How To Use Software and Apps with your Valve Amplifier | XSonic Pedalboard Interface
when two worlds collide…
Typically guitar players fall into one of two camps: Those that use software and apps to simulate amplifiers and effects OR those who stick exclusively to physical amplifiers and pedalboards.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. By using a small pedalboard interface it is possible to take software effects and inject them into your physical amplifier as if they were standard guitar pedals.
In the above video we take a look at the XTone Smart Stomp from XSonic which connects to laptops, ipads, or smart phones via USB and controls software using MIDI commands on physical footswitches.
It will take in your guitar signal, apply the software effects, and then output the effected signal to your amplifier. This gives players the opportunity to experience the quality and flexibility of studio grade software directly through their existing rig without the serious financial outlay of buying real world rackmount equivalents.
In this fashion players can use the interface to either send entire simulated amplifier rigs to their power amp for real world amplification through a speaker cabinet, or run the interface in the FX Loop to apply studio quality reverbs and delays while still using the gain structure of the physical valve amplifier.
Furthermore, the Smart Stomp features a balanced XLR output which makes sending these sounds directly to the FOH when performing live an absolute breeze.
While the small number of MIDI footswitches gives limited functionality for changing between many presets and effects, it affords players the bare essentials to bring in effects from software when they are required.
Away from the stage the Smart Stomp can be used as a portable practice device. With just your guitar, ipad, a set of headphones and the XTone interface you have the world of software in a convenient travel package.
Since the interface can power over USB from the connected device, it can be taken completely off the grid for outdoor or holiday practicing.
If this all sounds useful to you then you can find out more about the XSonic Smart Stomp here.