[urklvt]

Hey guys, I'll be updating my rig (more like actually getting a rig...) soon to accommodate my 10 string, and was debating as to whether I should get a mono head or a stereo preamp/power amp rig.

What I'm curious to know is, if money were no object (yeah, right!!!), which route you guys would take. Mono head, or stereo preamp/power amp setup.

Feel free to offer suggestions too, this may benefit many people.

[metalfiend666]

I'm running a stereo rack rig and plan on doing so for the forseeable future. One thing I like about it is the option to run a guitar cab and a bass cab with independant volumes for each. The bass cab really helps with the low B of my UV and low F# of my RG7421XL.

[darren]

With a 10-string, you're probably best to go with an active crossover and a bi-amp setup.

[urklvt]

I thought about that, but I have yet to find a reasonably priced x-over with a midi controllable x-over frequency. I was intending on doing something like metalfiend's rig anyway. The usable low frequency on the Crate BV215 cabs is 28hz so I'm thinking of going with a 412 and one of those, or, if I go strictly mono, a 412 and a 118 Big Ben sub from SWR.

[darren]

Why would you need your crossover to be MIDI-controllable?

[noodles]

If you plan to gig, one thing to keep in mind is the PA situation at prospective clubs. I know my band often opens for touring acts, and have to play in front of their backlined gear. There is no way I could run a stereo setup, because I'm only getting one mic for my entire rig. We often have to share vocal mics for backing vocals.

[urklvt]

Originally Posted by darren

Why would you need your crossover to be MIDI-controllable?

I don't like being locked into a frequency split point. Most likely what I'll end up doing is splitting the signal equally and eq the paths independantly to focus each one on its own set of frequencies. But really for now I just need something that can give me great guitar tone and still handle all the way down to 32hz.

Noodles, you're right, I most likely would never get more than 1 channel. I never played in stereo at church... Mike Sherman says I just have to face the fact that with this 10 I'll be a bass player! So I guess mono might be right. We'll see.

[Matt Crooks]

Originally Posted by noodles

If you plan to gig, one thing to keep in mind is the PA situation at prospective clubs. I know my band often opens for touring acts, and have to play in front of their backlined gear. There is no way I could run a stereo setup, because I'm only getting one mic for my entire rig. We often have to share vocal mics for backing vocals.

And even when you aren't cramped live, until you're an established touring act no soundman is going to mic you in stereo. And even then... the *only* people that get the true benefit of the stereo amp are those in the dead middle of the audience (and they should be in the pit). So stereo for live use is useless. In the studio, the effects should be added after recording, so it's not useful there either.

[Christopher]

I run both. I run my Vetta stereo onstage for me and tap the direct out in mono for the FOH. I like the sound of the stereo digital delays and fat chorus but I know I'm the only one who notices them.

[ohio_eric]

Biamping might be the best solution for a 10 string. (Please tell me more of this 10 string beast.) But the guys who said you're lucky if you get one mic for your whole rig are right. So it's all a balancing act. I'd say biamp and have fun reaching for the brown note and all.