Anyone going DI to a powered speaker for gigs?

[Cunamara]

With the fundamentals of the guitar being what they are (low E = 82.42 Hz, high E = 329.6 Hz, high E at 12th fret = 659.3 Hz and the A at the 17th fret = 880 Hz) the signal coming out at 2.5 kHz are going to be overtones- sparkle, air, whatever you want to call it. The guitar can and does produce those overtones, although I have no idea what their amplitude compare to the fundamentals might be, and to my ear the reproduction of those is less harsh with a tweeter than with a conventional guitar speaker. That makes sense in terms of physics, thinking in terms of the mass, rigidity, etc. of the smaller versus larger transducer.

[Cunamara]

I played my first gig with my Zoom MS100bt and Alto TS110a setup. I used my Cushman carvetop with a modified Classic 57 floater. On the Zoom I used a basic hall reverb effect set for just a hint of reverb (I don't like a lot of reverb, I just want a little spaciousness to the notes) chained into an Acoustic 360 bass amp model (free download from the Zoom store). I have four amp models set up in the pedal- the Acoustic, a Twin, a Deluxe and a Marshall 1959 but I mostly use the Acoustic as it's a bit flatter than the Fender models in particular and sounds jazzier. There's a hint of the Pat Metheny vibe with his Acoustic 134; those early PMG albums have some of my benchmark jazz guitar sounds.

Since the TS110a has a corner cut to set it on the floor pointing up like a monitor, I took advantage of that to better be able to hear myself and be able to play at a slightly lower volume because I could judge the mix better. I think I played better because of that. It was also nice to have a small physical footprint on what was a tiny stage for a quintet. The downside was a tendency to feed back on the low C notes (which was unusual, that guitar tends to have feedback trouble on E or F).

Soundwise no one noticed that I was not using a traditional guitar amp and I had several audience members stop to compliment me on my tone- more than usually happens. One of them was local veteran musician Paul Metsa who happened to be out to dinner at the restaurant with friends, so that was very encouraging.

The upshot is that while this is an untraditional setup, I don't think my tone has ever been better. The simplicity and portability is nice and, if necessary, the easy ability to run direct into a board is also helpful. I am pretty sure I will sell off most of my traditional equipment, my old effects pedals that I haven't used anyway, etc.

[ronjazz]

You should be able to cut that C feedback with the Zoom, or with a dedicated EQ pedal.

[Cunamara]

Yeah, I could add another EQ into the signal chain inside the Zoom; there are parametric and graphic EQ options and there may well be others I haven't discovered yet (it comes with 8 amp models and 92 effects models out of the box). For last night I just avoided holding that note, especially on the low E.

[DanielleOM]

I have an older Zoom G2.1u pedal, and I found myself wondering if it's worthwhile upgrading. I am not sure if these digital pedals have been improved in recent years. I started to research some of the newer Zoom pedals, and quickly got the impression they were narrowing their target market to owners of IOS devices. Is that the perception others have? Perhaps their are better choices for PC - Windows users.

Danielle

[ronjazz]

Digitech makes a couple of good pedals for "jazz" oriented guitarists; I find that the cheapest models are the most useful, since you might only need one basic sound that you like, maybe two or three. If you are unhappy with the Zoom, try tweaking the settings; if you're happy with it, don't bother with other stuff. I've used a Zoom RP50 for my jazz electric sounds for many years; it was $50 new. For my acoustics (nylon), I like the Zoom A2 and A3.

[Woody Sound]

When you folks talk about better dispersion with powered speakers such as the Alto, are you citing the speaker itself, or the up front placement?

I recently recorded my big band rehearsal with a Zoom H4N, at roughly 30' center, and I was surprised to hear that I was (IMO) much too loud (and muddy). I never realized that from my own seat. Must be the directionality of the amp.

[ronjazz]

I recently recorded my big band rehearsal with a Zoom H4N, at roughly 30' center, and I was surprised to hear that I was (IMO) much too loud (and muddy). I never realized that from my own seat. Must be the directionality of the amp.

Yes, that's why I went to the Bose L1 systems years ago; they disperse the sound about 170 degrees, plus you set it up behind you, so you hear what the audience hears. Even in big situations I use a Bose Compact and take a line out to the house; that way, the band hears me without monitors, leaving the soundman with a cleaner, clearer mix for the vocalist or horn soloists. The modeling pedals available will allow one to create virtually any amplifier with any effects needed, enabling the player to switch from Wes Montgomery to Slash with a footswitch. The Bose is also a very high fidelity unit, so, if, like me, one also uses a Roland guitar synth, the synth instruments sound really good.

[BigToe]

Here's something I'm diving into (but have yet to complete). The Flint, Epsi and Juggler are on order and I hope it works out as it wasn't cheap putting it together! Note: the Kingsley that is arriving is actually the Juggler but I couldn't find a straight on shot of one. This setup should allow me to go straight into a PA or personal powered monitor (I bought an L1 a couple of years ago for my wife who is a singer/songwriter but I didn't think to use it for guitars with passive pickups - until now ) It should also hopefully sound good straight into my little recording studio. Light weight, scalable and hopefully sounding good.

I did the layout in MS Publisher. I found images on the net and sized them to scale so I was able to play around with different options as to where they would go. Should all fit on a 11" x 12" board. I think I'll do away with the tuner and just have a clip on. I might also rig up a kill switch right on the board.

[jorgemg1984]

Here's something I'm diving into (but have yet to complete). The Flint, Epsi and Juggler are on order and I hope it works out as it wasn't cheap putting it together! Note: the Kingsley that is arriving is actually the Juggler but I couldn't find a straight on shot of one. This setup should allow me to go straight into a PA or personal powered monitor (I bought an L1 a couple of years ago for my wife who is a singer/songwriter but I didn't think to use it for guitars with passive pickups - until now ) It should also hopefully sound good straight into my little recording studio. Light weight, scalable and hopefully sounding good.

I did the layout in MS Publisher. I found images on the net and sized them to scale so I was able to play around with different options as to where they would go. Should all fit on a 11" x 12" board. I think I'll do away with the tuner and just have a clip on. I might also rig up a kill switch right on the board.

That's close to my setup - incidentally I just did my first two gigs with the EPSI, one with the club's PA the other with my Mambo PA cab which is like a small combo. Worked wonderfully, a strong present but not harsh sound. I am thrilled!

If you want to pursue this route POM me about IRs.

[BigToe]

Good to hear you are happy with your setup. My next gig is June 18 but I don't know if I'll have all the pieces set up by then to take to the gig. Fingers crossed!

[DanielleOM]

I have a Studio Projects VTB1 preamp here, that I tried in front of the Zoom pedal. It's one of those starved plate - solid state blend preamps. I found l liked what it did. Almost wonder if that Zoom G2.1u pedal really likes a stronger signal. I hosted an open mic for a few years where some performers would show up with guitars with old vintage piezo undersaddle pickups. The VTB1 was the only tool I had that would take care of the shrillness (Nails on a chalkboard) that would drive me crazy without killing the dynamics of the guitar. I could not take care of it with mixer EQ. Although the VTB1 is effective I think I would prefer to stay compact.

I am surprised no in this thread has yet to mention the Ethos Clean. (Not a tube device, but I have found the on line demos to be interesting)

I did not find anything in my G2.1u that would give me the effect that I was hearing from the VTB1. Although the VTB1 is effective I think I would prefer to stay compact.

Danielle