My Compact Touring Solution (pics)

So, I'm about to embark on quite a few live dates (including multiple fly dates) over the next month, so I finally got my proverbial s#*t together and figured out a compact, effective way to transport my rig. I thought some of you might like to see how I put this simple rig together.

I'm using a 4u SKB Shallow X Rack, KPA Power Rack, Standard RJM Mastermind foot controller, Bogner Ecstasy Blue (I like at least one drive), piece of crap M-audio Expression pedal (Mission Pedal on order), a Snark tuner (for bright day gigs where it may be hard to see the Kemper LCD screen), and a Port City 2x12 loaded with Jensen Neo Speakers. For fly dates, I will just bring the rack on the plane like a carry on (it's smaller than most standard carry on bags) and backline a cabinet.

[Blocked Image: https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1902932_10203274628495185_41231602_n.jpg]

Everything fits in the back of the rack. Even the larger Mission EP1-KP will fit once I replace the M Audio expression pedal.

[Blocked Image: https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/t1/1656409_10203274736417883_1983032550_n.jpg]

...Stuff some foam on the top and front of the Mastermind to keep it from moving around.
[Blocked Image: https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1622634_10203274736737891_1591562064_n.jpg]

Slap a Tuki cover on the Cabinet. 30 lbs for the rack, 38 for the cabinet (the Neo speakers are LIGHT!). Whole rig under 70 lbs!
[Blocked Image: https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1/1904079_10203274736377882_399041620_n.jpg]

KPA, making things simple!

Thanks guys...The power amp sounds great. Before I had this setup, I had a toaster and a Matrix GT1000FX. Great rig, but the toaster's design made it a bit challenging for travel. I never got to hear the Matrix and the internal amp side by side, but from what I recall, they seem to behave in a very similar fashion. I also occasionally run the passive KPA signal through the FX loop in my Egnater Mod 50, so the internal power amp does compare very favorably to an actual tube power section.

As a side note to anyone deciding between the toaster and the rack unit, I don't miss the front panel Mod controls or the LED knob collars all that much. I also really like having the USB slot in the front.

The Jensen Neos were a pretty easy choice. They are relatively neutral tonally, can handle a lot of power and of course...the weight sealed the deal! They do have a pretty pronounced bass response and the Port City can be a very low end heavy cabinet, so I have to be careful with low frequencies or it tends to get a bit woofy. I am very interested in the LF+ Jr+, but it seems to still be back ordered from Liquid Foot as of now. I'm not getting the full 2 way communication with the Mastermind, but it's a decent pedal for the time being. The Mastermind GT10 looks great, but I think it's too damn expensive.

...Or, maybe I'll wait to see what Mr. Kemper has in store?