screamingdaisy wrote: ↑Mon May 19, 2025 5:06 pm
In that regard, I think tube manufactures are adapting to compete with modelling. They're making smaller/lighter amps that sound better at lower volumes, they're putting full feature sets on less powerful amps instead of reserving them for the 100w version, and in some cases, they're integrating IRs and DIs into the amp itself.
They're definitely adapting. I am not sure if it's adapting to modeling, as much as adapting to the reality of shows today, where you have better, more efficient PAs, IEM monitoring etc, but most importantly, an aging of the target audience. I remember in the 80s and 90s it was rare to see someone over 30 in a rock or metal audience. Let alone on stage. That is flat out reversed now. So that creates a natural push towards smaller/quieter gear. well, except for drums
I think it's a little bit of column A (adapting to modelling), and a little bit of column B (adapting to reality of shows today).
I think the competition from modelling has pushed them to evolve, but I also think demand from old dudes that can't carry a half stack is driving the industry.
I've also noticed a trend where young dudes who should be strapping young lads now think a 100w 4x12 is too big/heavy to gig with, probably because that's what the internet tells them.
I also think that IEM with digital mixers (where you can dial in your own mix with a cellphone) being feasible at the local level changes the playing field. I don't need a 100w amp to compete with the drummer, I can just turn myself up my mix.
screamingdaisy wrote: ↑Mon May 19, 2025 6:59 pm
I think it's a little bit of column A (adapting to modelling), and a little bit of column B (adapting to reality of shows today).
I think the competition from modelling has pushed them to evolve, but I also think demand from old dudes that can't carry a half stack is driving the industry.
I've also noticed a trend where young dudes who should be strapping young lads now think a 100w 4x12 is too big/heavy to gig with, probably because that's what the internet tells them.
I also think that IEM with digital mixers (where you can dial in your own mix with a cellphone) being feasible at the local level changes the playing field. I don't need a 100w amp to compete with the drummer, I can just turn myself up my mix.
Interesting, my good friend who convin me to play drums with him and a guy is in a band where they're all about to start using IEMs, they're pretty active. If we actually get stuff together and start playing I have no doubt they'll go that route here too.
I've never considered that scenario and I'm not experienced with Miking my own cab. I doubt they'd stop using half stacks but what size cab do you find sounds best miked up, the 1x12?
Maddnotez wrote: ↑Mon May 19, 2025 11:11 pm
I've never considered that scenario and I'm not experienced with Miking my own cab. I doubt they'd stop using half stacks but what size cab do you find sounds best miked up, the 1x12?
The one with a V30 in it.
In all seriousness, when close mic'd on stage and heard through IEM I don't think the cab size matters all that much.
If you're using your cab as a monitor, then I prefer a slant 4x12. But IEM? I don't think it matters.
Years ago I did a demo where I mic'd up a Recto 4x12 and a Mini-Recto 1x12. They sound more similar than you'd think.
That said, I do think there's value in having a "genre correct" backline. A metal band with visible 1x12s is a bit too Spinal Tap for me. At least hide them behind something (like a wall of fake Marshalls).
