When you think about brands that have truly changed the game in the world of guitar effects, Tech 21 is always in the conversation—if not leading it. Since the late ’80s, they’ve been delivering killer tones without the need for bulky amps or complicated setups. And their most recent hit? The Fly Rig series. These compact, all-in-one units are a dream for guitarists who want tone, portability, and reliability in one sleek package.
What Makes the Fly Rig So Special?
Let’s be real—lugging a full pedalboard around can be a pain. That’s where the Fly Rig shines. Imagine a powerful rig that fits in your gig bag. Each Fly Rig includes key effects like overdrive, delay, reverb, and modulation, all built around the legendary SansAmp analog amp simulator that put Tech 21 on the map.
Let’s check some of them
Tech21 Fly Rig 5 Plexi multi effects pedal
The original Fly Rig 5 was a hit right away. It gave you that crunchy Plexi-style drive, warm analog delay, a clean boost, and of course, the SansAmp. Players loved it because it was plug-and-play. No guesswork. No tone chasing. Just great sound, fast.
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Plexi is a compact powerhouse designed for guitarists who crave classic British amp tones without hauling a full rig. At the heart of this sleek unit is the Plexi-style overdrive, which delivers that iconic Marshall-style crunch—rich, responsive, and full of character. Combined with the legendary SansAmp analog amp simulator, built-in delay with tap tempo, and a clean boost, the Fly Rig 5 Plexi offers a complete, gig-ready setup in one pedal. It’s perfect for players who want vintage rock tones in a lightweight, travel-friendly format.
Tech21 Fly Rig 5 Cali multi effects pedal
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Cali is built for players who love the bold, high-gain tones of classic West Coast American amps, especially the modern punch of California-style boutique heads like the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier.
Check this Tech21 California Character Series Preamp Pedal video and catch the glimps of FlyRig Cali
Featuring the SansAmp Cali preamp section, it delivers tight, aggressive distortion with plenty of articulation—perfect for metal, hard rock, and modern blues.
With an onboard Boost, lush Delay with tap tempo, and analog signal path, the Fly Rig 5 Cali offers massive sound in a slim, tour-ready format. It’s a go-to choice for guitarists who crave versatile American high-gain tones without the bulk.
Tech21 Fly Rig 5 Brit multi effects
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Brit is designed for guitarists who crave the legendary tones of classic British amps—specifically those gritty, harmonically rich sounds associated with vintage Vox and Marshall stacks. Built around the SansAmp “Brit” preamp section, this compact rig nails those chimey cleans and crunchy overdrives with remarkable warmth and clarity.
Alongside its signature Brit-style gain, the Fly Rig 5 Brit features a powerful boost section, lush delay with tap tempo, and a robust analog signal path for authentic, amp-like response. It’s perfect for players who want British-flavored tones in a road-ready, all-in-one pedal.
Artist Models and V2 Upgrades
Tech 21 didn’t stop there. They teamed up with pro players to create custom versions. The RK5 Fly Rig (Richie Kotzen’s signature model) added a gnarly fuzz-style distortion, a tuner, and some slick tone tweaks. If you’re into heavier stuff, the Paul Landers PL1 Fly Rig has a tight, focused gain section perfect for metal and industrial tones.
Then came the Fly Rig 5 v2
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 v2 is an upgraded version of the original best-selling Fly Rig, offering even more versatility and tone-shaping control in the same ultra-compact format. Centered around the legendary SansAmp analog preamp, the v2 adds an independent reverb section, an enhanced delay with tap tempo, and a more refined Plexi-style overdrive for classic British tones. New features like a switchable clean channel, FX loop, and XLR output with ground lift make it more stage- and studio-friendly than ever. Whether you’re gigging, recording, or practicing, the Fly Rig 5 v2 delivers pro-level tone in a grab-and-go pedal.
Overall it’s an improved version on the original with more control, better speaker simulation, and even more flexible routing options. Basically, they took a great pedal and made it even better.
Why It’s Perfect for Modern Guitarists
Whether you’re touring the world, playing local gigs, or recording at home, the Fly Rig just works. It’s especially great for fly dates where space is tight, or when you need a reliable backup in case your main board fails. And yeah, you can totally record with it—just plug it straight into your interface and enjoy that rich, analog warmth.
The analog design also sets it apart from the sea of digital multi-effects. The Fly Rig responds like a real amp and sounds organic, not sterile or overly processed. If you want pro-level tone without the pedalboard hassle, Tech 21’s Fly Rig series might be your new best friend. It’s one of the smartest tools out there for modern guitarists—and that’s why Tech 21 remains the undisputed brand in the guitar effects world