I received my EV Live X ELX112P 1000 watt powered monitor last week ($475 new, open box, off Ebay). If you are reading this you hopefully know what I am referring to.

I spent five hours creating a partial set list to use with my band at rehearsal. I basically set up high gain, low gain and clean presets to have a simple yet diverse array of tones to use when playing the songs we cover. It sounded incredible in my studio with me seated in front of the monitor. My HD500 was on the floor between me and the monitor, USB lined into my laptop.

I did an A/B comparison with the HD500/ELX112P combo and my Egnater Renegade head and 212X cab. There is a difference but it is negligible in my honest opinion. I have been playing since 1990 and owned enough amps to purchase a decent used mobile home. I am a tube fanatic but the HD500 is literally blowing my mind.

I used the HD500/ELX112P combo at band rehearsal on Saturday. I will never haul a guitar amp to another gig again if I can help it. I actually just ordered another HD500 for backup (plausible scenario: bar patron spills pitcher of beer on HD500, show is over). I lined the HD500 into a channel on my MG166CX mixer and my vocal microphone into another channel and used AUX 1 out to the ELX112P. My vocals were crystal clear as was my guitar tone. It is absolutely brilliant. My drummer and bass player responded with smiles. My volume is very manageable.

The only caveat is standing over the monitor versus sitting over it changes the EQ spectrum. I need to roll the highs and presence off a bit on my amp models. No biggie.

I just wanted to share this with others who are looking to simplify their live setup. I highly recommend it!!