An Honest Review of the Line 6 Powercab 112 Plus
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2021
- For my Presets visit: johnnathancordy.gumroad.com/ I said I'd do a review of this once I'd actually had a chance to use it live, rather than just assuming it'd be fine because it sounds ok at home! Luckily, it was one of the most enjoyable gigging experiences I've had with modellers and in-ears - the Powercab does a great job of reinforcing the tone from behind your legs, and makes up for that lack of punch that I normally get when using in-ears which in general I don't enjoy so much.
So - was it loud enough? Did it sound and Feel like a cab? Is load in still easy...? Here I share some opinions on the Powercab and what I liked about it after gig #1
I've found the "LF RAW" setting sounds and feels as good to play as the real cab, so that's what I'm going to try on Friday and hopefully it'll work out ok!
Presets used "MAMM#CombinedPC" - let me know if you want me to upload this?
/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!
I've decided to make it possible to grab both my Helix/HX Stomp bundles (the expression bundle with freeze presets has always been separate) together for £5 - www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... - I will then email you a link to both bundles!
You can get my EXPRESSION patches in this bundle using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Try my GENERAL Patches for Helix or HX Stomp in this bundle for £3 using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Try my patches for Pod GO for £3 using this link - I will then send out the patches! www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnath... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!
"Did my first gig for over a year yesterday. I have to say this amp was the best sound, tone and feel I've had at a gig for.... over a year" Brilliant : D
John you helped me choose the hx stomp without knowing of course. I am running it a couple of ways with a Mesa TC50 combo, and because of all the info you put out about the different modelers, and I am super happy with it. I created my first presets with different snapshots yesterday, I love the tone and feel in it. Next step is to try some of the presets offered by other players. Just saying that you have done a great job showing the pros and cons. Cheers!
Very clear and concise review and use case. I run my Helix to a Powercab 212. I appreciate the flexibility when I’m building tones to hear what they might sound like through different speaker cabs or if a specific IR is needed to achieve the tone I’m looking for, I can offload the IR into the PC and leave a little extra DSP available in the Helix.
Having had a Powercab 112+ for over a year now, it’s the missing link for me in terms of being on the Helix platform. I usually have mine in FRFR mode when dialing in tones and dynamics because I find it helps translate to the PA more consistently. By that I mean the tones coming through my cab match the PA and vice versa. So I know if the cab is sounding great, so will I in the mix.
Having played tube amps and pedals for decades, I was very used to dialing in tones on an amp. The Powercab tones seem to translate much better than other methods (e.g. headphones).
Tilt back is super helpful to ensure you’re not dialing things in too bright. When your ears are off axis it might sound bass heavy and you’ll end up compensating. The result is unusable harshness.
Thanks John. Love the channel.
That's a good point in terms of providing a fair reflection of what is hitting front of house!
Having gone back and done a bit more experimentation, my process is likely going to result in dialing in tones in FRFR mode to ensure the FOH sounds the way I intended. Then in live situations, flipping the Powercab to LF Raw mode for a bit more girth for all the feels on stage. That way I scratch the itch for myself, yet am confident that it’s sounding proper out front as well.
Tuned in to listen to the review - then went down a 20 minute rabbit-hole slowing down the video so I could figure out that run at 2:12. I steal more licks from you than anyone. I hear it and think "I can't NOT have that in my life." Lol. You're quickly becoming one of my favorite players.
Ah awesome cheers!
Thanks John! This may be one of the best room mic'd videos I have heard in a while. I have the PowerCab+, and am really enjoying it (mostly in FRFR mode), but often wish that it had a panel I could remove for an open back feel. My other cabs, including L6 DT25, are all open back, and I really like the all encompassing sound. Open backs on stage seem a little messy sounding to me, but mic'd or at home it's awesome. Maybe that's a little indulgent, but it is my general preference. Your room mic'd Catalyst cleaner sounded great, but distorted sounded messy to me in the video. Probably sounded good in the room though. The PowerCab does have a little more bass, but also some resonance like you mentioned that comes up sometimes. I won't be switching, but may recommend my non-cab owning helix friends try out the Catalyst (and compare) especially if it's cheaper.
My setup is this powercab and a hxstomp with other pedals. Love this setup!!
Now we’re talking my man! I’m thankful you came back with this experience for us. I’ve been wanting to hear from somewhat of a normal person on the Powercab. UA-cam is over flooded with salesmen these days. You’re a rare one. We’ll probably lose you to Big Influence before too long because you’re just too damn good.
Ha! Big influence!
@@johnnathancordy 😂
Besides the yummy tones and phrases, I enjoyed Fenton's subtle appearance in the opening solo. -Tom
I have the 212+, love the tone with the Axe FX 3.
They sell nice leather covers on Reverb from a small producer for about $80. One warning: Cats LOVE the grill cloth.
Shiny and soft, they live to destroy it with scratching. Get a cover.
Sounds great
You are such a lovely player!
So in love with your playing John. Very inspiring 🙏Can you share this backing track? Thx a lot
John you made a great statement "in ear monitors are not for guitarists". I totally agree. I have to use them for years and hate them. A few months ago I did a gig in a fairly large building and stage using on stage monitors. Wow what a difference! But we all know sound board engineers want to use in ear monitors. I get it but hate it. Same with hearing a real amp on stage.
Definitely takes some getting used to. Dialing in audience mics really helps though. I’ve done it for so many years I’m used to it.
Thanks bruv, looking to get a PC to have behind me at gigs. Been feeling like I'm missing the air moving behind me. Would you be able to make a seperate preset section in the folder and drop some of these in there for use with the PC?
Love the opening track ..
The concept looks similar to the Kemper Kabinet, the main difference is that on the Kemper the processing is not done in the cabinet. It would be interesting to hear them side by side and see the differences...
Have you tried comparing the sound you get from the PC+ to running the helix through an amp with the 4CM?
I also run mine in LF Raw and I really like the feel of the cab too... to me it feels like a real amp
Right? I can't say I was necessarily expect to be super happy with it, but I've got literally zero complaints, so that's nice!
When you use LF Raw you still need the cab on the modeler (or IR on the powercab), right?
What's the singlecut/Tele thing? What do you have in the neck position? It sounds great? Like a twisted Tele? It had more presence than i would normally expect from a Tele in the neck.
Hi Jonathan.
Great sound congratulations.
A question.
In live concerts, could you hear yourself only using the Powercab or do you also need the in ears to hear yourself?
I'm thinking of buying a powercab but I wouldn't use in ears and I don't know if he would hear me enough.
Thanks and regards
Love the jacket, can I name it Steve ? (awesome vid' btw, great review !)
What is LF Raw and LF Flat. LF Flat is FRFR mode? I'm not using helix and thinking about standard powercab. Not sure about plus. Also plus have AES input. Did you try xlr and AES connection is there any sound difference? Thanks.
Have you used the powercab with the quad cortex? I have the regular (non plus) powercab and seem to have a difficult time getting it loud enough with my QC. If the powercab is maxed, and the QC inputs and outputs are set just below clipping, with the master knob at full, it’s barely loud enough to get over a particularly loud band. I know some people have said that the QC is a quieter unit than the helix. Could this be why?
Well, if my tone sounds like what you played in the beginning, then I’d be happy 👍
When they tell you to turn down, just nod and pretend to fiddle with the knobs (or whatever controls your volume).
Do you run drums in a looper like that live? Whats your setup to do that?
Hey man awedome video! which would you get between fender tone master fr and line 6 powercab 112? I play with a strymon iridium and im about to buy one 😮
Hi Jonathan, like your videos much! Did you try this cab with the Quad Cortex and what is you opinion? Thanks in advance - Axel
I have a question please. I am in my 50s, just starting to put a little band together for fun, pubs gigs, playing stuff like Bozz Scaggs etc. I have always been an amp guy, and usually I'd use my Mike Landau Deville and a Boss switcher and a variety of decent pedals etc, midi blah blah blah..
I also love technology, and bought a Helix a couple of years ago just before covid, and was going to use it to record a live video performance at a friend's studio. IE Manageable volume etc. Never actually happened due to covid.
So I rehearsed the other day with this new band. Yep, all seems good so I'll put some effort into using the Helix. Now I know I can program the sounds up to sound good enough, but I am wondering how people approach the stage volume of a Helix and how it interacts with the stage and band members.
By this I mean, I have been using my Helix with an old Yamaha powered Cab, horn and main driver etc. But, you move a few feet away from my monitor and the top EQ just vanishes. Obviously this doesn't happen with an open backed guitar cab.
I don't want to use in ears because it's just a little pub band. Drums, bass, myself on guitar and singer playing acoustic and electric. We aren't using keys because can't get anyone decent, so we're going to make what we have work. And I'll kind of fill some of the sound up with nice big delayed chords etc. So these sounds have to really come across well on stage.
A mate on mine who manages PMT in Birmingham, lent me a powercab ages ago as I wanted to try one. I wasn't totally convinced, although I will say maybe I should have another listen to one. I like the idea of a speaker box behind me doing the job of the amp, and then tickle a bit of Helix through the PA. I saw a UA-cam shoot out of different FRFR speakers, and I liked the Mission Engineering Gemini 2 as you could blend the cab emulation and the dry sound of the speaker in the unit. EmPower knob. VERY EXPENSIVE though.
Maybe I just need to put my Yamaha monitor behind me... LOL. I will also say that I use the yamaha monitor as I think it's going to sound close to probably what will come out of the PA speakers etc.
Just wondering what other players feel is the best way to get a amp in ther room experience with your Helix / Modeller etc.
Hi John, I have a question for ya. I am currently trying to make a switch from a Mesa tc-50 with a 2x12 horizontal cabinet to a more digital solution I am going to be testing the Helix and the 112 power cab (non plus version) My goal is to be able to switch patches and snapshots to be able to hop from amp to amp and pedal board to pedal board seamlessly which is something I just can't do in real life with my tube amp and analog pedals due to size and budget constraints. You mentioned you have a Mesa Nomad so i feel comfortable taking your word / answer on the following question - Do you think a the big boy Helix along with the 112 power cab can replace a tube amp and if not how close have you managed to get it so far? For me the ability to have 100+ pedal's and 70+ amp's and an equal amount of cabinet or impulse Reponses seem to make me thinking so long as its %85-90 of the actual amp feel and tone I can probably benefit and get along just fine.
My plan is to test the 6x speaker emulations out next to my actual amp cabinets so see if the V30 actually sounds like the V30's on my current rig then I will test some IR's and cabinet models from the helix and A/B those to my real amp before deciding on weather to pull the trigger. Any input or advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
I have the powercab + 112 . It's a must for Helix. It's really good. I bought two but realized I only need one for gigging so the other one is up for sale.
I love my Powercab 112+ - so much so that I really want to replace it with the Powercab 212+.
What did you think of the speaker sim modes? It is my preferred mode of operation.
I personally found the LF Raw my favourite! I think the 212+ has neo speakers, I've only played one once for a short while but seemed very decent
If using in the raw mode, what type of speaker did you set on the Helix or did you have the helix set as combo amp (amp AND speaker) and then output the amp out to the Powercab. This is a LOT of money just to have a powered raw speaker cab.
I've been using a regular guitar cabinet, loaded with a JBL K-120, powered by a small DIY class D power amp (based on a TPA3116 board). In this configuration, I don't use an IR or stock cab since my cab has a guitar speaker already. I've considered getting a PowerCab, but I imagine that the PowerCab is really just trying to emulate what I am already doing. Of course, if I wanted to change speaker emulations during a gig, the PC would allow that, but I don't really think that is a level of tweaking I need to go to. With that in mind, Is there anything about the PC that you think would be an improvement over my rig?
Hey Steve! If you're happy, you're happy, personally it sounds like you're good to go with what you've already got so if it isn't broken?
@@johnnathancordy Yea, that's what I've been thinking too. I've been experimenting with different class D amp boards, and they all give good results (mostly at different volume levels). The latest one I assembled (using a TDA7498e) is considerably louder, and might be my gigging version, while the TPA3116 or TPA3118 versions are great for rehearsals and home. All super cheap and very small, so I can easily carry a spare. In my experience so far, the guitar cab format and guitar speaker are what does the most to enhances the "feel" for me compared to an FRFR wedge. I bet the PC does that really well too, but at a significant cost compared to using what I have already. And having the amp be separate from the cab gives me a sense of security that if the electronics fail, I can swap in another.
@@steveliberty This setup sounds pretty cool. Have you tried a FRFR and how does this compare? Are you using any cab simulation in the Helix? Global settings?
In the end if it sounds great, it doesn’t matter how you got there.
@@electricj5 I used to have an Alto TS310 frfr. I wasn't really thrilled. The dispersion was terrible, and it just didn't feel like a real amp to me (I hate that "feel" terminology because it is so nebulous, but in this case, I think it fits). When using my JBL loaded guitar cab, I do not use an IRs or cab emulations. With the frfr, I did of course.
Amazing, thanks for the follow through! Glad that it is just doing the job that it is doing with 14 thumbs up. Is the L6 link cable worth getting or stick with instrument cable? Did you lean it back on those legs to have it pointed up at you? Feel like it looks funny but sound directed to my ears I like more
So I believe that an XLR cable can do the same job as the Link cable (based on my experience using a normal XLR anyway?)
I haven't leaned the legs yet, but that's a really cool option particularly if you get asked to turn down a bit and you can get a bit more directional with it!
@@johnnathancordy I've used an XLR in the past instead of the AES/EBU cable, and had intermittent noise problems that the AES/EBU (L6 Link) cable eliminated.
L6 link is just a 110ohm AES/EBU cable - better than regular XLR, and much cheaper than a branded L6 Link cable.
DMX 3 pin cable same thing as AES/EBU per Line 6.
I feel like the Powercab is quite expensive if you are just using it as a speaker, however i still would like one.
Can we mention the high cut on his pants?
I am trying to decide between the Line 6 Powercab 112 Plus 250W 1x12 or the Fender Tonemaster FR10. I am a relatively new Guitar player but like to buy once and be done. Which one did you like better between the two not factoring in value or price? I play classic rock 70's, 80's, 90's.
It’s a really underated piece of gear. One common complaint is that 2x12 and 4x12 impulse responses don’t sound as good as through monitors etc…. On the second input there is a ‘monitor ‘ setting that removes the 1x2 EQ and really opens up the versatility. Agree that it does pick up scuffs etc easily, bit of boot polish sorts that out though.
Lookup the frequency response of the speaker the ir is simulating and use the those hi and low cuts. I usually low cut anywhere from 80 to 150 hz and 5k on the hi cut as it gets rid if that fizz and it gives that tube amp speaker tone. It really tightens up the tone.
@@guitardude1981 I’ll give that a try. 👍
Have you used this with the cortex ? If so your opinion please
Never understood the hype surrounding the whole "cab in the room" type of feel... In my experience, having a taxi in my bedroom seems a bit excessive. Plus the smell is awful.
I think it comes down to bragging about square footage
The ‘hype’ surrounding cab in the room feel is a visceral feeling of response and connection between you, the guitar, the amp, and the pure unmic’d sound. How did people first experience playing the guitar? Generally it was *not* a mic’d amp. It was an amp in the room. Palm mutes are a very telling difference between a tube amp in the room and a modeler/monitor.
It’s to some degree why people started buying vinyl records again-until digital is advanced enough, it involves a loss of something. It’s at the mercy of our modeling what we liked about hearing sound in the first place (unless someone decides they just don’t care, like you, which I suppose is fine). We can transition, like maybe you have, or decide that maybe the digital version leaves some things to be desired. I certainly won’t be one throwing poop at people who want more out of digital before they embrace it. I get it. Sometimes I just need to play through my rectifier for that adrenaline pumping sweet electric guitar experience.
I actually played through a solid state amp head and cab for over a decade before I was a big boy, and bought myself a tube amp. I didn’t know there were people out there who prized them above all, so I tried it. I didn’t like or want to play solid state anymore.. on top of that, I’d rather play my solid state amp than my modeler if I’m just jamming for my own pleasure a lot of the time, but it depends on what I want. Sometimes, yeah, I want to experience amps I don’t have. I still know where that genuine electric guitar experience lies *for me* though.
Some people also tend to waft that sweet sweet smell into their nostrils 🤣
It’s an acquired taste.
Cab for this guy
I like digital because I dont want to cuckold my ear drum and I don't want my amp to sound like balls at 20 percent volume.
Could this be used for bass guitar with HX Stomp?
Really nice playing…
It would be interesting to hear if someone has compared the Powercab vs running into the effects return of a Boss Katana 100 W 112. I run my HD500X into my Katana and I am surprised by how good it sounds, since you have the cabs in the modeller I see no need of having that in the cab and what sounds good in headphones sounds good in the Katana in my opinion.
A similar approach and far more affordable is a Vox Cambridge50. It has an FRFR mode. However, I use it with my pedalboard and Iridium in front of the Deluxe model and am also "surprised by how good it sounds." An HX stomp in front would be a killer minimal rig. I paid less than $200 for the VOX.
Having your IR in the cab is like having extra DSP. It means more powerful signal chains. On my Helix Floor I can’t do much if I want two amps and two IRs.
Wow, I didn't even know this was possible. Do you suppose I could run a Neural DSP plugin through my Katana head?
@@matthewmp111 Just run it into the effects return and your'e golden 🙂
I use the same setup, Variax, Helix, Powercab112+. I also have a Powercab 212 but think its bigger than I need and stereo isn’t useful live and with IEMs. I use FRFR because of the Variax, I’m using acoustic tones, open tunings and electric in the same patch through snapshots. FRFR gives Powercab a lot of flexibility you can’t get from a combo.
I think I was reading your description in the forum about what each of the settings do!
@jimamsden Same!
Have you used the Line 6 SoundSource model L2T or L3T as a substitute for the Line 6 Powercab plus?
How did you run the helix before?
I have the 212 and love it, why dont you use the speaker models?
Just really like the sound of LF RAW!
Anyone tried connecting it with Strymon Iridium? Any good results ?
There’s one on my local marketplace for $200. Should I buy it?
Apologies if you mentioned this and I missed it, did you mic up the powercab at all or run XLR to front of house from the helix/pcab?
EDIT: Oh I see in your preset you split the signal and ran an IR, I assume then Helix out to FOH
Given that you preferred using it in LF Raw mode (assuming without a cab sim or IR on the Helix), and you've indicated the speaker sims are somewhat dark, I wonder if it would be better to get something like a Seymour Duncan Powerstage and plug it into a small 1x12" cab with a nice speaker that actually has a good character. I haven't heard the Powercab so I don't know how it would compare in LF Raw to something like, say, a G12H-30 or Greenback but I'm guessing it's not a leading guitar speaker on its own. Beyond that, there appear to be firmware issues leading to inconsistent behaviour on the Powercab so that is not in its favour. Comments?
I think some people have claimed to enjoy the tone they were getting with their multifx units plugged into a regular guitar cab but i believe that to optimize the performance of any multifx is to run it into a powered cab
Forgive me for what might be a dumb question, but when using the Power Cab, do you still put a cab block in the Helix patch?
Perfectly reasonable question! I split the signal chain - IR goes to front of house, raw goes to Powercab!
Hi, 40+ fella here. I have a line 6 helix floor and I record with it. I use my studio monitors and actually I can't complain. However, my friends have been asking me for years to jam with them, as I used to when I was a teenager (when I used to have amps). So, I'm thinking about getting an FRFR speaker to do this with them, but I'm not sure to get just an FRFR speaker or a powercab 112, powercab 112plus or a 212 plus. I mean, it's just to jam with the fellas (just old skool garageband style). Would you recommend a normal FRFR or a powercab family (which one)? Cheers.
So. The cheapest option out there would be something like a Headrush FRFR (or an Alto pa speaker essentially). The powercab 112plus is the one that I've tried and I'm pretty happy with it but admittedly it's quite a bit more than the cheaper FRFR solutions
@@johnnathancordy Thanks. Yeah, I was thinking that I already have all my IRs in the helix floor, so I don't need an FRFR with extra IR capabilities, or which does the same as the helix floor. I will research more for the difference between 112 vs 112 plus vs Headrush.
I have a Stomp and a Revv D20. Wondering if anyone has used the power cab with D20. 🙏🏼
I have a nice cab, and the stomp now. The power cab is crazy expensive for me. If I wanna use my cab I either need a fx return of an amp or just power amp pedal.
What would be the benefits of the line 6 power cab over a power amp pedal and a normal cab, if you already had one for home use (apart from obviously needing a pedal)??
Do you use the cab sim with Lf Raw?
Cab sim off
I’d like to try out this preset on my PC+
I can drop it in the folder?
@@johnnathancordy you are the man Cordy!
Hot Covers UK - the best ;-)
Would you recommend it for home use bedroom levels?
Honestly I feel like at home/bedroom studio monitors are probably what I'd go for?
My in ears guitar sounds insanely good. Ali express kzn and behringer p2.
Do you mean the KZ ZS10 style headphones? I use those ones - great for the money
@@johnnathancordy yeah i think so. 50 bucks on ali express, they do not fall out and guitar sounds amazing.
Why wouldn't I just get a tube amp and have the best of both worlds. Couldn't you bypass the preamp and only use the speakers. What are the pros and cons really? Feel like getting a powered cabinet would be limiting my options. Am I wrong?
i am tempted by approaching this the same way.. By getting an amp that i like with an fx loop, but im also aware that then youd be limiting the performance of your modeller due to the lack of an frfr speaker in the amp.. I have seen this guy comparing the pc112 with a catalyst in another video and the pc112 definitely sounded better.. But is it better enough to justify the much more expensive pc112 is the question..
If you're using cheaper in-ears that fall out a lot because you don't want to spend too much money on in-ears, so instead you're spending hundreds on a cab to make up for what you're missing from your cheaper in-ears.... Wouldn't it make more sense to just buy decent in-ears?
Ok, how about just Boss Katana 50w or 100w, weight is around 11kg, a bit much lighter, 60+ fx inside. Helix 5kg + powercab 16kg ... no way. I use Helix + FRFR Alto Professional 9kg, it's much more portable and lightweight, sounds amazing just needed to be miced up. But it's much more portable. Best gigable set is HX Stomp + FRFR 8" - just 9kg in total and good 'helix' sound.
Um, I’d like to raise an issue
Never trust a man with a suit top but no pants
Do you still feel the same
If you already have an amp with an fx loop, just plug into that has been just as satisfying for me these days
Given your sense of humour, you missed the goldmine at calling this video "A Dishonest Review of the Line 6 Powercab 112 Plus".
There over $1000 we're I live, way to expensive!
Ooft
jc 3.5 minutes to get to the stated purpose of the vid.
Getting asked to turn down … sucks
First time ever! I don't mind tbh sound guy has a job to do!
Blah blah blah
Question for you John. I have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and just bought a Pod Go. Thinking of just getting a Powercab instead of using my Fender because I can just use all downloaded presets as is without messing with turning amps and cabs on and off. Does this make sense to you? I guess I feel like the presets through my amp do not produce the intended sounds of the preset because of having to shut down preset amp and/or cab. I assume the Powercab will solve this and make it simple. Also, can I play an acoustic through the Powercab? Thanks John.
FWIW I’ve had my pod go about a month and the solution I used with my hot rod was to put the fx loop in front of the internal IR and put the send in to the power amp in on the dlx so I could manage the volume with the loop controls and not have to turn off cabs. It sounds good, but a bit finicky to have to do that to every patch and I find the HRD to collapse a bit in the mids at volume. I just picked up a used PC112+ and am using the amp out to a few speaker patches I dialed in. In short, I am very glad I didn’t try to gig with the hot rod setup, as I feel much more confident I’ll get what I want from it now. TBD this week..