Fed Up... Need some feedback on gigging rig

[satchownz]

Ok, I've had this gear for a while now and I can't seem to make it sound any better than shit. It's great at my house, but once I get it to practice or on stage and push it to any real volume it falls apart.

I use this right now:

Guitar -> Boss Gt8 -> Crate 212 (using standard input) -> peavey 4x12

I also own a Crown Professional series power amp. Should I just run the GT8 into that, then into the 4x12? Seems like the GT8 will do all the processing I need, but the Crate in the mix is killing my tone.

I'm at my wits ends here - my tone sucks. I know what your response is going to be... "buy a tube amp, asshole", but I have this gear and need to use it for a while.

Maybe I can change the way I hook up the boss, and switch to the 4 cable method (4cm)?

Thoughts?
-a

[Regor]

If you have a power amp, and you're using a 4x12, then WHY use the Crate at all??

That's totally unnecessary. Using the PA, you're basically emulating a rack setup, except your preamp is on the floor. Definately try that way!

[Leon]

First, welcome!

Second, +1 @ Roger. Try just running the GT8 into your power amp. If that doesn't help any, see if you can (at a gig) just plug your GT8 straight into the HousePA.

Also, a few members here have the GT8's, and probably wouldn't mind discussing presets

[satchownz]

You know, in reading my own rant - I can't believe I never used the Crown Amp setup before. I have a gig in Dover NH next week, I'll be sure and try it out.

Is there a Boss GT8 thread anywhere? I'll start one if not.

[Mike]

Buy a tube amp, asshole.

I'd think the Crown would be a better bet. Just make sure you're turning the speaker emulation off in the GT8, and I would think you'd have much better results.

[satchownz]

Originally Posted by Mike

Buy a tube amp, asshole.

Ha, fucker... I saw that coming! My goal is the get the JSX Half Stack, but I'll be saving my pennies for a while yet...

I'm going to have a go at the new set up tonight.

[ohio_eric]

Originally Posted by satchownz

You know, in reading my own rant - I can't believe I never used the Crown Amp setup before. I have a gig in Dover NH next week, I'll be sure and try it out.

Is there a Boss GT8 thread anywhere? I'll start one if not.

Here's a Boss GT-8 thread for you.

My Boss GT8 patch settings

[satchownz]

Dude, outstanding....

[ohio_eric]

Try the power amp route first. Make sure you tweak all the levels and kill the speaker emulation. Leran to love the EQ sections to.

[satchownz]

Yeah, I'll only need a gig-worthy rack mount for the power amp.

I must say though, the crate (for all it's downfalls) has done pretty well in medium sized venues.