The Pedal Board Revolution: Musicians Embracing Direct-to-House Sound Systems

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way musicians approach their live performances. The traditional stack of amplifiers and bulky equipment is being replaced by a more streamlined, efficient, and versatile setup: the pedal board. Many musicians are now opting to use pedal boards exclusively onstage, feeding directly into the house sound system. This approach offers numerous advantages, from improved sound control to increased portability. Let’s explore why this trend is gaining popularity and how it’s changing the landscape of live music.

The Evolution of Pedal Boards

Pedal boards have come a long way from their early days, when they were simply a collection of individual effects pedals linked together. Modern pedal boards are sophisticated, compact, and powerful, often incorporating multi-effects units, digital processors, and even preamp modeling. These advancements allow musicians to achieve a wide range of sounds and effects without the need for traditional amplifiers.

Benefits of Using Pedal Boards Onstage

1. Portability and Convenience

One of the most immediate benefits of using pedal boards exclusively onstage is the drastic reduction in gear. Amplifiers, speaker cabinets, and other heavy equipment are no longer necessary, making it much easier for musicians to transport their setups. This is particularly advantageous for touring musicians who need to travel light and set up quickly in different venues.

2. Consistent Sound Quality

Feeding directly into the house sound system ensures a consistent sound quality regardless of the venue. Traditional amplifier setups can vary greatly depending on the acoustics of the room, the quality of the sound system, and other factors. By using pedal boards and going direct to the house PA, musicians can maintain their desired tone and effects with greater reliability.

3. Enhanced Sound Control

Modern pedal boards often come with advanced features such as amp modeling, speaker simulation, and built-in DI (direct input) boxes. These tools allow musicians to fine-tune their sound with precision, replicating the characteristics of their favorite amplifiers and speaker cabinets without the physical hardware. This level of control is invaluable for achieving the perfect mix both onstage and in the audience.

4. Reduced Stage Volume

Eliminating traditional amplifiers from the stage significantly reduces stage volume. This not only helps protect musicians’ hearing but also makes it easier for sound engineers to manage the overall mix. Lower stage volume means less bleed into other microphones, resulting in a cleaner, more balanced sound for the audience.

5. Flexibility and Versatility

Pedal boards offer unparalleled flexibility and versatility. Musicians can easily switch between different sounds and effects with the tap of a footswitch. This is especially useful for bands that cover a wide range of musical styles or for guitarists who need to switch between clean, overdriven, and heavily distorted tones within a single performance.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits of using pedal boards exclusively onstage are substantial, there are also some challenges and considerations to keep in mind.

1. Reliability and Redundancy

Relying entirely on pedal boards means that any technical issues with the board can have a significant impact on the performance. Musicians should ensure their pedal boards are reliable and consider having backup solutions in place, such as spare pedals or a secondary board.

2. Sound Engineer Coordination

Effective communication with the venue’s sound engineer is crucial. Musicians need to provide detailed information about their setup and ensure the engineer is familiar with their sound preferences. This collaboration helps achieve the best possible live mix.

3. Power Supply Management

Pedal boards require a stable and reliable power supply. Musicians should invest in high-quality power supplies and cables to avoid issues with noise and signal degradation.

Conclusion

The trend of using pedal boards exclusively onstage and feeding directly into the house sound system is revolutionizing live music performances. This approach offers numerous benefits, including portability, consistent sound quality, enhanced control, reduced stage volume, and unmatched flexibility. While there are challenges to consider, the advantages make it an appealing option for many modern musicians. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions that empower artists to deliver their best performances with minimal hassle and maximum impact.

By Greg Schroeder