So as I'm on the verge of getting my Axe-FX II out of my home studio and into the real world, I'm finding myself confounded by the choices out there on how to run my Axe live. Specifically, I'd like to hear about if you guys are bigger fans of going the route of a Matrix (or similar) power amp and then using traditional guitar cabs OR are you in the camp of using FRFR powered speakers like the offerings from Atomic and now Friedman (among others). I feel like I'm leaning towards the powered wedges route, but it would certainly be less expensive to just buy a power amp and roll with my current cabs (which I love). So let me hear your thoughts! Hopefully I can make this poll work :lol
This isn't a question that you can answer by popular oppinion. It's a question of workflow that you can only answer yourself:
+ Direct into PA and stage monitoring is great if you want consistent sound on all venues, but you lose the "amp in the room" feel on stage; also, cheap monitoring solutions might mess up your on-stage sound
+ Direct for audience, traditional cab on stage has the benefit of the "amp in the room" feel and is easier to set up on smaller gigs with low on-stage monitoring opportunities; less flexibility by not being able to use CAB modelling
+ Traditional amp and cab, aka 4cm: Great if you're having a "trademark sound" that you want to stick true to; also a plus for the show effect. Low flexibility in sound, though
+ FRFR cabinet: kind of an exotic solution for those that need the "pushed air", but don't want to miss the CAB modelling.
+ Direct with IEM: Ultimate flexibility and lightning-fast build-up and sound checks, however, problems with musical feedback
+ Miced traditional cab: Comfort zone bonus for the sound guy at any venue. But you are also at his mercy in terms of sound.