My Amp-less Rig

Matthew Wiewel · From: Ontario, Canada

Hello SGF,

This is my first post on here. I've only been playing steel for a few years but I love reading the forum.

Thought I'd share my latest little pedal board I put together for a gig I have coming up. I decided to go amp-less to keep the stage volume down and I actually prefer the direct sound. I tried a variety of amp sims in the HX Stomp as well as a UAFX Dream 65 and I still preferred the direct sound.

The signal chain: Steel>tuner w/buffer>hxstomp(multi band comp>send>VP>return>Placater Clean Pre>Parametric EQ)>Galaxy 74>H9>RNDI> out to the world.

I'm really only using the HX for tone shaping. I have the multi band comp just taking the edge off when I play in a higher register and with the volume pedal as an insert I can set the headphone out on the HX to monitor the send. I can easily throw my IEMs into the headphone out and tune by ear with the VP down and no volume sent to the system.

Thanks for checking it out and let me know what you think! I'm also curious what other folks are using for amp-less rigs or what your thoughts are on them.

Cheers!

-MXW

Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

Interesting setup and your description. I haven't found a magic setup without an amp but I'm old school. Never played direct so I can't fully grasp the love for a direct sound. I tried a few modelers and modeling amps. I get along with Fenders Mustang III v2 and Boss Katana. My line 6 gear is still in the Pod XT AND HD.

Tom Jordan · From: Wichita, KS

Matthew,

That looks like it should work. My really quick painless solution for quick setup/teardown situations is a Quilter Soundblock US and a Zoom MultiStomp.

The Quilter is great for that and also has a 25 watt output in case I do want a close-in stage monitor.

Tom

Stew Crookes · From: Paris, France

Another Quilter SuperBlock user here - I love it!

It's as small as my delay pedal, weighs less than my Goodrich and sounds fantastic running direct.
Having the amplified output to run a cabinet when I need one (small rehearsals, practice, occasional stage monitor, super small gigs etc) makes it indispensable for me.

I just did a small European tour (all travel was by train) and had my ENTIRE rig in the wheeled case of my steel - guitar, pedals, amp, cables, picks, bar, tuner, you name it. Total weight was around 40lbs, meaning it was still easy to put in overhead luggage racks.

I'll never go back to gigging with a combo amp Cool

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Music mixer, producer and pedal steel guitarist

stewcrookes.com

Matthew Wiewel · From: Ontario, Canada

I haven't heard of the superblock but it looks amazing. Having the speaker-out option is incredible. I might have to get one of these haha.

Stew Crookes · From: Paris, France

Jon Jaffe · From: Austin, Texas

I use a SuperBlock, too, but as a preamp and effects loop for my volume pedal and other pedals. I either go directly from it to the PA or the return my 202 TT. The SuperBlock controls prevent the need to stand up to adjust the TT in the tilted position. It also eliminates the need for a distortion pedal.

David Farrell · From: San Diego, California, USA

I'm using a Superblock too. Love it.
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Dave

Fender pedal steels, amps & guitars. '73 Sho~Bud PRO 1 CUSTOM. Emmons ReSound'65 S-10 4x5.

Matthew Wiewel · From: Ontario, Canada

Is it loud enough to gig in clubs? I typically play with a deluxe reverb on around 3 or so when I use an amp.

Donn Lewis · From: Maryland, USA

Matthew:

Cool.

What provides the 48V phantom power to the RNDI?

DL
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Mullen Discovery 3x4
Milkman half and half 12" combo
Goodrich 120, Steeler's choice seat, Mud Stand, BJ's bar, Peterson Strobostomp HD

Tom Jordan · From: Wichita, KS

Matthew,

The SuperBlock in a coffee shop setting would be doable by itself but you be pushing it for club work with drums, bass and bodies...unless you did also run it into the board.

I'm playing with a loud band right now and my beloved Deluxe Reverb says at home. It's funny how "3" works great at the sound check but halfway through the first set becomes "5-6".

Tom

George Seymour · From: Notown, Vermont, USA

Just picked up the Superblock…band leader wanted to go amp free on stage..incredible results. We are using QSC K10.2 for front and monitors…I run my delay and reverb into the effects loop
The dynamics and tone are astonishing.. band leader is very good at mixing… could have gone many ways I have investigated, but I thought I’d take a chance with the Superblock for just $299
Had very low expectations it would be this good playing direct….but it is…
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Old Emmons D-10's & Wrap Resound 65, Standel amps!
Old Gibson Mastertones

Anthony Del Grosso · From: Utah, USA

I just got the Tonemaster pro FX pedal. I believe it’s the same technology as what’s in the Tonemaster amp modelers. I also need DI cause I hate dealing with amps on the road. I’m in no way an engineer but I Mic’d up my 1973 twin with an sm57 into my Apollo, and then ran the same loop through the Tonemaster pedal. Posted on my Instagram if you want to hear the difference.
(Ps I’ve only played for 3 months so I’m not good lol)

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6ZXxrePuw3/?igsh=MXUxZ2J1bjRkdmJ4cw==

David Farrell · From: San Diego, California, USA

I'm using a Superblock too. Love it.
_________________
Dave

Fender pedal steels, amps & guitars. '73 Sho~Bud PRO 1 CUSTOM. Emmons ReSound'65 S-10 4x5.

Jim Rossen · From: Iowa, USA

What small size 100W-ish power amp would be a good match for the Superblock?

Dale Rivard · From: Ontario, Canada

Hi Matthew, I used a HX Stomp on a fly date a while back and it worked great. Your rig looks good.

Tom Wolverton · From: Carpinteria, CA

Here is my ampless rig. It runs on battery power supplied by a Joyo brick on the underside. It can play a 3 hour gig with no problems. Works well.

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To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

Tom Wolverton · From: Carpinteria, CA

The new Tonex One looks really interesting and only $180.
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

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