my main DAW. I’ m super comfortable in both session and arrangement views, and I’ ve got a solid workflow built around it that helps me move fast when inspiration hits.
For interface and monitoring, I’ m using a Universal Audio Apollo Twin and a pair of Yamaha HS5s. I also have a vintage pair of Shure 545s from the’ 60s that I love using on amps when I can get loud. Plug-in wise, I’ m a big fan of Valhalla— Shimmer, Room, Delay … I actually use their reverbs on most of my guitar tracks instead of pedals. I like the control and how it hits post-amp in the chain. I also use Neural DSP’ s Archetype: Cory Wong, Reason 12 for sketching and ideas, the Chandler GAV19T amp sim, and ToneX when I need to go direct quietly. Since my baby boy was born in February, volume has been a little trickier— so having solid direct options is more valuable than ever. If I can get great tone quickly and quietly, that’ s a win in this season.
[ WM ] Your thoughts on modeling units vs. analog pedals?
[ Eli ] For a long time, I stayed away from modelers. Not because I didn’ t like them, but because I had the luxury of using stereo tube amps consistently. Playing with Kim Walker- Smith and Jesus Culture gave me access to great backline for about a decade, so I leaned into that. But things have changed. Touring needs, stage volume restrictions, and evolving tech have all pushed me to explore new options. I’ ve tested out the Helix, UA Ruby / Dream combo, Walrus ACS1, and even the Universal Audio OX with real amp heads- mainly on tour stops where we couldn’ t use full amps. And honestly, they’ ve all delivered in the right context.
Recently, I’ ve landed on using a pair of ToneX Pedals in stereo, loaded with captures that match my favorite tube amps at home. I’ ve been really impressed. Tone, feel, and consistency are all there, and the convenience has been huge, especially in this season of life. I’ ll never fully give up my amps, but I’ m definitely open to using whatever tools best serve the moment.
[ WM ] Can you list a worship album or two, that inspire your own worship guitar playing?
[ Eli ] Oh yeah! Funny enough, I didn’ t actually enjoy worship music when I was first starting out. Back in the late’ 90s and early 2000s, I felt way more impacted pull of my favorite secular songs- something about them just hit me in an emotional way. A lot of the worship music I heard back then didn’ t move me like that. But I still joined the worship team as a teenager because I loved the act of worship itself, even if
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