Easy Gig Rigs

As I have gotten older, more experienced and easier to get tired I’ve learned a lot about gear and what works for me. I won’t compromise tone either. So what I have come to learn. If I don’t require body taps, glopes for my performance I’m using the Yamaha SLG200NW guitar.

Yamaha SLG200NW

if I do need body percussion then the Yamaha NCX3.

Yamaha NCX3

From there I plug into my simple pedalboard which gives me a high pass filter and eq with limiter and tuner it’s the Source Audio EQ2 with a Source Audio Tap/Temp Switch for the Tuner and Mute functionality, A Boss Reverb RV-6, Boss Loop Station RC-5 all housed in a Boss Pedalboard BCB-30X.

Simple Pedalboard

Now for amplification I am using 3 various stems depending on needs of clients. I can cover audiences from 50-500 with the gear I have. For 70% of the gigs I do I use the EV 30m I have been able to use this system with no problem for 250

EV 30m

I also like the QSC CP8 in Mono or Stereo and can cover 100-300 people with this setup

QSC CPS on Ultimate Support TS-110B Extra Tall Lift-Assist Speaker Stand with a K&M Speaker Tilt Adapter – Black

Then for intimate performances or where no AC is easy to access I use 1 Bose S1 Pro. I’ve also used a Bose S1 Pro as my monitor and preamp w reverb and then an additional speaker like the QSC CP 8.

2 Bose S1 Pro Speakers

I have other gear that I use when I add a mic like the DPA 4099 G to use with my Culpepper. The Grace Design FeliX 2 when I just use my guitar and preamp out to a Front Of House (FOH) set up

Grace Design Felix2

Grace Design FeliX 2 with EV30m

Grace Design Felix2

I also like the sound of a saturated preamp like Neve 511 or Chameleon Labs 7603 but this moves out of the easy set ups.

Chameleon Labs 7603 and TC Electronic MOne-XL

Neve 511 Preamp, 551 EQ, 545 Primary Source Enhancer.

Rupert Neve RNDI

For a DI nothing beats the Rupert Neve RNDI

I’ve tried lots of gear and guitars but for the daily giging nylon string guitarist this is what I’ve concluded in 2022 works best for me and I hope it helps you get you best Nylon Live Sound. I purchase my gear at Sweetwater Sound, American Musical and Russo’s Music Store.

Playing my DeVoe Negra

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a gig where I’ll be playing my DeVoe Negra. This weekend I have three gigs on my favorite guitar. With the Neve 511 mic preamp and 551 equalizer it sounds so thick and defined with power and clarity I think the 545 Primary Source Enhancer has really helped as well with more gain before feedback. The DPA 4099G sounds excellent with this setup.

Rupert Neve Designs 500 Series

The Rupert Neve Designs 500 series511, 541, 545 and RNDI have found their way to my live and studio sound. I have the LR Baggs Lyric on two of my guitars (a mic system pickup) and I also use the DPA 4099G. this all works great with my Neve gear. It started pre Covid I would experiment on my UA Apollo and use Neve emulations in the plug in format and really liked what I was hearing. It was a thick desirable rich tone that reminds me of some of my old flamenco guitar records. My first purchase was the RNDI and that started at all I could instantly hear the richness and thickness of the tone when I plugged in my guitar direct to a soundboard mixer or speaker. I started wondering how can I get the preamp EQ and other things with me to gigs that would not be too heavy or require a gigantic rack to carry. That’s when I entered the 500 series and started using the radio workhorse as my power supply and small three unit device to hold my 500 series modules. I started wondering how can I get the preamp EQ and other things with me to gigs that would not be too heavy or require a gigantic rack to carry. That’s when I entered the 500 series and started using the radio workhorse as my power supply and small three unit device to hold my 500 series modules. What I’ve landed on is the Neve 511 preamp, 551 eq and 545 primary source Enhancer.

Love the 500 Rupert Neve Designs 511 Mic Pre and the 511 EQ

My Live 500 Series Workhorse

I am totally enjoying and enthralled with the Neve sound. What started over a year ago when I was demoing Neve preamps and eq/ channel strips on the Universal Audio (UA) plug-in platform for recording has led me to purchase the RNDI, 511 and 551. I am amazed at the sonic characteristics and how they are transmitted and transferred to the listening ear. The transformers just produce such a rich thick harmonic sound 2nd and third or harmonics that just surround your ear in the lush tone. The saturation that can be achieved with the silk circuit it really beautiful. I’ve come to the conclusion that I personally like listening to sound through transformers and having the ability to adjust some of the low frequency as well as the 16 K. With this equalization I am able to dial in a very realistic warm sound using the L.R. Baggs lyric True Mic pick up. From what I’ve been able to experience over the years especially playing live this is one of the best tones I’ve been able to achieve without feedback and be fairly loud. It surpasses previous systems that I’ve used and this is what I prefer as it feels like I’m really performing on my instrument and the audience is hearing what I hear. I’ve tried using other pieces of gear to EQ and create good tone and I have not been able to achieve such stellar results as I have with using the Neve 500 series pieces of gear above mentioned. I’ve also added the Radial Engineering EXTC to allow for the insertion of my reverb pedal. I’m currently using the Noss RV 500 (on a plate setting) and looper pedal. The Radial Engineering EXTC allows me to run a line level mic signal to a High Z effects pedal and back to line/mic level. I then go to a powered speaker like QSC CP8 or EV 30m or Bose S1 pro or FOH.

500 Series Gear for Summer 2021

This will be what’s housed in the Radial Engineering Workhorse for a bit. This is primarily to be used on my flamenco guitars live with either a LR Baggs Lyric Pickup or a DPA 4099G. I will use this with my Córdoba 45FP, Godin Multiac Grand Concert Delux and DeVoe Cedar Top Negra. The pickups will first hit the Rupert Neve Designs RNDI the go to the Neve 511 Mic Preamp, as will the DPA 4099G mic. For EQ Rupert Neve Designs 551 Equalizer EQ and then the Radial Engineering 500 Series EXTC and this will be where effects will be plugged in like Delay, Reverb, and looper. Then to mixer/ PA system.