Redesigning My Music Rig(s)
Well, it’s that time of the year… I’m taking a long look at my music rig(s) and pondering some significant changes. In the context of my bands I have the need for two basic configurations.
THE BIG RIG
This is the setup for multi-instruments (guitar, bass, Warr guitar) and for use on larger stages (Triple Door, Crocodile, Neumos, Showbox).
Requirements
- All components must fit on my cart for a single load into the club. Everything needs to be be small enough to fit inside my vehicle.
- Very reliable operation. All connections rated for repeated connect / disconnect cycles. All components road-rated.
- Full range, stereo sound on stage driven by solid-state amplification (preferably Class D).
- Easy and quick to set up. Components need to all fit is a compact rack. All interconnect cables need to be locking (Speakon, PowerCON, XLR for control cables).
- Very flexible signal routing and processing. I need to have separate banks of presets for The Dudley Manlove Quartet, BowieVision and other projects. I need to be able to stack multiple amp models with parallel routing.
- Plenty of control onstage. I need a well-organized foot pedal with expression controllers and programmability.
What I have in mind is a rig based around the Fractal Audio Axe FX, with the dedicated Fractal Audio foot controller. This will feed into a solid state power amp, into a pair of compact full-range speaker cabinets.
THE SMALL RIG
This will be the setup for guitar and baritone guitar, for performances where portability and size are considerations.
Requirements
- The effect pedalboard must be small enough to be carried onto a plane. Ideally it should fit into an Anvil briefcase.
- The amp must be at least 60 watts, capable of producing a loud clean tone, and should be solid state. The power amp section might be Class D for light weight. I don’t want to be dependent on the guitar amp for tone shaping, so I can use commonly backline / rented equipment on tour or at festivals. This would allow me to take only my small pedalboard and instrument for fly dates.
- The entire rig needs to be carryable for short distances in a single load without the use of a hand truck.
I’m thinking of using a Quilter Aviator amp, likely the 2×10 speaker configuration.
What this means is that I would likely overhaul my entire setup, and therefore sell pretty much everything I’m currently using. If this occurs I’ll be posting a long list of pedals, amps, instruments, cases, rack equipment, and so on. Stand by…