Up until this point I've been using a few pedals. Basically a tuner -> Ampeg Opto Comp -> Tech-21 YYZ -> MXR Deluxe Bass Chorus -> preamp (Ampeg SCR-DI, Mesa Subway, Tech-21 BDDI... depending on the gig). I did a critical evaluation of that setup, which I was happy with, and decided to try and shrink it down even smaller. My goal: be able to avoid an on-stage amp while still preserving the tone and feel I've become used to. After much research, I settled on the Tech-21 Bass Fly Rig v2. What sold me on the new version was the channel switching between the VT and BDDI circuitry and the addition of the effects loop. I giged an outdoor festival with the Fly Rig this past weekend and was completely satisfied with its performance! I now have the rig pictured, note the use of a battery powered power supply, can't say enough good things about the flexibility this brings!
What I like:
Sound guy was thrilled I just gave him a DI to FOH from the Fly rig. I have the YYZ in the Effects Loop. I generally go for a tube sound that breaks up a little when I lean into the strings. I use the compressor and chorus and found them to be very acceptable replacements for my original rig mentioned above. The Pedalboard with both pedals and the power supply is crazy light, seems there's nothing in the case when you pick it up! Love that, it will save my back and make my load-in and setup time negligible. The YYZ performs great in the effects loop. I prefer that box over the fuzz which is part of the Fly Rig. I love the simplicity. I'm not a knob fiddler I like to set my sound and forget it while playing.
What I have not warmed up to:
I realize that there are some players out there who will get use out of the filter and built in fuzz. I have no use for them to be honest and don't see me ever hitting the switch. I did play with them a bit but to me it is something that is not meat and potatoes. Those items could be added in the Effects loop and I would like to see it removed and have the preamp section run in parallel if desired rather than one or the other. this way you could use one channel clean and one dirty and mix them on the way out.
What did I accomplish:
I was able to remove four pedals and replace them with the Fly Rig. No cables running everywhere and one power chord to run the entire unit which means I should get hours out of a charged up power supply. Light, simple rig which allows me to just take it out of the case set it somewhere on stage and go.
What did I hear:
Compressor: Serviceable compressor which allows sustain and compression with one knob. I love compressors and what they give a Bass player. This is a very good and musical compressor.
Preamp: Well the best of both worlds... The VTDI and BDDI, you choose with the push of a button. The channel switching is a great idea but I do wish I could go between the BDDI and VTDI with a footswitch. For my selfish needs, that would be better since it could provide more tonal options. Unfortunately there is only one set of control knobs for the EQ section so really you can get a little more dirt of perhaps volume. No opportunity to change the tone or character between the two internal preamps is a little dissapointing. although I get it... this thing is really small and some sacrifice had to be made I'm sure. Overall, no real complaints though. Like I said, simplicity and "set and forget" works for me.
Chorus: Rich and musical says it all! Nice chorus which helps to thicken up the tone. No complaints... very simple to dial in.
Tuner: Love the tuner but I did find it was hard to see the display in the direct sunlight. It will be just fine indoors in normal light situations. Same can be said for the illuminated knobs. If I were the typ who did a lot of switching for each song, I can see where that might be problematic in the bright Sunlight. But again, will not be an issue indoors.
The Bottom Line:
If you have use for the features on the Fly Rig it can save you from having a complicated pedalboard and is much cheaper in the long run. It sounds great and as far as I'm concerned, Tech-21 has the basic tonal options most players are looking for. And if you need something else... well, thats what the effects loop is for! I'm thrilled with the switch!
What I like:
Sound guy was thrilled I just gave him a DI to FOH from the Fly rig. I have the YYZ in the Effects Loop. I generally go for a tube sound that breaks up a little when I lean into the strings. I use the compressor and chorus and found them to be very acceptable replacements for my original rig mentioned above. The Pedalboard with both pedals and the power supply is crazy light, seems there's nothing in the case when you pick it up! Love that, it will save my back and make my load-in and setup time negligible. The YYZ performs great in the effects loop. I prefer that box over the fuzz which is part of the Fly Rig. I love the simplicity. I'm not a knob fiddler I like to set my sound and forget it while playing.
What I have not warmed up to:
I realize that there are some players out there who will get use out of the filter and built in fuzz. I have no use for them to be honest and don't see me ever hitting the switch. I did play with them a bit but to me it is something that is not meat and potatoes. Those items could be added in the Effects loop and I would like to see it removed and have the preamp section run in parallel if desired rather than one or the other. this way you could use one channel clean and one dirty and mix them on the way out.
What did I accomplish:
I was able to remove four pedals and replace them with the Fly Rig. No cables running everywhere and one power chord to run the entire unit which means I should get hours out of a charged up power supply. Light, simple rig which allows me to just take it out of the case set it somewhere on stage and go.
What did I hear:
Compressor: Serviceable compressor which allows sustain and compression with one knob. I love compressors and what they give a Bass player. This is a very good and musical compressor.
Preamp: Well the best of both worlds... The VTDI and BDDI, you choose with the push of a button. The channel switching is a great idea but I do wish I could go between the BDDI and VTDI with a footswitch. For my selfish needs, that would be better since it could provide more tonal options. Unfortunately there is only one set of control knobs for the EQ section so really you can get a little more dirt of perhaps volume. No opportunity to change the tone or character between the two internal preamps is a little dissapointing. although I get it... this thing is really small and some sacrifice had to be made I'm sure. Overall, no real complaints though. Like I said, simplicity and "set and forget" works for me.
Chorus: Rich and musical says it all! Nice chorus which helps to thicken up the tone. No complaints... very simple to dial in.
Tuner: Love the tuner but I did find it was hard to see the display in the direct sunlight. It will be just fine indoors in normal light situations. Same can be said for the illuminated knobs. If I were the typ who did a lot of switching for each song, I can see where that might be problematic in the bright Sunlight. But again, will not be an issue indoors.
The Bottom Line:
If you have use for the features on the Fly Rig it can save you from having a complicated pedalboard and is much cheaper in the long run. It sounds great and as far as I'm concerned, Tech-21 has the basic tonal options most players are looking for. And if you need something else... well, thats what the effects loop is for! I'm thrilled with the switch!
