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Average Price: $280

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$601+

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Description

When it comes to packing a punch in a portable package, the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 stands out as a formidable companion for guitarists on the go. This multi-effects pedal combines the power of five essential effects—reverb, delay, distortion, boost, and the renowned Tech 21 SansAmp—all in one sleek, compact unit. Designed to replace an entire pedalboard, the Fly Rig 5 measures just twelve inches in length, making it perfect for traveling musicians or those who crave simplicity without compromising on tone.

Its all-analog SansAmp section provides a rich, authentic amp emulation, giving your sound that signature warmth and depth. The Plexi-style distortion is your ticket to classic rock tones, while the DLA offers a tape echo sound that’s both warm and vibrant. Whether you're performing on stage or jamming in your garage, the Fly Rig 5 ensures that you have all the tonal versatility you need, without the hassle of multiple pedals and cables.

Key Features:

  • Five essential effects: reverb, delay, distortion, boost, and SansAmp
  • Compact design suitable for travel
  • All-analog SansAmp for authentic amp emulation
  • Plexi-style distortion for classic rock tones
  • DLA section offers a warm, tape echo delay
  • Simple operation with intuitive controls
  • Durable construction designed for gigging musicians

Product specs

Brand Tech 21
Model Fly Rig 5
Finish Metal
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Multi-Effects Pedals and Processors

FAQs

What effects are included in the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5?

The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 includes a SansAmp tube amplifier emulator, reverb, boost, and DLA for delay. These provide essential gigging effects like clean tones, vintage spring reverb, pre-amp gain boost, and tape echo-style delay.

Does the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 require a specific power supply?

Yes, the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 utilizes an included auto-switching 12V DC power supply that self-adjusts to 100V-240V, making it usable worldwide with the appropriate plug adapter.

Can the delay on the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 be synced to a specific tempo?

Yes, the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 features a dedicated Tap Tempo switch, allowing you to easily set the delay time to match your desired tempo during performances.

Is the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 suitable for live performances?

Absolutely, the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 is designed for gigging musicians, offering five essential effects in a compact, durable metal housing with silent-switching footswitches for seamless transitions on stage.

How does the reverb in the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 sound?

The reverb in the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 is based on the Boost RVB pedal, emulating the rich ambiances of vintage spring reverb without unwanted artifacts, providing a smooth and natural sound.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Tech 21: Fly Rig5

Video thumbnail for Tech 21: Fly Rig5 by Brett Kingman

Tech 21: Fly Rig5

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Tech 21 Fly Rig 5

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for TECH 21 FLYRIG 5, demo by Pete Thorn by Pete Thorn

TECH 21 FLYRIG 5, demo by Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 guitar multi-effects unit review demo by Guitarist

Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 guitar multi-effects unit review demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Fly Rig 5:  "Satriani" by Tech21nyc

Tech 21 Fly Rig 5: "Satriani"

Tech21nyc

Tech21nyc

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Sansamp FlyRig 5 Guitar Pedal Demo (Direct Sound) by Rob Galley

Tech 21 Sansamp FlyRig 5 Guitar Pedal Demo (Direct Sound)

Rob Galley

Rob Galley

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional portability, fits easily in a gig bag

  • Analog simplicity, no programming required

  • SansAmp section provides strong tone shaping

  • Delay can simulate chorus, adding versatility

  • Tap tempo feature on delay for real-time adjustments

  • Good value for price, offering multiple effects in one unit

  • Ideal for direct setup to FOH and monitors

  • Compact design but delivers great sound

  • Effective for both electric and acoustic guitars

  • Offers a classic rock tone with Plexi and boost combination

CONS

  • Plexi section less pronounced compared to standalone Plexi pedals

  • Lacks a built-in tuner and XLR outputs in the original version

  • Some users find sound quality not superior to cheaper brands

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tech 21 Fly Rig 5.

Features and functionality

  • The Fly Rig 5 V2's XLR out feature is highlighted as a significant advantage for direct-to-board setups, making it an ideal tool for space-constrained environments.

    Source
  • Owners recommend pairing the Fly Rig 5 V2 with an EQ pedal for additional tone shaping without needing to adjust core settings.

    Source
  • The RK5 V2 lacks a cabsim defeat option, which could result in a "blanket over speaker" sound when using a real amp unless the Sansamp section is turned off.

    Source
  • The Fly Rig 5 V2's cab sim is noted for lacking high-frequency coverage, which some users find unpleasant, especially when the SansAmp is disengaged.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the plug-and-play convenience of the Fly Rig 5 V2, especially as a space-saving solution in tight home practice areas.

    Source
  • It's observed that running the Fly Rig 5 V2 without cabsim can impart a more "alive" sound when connected to a real cab, enhancing the overall playing experience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Fly Rig 5 V2 is valued as an emergency backup in case of amp failure during gigs, offering a reliable and compact alternative.

    Source
  • The RK5 V2 is appreciated for its effects selection, including fuzz, comp, boost, tuner, and delay, which are crucial for users who prioritize these features in their setup.

    Source
  • For those needing a direct-to-FOH solution, the RK5 V2 may not be ideal compared to options with integrated IR like the FM9, which offer superior direct sound quality.

    Source
  • The passive filter is particularly effective when the Fly Rig 5 V2 is connected to FRFR cabs or PA/mixers, enhancing its performance in these setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Fly Rig 5 V2 is noted for its better direct sound quality compared to older multi-effects like the Boss GT5, especially for headphone use.

    Source
  • Some users consider the Nux Cerberus and Trident as viable alternatives due to their analog overdrive and digital capabilities, respectively, offering more flexibility than the Fly Rig models.

    Source
  • It's suggested that using the ParaDriver circuit could offer a superior cab sim experience compared to the current Fly Rig 5 V2 implementation.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A passive filter mod, using inductors and capacitors, can significantly improve the cab sim's high-frequency response when using the Fly Rig 5 V2.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
timpassage

great pedal

great tube-tone and the delay on this pedal is real time tap tempo, no dial in and hope the time is right like some effects boards. five pedals in one all working together. great for electric or acoustic guitars

eddiecancel

Tech 21 Fly Rig 5

Excellent pre-amp with effects in a pedalboard friendly size!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jesse Triplett uses Tech 21 Fly Rig 5

Jesse Triplett

Guitarist

Collective Soul

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar, Triplett uses this rig if any of his pedals die during shows or gigs.

See how Positive Mental Trip uses Tech 21 Fly Rig 5

Positive Mental Trip

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Luke Weiler of Positive Mental Trip is a huge fan of the TECH 21 Fly Rig 5. “ For shows where I’m playing backing up other area musicians on guitar, they might want me to have a smaller rig on stage. The TECH 21 Fly rig sounds great with or without an amp. (He would rather the amp!) Luke has been seen tracking guitar for the new Positive Mental Trip album using the tech 21 fly rig for the less experimental guitar tracks. “My producer in Woodstock is a big fan of me going direct so when he sees me show up with a fly rig and a splitter instead of 3 pedalboards and amps ... he seems happier about the session. When recording an album with a producer on some songs it’s really important to me we are on the same page and mutually happy with the recording session experience.

See how Andy Booth uses Tech 21 Fly Rig 5

Andy Booth

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Cassandra Complex

...
Verified via The Cassandra Complex

Andrew (Andy) William Booth is confirmed to use the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5, as listed on The Cassandra Complex gear page, credited to the source provided by The Cassandra Complex and authored by Rodney.

See how Cristian Aroca Araya uses Tech 21 Fly Rig 5

Cristian Aroca Araya

Singer, Guitarist

Afluente

...
Verified via BandCamp

Used for demo recordings

See how GUNN uses Tech 21 Fly Rig 5

GUNN

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

This pedal can be seen in a photo posted to GUNN's Twitter profile.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Tech 21 Fly Rig 5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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