How to dial in Axe Fx for live use fr/ home?

[Jimboshappy]

I'd appreciate the voice of experience on the following. Getting ready for my first dive w/ an Axe Fx II for live band use. I've got studio monitors, QSC K12's, mixer, guitar amps / cabs at home. I plan on running direct to FOH / PA live. Monitors are IEM and I'm using the MC 101 to control the Fx II.

1) what's the best way to dial in programs at home that will represent the live sound fr/ the PA?
2) are there any outboard gear items I should be considering to pair w/ the Axe II for best sound live? Pre amps, etc?

 

[mmcm4]

The biggest thing you need is volume. If you practice at quiet volumes at home, then your patches won't transfer well to a loud, live environment. This phenomenon is because of the Fletcher-Munsen curve.

 

[Scott Peterson]

1: Dial patches at gig volume in as close to the actual environment as you can create (basement over bedroom for an example). For the reasons mmcm4 notes.
2: No. From your list, you have everything you need.

 

[Rocket Brother]

1:
I agree 100% with mmcm4 and Scott on dialing in patches at gig volumes, it's essential to get your patches to translate well.
2:
Another thing that is important is dialing in your patches "in context"; meaning setting up your frequencies so that you don't step all over i.e. your bass players frequencies. So if you have a live or rehearsal recording of your band sans your guitar sound, you can dial in your patches to fit well and work within the mix.
I've often been asked to step in for a few shows with a very short notice with bands that I've never played with before. In such a senario I ask for a recording of a FOH feed sans the guitar that I'm supposed to cover. This lets me set up patches that fit the mix well so whatever short rehearsal stint is used on rehearsing and not on getting your tones to fit the band mix.