I still doAnd to think, we use to have to do a whole gig with just one amp
I play in a cover band that had around 200 songs before we lost a member, so now we're significantly reduced, but I still have about 35 presets that cover the songs we do.
If I were you, I wouldn't try to do even 2 or 3 kitchen sink presets to cover everything. It's possible, but, for instance, in my "meat 'n potatoes" preset (which is more or less a 'general use' - mini kitchen sink - preset), I'm tapping out at 85% CPU; it's right on the verge of not working. It's got
In > Wah > Drive > Amp > Cab > Comp > Chorus > Delay > Reverb > Out ... and I think MAYBE a looper; can't remember off hand.
In any case, it works for a majority of the songs, but it doesn't begin to cover the whole setlist, especially if you like specific effects particular to certain songs (if you're going for any degree of authenticity).
In any case, make your own - you'll be much happier. I also recommend using Per-Preset footswitches for every preset as well. A kitchen sink preset is a PITA with only 3 switches, regardless of how versatile the FAS switches are. This is what I do and every preset has exactly what I need for the song in it; it's great!
Precisely what I do. Rarely will I create a preset from scratch these days unless I'm feelin' a wild bug up my butt to do so or I feel a song requires a different vibe. For instance, I diverted from my main Jp2C amp for Meredith Brooks' "Bitch" because i feel that song calls for a Vox. I also switch to a tele on my Variax for that one. I think I've found a good balance between trying to have 1 preset to rule them all on one side of the spectrum and each song gets its own preset on the other. The one thing I don't compromise, though, is that each preset that I do make gets it's own per-preset switch assignmentOnce you have those base presets created, then you can use them as a template to create one-offs for songs that need specific effects. For example, I only use a flanger for a single song (All Over You by Live) so I have a preset that is almost identical to the base, but with a Flanger instead of the Chorus.
Wonderful points all around in your post. This is the best advice, I think. I just try to capture the spirit of the tune, not necessarily an identical tone based off the same equipment the artist used.don't feel the need to copy every sound from every album down to the last detail. Find a few core amps, get to know them, use them, and focus on your playing.
Just to play devil's advocate here; I've never dialed in a preset at "full gig volume" in my life (for several reasons) and there's never been any issue. The soundman can EQ my tone as he sees fit. I think this advice came about more for people dialing in tube amps at bedroom volume and then cranking them when they get on stage and finding the tone becomes boomy and ice-picky... But, for instance, I practice to headphones or studio monitors at reasonable listening volume, we rehearse using headphones, and my band uses in-ears (I don't, but that's neither here nor there) - so, in a way I do dial stuff in at "gig volume," but that doesn't necessarily mean the volume that is coming through the PA speakers (since, again, soundman has robust EQ capabilities) or what you traditionally think of as gig volume.Also, always audition your sounds at FULL gig volume or Fletcher-Munson will ruin your good time. All those presets that sound “dark” at bedroom volume will sound great or even a bit bright at gig volume. I find that using nice headphones that tend to be a bit bright helps me compensate for this while I’m building presets. But, I always run my sounds through speakers at full volume before I finalize my presets for gigs. This is also the reason that some people struggle with the factory presets. They’re designed to be played LOUD.
Just to play devil's advocate here; I've never dialed in a preset at "full gig volume" in my life (for several reasons) and there's never been any issue. The soundman can EQ my tone as he sees fit. I think this advice came about more for people dialing in tube amps at bedroom volume and then cranking them when they get on stage and finding the tone becomes boomy and ice-picky... But, for instance, I practice to headphones or studio monitors at reasonable listening volume, we rehearse using headphones, and my band uses in-ears (I don't, but that's neither here nor there) - so, in a way I do dial stuff in at "gig volume," but that doesn't necessarily mean the volume that is coming through the PA speakers (since, again, soundman has robust EQ capabilities) or what you traditionally think of as gig volume.
But yes; if you play loudly and have a lot of stage volume or room volume when you rehearse, you will definitely want to dial your preset in in the same type of scenario you plan to use it most - or else prepare to use the global EQ when you change volumes
If you can get away with two amps, you’ll give yourself the ability to use the remaining two amp channels to have different “versions” or “channels” of those amps without modifiers. Add in some extra modifiers, boosts, or drive pedals and you have yourself a very flexible ring. What York IRs are you using with the SLO?I am trying a new setup tonight for our cover band… I actually downloaded Austin buddy”s pack…did a few tweaks.
using a morgan ac20 with York matchless cabs for clean
And a Soldano lead for …. Ac/Dc tone, to a Warren Haynes tone… thru to the 90’s… with York audio cabs and just using varying gain
Also fist time out with the OMG9 setup….
So basically two amps … I could have gone the Soldano clean amp…
I keep switching between the EVH, Blackjack, and Bogna… and a combo of two… I am sure this never happens here but… I keep going between mix cabs and the 57/121 singles… can’t decide what I like moreIf you can get away with two amps, you’ll give yourself the ability to use the remaining two amp channels to have different “versions” or “channels” of those amps without modifiers. Add in some extra modifiers, boosts, or drive pedals and you have yourself a very flexible ring. What York IRs are you using with the SLO?