how to complete PiPedal rig for live performance?

[marade]

Hi folks. I love the work that's been done for this project, so first thank you for all of it. After reading through the docs and the forums, I had a hard time finding what kind of rigs people use for live output. Say you have this prototypical set up:

https://github.com/rerdavies/pipedal/blob/main/docs/gallery/rig.jpg

I can certainly see how one might use the MOTU monitor outputs in a studio context, but what about live, especially considering that some effects have stereo output? Do people typically use dual powered monitors for this? Or do most prefer to just forgo the stereo and use a single cab? Or straight into the mixing board? Something else?

Thanks for your input.

[hmollercl]

straight into the mixing board here. Monitor via in-ear or on stage powered monitor. A DI box between the interface and the mixer is a good idea also.

[marade]

Good point about the DI. Thanks for describing your rig.

[rerdavies]

My personal rig goes to a single powered PA speaker, although I do sometime go direct to house PA, or to a Bose L1A speaker array system placed behind the band (fabulous!). I do not use stereo effects in my presets, at present. Although i am certainly aware that I may be leaving stuff on the table by not doing so. A Mackie Thump, which I like because it has a 14" speaker. I also have a Polytone Mini-brute (legendary jazz amp, with very flat and mostly linear response, and a 12" speaker) which I do not gig with, but I might switch over to at some point.

Having a second powered speaker is positively trippy if you happen to be using a stereo flanger near the end of the processing chain. I have a friend who used this in live performance to good effect. It is really dramatic, and visceral! Walking around in front of the speakers when the stereo flanger is kicked in does something perceptually that almost makes it feel like the guitar signal is flying around your head. Even moving your head makes your brain go "What the heck was that!? I don't know. But I want more!". Works for chorus too, but it is not nearly so dramatic.

But most other uses of stereo effects in a live room are much more subtle, I think. It's one thing to pan different amps hard left and right in a headphone mix. But difficult to imagine how that's going to sound in various places in a live room. And the thought of doubling the size (and weight) of my rig does not really appeal. Or so I think.

[marade]

@rerdavies it's great to see how many different options can work. I'm excited to try a few performance scenarios. I appreciate all the work you've put in making this project fly.