How Do I Use a Real Cab With My Amp Modeler?
Guitar players often ask what they need besides their amp modeler for live stage performance. Let’s take a look at the gear that will fulfill your performance needs beyond what your amp modeler provides, from optimizing your amp modeler’s output to incorporating cab emulation or real speakers.
It’s a common question for tone-conscious guitarists: what’s the best way to combine the tonal versatility of your amp modeler with the inspiring punch of a real speaker cabinet? Whether you want a “real amp” experience on stage, or you want to record your modeled tones with a classic mic and preamp combination, here’s what you’ll need to optimize your rig.
How Do I Drive a Speaker Cab with My Modeler?
The best way to use a speaker cabinet with your amp modeler is with a pedal-sized power amplifier, like the Seymour Duncan PowerStage 170, the Ashdown NEWT, and other similar solutions. These power amps are compact enough to fit on a pedalboard, and are capable of driving most speaker cabinet configurations you’ll encounter in recording studios and backline rentals.
With one of these compact power amps you’ll be ready to send your modeled tones through practically any speaker cab you choose. Just connect your amp modeler and remember to turn off speaker cab emulation. With your amp modeler and a pedal power amp you’ll be ready for anything: go direct, play through a real cab, or do both.
Why You Need a Pedal Power Amp
- Amplifies the output of your amp modeler or pedals to drive a speaker cab
- Allows you to push real air with your modeled preamp tones
- Monitor through a speaker cab while going direct to PA or recording interface
Use a High-Quality Speaker Cable
When using a pedal power amplifier as we discussed in the previous section, it’s really important to use a speaker cable to connect to your speaker cabinet: you’ll damage your equipment if you use an instrument cable. Use a high-quality speaker cable like the Gator Cableworks Headliner Speaker Cable: keep it in your gig bag with your pedal power amp and you’ll always be ready to connect to backline with a reliable, noise-free connection.
Should I Use a Full-Range Full-Response Combo Amp?
The best way to combine the tonal versatility of your modeler with the convenience of a combo amplifier is with an FRFR combo amp like the Blackstar Artist FR Special or Blackstar Artist FR Standard. Unlike traditional guitar combo amps, FRFR combos are designed to transparently reproduce the sound of your modeled tones.
Many guitarists prefer the convenience of a combo amp over a modular rig with separate power amplifier and speaker cabinet. And with an FRFR combo amp, you can use your amp modeler’s cabinet emulation to imbue your speaker with whatever character your tones require. Compared to using a power amp pedal and a guitar speaker cab, an FRFR combo amp will give you the “real amp” experience while also allowing you to explore different speaker cab emulations.
Why to Use an FRFR Combo Amp
- Simple all-in-one amplification for your modeler
- Transparently reproduces modeled amps and speaker cabs
- Consistent sound wherever you perform
How Can I Make it Easy to Set Up a Mic?
If you want to capture the sound if your modeled amp tones with a real speaker pushing air into a microphone, the best solution is with an cabinet mic mount like the Audix CabGrabber. The CabGrabber clamps onto your speaker cabinet or combo amplifier and provides a sturdy mount for practically any microphone. It will free up floor space (valuable on stage) and gives you control over mic positioning.
Why to Use a Cabinet Mic Mount
- Saves floor space on stage or in the studio
- Allows you to achieve consistent mic positioning
- Sound engineers and stagehands will love you
Modeled Amps Pushing Real Air Sound Better
We’ve covered the best ways to amplify your amp modeler with real speakers. If you’re a touring guitarist that plugs into different backline every night, a pedal power amp will allow you to plug into practically any speaker cab: and will allow you to experiment with any guitar cab in the studio. As a local player or studio guitarist, you may prefer the transparent amplification of a full-range full-response combo amplifier. You may choose to enjoy monitoring your performance through real speakers while recording your modeled tone direct, or you may prefer the classic recording experience of experimenting with different mics and preamps. Keep the above tips in mind and you’ll be well-equipped for success.
Find the perfect amp modeler for you with our Amp Modelers Buying Guide!
- Introduction
- How Do I Drive a Speaker Cab with My Modeler?
- Why You Need a Pedal Power Amp
- Use a High-Quality Speaker Cable
- Should I Use a Full-Range Full-Response Combo Amp?
- Why to Use an FRFR Combo Amp
- How Can I Make it Easy to Set Up a Mic?
- Why to Use a Cabinet Mic Mount
- Modeled Amps Pushing Real Air Sound Better
