Direct

[whitespike]

I know this has probably been covered ....

I am starting a new project, a two piece band with a guitar, a bass, and a Roland MC-808 Groovebox. Because the group is already small, and very portable, I am thinking about taking the portability to the next level.

I don't know if this will be to my liking ... but I am thinking of going direct and using a POD or something similar for the guitar.

That way we can tour in a small car or by train or plane. I thought this would really help with the rising prices of gas and the general expense of touring.

We are taking this opportunity to do something fresh. For the most part, my music is vintage sounding ... think Kinks, ELO, Bowie ....

The idea is to take those ideas, rooted in hyper melodic band's band type of songwriting with the 808. Think Kinks, Beach Boys meets Beck, Air, touches of new wave ....

Being that I am a vintage-o-phile, should I able to achieve a Sir Paul tone with my Ric with flats through a direct line? Are there tube solutions available? Can I still control my tone?

Or would using my Eden head with no cabs and it's direct line be the way to go? I have used it for years and I am already sold on it's tonal capabilities.

I am just wondering about anything I should know before making the jump.

Have any of you played with guitarists who use a direct line ... or POD of some sort? The guitar seems like it would be the most unsatisfactory of the two (guitar and bass) going direct.

Currently he uses a vintage 62' Jazzmaster through a Matchless Clubman 35.

Insight is appreciated.

 

[mambo4]

I used a SansAmp Programmable Bass DI for a while, and I loved it. Purists will tell you the sound is lacking, but I found it versatile and decent sounding- certainly good enough for the average audience of non bass gear aficionados.

The manual claims to be able to emulate many vintage sounds, and has sample settings for Ampeg b15, SVT, ect...
It's a sturdy metal stomp box, not a plastic blob.
It has both 1/4" and XLR outs so you can plug it into an amp simultaneously if you want
it has 3 programmable foot buttons, plus "all off" if you want...but that's usually much quieter than the
easy as pie to program
runs on a 9V or adapter

There is also a deluxe version with 4 foot buttons...

My only complaint about it is the lack of a Parametric Mid control. But other than that, It's pretty nifty.

 

[whitespike]

Cool. The semi-parametric controls are what I love so much about my Eden. Any chance I could use just the head for my direct sound? It has a direct out and is made to be able to run with no speakers safely.