Mar
4
Written by:
GP Blogger
3/4/2011 11:52 AM
I'm always intrigued by the idea of having an amp and effects rig that can fit into a briefcase. What I'm not so down with—at least yet—is playing live through my laptop. So what I came up with recently was partly inspired by the arrival of an Electro-Harmonix 44 Magnum. This compact power amp takes up the same amount of space as an MXR Phase 90, yet it puts out a whopping 44 watts into an 8Ω or 16Ω load. I grabbed a Leprechaun pedalboard—which features a perforated surface and plastic screws that stick to the bottom of the pedals—and set about laying out the components.
The Leprechaun made it quick and easy to get the 44 Magnum and its large power supply in the right spot, and then arrange a Fryette S.A.S. (an EF86-powered boost pedal that I used as a preamp), a T.C. Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb, and an EWS Little Brute Drive in a suitable order. Plugging into the EWS pedal first, and then getting a basic clean sound going with the S.A.S and adding some delicious TC reverb, I was knocked out by how good this rig sounded through an open-back cabinet with two ceramic-magnet Jensen 10s.
I could dial in a grinding rhythm sound with the S.A.S. that cleaned up superbly when I turned down my guitar, and for heavier distortion tones, all I had to do was click on the Little Brute Drive. Everyone who played though this sub-5 lbs rig thought it was killer, and even acoustic master Pierre Bensusan opted to use it for the video lesson he did last week at the GP office!
The best thing about the rig is that it packs into a nylon shoulder bag and can be easily carried along with my guitar and a small speaker cabinet ( I use a Bogner 1x12 for max portability). The setup time at the gig is virtually nil, and the 44 Magnum delivers plenty of volume to handle virtually any situation. The Leprechaun board also makes it super easy to add or subtract pedals as your needs change. This thing definitely works for me, and the concept is worth considering if you're looking for a way to scale back on what you haul to the gig. —Art Thompson
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6 comment(s) so far...
My New Porta Rig
Thanks for posting about your rig, Art. I've seen the caliber 44 and thought about it, but I've going to give it good try.
I, too, would like to stream line my rig.
By Tim Rutter on
3/9/2011 1:12 PM
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My New Porta Rig
This is the first time I've heard anyone mention the 44 magnum. Ive got one and I run it into a Jet City Amplification 1x12 cab after my PODXTLive. I love it!
By Mark Mende on
3/10/2011 5:30 AM
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My New Porta Rig
Would be even better with a picture or two.
By mooncaine on
3/15/2011 11:08 AM
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My New Porta Rig
I love the EH 22 and 44 caliber amps as well. I'm not sure how they did it, but they sound great used just like you would use an amp, OR as a power amp. I plugged a 22 caliber into an old PA speaker using a digitech RP155 as the preamp and the results are incredible!
YouTube video of this setup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X38tlmdXvBs
By R Webner on
3/16/2011 2:24 AM
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My New Porta Rig
Thanks for posting the rig, the caliber 44 sounds good, but by the time I buy one and then also a cabinet to carry I think I'd rather invest in a small combo amp - same total size and less money. I even get pretty good use out of a Fender 600 in situations I where don't want to carry a larger amp. Wattage? for gigs, amps are mic'd anyway. Now - If I were to travel with the 44 and just rent the cabinet, not carry it... maybe...
By Dave H on
3/17/2011 3:39 PM
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My New Porta Rig
That sounds like a cool rig. As a solo artist I also have been looking for ways to streamline. I use acoustic electrics through a Mackie SRM-150 with a Behringer Minifex 800 unit. The Mackie is rated at 150 watts RMS, fits on a mike stand, and has an attachment for a boom on top. For small venues this works great. Also, makes a great monitor of main P.A.
By Tim S. on
3/18/2011 10:48 AM
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