ZEN Amps
Well-known member
This is the answer, regardless of the question.
HellraiserJohnny
Active member
Eargasm - I started using them when the tinitus hit. These are the only one that don't sound like I have my fingers in my ears while playing live.
cragginshred
Well-known member
All attenuators kill tone period
Get an amp with a proper system volume. Allows you to crank the MV then either a loop return volume or system volume is the only solution.
Or with a fractal fM3 or 9 you use the 4 cable method and get all your effects in the unit and where you set the level acts like a system volume with out killing the tone. You can also change amp channels using the FM# too, it's what I do and could not be happier!
Get an amp with a proper system volume. Allows you to crank the MV then either a loop return volume or system volume is the only solution.
Or with a fractal fM3 or 9 you use the 4 cable method and get all your effects in the unit and where you set the level acts like a system volume with out killing the tone. You can also change amp channels using the FM# too, it's what I do and could not be happier!
rsm
Well-known member
rsm
Well-known member
I use a Boss GX-100 with my Mesa JP-2C in 4CM, the same way. It also does channel switching. I can use Master Output level to control the level of the signal being sent to the power amp.
With Marshalls, I just go straight in, and channel switch. I may use an EQ pedal in front of the amp, especially with a single channel amp, to boost the input and/or the EQ to shape the tone going in...I don't really use effects with my Marshalls, I think they sound best old school with the power amp / MV cooking.
bigchungusstuckinmymouth
Member
idk what loop return volume or system volume is
bigchungusstuckinmymouth
Member
"a 2x12 (two 12-inch speaker) cabinet is generally considered more efficient at "pushing air" and creating a full, thick sound at lower volumes compared to a 1x12 or 4x12, due to increased speaker surface area” . i live with my parents btw
S
shar-vell Dan
Well-known member
rsm
Well-known member
It's a matter of calculating watts and ohms. I forget all the math, but I'm sure someone can fix or add to this:
Celestion GM12-25 greenbacks are 25Watts; in a 4x12, that's 100W at 16 ohms, with the power of the amp being divided by the number of speakers: 100W / 4 speakers = 25W per speaker. If you get a spike in power, or are actually pushing more than 100W from your power amp, you may blow speakers. That's why I think 25W greenbacks sound best with old design Marshalls like the 1959HW, the speakers are being pushed close to their limits or beyond
a 2x12 with Celestion V30, 60W each, is probably 120W at 8 ohms. 100W of power / 2 speakers, is 50W to each speaker. The 100W Marshall isn't pushing these speakers to their limits, so you don't get speaker breakup as part of your sound.
I use 2x12 cabs with V30s with my Mesa, Diezel and Engl amps because these speakers stay cleaner at higher volumes, which is what I want. With Marshalls I don't want this, I want the speaker breakup and power amp as part of the overall sound.
edit: The cabinet size also makes a difference; for my Mesa, I have a pair of Mesa compact 2x12 cabs (one cab now, one cab is on backorder), which are smaller, tighter, less bottom end vs standard Mesa 2x12 cabs;, I use theses cabs with my Diezel too. My Engl, I have a pair of Engl PRO E212VHB cabs that are larger and fuller, not as tight sounding. The Mesa and Engl cabs have Celestion V30 60W speakers.
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rsm
Well-known member
good point; all my guitar cabs are closed back FWIW. My combos have open backs
Rick Lee
Well-known member
I always use a Hot Plate, usually turned down one notch from the highest volume. I did build a MV box I need to try in the loop of my SLO one of these days. I keep forgetting to try that. But the best attenuator is a pair of cheap foam earplugs. They really tend to filter out the frequencies I don't want to hear. Doesn't help the neighbors, though. And the 2203s I've owned liked to be run hard, not with the MV turned down.
S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑
Hack
Yeah. I would have a conversation with the parents. The 2x12 with a big amp is probably still going to be kind of loud. There are a lot of cool options for silent recording. That may be the way to go for you
HellraiserJohnny
Active member
OK, here's my white paper on the topic. . . . .
Most amps have an FX loop in the back. What a loop does it taps into (or copies) the input signal after the preamp has boosted the tiny signal sent to and from the guitar. The preamp boosts the guitar signal to a point where it's strong enough for the power amp to put some real watts behind it.
By tapping into the signal between the preamp and output (power) amp, you can do other processing to the signal.
People will refer to "front of amp" and "back of amp" meaning some FX need to be placed before the input (front) to the amp. Guitar jack to pedal- pedal to input of amp. Think distortion, Wah Pedal, compressor etc.
Other FX like modulation FX: Chorus, Flanger, Delays etc should be put after the preamp (Back of amp) and before the power output section. This combines the original signal and blends it with the end processing of the FX unit(s). Most of the blending function is done on the FX unit(s) themselves internally via a feature call "Mix".
Some amps have a volume knob on the back near the loop jacks so you can adjust the level of the signal incoming or outbound from the FX unit in the back of the amp. This is a good feature to have as not all outboard gear operates at the same line (or system) volume of the amp and can create problems.
Think of Line level as the level that the guitar sends to the amp input jack and the output is the power level sent to the speaker jack (which is exponentially stronger) and reproduces the sound through the speakers.
Hope this helps but it may just lead to more questions
bigchungusstuckinmymouth
Member
i ordered a 4x12 lad
S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑
Hack
Well. Look. You may get grounded after you figure out how cool it sounds loud. But it will be worth it
SgtThump
Real OG
I agree completely.
cragginshred
Well-known member
All Slo 100's and BE deluxes as well as Friedman Jose's have them. It is a final master either on the rear like the BE and Slo 100 and on the Jose it's on the front. Putting it on the return of the loop it tames the crank MV
The FM3 solution I described is spot on the best way to do it!
Google 'soldano slo 100 images and look at the knob that says level next to the loop return. Not 'Line level'
