Footswitching between Power Amp channels?

[CaseyCor]

Is this possible? I'm looking at the Carvin TS100 Power Amp, which is 50 watts per side and each side can be independently biased for 6L6s or EL34's. The goal is to be able to switch between the two sides, giving me access to both tube types on the fly. Could I use a simple A/B box between the Pre and the Power Amp? Pre Amp in, split to each side of the Power Amp. Seems like it should work, but I'm afraid it would cause some noise.

 

[Klark]

You could a/b switch between the two channels of the TS100, but each channel's speaker output MUST be plugged into it's own cabinet.

If you purchased a Randall RT2/50, it will switch either 50w side into a single cabinet.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

You could a/b switch between the two channels of the TS100, but each channel's speaker output MUST be plugged into it's own cabinet.

If you purchased a Randall RT2/50, it will switch either 50w side into a single cabinet.

What about switching at the inputs of the power amp which is what I think he is describing?

 

[Klark]

What about switching at the inputs of the power amp which is what I think he is describing?

That's what I'm saying, you can do it. But if both channels are the same tubes, and must each be plugged into a cabinet, what's the point? Nothing really, unless you're plugging each channel into a different sounding cab, and your soundguy doesn't mind eating up two channels for you.

 

[CaseyCor]

What I'm looking to do is footswitch between the 2 channels of the power amp so I can have either 6L6 or EL34 tubes at any time. I know the Randall RT2/50 will do it, but it's a bit expensive.

Eventually I would like to have everything run via MIDI, and set up patches for Pre Amp channel, Power Amp Channel, and effects.

 

[Anonymous]

or, if you have a stereo cab, use the switch routing described (switcher after preamp to route side a or b of power amp respectively), all in one nice, neat lil' one cabinet package.
mix speakers to taste!

 

[CaseyCor]

So I can't do this with just my 1x12? I'm trying to keep the rig as portable as possible.

 

[petejt]

I think Radial make a product to switch different amps to a particular speaker.

 

[CaseyCor]

I think Radial make a product to switch different amps to a particular speaker.

Yeah, they make a switcher that let's you use 2 amps into one cab. I wasn't sure if that particular switcher would work in this instance.

 

[petejt]

I think Radial make a product to switch different amps to a particular speaker.

Yeah, they make a switcher that let's you use 2 amps into one cab. I wasn't sure if that particular switcher would work in this instance.

It can.


Split your amp's signal to stereo, to both inputs on the Carvin stereo poweramp. Hook each poweramp channel's output to that switching unit, and then just switch between the channel outputs to send either EL34-powered or 6L6-powered signal to the speaker cab.

 

[CaseyCor]

Damn, the Radial Headbone switcher retails for $350. That really sucks. There's gotta be a cheaper way to do this. Would be nice if the unit was rackmounted as well.

 

[ke2]

Read up on effects use with the Radial in that setup!


http://www.tonebone.com/manual-headbone.pdf


Effects such as echo or loop-playing devices, MUST BE CONNECTED BEFORE the Headbone so that their residual or sustaining sound can be disconnected from the input of the amplifiers. This means that you cannot use any type of echo device that prolongs a signal on the amplifier’s effects loop or after the Headbone in your signal chain. Failure to do so could cause the echo to continue to play through the standby amp which, in turn, would continue to amplify the signal without a load. This could cause the amp or the Headbone to malfunction. The Headbone’s internal resistor load is only designed to support the standby amplifiers residual output. The Headbone is NOT a load box.

 

[CaseyCor]

Bumpage.

 

[aeroic]

believe me man...you don't want to go on the "cheap" when it comes to switching stuff like this. shitty switching can cause a lot of issues in a rig. You're best bet is to find a RT2/50 ....they are around $450-500 around here a lot. That's one of safest ways to do what you are asking.

 

[CaseyCor]

believe me man...you don't want to go on the "cheap" when it comes to switching stuff like this. shitty switching can cause a lot of issues in a rig. You're best bet is to find a RT2/50 ....they are around $450-500 around here a lot. That's one of safest ways to do what you are asking.

You're definatly right Eric. If I go with a rack set up in the near future, I will be grabbing a Randall RT2/50. Being able to switch between tube types via MIDI is VERY cool IMO.

If I do get a Black Tiger preamp, this is what I'll go with.

BTW, myself and droptrd were just talking about having a small ampfest at my place in the near future. Would be great if you could stop by!