In this video, Phil Monro of the heavy metal band Ihlo explains his transition from using BIAS FX 2 to Gig Performer for his live guitar rig. The switch is motivated by his desire for a more professional, seamless live setup that eliminates technical limitations encountered on stage.
Key Issues with the Previous Setup (0:00 - 3:50):
- Patch Switching Latency: BIAS FX 2 causes a slight “fade-in” delay when switching between patches, which disrupts his performance.
- Cutting Delay/Reverb Tails: The previous system kills effect tails when switching patches, creating an unnatural, jarring sound that breaks the musical flow.
Why Gig Performer is the Solution (3:50 - 5:35):
- Enhanced Signal Chain: Unlike the linear limitations of BIAS FX, Gig Performer allows for complex routing, multiple inputs/outputs, and sophisticated send/return loops.
- Setlist Management: The software enables the creation of structured setlists where patches can be organized by song for easy, hands-free navigation.
- Third-Party Plugins: It allows the integration of high-quality, studio-grade VST plugins that Phil is already accustomed to using.
Technical Setup and Workflow (5:35 - 13:44):
- Preserving Effect Tails: Phil demonstrates how he uses parallel sends in Gig Performer (splitting the signal into dry, delay, and reverb channels). By automating the volume of these sends using custom widgets, he ensures that delay and reverb tails persist naturally even when switching between different patches (8:26 - 9:35).
- Performance Readiness: He builds a proof-of-concept setup for the song Union, configuring all necessary patches and linking them to his Behringer FCB 1010 MIDI controller for seamless switching.
Phil concludes that Gig Performer provides the flexibility and reliability he needs, helping him feel much more confident about his live sound and stage performance.