Following internet rumours, The Edge has now formally said that, for U2’s current run of Las Vegas Sphere gigs, he has ditched his collection of tube amps in favour of Universal Audio’s UAFX amp modelling pedals.
“For various reasons at the Sphere I decided to switch from amplifiers to digital amp emulators,” the U2 guitarist told MusicRadar when we reached out following speculation online. “I’m using UAFX Ruby ’63, Dream ’65 and Woodrow ’55 amp pedals with some Fractal Axe-FX units handling additional amp emulation and FX.
“When you introduce radio leads and all the electronics involved it’s never the same as a simple guitar into amp tone so it’s a case of high-level complexity to make it sound simple,” he added with regards to the reasons behind the switch.
Choosing the three amp pedals that The Edge is using makes sense as well; they are based on a ’65 Fender Deluxe Reverb, Vox AC30 and AC30 Top Boost, and a ’55 Fender 5E3 Deluxe Tweed. These pedals have similar tones to his former amp setup.
It appears that The Edge has developed a taste for other UA pedals besides Ruby, Woodrow, and Dream. He has purchased the complete line, as attested to by the brand itself: Edge has purchased the majority of our pedals, according to UA’s website. “Out of respect for him, we’re not using the fact that he’s shared his feelings with us specifically to promote.”
This is not only a huge win for the digital amp camp and a sign of approval for modern amp technology, which will now be showcased on stage at the most expensive, cutting-edge multimedia music venue in history, but it’s also a major endorsement for Universal Audio, who remember only began making hardware pedals in 2021.
We wonder whether The Edge will stick to his choice of UAFX pedals on future tours and concerts, but we guess time will tell!
