Best backup option? I’ve been thinking about backups all wrong

[metropolis_4]

I realized I think I’ve been approaching my backup from the wrong angle.

Typically during live shows I use my amp -> mic-no-mo -> Suhr RL (or a speaker cab).

For a backup I’ve been thinking I want an amp-in-a-box that I can keep on my pedalboard. So I’ve started with a Simplifier, and I carry a Quilter Phantom Block. But I’ve realized there are some flaws in this approach:

1. I’d have to unplug the XLR from the mic-no-mo and plug it into the Simplifier, so I’d have to communicate to the sound tech that I need to be muted
2. The “cab” sound would be totally different in the mix
3. Level difference would be more variable
4. Can’t drive a real cab when needed

So my new plan is some kind of compact head. That way I can have it set up and ready to go, and if it’s needed I can unplug the speaker cable from the mic-no-mo and plug in the one from the backup without as much noise, and I can drive a cab if needed. I could also get a head switcher if I really wanted to be thorough.

So my criteria list is:

• Compact size. The smaller the better
• Prefer solid state that never needs maintenance
• Low noise floor
• 8ohm speaker out
• Must work very well with pedals!

I’ve been looking at those little Orange amps and Vox MV50. The problem with little solid state amps is it’s so hard to know how they’ll work with pedals

Curious what other options might be worth a look!

Anyone have an amp like this they’ve had good experience with?

Anyone try those amps with pedals?

 

[newholland]

i use a 2000 fender stage. it was $89.

 

[metropolis_4]

i use a 2000 fender stage. it was $89.

That’s bigger than I would prefer. Does the external speaker jack mute the internal speaker?

 

[2dor]

Bluguitar Amp1 Mercury or Iridium.
I have the Iridium & it kicks a$$

 

[metropolis_4]

Bluguitar Amp1 Mercury or Iridium.
I have the Iridium & it kicks a$$

I kind of forgot the BluGuitar Amp1 is an actual amp. That’s a good suggestion!

 

[newholland]

That’s bigger than I would prefer. Does the external speaker jack mute the internal speaker?

its a head, so i hope so! it also has an xlr out, a loop, dead quiet, maintenance free, and 160 watts into 4 ohms or 100 into 8, and further made controllable by a standard fender #2 input!

oh and gad.. it weighs like maybe 10#?

 

[metropolis_4]

its a head, so i hope so! it also has an xlr out, a loop, dead quiet, maintenance free, and 160 watts into 4 ohms or 100 into 8, and further made controllable by a standard fender #2 input!View attachment 60568

oh and gad.. it weighs like maybe 10#?

Ah, that makes more sense! When you said Fender Stage I was picturing this:

 

[metropolis_4]

I’m really getting curious about the Orange Terror Stamp.

A tube preamp seems like a safer bet with drive pedals interaction than solid state or digital, 20 watts, and small enough I could just set it on top of my amp ready to go.

I wonder if I would regret not having a grounded power supply though

 

[maddnotez]

I just recently got a tonex one and an am4. Both seem great and with very little Play Time on each I would say the am4 is much better. I'm going to wait for the Wampler pedal head to come out and that will be my backup rig.

 

[paisleywookiee]

Bluguitar Amp1 Mercury or Iridium.
I have the Iridium & it kicks a$$

100%.