with different amp types apply, so
be forewarned.
STEREO RACK RIGS
Many players using stereo rigs these days are
using modeling preamps, like the very popular
Fractal Axe FX II, and either going direct to
the PA or recorder with them, or running them
into a stereo power amp and then into one
or more speaker cabs. For non-technophobe
guitarists who want or need a broad palette
of sounds, this is a very effective and relatively
simple way to put together a powerful
stereo guitar rig (though it probably won’t be
cheap). In setups like these, the amplifier is
just providing pure, transparent power, rather
than tone, so virtually any sufficiently robust
solid-state stereo power amp will do the
job. These tend to be much more affordable
and widely available than stereo guitar
heads, as their primary use is in full-range PA
systems. Guitarists who still yearn for a little
tube character in their rig should check out
some of the tube-powered stereo rack amps
from Mesa-Boogie, Koch, Engl, and other
companies.
There are more possibilities now than ever
before for the guitarist that wants to run
their rig in stereo, and the creative options
available with such a set up are nearly endless.
Even players that don’t use much in the way
of effects can benefit from the greater girth,
power, and complexity that is inherent in a
stereo guitar rig. Sure, there might be a bit
more heavy lifting involved, and setup might
be slightly more complicated, but the end
result is more than worth the effort, so resist
those lazy tendencies, split that guitar signal,
and get your stereo on.
42
TONE TALK //
“Every human
with a functional
pair of ears knows
instinctivel that
y
stereo is al
w ys
a
better than mono,
beca
use real life
is in stereo.”
The Ins and Outs of Playing In Stereo