Geni Swing Guitars

Amp Effects

If you're playing a gig on a big stage, outdoor festival, arena, or large venue, you're probably going to be faced with having to run your guitar amp into the PA system.

The purpose of this, of course, is so that your guitar will be heard in a situation where the amp alone is not enough.

There are also times, even in a smaller, low volume venue, that running the guitar amp through the PA is a good idea, just to add some "presence", and to fill out the overall mix of the band.

When you find yourself in this situation, you really have two options.

1. Run a "line out" of the amp to the PA

2. Place a microphone on the amp

Line Out

Many amplifiers will have an output jack in the back labeled "line out", or something similar. This jack outputs a "line level", non-powered signal that can be fed to a PA system or recording device.

This signal is "post" amplifier, but "pre" speaker and, as a result, the signal that is being fed to the PA or recording device represents the sound that is produced by the amp itself.

In other words, any distortions, reverbs or effects that are processed by the amp and/or pedals is the sound that is output at the "line" level - but not the actual sound that comes out of the speakers.

Obviously, the sound that ultimately comes out of the speakers is the "true" sound that is heard by the audience, so using the "line out" jack to feed a signal to the PA is the least desirable option.

Placing a Microphone on the Amp

Since the sound that comes out of the speakers is the most desirable sound, in most cases, placing a microphone on the amp is usually the best way to go.

When micing an amp, the first thing to decide is what kind of microphone to use.

A good "omni-directional" mic is most preferred, and the overall top choice of mics for sound engineers is the Shure SM-57.

This workhorse of a mic is an industry standard that has many instrument mic applications, and is hard to beat in sound replication and reliability.

Mic Placement

When placing the mic on a guitar amp, use a small boom or straight mic stand. Shine a flashlight into the front of the amp and locate the speaker face.

Place the mic against the grille cloth in an "off set" position toward the speaker edge, rather than directly in the middle of the speaker. This will give the "truest" sound of the amp through the mic.

When doing a sound check, turn the amp up to normal playing volume so that the sound engineer can tweak the guitar level and blend it properly with the rest of the band.

In Conclusion

Although there are times when using the "line out" feature of an amp is the only option - like when a mic is simply not available - the resounding choice of sound engineers and guitar players everywhere in a situation that requires an amp to be run through the PA system, is to put a mic on it!

Over 40, 50, 60? For Free Video Guitar Lessons designed for Active Adults go to http://www.adultguitarlessons.com/amember/free_lessons-1225ez.php

Keith Dean is founder of http://www.AdultGuitarLessons.com and a 30 veteran of stage and studio. He toured extensively as a road musician throughout the US and Europe, was a former lead guitarist for Jason Aldean, and has shared stages with Little Big Town, Wild Rose, Winger, Confederate Railroad and more. He is a published songwriter, owned and operated a successful music store, and has instructed numerous students in guitar.

Lovepedal Amp 50 Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal $129 Lovepedal Amp 50 Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal

Ampeg Ba-210Sp Bass Combo Amp With Effects $579.99 Ampeg BA-210SP Bass Combo Amp with Effects

Rocktron Replitone 1X12 Digital Replicating Amp With Effects $139.99 Rocktron RepliTone 1x12 Digital Replicating Amp with Effects

Fender Acoustasonic Junior Dsp Combo Amp With Effects $499.99 Fender Acoustasonic Junior DSP Combo Amp with Effects

Zoom G3 Guitar Amp and Effects Simulator $199.99 This guitar amp and effects simulator features 13 amp and 94 stompbox models to help you enhance your music with a custom sound. Three large LCD displays offer easy operation.

Kustom KG212FX 30W 2x12 Guitar Combo Amp with Digital Effects Black $199.99 Kustom KG212FX 30W 2x12 Guitar Combo Amp with Digital Effects Black

Kustom KG112FX 20W 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp with Digital Effects Black $99.99 Kustom KG112FX 20W 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp with Digital Effects Black

Used Behringer Gmx210 2X10 Guitar Combo Amp With Effects $99.99 In Store Used USED BEHRINGER GMX210 2X10 GUITAR COMBO AMP WITH EFFECTS

Kustom Kg112fx 20W 1X12 Guitar Combo Amp With Digital Effects Black $99.99 Kustom KG112FX 20W 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp with Digital Effects Black

Ik Multimedia Amplitube Fender Software Amp & Effects Suite $199.99 IK Multimedia AmpliTube Fender Software Amp & Effects Suite

Kustom Kg212fx 30W 2X12 Guitar Combo Amp With Digital Effects Black $199.99 Kustom KG212FX 30W 2x12 Guitar Combo Amp with Digital Effects Black

Behringer Ultraflexible Modeling Amp/Multi-Effects Processor for Electric Guitars $75.99 This modeling amp/multi-effects processor features 16 original amp and speaker simulations and a high-resolution, stereo effects processor to customize your music. The LED display allows visual feedback while you edit.

Refurbished Ampeg Ba-210Sp Bass Combo Amp With Effects $499.99 The Ampeg BA-210SP Bass Combo Amp with Effects gives you 16 preset effects from overdrive to funk wah. Its bass synths give you vintage feel with a whole lot of room to mess around with your sound. Footswitch clicks among 4 preset picks. 220 watts of unbridled power, a piezo tweeter, and 2 crankin' 10" drivers with massive magnets bring all that fat tone into the real world.220W 16 preset effects Footswitch allows switching among presets 2 heavy-magnet 10" drivers Piezo HF driver 21"W x 21"H x 15-1/2"D 76 lbs.

Used Fender Acoustasonic Dsp/Sfx Acoustic Amp W/Effects $399.99 In Store Used USED FENDER ACOUSTASONIC DSP/SFX ACOUSTIC AMP W/EFFECTS

Used Line 6 Ld300 Pro Bass Combo Amp W/Effects $249.99 In Store Used USED LINE 6 LD300 PRO BASS COMBO AMP W/EFFECTS

BOSS Guitar Effects Processor $499.99 Rock out in your own musical style with this multi-effects guitar processor that features an easy-to-use for custom sound creation. Parallel effects chain capability offers 2 separate effects paths, including COSM amp models, to add stylistic flair to your musical compositions.

Tipbook Amplifiers and Effects (Paperback) $30.84 Whether you need a guitar amp, a sound system, a multi-effects unit for a bass guitar, or a keyboard amplifier, Tipbook Amplifiers and Effects helps you make a good choice. Two chapters explain general features (controls, equalizers, speakers, MIDI, etc.) and figures (watts, ohms, impedance, etc.), and further chapters cover the specifics of guitar amps, bass amps, keyboard amps, acoustic amps, and sound systems. Effects and effect units are dealt with in detail, and there are dedicated chapters on microphones and pickups, and on cables and wireless systems.

Behringer X V-Amp Guitar Multi Effects Pedal $75.99 The Behringer X V-AMP Guitar Effects Processor features models of celebrated guitar amps, cabs, and effects combined with a multimode expression pedal. A special acoustic simulation and an amp bypass function are also included. The expression pedal offers either realtime control of effects or wah/volume function. The 24-bit high-resolution stereo multi-effects processor includes 4 models of each chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, rotary speaker, and pitch bend effect. Amp and cabinet simulation, compressor, noise gate, EQ, modulation effects, delay, and reverb can be used simultaneously in any combination. One 1/4" in, 2 - 1/4" TRS outs. Behringer includes a power supply with the X V-AMP.Models of coveted guitar amps, cabs, and effectsRealtime expression-wah/volume pedal24-bit stereo multi-effects processor4 models of each chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, rotary speaker, and pitch bend effectCompressorNoise gateEQModulation effectsDelayReverbEffects can be used simultaneously in any combinationOne 1/4" in, 2 - 1/4" TRS outsPower supply included

onOne Software Perfect Effects 3 $78.95 onOne Software Perfect Effects 3 takes the idea of stacking effects even further with the new blending options that provide even more control over how effects are combined. These advanced tools include blending modes options and the ability to limit effects to specific color or tonal range of an image. Perfect Effects 3 works where you do. It integrates seamlessly into your workflow whether you use Lightroom, Aperture or Photoshop and even works as a standalone application. Photoshop is no longer required. 

Kustom KG100HFX 100W Guitar Amp Head with Digital Effects Black $199.99 The Kustom KG100HFX from the KG series is a classic, 100W guitar amp head. It offers 2 channels (Rhythm and Lead), tone controls, and digital effects. The amplifier head will work with a wide variety of speaker cabinets, delivering 100W of heavy, powerful guitar tone. The Kustom KG100HFX amp head's Rhythm channel offers clear, dynamic tones that are perfect for a wide variety of musical styles. Using the Gain control, the Lead channel can dish out anything from chunky classic rock sounds to the heaviest, scooped metal tones out there. The amp head's separate bass, middle, and treble controls let players fine-tune the tonal response as required.In addition, the Kustom KG100HFX amp head provides built-in reverb and delay effects that may be activated on the amp's front panel. Reverb can provide anything from subtle room ambiance to an all-out wash of cavernous sound. Delay is perfect for fattening up lead tones, especially when combined with distortion. The Kustom amp head's Chorus adds a shimmering, liquid-like quality to the sound, especially with chords.Like every Kustom KG amp, the KG100HFX offers an auxiliary input for plugging in an MP3 or CD player to practice, and it features an 1/8" headphone input. Now you can use your Kustom KG100FX to practice along with MP3s all without the need for a speaker cabinet. Just plug in your headphones and rock.An Effects Loop with Send and Return jacks provide flexibility for integrating external effects and processors. A single-function footswitch (not included) may be used with the Kustom KG100FX to switch between Rhythm and Lead channels. All Kustom KG Series amplifiers including the Kustom KG100FX amp head provide a 5-year, transferable electronics warranty to give buyers extra piece of mind with their purchase.Input 1: 1/4" jackInput 2: 1/4" jack with 6 dB lower gainGain (lead)Volume (lead)Channel select switch (lead and rhythm)Volume control (rhythm)Bass controlMiddle controlTreble controlDelay/reverbEffects controlChorus switchPower SwitchEffects loopExternal speaker jackHeadphone jackAuxiliary input

Kustom Kg100hfx 100W Guitar Amp Head With Digital Effects Black $199.99 The Kustom KG100HFX from the KG series is a classic, 100W guitar amp head. It offers 2 channels (Rhythm and Lead), tone controls, and digital effects. The amplifier head will work with a wide variety of speaker cabinets, delivering 100W of heavy, powerful guitar tone. The Kustom KG100HFX amp head's Rhythm channel offers clear, dynamic tones that are perfect for a wide variety of musical styles. Using the Gain control, the Lead channel can dish out anything from chunky classic rock sounds to the heaviest, scooped metal tones out there. The amp head's separate bass, middle, and treble controls let players fine-tune the tonal response as required.In addition, the Kustom KG100HFX amp head provides built-in reverb and delay effects that may be activated on the amp's front panel. Reverb can provide anything from subtle room ambiance to an all-out wash of cavernous sound. Delay is perfect for fattening up lead tones, especially when combined with distortion. The Kustom amp head's Chorus adds a shimmering, liquid-like quality to the sound, especially with chords.Like every Kustom KG amp, the KG100HFX offers an auxiliary input for plugging in an MP3 or CD player to practice, and it features an 1/8" headphone input. Now you can use your Kustom KG100FX to practice along with MP3s all without the need for a speaker cabinet. Just plug in your headphones and rock.An Effects Loop with Send and Return jacks provide flexibility for integrating external effects and processors. A single-function footswitch (not included) may be used with the Kustom KG100FX to switch between Rhythm and Lead channels. All Kustom KG Series amplifiers including the Kustom KG100FX amp head provide a 5-year, transferable electronics warranty to give buyers extra piece of mind with their purchase.Input 1: 1/4" jackInput 2: 1/4" jack with 6 dB lower gainGain (lead)Volume (lead)Channel select switch (lead and rhythm)Volume control (rhythm)Bass controlMiddle controlTreble controlDelay/reverbEffects controlChorus switchPower SwitchEffects loopExternal speaker jackHeadphone jackAuxiliary input

IK Multimedia StealthPedal Audio Interface/Controller + AmpliTube 2 Guitar Amp and Effects Modeling Plug-In $272.99 IK Multimedia StealthPedal Audio Interface/Controller + AmpliTube 2 Guitar Amp and Effects Modeling Plug-In

IK Multimedia StealthPedal Audio Interface/Controller + AmpliTube Fender Amp & Effects Software Suite $272.99 IK Multimedia StealthPedal Audio Interface/Controller + AmpliTube Fender Amp & Effects Software Suite

Ik Multimedia Stealthpedal Audio Interface/Controller + Amplitube 2 Guitar Amp And Effects Modeling Plug-In $299.99 IK Multimedia StealthPedal Audio Interface/Controller + AmpliTube 2 Guitar Amp and Effects Modeling Plug-In

Ik Multimedia Stealthpedal Audio Interface/Controller + Amplitube Fender Amp & Effects Software Suite $272.99 IK Multimedia StealthPedal Audio Interface/Controller + AmpliTube Fender Amp & Effects Software Suite

Fender Fm 212Dsp 100 Watt 2X12 Frontman Combo Amp With Dsp Effects $349.99 Fender FM 212DSP 100 Watt 2x12" Frontman Combo Amp with DSP Effects

Pantone ESSENTIALS with EFFECTS $336.99 ESSENTIALS with EFFECTS FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated FORMULA GUIDE Solid Uncoated COLOR BRIDGE Coated COLOR BRIDGE Uncoated CMYK Coated CMYK Uncoated PREMIUM METALLICS Coated PASTELS & NEONS Coated & Uncoated The PANTONE ESSENTIALS with EFFECTS bundle gives you a wide selection of solid and process colors and widens your creative range with dramatic neons, lustrous metallics and soft pastels. This eight-guide set includes PLUS SERIES Solid Color FORMULA GUIDES, for accurate solid color specifying and matching; COLOR BRIDGE guides to determine how a PANTONE Color will appear when reproduced in CMYK or to create optimal display of PANTONE Colors on monitors and Web pages; CMYK guides, for working in process; the all new PLUS SERIES PREMIUM METALLICS guide; and the updated PASTELS & NEONS guide, with a range of soothing pastels and eye-popping neons colors. This set contains everything you need to select, spec and match solid and process colors and to gain a creative edge with market-proven specialty colors. Includes stylish carrying case. ESSENTIALS with EFFECTS GPG002 Manual Pantone Pantone, Inc Printed Book Reference www.pantone.com

Behringer Tube Amp Modeling Effects Pedal for Electric Guitars $23.99 This effects pedal features authentic modeling technology that delivers a wide range of tones and rugged construction that stands up to foot-triggered operation for long-lasting use.