switching from head/cab/pedal setup to full rack setup?

[drache713]

I currently have a 6505+ boosted by a TS7ovChaos with a Digitech GNX3000 for effects and running into a Peavey 412MS 4x12 cab. Down the road here I was going to grab a G-major 2 and start building a full midi-switchable rig according to this:

[Tech] Building a MIDI controlled live rig

That way I could switch amp channels, switch in and out the TS7ovChaos from the signal chain, and control all effects changes. There are only a couple problems with this:

1. Money, it's gonna take a lot of money to convert to a full MIDI rig, and is it worth the price?
2. Complexity, my rig already takes a while to setup/tear-down at gigs, I don't want to be making it more complex. The whole point to this would to be to add simplicity and versatility.

So now I'm wondering if I would be better off just selling my head and switching to a preamp/poweramp rack setup. I'm just scared to so I have NO idea what is good out there (at a cheap price point with great tone, ala 6505+) and I don't know if it would actually save me money or be any simpler.

I LOVE how my rig actually SOUNDS, so I'd want something close in tone to that. I like tubes! Something that is 2 (preferred 3), or more, channels. Brutal distortion, good cleans, nice mid-level crunch or awesome leads a plus. I just need some direction here as to what units out there sound good and what the cost of everything would look like. Hell, switching to a full MIDI rig would prevent me from having to buy a THD Hotplate to record with my amp using impulses too!

Basically...what are some good rack preamps/poweramps, and how much do they run? I need to figure out if this would be cheaper, simpler, more flexible, and sound as good.

[James]

As long as you set it up sensibly, there's no reason why a head/rack combo need take a lot of time to set up. Loom the wires that come out of your rack to the head together, and it's a case of pulling one cable out and plugging in a few plugs. That way you do stay with the sound you already like.

Having said that though, rack setups open up a HUGE list of posibilities. You can mix a Mesa pre with a Marshall poweramp, or vice versa. You can have a solid state preamp with a tube poweramp, or again vise versa. Then there's the huge options of fx, and do you go stereo or stay mono?

Preamp wise, Rocktron Chameleon, Line 6 Pod's, Engl E530/E570/E580, Mesa Triaxis/Studio Pre, Marshall JMP1, Axe FX are a few options.

Poweramp wise, Engl, Mesa, Marshall, VHT, Carvin, Rivera etc.

Basically, just start hunting amp company websites and checking sound samples/youtubes etc. A rack rig could be more versatile for you, but the head gives you the tone you like already. However, you might find a better tone in a rack, but that's up to you to decide.

[El Caco]

You love how your rig sounds, don't change it. It seems that the only thing you want that is different is switching and simplicity. Simple swap your GNX3000 for one of these DigiTech® RP1000 EDIT: I just noticed that it does not have an amp switcher but it does have a looper control, I don't know if this will be able to be programmed to do the same thing you would need to ask on the Digitechs forums to be sure but if it can the RP1000 looks ideal for you.

[Josh]

I'm gonna post exactly what I posted in MFB's "Should I go digital" thread:

One tip: Do your research, read EVERY applicable thread, get second opinions, try it out in person, and then make a buying decision. It will save you a LOT of money and headaches in the long run.

Research is important and vital before shelling out potentially thousands on a new different rig that may not even do what you want it to do, or worse might not do it as well as your current one!

That last paragraph is especially important. If you love the sound of your current rig, look at ways to streamline it or simplify setup and switching, rather than potentially spending a lot of money on a totally new rig that you may not even like as much.

With the variety of controllers, switchable loops, and effects setups out there, it is VERY possible for you to keep your current rig and make it easier to use, control, and set up.

[drache713]

So I think I may have figured out the perfect solution, for maximum versatility, best tone, simplicity, and cheapest solution (Rick, I swear I didn't copy you on this one! )

Get a full rack setup, get a Line6 POD X3 Pro rackmount which will take care of the preamps/effects, and run it through something like a Rocktron Velocity 250 or 300 power amp. Then get a FBV Longboard and get full MIDI-esque control of the rig. Then I can also get a X2 digital wireless unit in the rack, a Furman Power conditioner, and a Korg rackmount tuner running out of one of the "unprocessed" jacks on the POD X3 Pro for tuning purposes.

The two REALLY fuckin' cool parts about doing this? I can use the pre-amp with my impulses for recording still, and not worry about having to place a load on the amp to not blow tubes/transformers for silent recording (like I had to with my 6505+), and the POD X3 Pro has an effects loop that you can run either POST or PRE amp/cab model...which means I can throw my TS7ovChaos in the effects loop and place it before the amp/cab models and have it be fully switchable in/out of the signal chain!

This way I can also get my 6505+ sound from the Line6, or for maximum brutality mix it with a Mesa amp model since the two amps compliment each other so well, that is going to sound so CRUSHING! And now I can have actual nice Fender cleans!

[Rick]

I likes it.

[Josh]

Just one quick question: have you played an X3 Pro a) through that poweramp at b) gigging volumes c) with your band?

I love PODs for practice, but only a certain few mid-gain settings really have a 'tube' dynamic feel. They can also lack 'cut' in some situations, as I discovered to my detriment a few years back.

[drache713]

The other guitarist in my band uses a Flextone combo through a Vox 4x12, volume wise he is plenty loud. He sounds good but doesn't cut through the mix as well as I do, but I suspect a big part of that is also the fact I use a ton more mids than him.

[Josh]

I would just try to do an A/B or something before you completely get rid of your current rig. The POD is great for sounding consistent at any volume, but it's got a very different 'feel' and may not do the 6505 tones as well as you'd like.

[James]

The only comment I'd make on your proposed rig is to try a tube poweramp for comparison as well. I used solid state for years and always found my tones lacking some life. Switching to tubes made a world of difference, and also meant I could cut it in the mix against my bandmate's tube head. You might still prefer the solid state amp, but at least try it.