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Of Mice & Men's Aaron Pauley: 5 Pieces of Gear I Never Go on Tour Without

Written by Aaron Pauley | Sep 25, 2015 11:00 AM

Over the next few months, we're bringing you a special series of blog posts in partnership with PRS Guitars to give you essential tips from established musicians. First up, Aaron Pauley, bassist and vocalist for acclaimed metalcore band Of Mice & Men, shares his top five essential pieces of tour gear that he never leaves home without.

1. JH Audio JH16 Pro custom in-ear monitors

Image via jhaudio.com

Price: $1,149

Music is made for enjoyment through the ears. As a professional musician frequently on loud stages, being able to accurately hear the band, while protecting my hearing, is hugely important.

The details:

  • Proprietary precision-balanced armatures

  • Eight driver: double dual lows, single dual mid, single dual high

  • Integrated three-way crossover

  • Noise isolation: -26 dB

  • Input connector: 1/8" (3.5 mm), gold-plated

  • Frequency response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz

  • Input sensitivity: 118 dB @ 1 mW

  • Impedance: 18 ohms

 

2. TC Electronic RH750

Image via tcelectronic.com

Price: $999

It’s not every day you find 750 watts of amazing tone in an 8.8-pound package. This is my primary amp, and it’s traveled the world with me either in my rack or by my side.

The details:

  • 750 watts

  • 4-band semi-parametric EQ

  • Three presets

  • TubeTone

  • SpectraComp

  • TweeterTone

  • Chromatic bass tuner

  • Rehearsal input/headphone out

  • First-grade DI out

 

3. Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp/Direct Box

Image via aguilaramp.com

Price: $229

Whether live or in the studio, the Aguilar Tone Hammer brings out the best in my basses. Its rugged design makes it perfect for the road, and its features make it perfect in the studio.

The details:

  • Pre/post DI

  • Unbalanced output can drive a power amp

  • AGS circuitry

  • Cut and boost of treble, mid, and bass frequencies

  • Fully sweepable midrange frequencies

  • Powered by two nine-volt batteries, phantom power, or optional universal power supply

  • Ground lift switch

  • Heavy-duty steel construction

 

4. Peterson VS-R StroboRack Virtual Strobe Rack Tuner

Image via gearnuts.com

Price: $399

While this isn't necessarily a piece of gear that I use onstage, the Peterson StroboRack is the tuner that my tech trusts when he tunes my basses. It's accurate, with multiple tuning settings. If you want to sound great, you'd better be in tune!

The details:

  • 0.1-cent accuracy

  • Large, backlit virtual strobe display

  • Programmable with 25 presets including Buzz Feiten System® offsets

  • All-metal construction

  • Quality Neutrik® jacks

5. PRS SE Kestrel Bass

Image via altomusic.com

Price: $749

I’ve always had an affinity for jazz-style basses. When I came across the PRS SE Kestrel, I fell in love the first time I played it. The neck-through construction gives the bass incredible sustain, while the alder body and maple/walnut neck combo deliver a crispy and distinct midrange bite.

For under $800, I have yet to find a bass remotely close to the sound and construction quality. Being in a band that has a lot of young fans, the price point makes this bass accessible to both beginners and regular players. When a young fan sees me onstage with my bass and they go home and see that it’s affordable, they're often more inspired to pick it up, which is arguably the coolest part about being a musician – inspiring the next generation to pick up an instrument and play. The PRS SE Kestrel inspires me to play every time I pick it up.

The details:

  • Alder body

  • Maple/walnut, neck through neck

  • 22 frets, 34" scale

  • Rosewood fingerboard with bird inlay

  • Hipshot bridge and tuners