Modeler speaker options?

[Ejtibbetts]

I’m going to be selling off some pedals and what not and going to a Quad Cortex set up. I’ll likely still hang on to my HX Stomp for even simpler portability.

What is the most practical amp/cab/powered or passive FRFR speaker solution for amp modelers? I have been using a Mesa TT-800 and SW115, but if I go to more of a modeler type set up, should I simplify?

What are you guys/gals using?

 

[Redbrangus]

...should I simplify?

IMO, no. You've got a good, accurate rig; you won't gain anything switching to a powered PA cab or the like. The cheap-ass, plastic, 2-way powered cabs sold as 'FRFR' are something of a scam as far a bass playing is concerned -- they don't have enough horsepower. Again, just IMO.

 

[Ejtibbetts]

IMO, no. You've got a good, accurate rig; you won't gain anything switching to a powered PA cab or the like. The cheap-ass, plastic, 2-way powered cabs sold as 'FRFR' are something of a scam as far a bass playing is concerned -- they don't have enough the horsepower. Again, just IMO.

I wasn’t necessarily thinking Headrush or whatever, but not opposed to it if folks have good results. I know there’s Accugroove, Barefaced, etc. I was mostly thinking from a mindset of what would be best to get the most out of a modeler platform. Playing an Ampeg amp sim through an actual Mesa amp seems counterintuitive.

 

[BaltBass5]

What would be the purpose of the amp/speaker setup? Stage monitoring? Are you using IEM's? If you are using IEM's there's no need for stage monitoring....so I assume that you are not?

 

[Ejtibbetts]

What would be the purpose of the amp/speaker setup? Stage monitoring? Are you using IEM's? If you are using IEM's there's no need for stage monitoring....so I assume that you are not?

No IEM for now - IEM may come at some point this year though. Our subs need to be replaced at church - which is where I mostly play, so most of the bass volume comes from my amp to save the subs some. I need some decent horsepower to project.

 

[BaltBass5]

No IEM for now - IEM may come at some point this year though. Our subs need to be replaced at church - which is where I mostly play, so most of the bass volume comes from my amp to save the subs some. I need some decent horsepower to project.

Makes sense. I assumed as much.
Honestly, you could use the QC into the Mesa TT's Return so that you are bypassing the Preamp and utilizing the power section.

"The effects return jack on either (or both) channels can be used as an input from an external preamp (pedal or rack mounted).This input feeds the respective CHANNEL MASTER VOLUME control and allows seamlessly integration with the channelswitching circuitry contained within the amp. You can substitute either or both on-board channels with your “favorite preamp” while retaining the POWER AMP OUTPUT, HEADPHONE OUTPUT and POST-EQ DIRECT OUTPUT functions."

Having said that, I use the TT800 as an amp and I don't think you are going to find a modelling solution that sounds better than the TT800.

 

[Ejtibbetts]

Makes sense. I assumed as much.
Honestly, you could use the QC into the Mesa TT's Return so that you are bypassing the Preamp and utilizing the power section.

"The effects return jack on either (or both) channels can be used as an input from an external preamp (pedal or rack mounted).This input feeds the respective CHANNEL MASTER VOLUME control and allows seamlessly integration with the channelswitching circuitry contained within the amp. You can substitute either or both on-board channels with your “favorite preamp” while retaining the POWER AMP OUTPUT, HEADPHONE OUTPUT and POST-EQ DIRECT OUTPUT functions."

Having said that, I use the TT800 as an amp and I don't think you are going to find a modelling solution that sounds better than the TT800.

I thought about the return option after I responded to the last post. That’s what you are doing?

 

[BaltBass5]

I have in the past. I am currently using the Line 6 Helix but only for effects and effects routing. My signal chain is:

Spector Basses > Shure GLDX16+ wireless > Cali '76 Comp > Helix. I have 2 Darkglass drive pedals in the effects loop of the Helix.
The Helix blocks are: Retro Reel (Light saturation) > FX Loop > Chorus > Phaser > Regal DI.
Output of the Helix into a Mesa TT800 into a Mesa Subway 212.
DI of the TT into my IEM Rig.
IEM Rig passes to FOH and also into my Sennheiser G4.
Sennheiser into Ultimate Ears UE Pro 11 Buds.

I have tried using amp models into the Return of the TT but as I mentioned, there aren't any models that sound better than the TT IMO. I would only use models if I wanted to goo ampless for the night for ease of setup and breakdown (which I can do because I'm on IEM's and all of the venues I play have great FOH gear but I like having some stage monitoring most of the time.

 

[RVRSCO]

I use a modeler for playing live and currently use a Yamaha DXR 15 mkII. Get’s plenty loud for shows with no PA support and allows me to use cab IR’s. Might be worth looking into.

I’ve also used the QSC K12 with great results and the EV EKX 15p with fantastic results as well.

 

[waveman]

FWIW, it's fine to run your modeller in front of an amp too. I do that with my setup. As long as the amp doesn't color the sound too much, it's handy to have volume and tone controls at your fingers.

 

[IngloriousOz]

I'm currently running either a Quad Cortex or my Fractal FM9 through a QSC pld 4.3 into a Barefaced Big Twin and/or an Accugroove El Whappo.

Incredibly happy with either setup sound wise, weight wise and volume wise with beyond more than enough watts left over for any gig or application.

 

[gtirard]

If I had to buy an active cab for a modeler from scratch I would buy a GR Bass active cab, but if I already had a Mesa TT800 + SW cab, I would keep it and plug the QC either in front input of the TT800, or in the FX Return (whatever sounds best).

 

[el murdoque]

I went down that route for a bit, but converted back to a regular amp setup. My reason? Amp EQ.

When all is good and well, I simply run the amp flat.

Some places require some EQ to marry the cab to the room, and I don't want to pass those changes to FOH, because they require something different.

 

[Sarge79]

I’m going to be selling off some pedals and what not and going to a Quad Cortex set up. I’ll likely still hang on to my HX Stomp for even simpler portability.

What is the most practical amp/cab/powered or passive FRFR speaker solution for amp modelers? I have been using a Mesa TT-800 and SW115, but if I go to more of a modeler type set up, should I simplify?

What are you guys/gals using?

I have a Head Rush 2500 Watt FRFR that I use a Head Rush Core with, and it does not compete with my Rumble Stage 800 or even the Rumble 200. I can use it best as a monitor speaker on stage, and it works better with regular guitar and maybe vocals as far as amplification goes. I think it's a repurposed/rebranded Alesis electronic drum kit speaker. Same company that owns both Head Rush and Alesis.

 

[Mr Joshua]

I went down that route for a bit, but converted back to a regular amp setup. My reason? Amp EQ.

When all is good and well, I simply run the amp flat.

Some places require some EQ to marry the cab to the room, and I don't want to pass those changes to FOH, because they require something different.

This.

Mesa is a great amp. Getting rid of it and replacing with a power section that has less control is moving backwards. If you don't want or need the EQ, don't use it.

 

[davedamage]

Echoing some of the previous statements. I currently have most of your setup. I run a QC with pedals in front of it (Omnicomp, Rusty Box, MBD3, Blackbeard fuzz. Octron, RFE) and the QC's outputs are split with my gates and modulation effects before amp/cab sims to the front of a Mesa TT, which in turn powers either a Subway 15 and 210 or two Orange OBC115s and second output with amp/cab sims going to the board.

You have everything you need. Adding an FRFR speaker isn't going to simplify anything -- other than leaving an 8lb head at home -- and I would be VERY surprised to find one that sounds anywhere near as good as the TT + 115. Also, having the TT will give you quick access to very useful eq options.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

I just picked up a QSC K12.2 from guitar center for $900 brand new. They had the price marked wrong, so why not?

I run a HX Stomp, with IEM and always have FOH support. Nice to have options, as I am actually heading out the door to a rehearsal with an old friend and the QSC is going with as a monitor.

 

[Mojo34]

I've got a Tech 21 Deuce Deluxe that I love, works great for guitar and bass. I'm dreaming of a GR Bass active cabinet for when I grow up.

 

[RGerhart]

I run my Quad Cortex through a powered Accugroove Tri-112+, and absolutely love it. Highly recommended!

 

[Rockgeezer]

Been using the GR Bass 2x12 slim Active for several months and couldn’t be happier. Previously using the HX Stomp XL and now using the Nano Cortex after the latest 2.0 update for everything. Scaled my pedalboard down with this significant update and the tones from the GR Bass cabinet are perfect for me. A slim lightweight carbon fiber powered cabinet at only 28 pounds, 800 watt class D amp and ability to put out loud, punchy and transparent tone. Expensive but it’s everything I had hoped for and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.