It obviously adds more gain. I agree an SD-1 in front of a Marshall is fine. I just have fun and enjoy playing straight in with the Hotmod dry, that will keep you on your toes. I still play Bars in a cover band and have been doing it for over thirty years. Back in the day I played out with two full Marshall stacks one on each side of the stage, But anymore my Marshalls stay home, except maybe every once in a while for a special gig, very rare though. I play out with a Carr Hammer Head 1X12 EL 34 28 Watt combo that is F#@KING killer, we nicknamed it the HORNET because it would sting your ears lol. RaMbLinG