Virtual Rigs for Live performance

[12tone]

I used to use real amps & speaker cabs, but switched years ago to using modelers & "FRFR" monitoring or just direct to FOH with floor monitors or in-ears for performing. Part of the reason I switched was to have a all-in-one portable, repeatible & reliable amp/effects setup, but also switching to using modelers was an attempt to reduce the size & weight of gear I was schlepping around to gigs. In reality, what I am carrying around today isn't a lot smaller or lighter than before (big pedalboard with modeler & pedals, 2 "FRFR" cabs). It is a little lighter/smaller but not a huge difference.

Now I am thinking about trying to see if it's feasible to "Go all the way" and just use an iPad or laptop based rig running guitar sims & effects with a small MIDI foot controller as a gig rig. I am a complete babe in the woods on this and would be starting from the bottom. I do own some MAC/PC & iPad based guitar sims (S-Gear, Neural DSP, Helix Native, Overloud THU, and a few others), but I've never used them live or controlled them with a MIDI controller.

Anyone out there doing this? For live performances?
Any tips, tricks, or advice to share?

What do you think of this? Good or bad idea? Practical / impractical? Pipe Dream? Fools errand?

If you have any experience doing this & have something to share, I'm all ears.

 

[12tone]

Thanks for your opinions on this. Right now I’m using an FM9 on a fairly large pedal train board with a few controller pedals. It’s great but I’m just getting weary of lugging it around, maybe more so for rehearsals than gigs.

I just happen to have some guitar sims and a relatively small interface and the thought struck me that I should try using those and see if it would be practical or not.
I’d still need a MIDI foot controller of some kind so can’t really get away from having hardware to replace the modelers for switching functions. Maybe I wouldn’t gain much in the long run.

I may get a small inexpensive controller and try it out at home just to satisfy my curiosity, but maybe a smaller modeler would be better as suggested earlier.