There's something different about your arrangements these days. They've got this "breaking out/finally free" quality that i really enjoy. Good stuff, man. Thanks for the tips.
I understand why we want to replicate those tube amp sounds with modelling but in a way I also think, when ya have all that creative modelling potential at your fingertips, why would ya wanna bother trying to make sounds that have already been done to death. Make something amazing and different sounding. Ya got the tools! Make it unique!
I think that's what's so exciting about where this technology is at...people who want to experiment and use these new tools to create new sounds can. People who want to create a traditional sound can. Whats more, both of these groups can do so without needing 10s of 1000s of dollars of gear...or a bunch of different pieces of gear connected. A 13 year old can recreate the tones (or close enough) that inspire them to play...or have the freedom to innovate...in their bedroom with gear that can be amassed over a couple of xmas' and bdays. Pros can do the same without needing a full time roadie and tech hauling and maintaining a crap ton of gear.
Sometimes a song calls for a classic sound, familiarity is something to be thought of when coming up with tones of your own. Something recognized is what originally draws the audience in, until you've gotten recognition and can begin altering a sound to fit yourself. This is the evolution of musicians over time, and if you notice a lot of people get frustrated when artists change their sound. Its what they're known for. A lot of the greatest bands started out as cover bands.
Lol i have a fender mustang 3 v.1 and i turn on all the goofy shit on there just to see what I can do with it. Anything with multi effects can give you weird ass sounds 😆
Quick Summary of the 5 Tips: 1. High Pass/Low Cut (80Hz) & Low Pass/High Cut (10khz) presets. Mimics tube amp and speakers natural roll offs. 2. Compression on last block to (a) mimic studio outboard compression to even out dynamics & tame high end harshness & (b) mimics effect of a tube amps natural compression when cranked. 3. EQ: Pull out frequencies. Subtractive EQ to help gain staging down the chain. Remove low end mud & boom. High end harshness. Position: Post amp and cab & Pre Fx. EQ in the FX loop position. 4: Soft Clipping/OD pedal post amp & cab position to mimic speaker breakup and power amp saturation. More for ‘feel’ as opposed to more gain. 5. FX placement: Experiment with before and after the amp. Delay reverb B4=like pedals straight into amp & After = Studio effect/clarity.
great tip on the compressor last in the chain: I have an HX stomp and while it is very responsive to the guitar volume in terms of gain level, the volume drop is quite annoying in most of the amp models, so the compressor last will keep the "front end" gain dynamics while evening out the volume Great content as always, Rhett
Man, that intro! It was one of the best mix I've ever heard, amazing! You could do a step by step on how do you recorded, mixed and composed that, it would give so much insight! Amazing content as always man, keep it up the good work! Thanks.
it kinda' reminds me of that LADY ANTEBELLUM song " i need you now," and the solo was like eric johnson playing in a style like david gilmore { if that makes sense}, not that he ripped it off , it just has that feel, i like it BTW
One thing I like to do with the kemper when playing through a real can via monitor/power amp out is to mess around with “sag” and “tube shape” under the “amplifier” section. You can add a bit of squish and resistance to it and it makes a huge difference to me and feels like I’m really interacting with the whole setup while playing
I’ve been messing with this and this is indeed true. Should I generally be turning up the sag to make it sound more realistic or down? Thanks for the tip
Rhett this was huge for me! I use a Kemper on a regular basis and the other day I literally spent 3 hours trying different things to accomplish the tone in my head. The graphic EQ is a game changer.
I don't comment often, but when I do, it's because I'm blown away by the blue Novo solo tone. Absolutely massive. I haven't heard anything like that come from a single coil except for Jimi's Voodoo Chile (slight return) after the wah intro. Great choice in the fuzz.
Just downloaded Rhett's Helix presets- they are great, the tips he talks about in the video do really make a difference. I've been using my Helix for over a year, I love it but I'm a total noob when it comes to stuff like high pass filters and all that. Can't wait to try these out live in a band context. Rhett- you should do more vids like this for us guys who are using modellers but need some advice.
Super informative, I'm a Helix Rack user myself, and I always liked to use some Cpmression after the amp. Thanks a lot Rhett, I love watching your videos, I never miss one of them !
I don't know why I never thought of putting a little compression at the end of the chain... Great idea. Putting a little room reverb at the end of the chain helps with getting more of an "amp in the room" feel too. Great video.
One of your BEST videos ever. I've doing some of these things with the Helix but this gave me more things to try. Also, it gives me a framework to think about the signal flow. The music and the opening "eye in the sky" were icing on the cake. Thanks for the GREAT episode.
1. High Pass and Low Pass implementation (global setting) 2. Compressor at the end of signal chain (very last) 3. Subtractive EQ a.k.a using EQ to take out - dB a certain frequency (placed after cabinet before modulations/delays) 4. Soft Clipping, soft shaper (for Kemper only) 5. Effect Placement, a.k.a putting your effect chain like the real live setting (put everything, e.g. delay, reverb, or OD/Dist pedals BEFORE your amp head) Hope it helps for summary. Should you wanna hear any detailed explanation and sound samples, of course watch the video thoroughly like I did. Hehe. Thanks for this video, Rhett! You tha man!
The "Pride (In the Name of Love)" riff during the pre-/post-amp delay and reverb demo was amazing. I do really like how those two effects sound in front of the amp, although it sounds good either way. The grit that comes onto the tails and repeats from running into the preamp is an oft-overlooked part of the tone. Pete Thorn did a great video about EVH's use of the Echoplex delay into the front of his Plexi and how that's the key to really nailing the sound of the riffs (aside from practicing your butt off to get the tempo and the notes right, of course).
FYI, regarding low cut, the lowest note on a guitar in standard tuning and A=440 Hz is E2 (open 6th string), which has a fundamental frequency of about 82 Hz. The lowest note on a 4-string bass is E1, 41 Hz (an octave lower). For completeness: the open 1st string is E4, about 330 Hz. If you go up 24 frets from there, you're at E6, 1319 Hz. So the range on a modern electric guitar is about 80 to 1300 Hz. Above that you're getting overtones/harmonics.
Great video Rhett, another thing you can do which I do is adjust the sag in the amp, that will have more of an effect to the feel than sound but you can hear and feel the difference, if you want more of a spongy feel this is a good way to do it.
One thing I like to do is put a very short decay, low mix room reverb after the amp(s). People complain that modelers don't feel like playing through a miced up amp and this is a way of helping
Thanks for the tips .... I have several tube amp heads and cabinets and now I,m getting the best tones of my life with the HX Stomp and a Tech21 solid state power amp .... the warmest tones and versatility !!!
Spent some time just applying some of the things that you have mentioned in this video. Really helped me clean up my tones on my Helix. I normally use a parametric EQ to make a few narrow cuts in areas that I felt were really harsh. However, adding that compressor towards the end really started to provide the feedback/responsiveness that I've always been looking for. Subscribed to your channel, and shared this to lots of people. Really great stuff!
Man, I was very happy with my Helix before. But I've never considered it as being a FR/FR device. The high cut was a game changer. It definitely tamed some of the ultra high frequencies I was fighting.
You know, using that deluxe compressor and the high/low pass really made a HUGE difference. I was using the 5 band MESA EQ in the Helix before but I was able to get better results with the high/low pass. The compressor at the end, just as you described, really does add that slight "tubey" feel. Good stuff Mr. Shull!
I use the HX in my computer/monitors only, but run a cable out of the fx send to the return of one of my little tube amp heads on a 4x12 behind me a few feet set to a really low volume. Helps get that "in the room" feel thing going.
I learned a lot about compression by dragging a compressor around the signal chain in my Headrush. I’ve also learned where I personally like tremolo, phaser, etc. But most surprising is how I’ve learned how simple my favorite signal chain is, and really all I ever needed was a house out in the country where I can crank my amps!
Agree with all the comments about the intro. Smooooth. I dont have either Helix or Kemper but have the Tech21 flyrig v2 as my rig core. SansAmp is based on the 'blonde' series, and then drive options for Mesa/Plexi. It takes pedals really well and includes effects loop send/return. Can def. still apply these concepts even if I'm not using the two systems demo'd here. Thanks Rhett!
Holy shit Rhett, Those tools must make a big difference because I can actually hear it...... This is a first for me..... I can't normally hear subtle differences over the ringing an snow...... Keep doing what you do!!!!!
Great stuff! Agree 100%. 1. HP & LP 2. Post comp to FEEL like a tube power section. 3. FX into amp, NOT in the loop (FX will feel more homogeneous, and less separate from the amp)
So with my Axe FX setup I was working under the impression that models of the amps already have the frequency range to match what the amp its copying has. No need to go in and carve out more with high/low cut. Sure, do it to create and shape the tone you want but not to match the sound of the amp. On the Axe FX they have room reverb built into the cab block. You can dial in as much or as little as you'd like. Including things like room size, reflections, and dampening. This completely separate from reverb and delay blocks that can be added anywhere in the chain. Nice opening btw, looked and sounded great.
I tried some of these tips on my Kemper . The Graphic EQ adjustment really improved my clean sounds. Less spikey "Digital sounding ". Much better than just adjusting the main or Monitor Out Put EQ . Thanks Rhett !
Something that helped me understand signal processing and signal flow and gain staging in more detail was going into Pro Tools and attempting to create a passable gigging tone using nothing but equalizer, compressor, and reverb plug-ins. No amp models, no preamps, no cabinet IRs... just basic plug-ins. The basic order of the plug-ins went as follows: EQ, Comp, EQ, Comp, EQ, Reverb. This was an enlightening exercise because it taught me what exactly I needed to be listening for, and what element of a traditional rig tended to have the most influence on the overall tone (guitar, preamp, amp, speaker, room). Doing this allowed me to discover another hack (that has now become widely known), which is using your guitar amp's FX send and going direct into your audio interface, and applying additional effects and cabinet IRs afterwards. - *Rhett* Maybe as a challenge or topic for your next video -- would you consider bringing a laptop with you to a gig and using your audio interface as your entire setup? The idea here is that you'd send one monitor output to front of house, and the other to your band's mixer (for headphones). I've done this once at church before and I wound up not pursuing it further because I was paranoid about Pro Tools crashing and the latency issues... but it did work.
I've done all thes tricks. They matter less if you are using a modeller into an amp, Which I wouldn't do with a helix or Kemper. but The Boss GT1000 has an output select feature that allows it to reshape an amp. So you can model an amp, plug into a different amp and get a realistic in-the-room sound. In that situation, I let the real amp takes care of the filters and compression. But going directly into a PA, these tricks are very great. With a good model, it's not about making the model more realistic as much as pre-mixing your signal when it goes to a FRFR speaker at small gigs where someone isn't mixing for you.
That Intro is awesome, I LOVED IT. That delay at 19:50 sounds amazing, especially when listening stereo monitors and headphones. Around 18:00-20:30 you talked about the tape delay and reverb and I am so thankful you talked about having reverb and delays at the end of the chain and after the amp, I've never done that but I love the sound of the reverb after the amp and I cant wait to try moving it in my set up and hearing.
Rhett... You're like a Novo show room. Those guitars have a special place in my heart that no other guitars have- And I've never even held one... Yet. 👏🏻
IR selection can also achieve the high pass and low pass you may be looking for. Marshall cabs with greenbacks will roll off quickly above 5k and more slowly below 130hz.
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Indeed. I don't usually bother with global EQ and try different IRs instead.
Yeah mic technique used to make the IR makes a world of difference on even the same speaker. Good IR packs give you lots of mic, placement, distance, and angle options for each speaker and cab combo. It's often quite the rabbit hole to fall into. The speaker and cab have WAY more impact on your final sound than many people realize. IR's are no different.
That's so funny, I did like 3 of these tricks haphazardly on the tone studio app for a boss katana. Global eq set post amp, and roll off the bass n treble. Added a hair of midrange around 800hz with a very wide q as well. Set another parametric eq going in with agressive, narrow cuts primarily in the low and low mids. Then changed the effects chain to have the "fx" block come after the amp. Used a limiter instead of a compressor since it had more tweakability vs the compressors. Set the ratio super low, like 2:1 or lower. Slow attack, 30ms+, fast release, 30-40ms, and let the threshold be adjustable from the fx knob on the amp. This drastically transformed the katana for me. I'd take it over many budget tube amps now. Pretty wild how much simple eq and compression can do to your sound.
Thanks Rhett! You're killing it. I cant wait to get home and work on my hx stomp now. And that track was killer. Cool about the high pass and low pass too. I really noticed the low pass doing its thing. My best tip right now for using the stomp integrated with a board is to use midi control. I'm able to use all of my favorite strymon pedals and overdrives/fuzz and switch them all with a single button push.
I love compression first stage to smoothen my playing and to help hit the sweet spot of a modeled amp and stay there. A little roll of volume makes for subtle tone response. If an amp is modeled correctly it should have the natural compression when pushed. Totally agree with post compression use to get there, all an art. I was using the hi roll off on cabs starting at 6k but lately have gone as low as 3600hz.
One of the best "tricks" I have learned in 35 years of using preamps/modelers (I bought the Digitech 944 Chain Reaction brand new in 1987-88. Using multi-fx ever since...too many to list). Try your factory patches sure. But start fresh patches...remove EVERYTHING but the amp. You can sometimes remove the amp and use just the pedal models. Dial in just the amp. Make that sound good. Add the cab if you wish. Go back and adjust the amp. Make that sound as good as you can. Now...if needed...add your EQ tricks. Once you have a good amp patch, save it as a base. Now blend in your effects. This takes some time....but once you learn your device, it will go faster for each new amp. And it's worth it.
I'll support you Brett Skullp. I pay your bills, indirectly.. technically speaking.. I pay for this channel and everything that's yours is mine.. I'm going to need to borrow my Skylark next weekend.
Hi Rhett, thanks for your great EQ-Tip!! I use it for all !! my sounds in Line6 Pod500X and take the "Studio EQ" with the following stettings: Lo Freq = 75Hz - Lo Gain = - 7 dB and Hi Freq = 8000 Hz - Hi Gain = -7dB --- for all my sounds usefull cause they are a more amplike and less hifi. Greetings from Germany
I hate the age of digital modeling. Only use one because I have to. Thanks for the tips. I don't have a Kemper or Helix or anything expensive, but maybe I can use some of these to help my DI'd tone sound less crappy.
That was informative and very helpful, thx! Actually, I got a tip, cause I saw that LED blinking on your HX Stomp. I had that too (for weeks) and it annoyed me a lot, but was too lazy to do any research. In case somebody wants to have a hint: Press both "Page" buttons at the same time, you're now in "Menu", then press the "Page >" button on the right once, you're now seeing "Global Settings", press the left dial button right under it and scroll with the upper dial button between "Home/View" and "Action" to that eye sign on the right, it says "On" at "Tap LED". With the dial button in the middle right under it you can switch that to "Off". Press the "Home/View" button, you are back and the LED doesn't blink anymore.
Thank you Rhett, your explanations are really clear for someone like me still trying to get my head around a lot of the jargon when you enter the frontier zone between being a guitarist and an audio engineer
As usual, a very clear and concise explanation of the topic and your approach/reasoning. Modeler pedals are a hot topic and as a tube amp player I've learned a lot from your vids. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Rhett!
I like to use the high cut low-cut in my helix on the amplifier, and or the speaker cabinet. Another thing I like to do is to put more distance between the mic and the speaker to me. It sounds more like it’s in a room especially when I’m playing loud over my head rush, powered speakers.
I know it’s a lot less capable, but I picked up a Fender Mustang II head some years back. I’m pretty sure a lot of us non-pro players never really dig too deeply into what these are capable of. My goal is to create some presets for both my acoustics (fishman retrofits) and electrics, so that I basically don’t do anything other than switch instruments. I have a four switch and two switch controller, and their effects pedal as well. I’m going to use some of your and Rick’s advice and ideas to finally create what I want. I’m starting to understand signal chain a lot better, and how gain and EQ work properly. It’s going to come down to making a “nest” in the basement for a weekend, and really trying to figure out what’s up. Thanks for waking up my musical brain just a little. As a side note, I really appreciate your candid admissions about the struggles of both improving and maintaining your playing skills. I’m in my fifties, and I just realized that my hands are showing some wear and tear from the REST of life. If you’re twenty-something, please don’t roll your eyes when I tell you that you’re going to see (and miss) a lot of opportunities along the way, and the possible negative outcomes you use to justify all the missed ones will likely never matter. It’s okay to indulge your musical inner child once in a while, especially if you want good memories. Thanks again.
This is actually a really good set of tips. I have been considering putting a rack compressor after my modeller for a while, because it's not a full featured modeller with built in effects. I'm using effects pedals. I'm going to see how it goes.
i cut 4k on everything i play thru now, amp or sim. It has helped me after 30 years of playing to not get ear fatigue anymore and doesnt sound like the top end has been removed!!!
I'm new to guitar and I have learned so much from your videos. You are a great musician and have a lot of knowledge. Thanks for passing this on. Great video
Digital amp models almost always produce a close mic'd amp sound. Most players don't typically play with their ear 4 inches away from the speaker, so it can often sound more harsh and "in your face" compared to a real amp in the room. The high and low cuts help mellow this out a bit. Real guitar speakers are usually very directional as well. The on axis sound is much brighter and harsher than off axis. The high cut in particular helps get a smoother off-axis type sound. Adding a touch of room reflections or short reverb after the model can help it to sound more natural as well, since close mid'c tones are usually lacking those almost completely. In some mixes, you might need that really dry, "in your face" sound to cut through, so YMMV.
I suggest also looking into overdrives/boosts with tubes in them. I put a kingsley page in front of my helix stomp and I now have the touch sensitivity I was looking for.
My first video course, The Tone Course, is now available. Check it out here!
flatfiv.co/collections/rhett-shull/products/the-tone-course
non of you url with presets to download works ...could you upload please?
The link is not available. How cab i get the preset?
Dude that intro, that needs to be made into a song and released, fantastic.
Yeah, it´ awesome! Go for it Rhett!
Word. That was awesome.
Indeed: reminded me of Mike Oldfield, Fleetwood Mac and The War On Drugs, which is a huge compliment. :)
Jimmy R I strongly concur with this statement
So much... This!
There's something different about your arrangements these days. They've got this "breaking out/finally free" quality that i really enjoy. Good stuff, man. Thanks for the tips.
I understand why we want to replicate those tube amp sounds with modelling but in a way I also think, when ya have all that creative modelling potential at your fingertips, why would ya wanna bother trying to make sounds that have already been done to death. Make something amazing and different sounding. Ya got the tools! Make it unique!
Hell yeah. I'm using a Helix and Variax combo and more bothered about reassigning the tone knob to control the pitch shifter and stuff like that.
agree. bring something new to the table.
I think that's what's so exciting about where this technology is at...people who want to experiment and use these new tools to create new sounds can. People who want to create a traditional sound can. Whats more, both of these groups can do so without needing 10s of 1000s of dollars of gear...or a bunch of different pieces of gear connected. A 13 year old can recreate the tones (or close enough) that inspire them to play...or have the freedom to innovate...in their bedroom with gear that can be amassed over a couple of xmas' and bdays. Pros can do the same without needing a full time roadie and tech hauling and maintaining a crap ton of gear.
Sometimes a song calls for a classic sound, familiarity is something to be thought of when coming up with tones of your own. Something recognized is what originally draws the audience in, until you've gotten recognition and can begin altering a sound to fit yourself. This is the evolution of musicians over time, and if you notice a lot of people get frustrated when artists change their sound. Its what they're known for. A lot of the greatest bands started out as cover bands.
Lol i have a fender mustang 3 v.1 and i turn on all the goofy shit on there just to see what I can do with it. Anything with multi effects can give you weird ass sounds 😆
To make a modeler feel like a real tube amp just strap a 50lb lump of lead to it.
LMAO
This made me laugh. Thank you.
Idk though because my headrush pedal board is like 20 pound !??!
The clean at the beginning. Kemper or Helix?
That's the easy way. Strap it to a stack of cinder blocks.
Quick Summary of the 5 Tips:
1. High Pass/Low Cut (80Hz) & Low Pass/High Cut (10khz) presets. Mimics tube amp and speakers natural roll offs.
2. Compression on last block to (a) mimic studio outboard compression to even out dynamics & tame high end harshness & (b) mimics effect of a tube amps natural compression when cranked.
3. EQ: Pull out frequencies. Subtractive EQ to help gain staging down the chain. Remove low end mud & boom. High end harshness. Position: Post amp and cab & Pre Fx. EQ in the FX loop position.
4: Soft Clipping/OD pedal post amp & cab position to mimic speaker breakup and power amp saturation. More for ‘feel’ as opposed to more gain.
5. FX placement: Experiment with before and after the amp. Delay reverb B4=like pedals straight into amp & After = Studio effect/clarity.
LOL I wrote my own summary while listening.
Just want to say the opening is extremely professional. Was wonderful job of editing. It had that million dollar feel.
@@justinTime077 Agreed haha
The music during the beginning of this video was simply stellar!
great tip on the compressor last in the chain: I have an HX stomp and while it is very responsive to the guitar volume in terms of gain level, the volume drop is quite annoying in most of the amp models, so the compressor last will keep the "front end" gain dynamics while evening out the volume
Great content as always, Rhett
The intro was beautiful and amazing. Fantastic and informative quality indeed!
Yup that was great
@@dep1001 Indeed my man
Truly fantastic !
Man, that intro! It was one of the best mix I've ever heard, amazing! You could do a step by step on how do you recorded, mixed and composed that, it would give so much insight! Amazing content as always man, keep it up the good work! Thanks.
it kinda' reminds me of that LADY ANTEBELLUM song " i need you now," and the solo was like eric johnson playing in a style like david gilmore { if that makes sense}, not that he ripped it off , it just has that feel, i like it BTW
that is ment as a compliment
It's 2024, and I come back regularly just for the intro. It's just perfect and inspires me on my quest for my personal guitar tone.
I hate when demo songs sound incredible cause then I want to keep listening to them. Please upload that as a song, that was sooooo good.
One thing I like to do with the kemper when playing through a real can via monitor/power amp out is to mess around with “sag” and “tube shape” under the “amplifier” section. You can add a bit of squish and resistance to it and it makes a huge difference to me and feels like I’m really interacting with the whole setup while playing
I’ve been messing with this and this is indeed true. Should I generally be turning up the sag to make it sound more realistic or down? Thanks for the tip
Jadon S. Depends on the profile but I find I usually like when it’s turned up a bit
Rhett this was huge for me! I use a Kemper on a regular basis and the other day I literally spent 3 hours trying different things to accomplish the tone in my head. The graphic EQ is a game changer.
I don't comment often, but when I do, it's because I'm blown away by the blue Novo solo tone. Absolutely massive. I haven't heard anything like that come from a single coil except for Jimi's Voodoo Chile (slight return) after the wah intro. Great choice in the fuzz.
Just downloaded Rhett's Helix presets- they are great, the tips he talks about in the video do really make a difference. I've been using my Helix for over a year, I love it but I'm a total noob when it comes to stuff like high pass filters and all that. Can't wait to try these out live in a band context. Rhett- you should do more vids like this for us guys who are using modellers but need some advice.
Lovin' that snow drone footage.
Super informative, I'm a Helix Rack user myself, and I always liked to use some Cpmression after the amp.
Thanks a lot Rhett, I love watching your videos, I never miss one of them !
Haven't even started the vid. But I just wanted to say that this channel is absolutely great, and this is coming from a guy who is totally into metal.
Fantastic vital info for us old jazz guys! THANK YOU
Rhett - This is perhaps your best instructional video. I enjoyed watching this and learnt a lot. Thanks and love from India!
Subtractive EQ is key to using them ,most newcomers find it counter intuitive. Great tip !
I don't know why I never thought of putting a little compression at the end of the chain... Great idea.
Putting a little room reverb at the end of the chain helps with getting more of an "amp in the room" feel too.
Great video.
One of your BEST videos ever. I've doing some of these things with the Helix but this gave me more things to try. Also, it gives me a framework to think about the signal flow. The music and the opening "eye in the sky" were icing on the cake. Thanks for the GREAT episode.
1. High Pass and Low Pass implementation (global setting)
2. Compressor at the end of signal chain (very last)
3. Subtractive EQ a.k.a using EQ to take out - dB a certain frequency (placed after cabinet before modulations/delays)
4. Soft Clipping, soft shaper (for Kemper only)
5. Effect Placement, a.k.a putting your effect chain like the real live setting (put everything, e.g. delay, reverb, or OD/Dist pedals BEFORE your amp head)
Hope it helps for summary. Should you wanna hear any detailed explanation and sound samples, of course watch the video thoroughly like I did. Hehe. Thanks for this video, Rhett! You tha man!
The "Pride (In the Name of Love)" riff during the pre-/post-amp delay and reverb demo was amazing. I do really like how those two effects sound in front of the amp, although it sounds good either way. The grit that comes onto the tails and repeats from running into the preamp is an oft-overlooked part of the tone. Pete Thorn did a great video about EVH's use of the Echoplex delay into the front of his Plexi and how that's the key to really nailing the sound of the riffs (aside from practicing your butt off to get the tempo and the notes right, of course).
Bro I just applied these tips on my profiles and everything sounds waaay better!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Rhett, the opening videography is straight up LEGIT. I loved it, and that intro track is amazing! 😎👍
Thumbs up for the soft shaper tip on the kemper. The sound gains thickness and it's actually quite noticeable through headphones.
FYI, regarding low cut, the lowest note on a guitar in standard tuning and A=440 Hz is E2 (open 6th string), which has a fundamental frequency of about 82 Hz.
The lowest note on a 4-string bass is E1, 41 Hz (an octave lower).
For completeness: the open 1st string is E4, about 330 Hz. If you go up 24 frets from there, you're at E6, 1319 Hz.
So the range on a modern electric guitar is about 80 to 1300 Hz. Above that you're getting overtones/harmonics.
Great video Rhett, another thing you can do which I do is adjust the sag in the amp, that will have more of an effect to the feel than sound but you can hear and feel the difference, if you want more of a spongy feel this is a good way to do it.
One thing I like to do is put a very short decay, low mix room reverb after the amp(s). People complain that modelers don't feel like playing through a miced up amp and this is a way of helping
Thanks for the tips .... I have several tube amp heads and cabinets and now I,m getting the best tones of my life with the HX Stomp and a Tech21 solid state power amp .... the warmest tones and versatility !!!
Spent some time just applying some of the things that you have mentioned in this video. Really helped me clean up my tones on my Helix. I normally use a parametric EQ to make a few narrow cuts in areas that I felt were really harsh. However, adding that compressor towards the end really started to provide the feedback/responsiveness that I've always been looking for.
Subscribed to your channel, and shared this to lots of people. Really great stuff!
Man, I was very happy with my Helix before. But I've never considered it as being a FR/FR device. The high cut was a game changer. It definitely tamed some of the ultra high frequencies I was fighting.
You know, using that deluxe compressor and the high/low pass really made a HUGE difference. I was using the 5 band MESA EQ in the Helix before but I was able to get better results with the high/low pass. The compressor at the end, just as you described, really does add that slight "tubey" feel. Good stuff Mr. Shull!
I just come here for intros. While the channel itself has lot of good stuff and a good amount of info. But intros, they are just another level.
Just bought a Line 6 Pod Go and I am devouring these vids atm.
Thanks Rhett!
I use the HX in my computer/monitors only, but run a cable out of the fx send to the return of one of my little tube amp heads on a 4x12 behind me a few feet set to a really low volume. Helps get that "in the room" feel thing going.
Subscribed because of this video. Also, your music to introduce the video was amazing.
I learned a lot about compression by dragging a compressor around the signal chain in my Headrush. I’ve also learned where I personally like tremolo, phaser, etc. But most surprising is how I’ve learned how simple my favorite signal chain is, and really all I ever needed was a house out in the country where I can crank my amps!
hands down, the best tips ever. You made my Kemper behave way better. Thanks bro!
Agree with all the comments about the intro. Smooooth. I dont have either Helix or Kemper but have the Tech21 flyrig v2 as my rig core. SansAmp is based on the 'blonde' series, and then drive options for Mesa/Plexi. It takes pedals really well and includes effects loop send/return. Can def. still apply these concepts even if I'm not using the two systems demo'd here. Thanks Rhett!
Holy shit Rhett,
Those tools must make a big difference because I can actually hear it......
This is a first for me.....
I can't normally hear subtle differences over the ringing an snow......
Keep doing what you do!!!!!
im grateful that i live in a country that experiences winter every year. i wish there was more of winter.
Excellent intro! I’m buying a Kemper this month and really looking forward to digging into the multiple sounds.
Another great intro! When is the video album coming out, Rhett? You've got the touch.
Great stuff! Agree 100%.
1. HP & LP
2. Post comp to FEEL like a tube power section.
3. FX into amp, NOT in the loop (FX will feel more homogeneous, and less separate from the amp)
This intro track is magic, well done man!!!
So with my Axe FX setup I was working under the impression that models of the amps already have the frequency range to match what the amp its copying has. No need to go in and carve out more with high/low cut. Sure, do it to create and shape the tone you want but not to match the sound of the amp. On the Axe FX they have room reverb built into the cab block. You can dial in as much or as little as you'd like. Including things like room size, reflections, and dampening. This completely separate from reverb and delay blocks that can be added anywhere in the chain. Nice opening btw, looked and sounded great.
I tried some of these tips on my Kemper . The Graphic EQ adjustment really improved my clean sounds. Less spikey "Digital sounding ". Much better than just adjusting the main or Monitor Out Put EQ . Thanks Rhett !
Something that helped me understand signal processing and signal flow and gain staging in more detail was going into Pro Tools and attempting to create a passable gigging tone using nothing but equalizer, compressor, and reverb plug-ins. No amp models, no preamps, no cabinet IRs... just basic plug-ins. The basic order of the plug-ins went as follows: EQ, Comp, EQ, Comp, EQ, Reverb. This was an enlightening exercise because it taught me what exactly I needed to be listening for, and what element of a traditional rig tended to have the most influence on the overall tone (guitar, preamp, amp, speaker, room). Doing this allowed me to discover another hack (that has now become widely known), which is using your guitar amp's FX send and going direct into your audio interface, and applying additional effects and cabinet IRs afterwards.
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*Rhett* Maybe as a challenge or topic for your next video -- would you consider bringing a laptop with you to a gig and using your audio interface as your entire setup? The idea here is that you'd send one monitor output to front of house, and the other to your band's mixer (for headphones). I've done this once at church before and I wound up not pursuing it further because I was paranoid about Pro Tools crashing and the latency issues... but it did work.
I've done all thes tricks. They matter less if you are using a modeller into an amp, Which I wouldn't do with a helix or Kemper.
but The Boss GT1000 has an output select feature that allows it to reshape an amp. So you can model an amp, plug into a different amp and get a realistic in-the-room sound. In that situation, I let the real amp takes care of the filters and compression.
But going directly into a PA, these tricks are very great. With a good model, it's not about making the model more realistic as much as pre-mixing your signal when it goes to a FRFR speaker at small gigs where someone isn't mixing for you.
That Intro is awesome, I LOVED IT. That delay at 19:50 sounds amazing, especially when listening stereo monitors and headphones. Around 18:00-20:30 you talked about the tape delay and reverb and I am so thankful you talked about having reverb and delays at the end of the chain and after the amp, I've never done that but I love the sound of the reverb after the amp and I cant wait to try moving it in my set up and hearing.
Rhett... You're like a Novo show room. Those guitars have a special place in my heart that no other guitars have-
And I've never even held one...
Yet. 👏🏻
Guitar is ok. That snowy drone footage is amazing!
IR selection can also achieve the high pass and low pass you may be looking for. Marshall cabs with greenbacks will roll off quickly above 5k and more slowly below 130hz.
Indeed. I don't usually bother with global EQ and try different IRs instead.
@ Exactly - as i mentioned usually roll off the high shift a little - which is just a tweak of the IR
Yeah mic technique used to make the IR makes a world of difference on even the same speaker. Good IR packs give you lots of mic, placement, distance, and angle options for each speaker and cab combo. It's often quite the rabbit hole to fall into. The speaker and cab have WAY more impact on your final sound than many people realize. IR's are no different.
really do not understand why this video does not have millions of views.
Your intros are incredible.
That's so funny, I did like 3 of these tricks haphazardly on the tone studio app for a boss katana.
Global eq set post amp, and roll off the bass n treble. Added a hair of midrange around 800hz with a very wide q as well.
Set another parametric eq going in with agressive, narrow cuts primarily in the low and low mids.
Then changed the effects chain to have the "fx" block come after the amp. Used a limiter instead of a compressor since it had more tweakability vs the compressors. Set the ratio super low, like 2:1 or lower. Slow attack, 30ms+, fast release, 30-40ms, and let the threshold be adjustable from the fx knob on the amp.
This drastically transformed the katana for me. I'd take it over many budget tube amps now. Pretty wild how much simple eq and compression can do to your sound.
Melodic perfection in your intro. ROCK on sir.
What helped me most to achieve that "real feel" with my modeler is the Digitech Freqout pedal in a really subtle setting, first in my chain.
Can u elaborate on that?
@@wouldoox8024 Obviously not lol
Thanks Rhett! You're killing it. I cant wait to get home and work on my hx stomp now. And that track was killer. Cool about the high pass and low pass too. I really noticed the low pass doing its thing. My best tip right now for using the stomp integrated with a board is to use midi control. I'm able to use all of my favorite strymon pedals and overdrives/fuzz and switch them all with a single button push.
I love compression first stage to smoothen my playing and to help hit the sweet spot of a modeled amp and stay there. A little roll of volume makes for subtle tone response. If an amp is modeled correctly it should have the natural compression when pushed. Totally agree with post compression use to get there, all an art. I was using the hi roll off on cabs starting at 6k but lately have gone as low as 3600hz.
One of the best "tricks" I have learned in 35 years of using preamps/modelers (I bought the Digitech 944 Chain Reaction brand new in 1987-88. Using multi-fx ever since...too many to list). Try your factory patches sure. But start fresh patches...remove EVERYTHING but the amp. You can sometimes remove the amp and use just the pedal models. Dial in just the amp. Make that sound good. Add the cab if you wish. Go back and adjust the amp. Make that sound as good as you can. Now...if needed...add your EQ tricks. Once you have a good amp patch, save it as a base. Now blend in your effects. This takes some time....but once you learn your device, it will go faster for each new amp. And it's worth it.
I'll support you Brett Skullp. I pay your bills, indirectly.. technically speaking.. I pay for this channel and everything that's yours is mine.. I'm going to need to borrow my Skylark next weekend.
This is a must video for any guitarist, musician or producer mixer etc... Amazingly simple!
Rhett that intro track was 🔥! Just fantastic.
Hi Rhett, thanks for your great EQ-Tip!! I use it for all !! my sounds in Line6 Pod500X and take the "Studio EQ" with the following stettings:
Lo Freq = 75Hz - Lo Gain = - 7 dB and Hi Freq = 8000 Hz - Hi Gain = -7dB --- for all my sounds usefull cause they are a more amplike
and less hifi.
Greetings from Germany
I hate the age of digital modeling.
Only use one because I have to. Thanks for the tips. I don't have a Kemper or Helix or anything expensive, but maybe I can use some of these to help my DI'd tone sound less crappy.
That was informative and very helpful, thx!
Actually, I got a tip, cause I saw that LED blinking on your HX Stomp. I had that too (for weeks) and it annoyed me a lot, but was too lazy to do any research. In case somebody wants to have a hint:
Press both "Page" buttons at the same time, you're now in "Menu", then press the "Page >" button on the right once, you're now seeing "Global Settings", press the left dial button right under it and scroll with the upper dial button between "Home/View" and "Action" to that eye sign on the right, it says "On" at "Tap LED". With the dial button in the middle right under it you can switch that to "Off". Press the "Home/View" button, you are back and the LED doesn't blink anymore.
Thank you Rhett, your explanations are really clear for someone like me still trying to get my head around a lot of the jargon when you enter the frontier zone between being a guitarist and an audio engineer
That is the best Ive heard you play! Awesome
that intro was amazing Rhett
As usual, a very clear and concise explanation of the topic and your approach/reasoning. Modeler pedals are a hot topic and as a tube amp player I've learned a lot from your vids. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Rhett!
Rhett you should do an EP with these intro's, DAMN!
Wow, this video is worth it's weight in gold, even though videos don't weight anything, but you know what I mean.
I like to use the high cut low-cut in my helix on the amplifier, and or the speaker cabinet. Another thing I like to do is to put more distance between the mic and the speaker to me. It sounds more like it’s in a room especially when I’m playing loud over my head rush, powered speakers.
I know it’s a lot less capable, but I picked up a Fender Mustang II head some years back. I’m pretty sure a lot of us non-pro players never really dig too deeply into what these are capable of. My goal is to create some presets for both my acoustics (fishman retrofits) and electrics, so that I basically don’t do anything other than switch instruments. I have a four switch and two switch controller, and their effects pedal as well. I’m going to use some of your and Rick’s advice and ideas to finally create what I want. I’m starting to understand signal chain a lot better, and how gain and EQ work properly. It’s going to come down to making a “nest” in the basement for a weekend, and really trying to figure out what’s up. Thanks for waking up my musical brain just a little. As a side note, I really appreciate your candid admissions about the struggles of both improving and maintaining your playing skills. I’m in my fifties, and I just realized that my hands are showing some wear and tear from the REST of life. If you’re twenty-something, please don’t roll your eyes when I tell you that you’re going to see (and miss) a lot of opportunities along the way, and the possible negative outcomes you use to justify all the missed ones will likely never matter. It’s okay to indulge your musical inner child once in a while, especially if you want good memories. Thanks again.
You make the best videos on UA-cam. That intro was amazing. Also that firebird is beautiful!
This is actually a really good set of tips. I have been considering putting a rack compressor after my modeller for a while, because it's not a full featured modeller with built in effects. I'm using effects pedals. I'm going to see how it goes.
i cut 4k on everything i play thru now, amp or sim.
It has helped me after 30 years of playing to not get ear fatigue anymore and doesnt sound like the top end has been removed!!!
I'm new to guitar and I have learned so much from your videos. You are a great musician and have a lot of knowledge. Thanks for passing this on. Great video
As a game developer / guitar n00b I'm geeking out at all this new terminology and yes that intro sounded wonderful too
That lead tone in the intro is the stuff of legend
Definitely going to mess around with this on my Helix, especially putting the compressor at the end on my chain.
Wow, throwing on the delay after amp sounds so good in the headphones. 🤩
Digital amp models almost always produce a close mic'd amp sound. Most players don't typically play with their ear 4 inches away from the speaker, so it can often sound more harsh and "in your face" compared to a real amp in the room. The high and low cuts help mellow this out a bit. Real guitar speakers are usually very directional as well. The on axis sound is much brighter and harsher than off axis. The high cut in particular helps get a smoother off-axis type sound. Adding a touch of room reflections or short reverb after the model can help it to sound more natural as well, since close mid'c tones are usually lacking those almost completely. In some mixes, you might need that really dry, "in your face" sound to cut through, so YMMV.
I suggest also looking into overdrives/boosts with tubes in them. I put a kingsley page in front of my helix stomp and I now have the touch sensitivity I was looking for.
Dude honestly, your channel rocks !
Great video. Very helpful. Loved the tones. Wish I could have those tones as close as possible for my PODGO.
Such a helpful video. Thanks Rhett
Thank you so much, Rhett!! I've been waiting on this video eagerly. Well worth the wait.
Yep...what everyone else said that intro rocked!!
Thanks for the video! Your tips helped me solve my issues with way too much high end with my Helix presets and amp/cab.
One of your best videos yet - very helpful
Fantastic intro! All the layers are very tasteful and sound killer.
Im more of a metal and guitar tones that go "jent de de jent de jent je jent jent" but man that intro was TASTY
Great points. Thanks Rhett!