Experimenting with volume

[7704A]

I remember vibrating bottles of beer off of my amps gigging the 90s. That's when you know you're pushing some air

Over this winter I got the chance to crank some old 50W amps into an oversized front-ported 2x12 (a 4x12 with two speakers removed) loaded with EVM's. They put out so much sound energy that next to the cab it was like the air had thickened into a vibrating velvet cushion.

 

[Music&Chaos]

So I have decided to experiment with using different volumes settings on my TH30H while using a pedal as almost a “attenuator” in the loop. At lower volumes, the amp is less articulate, and much more flubby and fizzy (below 9 oclock). Above 9 oclock to about 12 we get something like an edge of break up almost really low distortion sound. 12 oclock to three the amp really starts to become vibrant and full but sounds flubby. 3 oclock and above my GOODNESS! This thing is ripping, tight, articulate, vibrant, and so rich its magical. Note: all of these tests are with the gain at noon, the shape knob at 7 oclock, as well as a behringer UM300 in the loop with the gain all the way down, eq set to preference, and the level adjusted so I dont blow the doors off my house. Also in full 30 watt mode with RCA 12AX7A tubes in V1-3 and V5. Stock JJ tubes in V4, and power tube slots.

I love the RCA 12ax7s but yeah, you have to drive them. They are a 'scooped' sounding tube unless you are talking about the older long blackplates, which are balanced across the spectrum. The grey plat variants have a lot of bottom and top, but not a lot of mid, why they work well in older Fender amps with that scooped mid thing going on. They sing and have a nice, smooth breakup that really loves to be pushed to sound its best, as that's when amps start to really throw mids out on their own. I would say that you may enjoy throwing some Euro style tube or RCA long blackplate in there for some testing. You may be able to get closer to what you are seeking with less volume and gear, as I would not think to pair RCAs at all with that amp.

Glad you found a way to make it sing at a reasonable volume level!

 

[Findthetone1]

I like to keep my drinks off the top of the amp. I usually put them in front of the speaker so they soak up more blues vibrations into my beverage of choice.

Great advice!