![]() Experimenting with physical placement can also be very rewarding, as you can easily create extreme stereo spread on stage by simply moving each amp to a different side of the stage. You can also keep one amp completely dry, while the other one handles the effects. With an ABY switcher, you can switch between the amps, in addition to running them both at once, using one for clean tones and one for dirty sounds, for example, or with each set to a different yet complementary EQ setting. Using stereo effects and creating unique tone blends are a couple of the biggest benefits to the dual amp setup, but the possibilities with a rig like this are endless. If you do use two of the same amp, then phase and grounding issues will likely not be a problem, and you should be able to simply use a stereo stompbox of any variety to split the signal. German company Lehle also makes a number of excellent switchers with similar functionality that are perfect for running stereo amps. ![]() This passive, true bypass, ABY switcher pedal features a 180 degree polarity reverse for phase matching amps, and an isolation transformer with a ground lift switch for eliminating grounding issues. If phase difference or ground loop issues do occur, an excellent solution is a product like the Radial Engineering BigShot ABY. On the other hand, I believe that the benefit of using two different amp types is more than worth the trouble, as it allows you to blend two distinctly different tones, such as the mid-range crunch of a Marshall and the scooped thump of a Fender, for a much more complex and compelling tonal mix. Using two of the same type of amp is the most hassle-free way of doing this, because it decreases the likelihood that phase differences and ground loop issues between different amp types will cause difficulties. Use an effect pedal or tuner with stereo outputs, or a dedicated ABY box, to split the guitar signal into two, sending each signal to its own amplifier. ![]() The simplest way to set up a dual-amp stereo rig is to use two amps of the same make and model, in either a combo or head-and-cab arrangement. Take these two amps and run them in stereo, along with a stereo delay, reverb, or modulation pedal, and the sound becomes a fully enveloping, uniquely responsive musical experience. With two amps power is increased, the overall complexity and richness of the tone is enhanced, and musical sustain and feedback are much easier to achieve. As I've mentioned in previous articles dealing with the subject, two amps are always better than one. I have a strong preference for the dual amp/dual cabinet method of achieving stereo guitar tones, for the simple reason that it sounds the best, and gives the player the widest range of tonal options. There are also economic factors to keep in mind, as converting a mono guitar setup to stereo sometimes requires a gear investment, however, many players will already have everything (or almost everything) required, and will need only to take some time to set it up properly. So, how does one go stereo? Well, there are a number of different ways this can be accomplished, and each method has distinct benefits and potential downfalls that should be taken into consideration. And of course, for players that use delay and modulation effects, experiencing these tones in full stereo is powerfully addictive. At gigs, the audience will be more appreciative (even if they're not sure why), and for the guitarist, the sound on stage will be infinitely more inspiring, as well as naturally more immune to variability in the quality of monitoring and the overall mix on stage. In both studio and live contexts, going stereo enhances depth, power, realism, and dynamics immeasurably, for listeners and players alike. Every human with a functional pair of ears knows instinctively that stereo is always better than mono, because real life is stereo. Some players will complain about having to lug the extra gear to shows, or the added technical challenges involved in going stereo, but when it comes right down to it, these arguments are based entirely on personal laziness. ![]() There's really no legitimate excuse for not running an electric guitar rig in stereo. ![]()
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