I would like to get some suggestions on a LIVE rig that doesn't use a traditional Head and Cab setup, that features IEM system and DI signal chain. Everyone in the band will be using IEM's so the sound out front should be pretty awesome.
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Ampless live setup
- Thread starter bassfart
- Start date
I use a Digitech BP355 for live work. I don't use an amp, just straight to the board. Works very well for me and my back
The sound in your ears and the FOH sound are different outputs.... how will you know what it sounds like out there?
With IEMs it is all about what the board is sending you to your ears and the quality of the mix depends on the ability of the engineer at the board.
My set up is like this:
Bass > MXR Compressor > Sadowsky DI > presonus studiolive mixer. I use the presonus app to control what is being sent to my ears and it works very well.
A large part of your tone will come from the DI you use. You can get a pure DI which doesn't colour the sound of your bass (something like a Radial DI) or alternatively you can choose something that will impart some colour to your tone. There are offerings from MXR, Sadowsky, Tech 21, Aguilar and many others
My set up is like this:
Bass > MXR Compressor > Sadowsky DI > presonus studiolive mixer. I use the presonus app to control what is being sent to my ears and it works very well.
A large part of your tone will come from the DI you use. You can get a pure DI which doesn't colour the sound of your bass (something like a Radial DI) or alternatively you can choose something that will impart some colour to your tone. There are offerings from MXR, Sadowsky, Tech 21, Aguilar and many others
I've been running IEM's since about Easter. So far I've stuck with running a bass specific preamp either direct out or to a DI.
First i was using an Eden Navigator and currently I'm running a small form factor DIY Alembic F1-X clone into a Radial JDI and its working out quite well. I like the preamp if only to adjust the tone controls a bit. To control my IEM mix I've been using The Soundcraft Si Compact app on my iPad.
I'm trying to keep it simple which goes against every part of my personality but I've been very satisfied with both preamps. Curious to try an Aguilar Tone Hammer as well as just going direct with the JDI when using an active bass.
First i was using an Eden Navigator and currently I'm running a small form factor DIY Alembic F1-X clone into a Radial JDI and its working out quite well. I like the preamp if only to adjust the tone controls a bit. To control my IEM mix I've been using The Soundcraft Si Compact app on my iPad.
I'm trying to keep it simple which goes against every part of my personality but I've been very satisfied with both preamps. Curious to try an Aguilar Tone Hammer as well as just going direct with the JDI when using an active bass.
I've done this on and off for years. Guitar Rig might be a good choice if you already have a decent computer. Before that, I used a good old mixer with a sprinkle of multi effects here and there.
The Eden WTDI might also be up your alley.
The Eden WTDI might also be up your alley.
What's worked out well for me is a custom pedalboard and splitting my bass signal through my Audio-Technica IEM transmitter. It has a through jack and I send my bass feed in to one channel, through to the mixer and then have an aux send to the other channel for the overall band mix. I have the AT unit at my feet next to the pedalboard so I can control my levels. I get better separation of my bass sound that way it works the same way as a Rolls box would.
I've been very happy with my Line6 Pod XT Live (running the bass pack). Built in tuner, compressor, noise gate, headphone out, stereo effects and output, oh, and really good amp modeling. I can also USB it to my computer and use it as a stereo ASIO interface, and tweak the tones and settings using Line6 Edit or Gearbox.
Has everything I would ever need, (and they are about $150 used).
Has everything I would ever need, (and they are about $150 used).
Sansamp BDDI Deluxe straight to the board. Simple, easy to carry, not one complaint about tone. And you get the added benefit of two channels. My 3 settings are SVT emulator, Funk, and Overdrive. Gives me what I need.
If youre on a tight budget and dont run around on stage (otherwise wireless) - a SansAmp BDDI, Rolls PM55, and Shure SE215 earbuds work good for wired IEM.
I’ve got a BDDI and a VT running out of a Radial JDI. I was getting some noise in some venues with the BDDI xlr out but the JDI solved that problem.
My point is .. in order to understand what your "sound out front" is you will have to trust your sound reproducer or go out there without your IEMs and hear for yourself ... are you cordless or have a long cable? Some boards use poor "standard presets" for bass - notably the new Presonus boards - so if you're sending a modified tone to the board, they may be compressing it again.... I certainly would not rely on the production from ear buds for your decision on FOH tone shaping.
With any DI or or preamp rig you have to program it so you get a consistent level when you add effects or a boost so it's not too much of a shift at FOH. You have to Eq it for FOH not your monitor mix. It may not be perfect for your on ears but you will be able to hear it well and know it sounds good for the audience.
Here's my live rig.
Mic to TC Helicon Intelligent Harmonizer
Guitar input to Harmonizer through to
Zoom B9.1ut – Amp/Cab modeling, FX, Synths, whatever …
XLR out to snake to mixer.
Monitor return into IEMs.
My rehearsal and acoustic rig.
Bass into harmonizer and mic into harmonizer.
Guitar line out of harmonizer to Focusrite iTrack Solo
Processing on iPhone in JamUp XT Pro (amps, cabs, etc).
1/4" line out to rehearsal PA.
Return to IEMs.
Mic to TC Helicon Intelligent Harmonizer
Guitar input to Harmonizer through to
Zoom B9.1ut – Amp/Cab modeling, FX, Synths, whatever …
XLR out to snake to mixer.
Monitor return into IEMs.
My rehearsal and acoustic rig.
Bass into harmonizer and mic into harmonizer.
Guitar line out of harmonizer to Focusrite iTrack Solo
Processing on iPhone in JamUp XT Pro (amps, cabs, etc).
1/4" line out to rehearsal PA.
Return to IEMs.
Here's how I run... and it's similar to this for the entire band at the church where I play.
Bass -> [Pedalboard (tuner, compressor, chorus, etc.) -> Tech21 VTBass on pedalboard] -> Summit DI -> stage snake -> Mixer (behringer x32) -> aux send -> Shure PSM200 -> earbuds
the objects inside the [ ] are unique to my rig... most of our other bassists just put a tuner there and run direct into the Summit. I just love my VTBass as a preamp.
Guitars do a similar setup.
Guitar -> Pedals -> amp -> mic -> Snake -> board -> Aux channel -> PSM200
We control the ear sends using an iOS app from the stage, or those of us who use Android just yell to the sound guy during sound check or borrow an iPhone from another band member.
Bass -> [Pedalboard (tuner, compressor, chorus, etc.) -> Tech21 VTBass on pedalboard] -> Summit DI -> stage snake -> Mixer (behringer x32) -> aux send -> Shure PSM200 -> earbuds
the objects inside the [ ] are unique to my rig... most of our other bassists just put a tuner there and run direct into the Summit. I just love my VTBass as a preamp.
Guitars do a similar setup.
Guitar -> Pedals -> amp -> mic -> Snake -> board -> Aux channel -> PSM200
We control the ear sends using an iOS app from the stage, or those of us who use Android just yell to the sound guy during sound check or borrow an iPhone from another band member.
