I knew this video would rectify my problems. Nice one Trey!

[@tony7av]

Thanks mate, I’ve been looking for a video like this the whole week🎉

[@YoungAndEligible]

Thanks for making this and providing a thorough explanation

[@rtroiani]

Excellent overview! Very helpful.

[@bruderhans3813]

Hey! Great Video 👍 Thank you sooo much ❤ I made exactly those mistakes. Now i get great tones out of my NUX MG 300 in combination with my H&K ATS 120 🎉😁🎉 !!! You made my day.

[@pablogonnet6024]

what a beautiful guitar. Great video! thanks!!

[@hanovergreen4091]

Wow. Excellent Resource!!! You Sir, Rock!! Best Wishes and Best Regards!!!

[@zompaul5929]

Already know the info but it was accumulated knowledge. Good write up and should help alot of ppl out. As this topic is absurd to explain to the unknowing should reduce heartache.

[@scottf136]

Great explanation. I learned a lot from this video. Thanks a bunch!

[@christianga2425]

Omg the right video for my questions about using the multi effects on live scenario

[@MrWilander88]

Excellent content mate.

[@ThatWhatIsNot]

Really informative and great presentation as well. Good stuff.

[@yatedigxstudio241]

Amazing! Thank you so much. Regards from Spain

[@paulbradshaw431]

Really excellent video which sadly I found after a lot of trial and error to figure out the best solution myself. I am using POD GO exclusively to play in a praise band with a pretty sophisticated FOH and monitor setup and then a club band that uses tracks into a ui24 digital mixer. There are no amps onstage in either situation and I have found that the single cable out to the FOH works perfectly in each situation. Thanks for offering such clarity of why it works so well.

[@daniellaudman8580]

Hi Paul, what type of cable are you using to go to foh? Thanks

[@paulbradshaw431]

@@daniellaudman8580 I’m using a TRS male quarter inch from left mono out to male XLR which goes straight into the stage box.

[@freshavocado2204]

Thanks for this! The 4 cable method works best for my setup 🤘🏻

[@illestoth7576]

I have wathched this video multiple times troughtout the years and I always learn new things out of it XD

[@stitch893326]

Awesome demonstration!!

[@TheBluesine]

I use both a amp and cab sim on going into my amp and it sounds great!

[@guitagious9464]

Mine does too! I've compared switching the Cab Sim off with leaving it on and it DEFINITELY sounds better with it ON, going into the Return of my amp and then into the 4 x 12 cab!!! However, as of late, I'm leaning towards getting a couple of FRFR powered speakers and see if it may work better for my situation.

[@abishbashbosh]

Amazing video. This is gold dude. Thank you

[@frontcentermusician]

Thank you sir! I have been looking for a video just like this.

[@jaycestar]

Wow this was such a great video! Thanks for the advice!

[@stevep5179]

Thank you! This video helps immensely.

[@dfnymusic3396]

What a great explanation. Im Gona watch this once until I understand everything 100% Wish he was using the Axe fx cause I struggle with this issue

[@user-sn3cs2hd8r]

Hey thanks for this post - I have been searching for this very subject.

[@StratsRUs]

I like my Helix. After a long while playing it and making presets, I plugged back into my real amps and my musicality and creativity automatically re-started ! So I packed away my Helix. For now

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@zachalou3073]

Personally I love my helix through the powerstage 170 and my Mesa 4x12. Played first live show with this rig recently and I could not be happier

[@tannerboil6765]

Full AMPS or PREAMPS?

[@zachalou3073]

@@tannerboil6765 full amps, sounds much better. I experimented with using preamps and it just sounds weak

[@vicloher6986]

So very helpful! Thanks.

[@Paulskirocks]

Really good info. Thanks

[@user635csi]

Thanks for the video I always wonder about the placement of the cab within the modeler signalchain. If you want to create a specific "real-amp" sound everyone tells you to pick all effects + amps + cabs which you want to emulate and dial them in, just like you would do it with real hardware. Then tweak to your desired sound. BUT: In 99% of the Presets you have the Cab-Sim right behind the Amp-Sim and then the Modulation-FX for example....The real setting would look like the cab + cab-mic is the last hardware.

[@nickboxer7147]

This is very helpful. Thank you so much.

[@treyxaviermusic]

Happy to help! Which part was the most useful to you?

[@scepticism]

super clear and detailed. thx!

[@bobmartino8073]

Great video. Ton of great information.

[@keithnorris2109]

Really helpful, man. Thanks!

[@wojciechzaboronek2807]

Nice !! Very helpful !

[@TheZakkmylde]

Really good video. Thanks so much.

[@A.Moortal]

This is exactly the video I needed today.

[@kencornetet8181]

Here's way to get a dual path signal so you can send a fully cooked signal to FOH *and* a post effects (but before amp and speaker) out to a real amp/speaker: Use a TRS "Y" cable (2 males to one female) to jump the pod go's effects loop out to effects loop in. Connect a cable from the female part of the Y to your real guitar amp. In your signal config, put the effects send/receive just before the amp. Turn the effects send ON and remove the stomp button so that it stays on. That way, you signal splits off before the amp sim to go to the real amp, but your signal also goes through the amp and speaker simulation and out the main.

[@ZeroPoint727]

Great vid 🤘🏻

[@carltonjones2915]

This was about the best video I've seen describing POD go features, thanks and I'll be a subscriber keep up the excellent work. Although one question got an old pod 2..0 and looking to upgrade, what do you think of the new x30 or 300 thanks.