"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
Read also:
- Critique on Gender Issues: Deniz Yücel draws a parallel between Minister of Culture and former East Germany's chief ideologist Kurt Hager
- "Primal instincts at play: Subnautica 2 designer notes our affinity for weapon-making stems from a fundamental desire for protection and sustenance"
- Dragon Age series might find a promising future with remasters, according to ex-BioWare producer Mark Darrah, but it seems unlikely that EA and BioWare possess the capability for such undertakings at present.
- Chinese Ambassador issues stern message to India regarding Trump's tariffs in midst of escalating trade feuds
