"Embracing Different Sounds: Mark Tremonti, known for his fondness for vintage Dumble amps and tubes, introduces the Neural DSP Quad Cortex for his tour"
In the ever-evolving world of guitar music, a notable trend is emerging among prominent artists, including Mark Tremonti, John Mayer, and Jim Root, who are combining digital amp modelers with traditional tube amps in their live rigs[1][4]. This hybrid approach showcases the strengths of both technologies, offering versatility, convenience, and a broader tonal palette[1].
Mark Tremonti, renowned for his work with Alter Bridge and Creed, has adopted this "can't beat them, join them" philosophy[1][4]. His rig includes a Wampler Audio Tumnus overdrive for lead tones, a Synergy Amps creation, an Eddie Van Halen 5153 head, and a PRS MT 100 tube amp, all coexisting with his digital modelers[1].
One such digital modeler Tremonti employs is the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, which finds a home amongst his rack-mounted pedalboard[1]. John Mayer has also been spotted using a Quad Cortex, further demonstrating this trend[1].
Recent technological advancements in digital modeling, such as neural amp modeling, profiling, and hybrid setups, have brought modeled tones impressively close to real tube sounds[3][5]. However, opinions vary slightly in style and genre, with some guitarists appreciating the accuracy and flexibility of digital modelers, while others in fusion genres sometimes find digital tones "feel off," suggesting that even with technological advances, some players still perceive a subtle difference in touch or dynamic response[2].
Practical considerations, such as power conditioning and rig safety, are also essential to maintaining tone consistency[1]. Tremonti uses a Kikusui adapter for power conditioning, ensuring his rig performs optimally[1].
Line 6 recently announced its Helix Stadium, a potentially game-changing digital modeler, further fueling this trend[1]. Slipknot's Jim Root has also joined the ranks of guitarists experimenting with the Quad Cortex[1].
Tremonti's connections to Wolfgang Van Halen allowed them to use Eddie Van Halen's 5150 Studios for the writing and recording of Alter Bridge's forthcoming new album[1]. Furthermore, Tremonti utilizes a Boss OC-5 octave pedal, adding another layer to his unique lead tone[1].
In summary, the current guitar community shows a trend towards hybrid rigs, capitalizing on digital modelers without forsaking tube amps, reflecting a pragmatic and evolving approach to tone shaping in 2025[1][3][4][5]. This coexistence promises an exciting future for guitar music, as artists continue to explore and push the boundaries of sound.
References: [1] Guitar World [2] Premier Guitar [3] Music Radar [4] Total Guitar [5] Guitar Player
- Mark Tremonti's live rig encompasses an assortment of traditional tube amps and digital amp modelers, demonstrating the fusion of modern technology with time-honored techniques.
- Apart from the Wampler Audio Tumnus overdrive and PRS MT 100 tube amp, Tremonti's rig also comprises the Neural DSP Quad Cortex pedal, occupying a space within his pedalboard.
- John Mayer, a celebrated musician like Tremonti, has also been seen using the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, adding another showcase of this developing trend.
- Digital modelers, such as the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, are getting remarkably close to Real Tube sounds thanks to advancements, including neural amp modeling, profiling, and hybrid setups.
- Tremonti's power conditioning setup is managed with a Kikusui adapter, ensuring that his rig functions at its optimal level for consistent tone.
- Jim Root, known for his work in Slipknot, has also ventured into exploring the potential of digital modelers like the Quad Cortex, joining Tremonti and Mayer in this evolving guitar entertainment landscape.
