Rivera Rockcrusher line out level affects tone massively?

[slash57]

Hi,

Can anyone verify for me if this is normal behaviour?

I'm using the Rockcrusher as a Loadbox.
I'm running my Rockcrusher via XLR to my interface, and depending on the line out level, the tone varies a lot.
If it's at noon, it sounds much clearer, than when I max it. Maxed it sounds very midrangey and dull.
I was already doubting the impulse responses, because even the ones "pointed at the center" weren't overly bright.

I know I can just dial the output level back to noon, but I want to know if I have a faulty unit or not. It's not the cable or my interface, I exchanged both, the problem persists even using the unbalanced line out.

I have gain matched the to etc. but it still sounds very different.
I'm fairly certain this can't be normal behaviour, the unit is not exactly cheap.
With the volume at max the tone is very dark and unusable (The EVH III I'm playing is a rather bright amp, I have treble & presence at noon. Many of my bought IRs are unusable like this.)

I made two short clips:
https://clyp.it/fwstc5dy
(The noise comes from my pickups picking up some weird interference from the pc or interface :/ )

Thanks for your help
Greets

 

[rusty1070]

I use the R.C. to attenuate a Train 45 and use the line out to add delay to another amp in a stereo cab. I noticed something similar to what you are experiencing. I turn the line level knob down until the wet signal sounds best. Usually at 2 o'clock .

 

[PatF]

Do you have a mic / line switch on your interface inputs? With the 1/4" unbalanced try the instrument / line switch. I have found that I sometimes like the instrument input better even with line level.

Even bought IR's can suck. They vary wildly. I've found the best results blending two (or three) together.

Is the direct monitoring on the interface on?

 

[PatF]

The main difference I hear is too much low end on the maxed clip. It's not a bad start point though.

A volume pot at the end of the chain inside the R.C. will change the output impedence. That interaction with the input impedence of your interface can change the frequency response.

That is a hippy explanation. Certainly not educated or scientific. Just use your ears and tweak until it sounds like you want it to.

 

[slash57]

@rusty1070:
Thanks for verifying this behaviour. I find it annoying as I simply want the sound from the amp, I should not have to buy a DI extra just to use it between
the Rockcrusher and my amp. It should work right in the Rockcrusher. I thought mine was broken.
I agree that it sounds better at more moderate levels on the RC.
@PatF
Direct monitoring is off.
I used it with my input set on line, will try it on instrument. FWIW the output impedance of the Rockcrusher is 560 Ohms.
I guess I'm a bit disappointed, that it can even change the tone so much. It should output a signal, that is true to the signal, I thought
Rivera stood for perfection

The maxed clip is too bassy indeed. I use WOS III and I had distance and center at 0% on the XTCab and it didn't sound very bright, no matter which mic I used. With my Ownhammer IRs I had to use the "0" IR every time, and it was still woofy and bassy/midrangey.
I have a Slave D.I. out on my mesa mk iv, which I used as a comparison/reference point, but my other amp doesn't have this and it's a critical feature on the RC for me :/

 

[guitarobert]

Just posted a reply on a similar topic. I haven't had good luck with any attenuator's line out. Get a good direct box and put it between the amp and the load (cab or Rockcrusher). That should sound much better, and consistent with volume settings.

 

[slash57]

Too bad I can't use my Radial ProDI for this Looks like I have to buy another DI.
For the time being, I will just use my Mark IV's Slave D.I. out. Too bad there's no such output on my other amps.
Do you think something like the Palmer Pan-01, which has a -30 dB pad would be good quality wise? I don't really want to spend another 200$.
Link: https://www.thomann.de/gb/palmer_pan_01.htm
What DI boxes do you guys use between amp and cab?
Thank you

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Get a Suhr Line out Iso box.. stick it between your amp and whatever attenuator you have to load down the amp or knock down som db's. Doesn't matter at that point how much the attenuator affects the line out because you are getting it right off the amp. The highs and mids stay intact. Around 180$ I think? bang for your buck. You don't need to spend anymore. The rock crusher is still a great attenuator, you just don't like the line out. so here is your solution. Personally, I use a hotplate still. In fact, not even really using IR's at the moment. Found the sound i liked with a speaker cab surrounded by baffles and covered with moving blankets. Knock off some volume with the hotplate and open the amp up more.

 

[Bronco]

Get a Suhr Line out Iso box.. stick it between your amp and whatever attenuator you have to load down the amp or knock down som db's. Doesn't matter at that point how much the attenuator affects the line out because you are getting it right off the amp. The highs and mids stay intact. Around 180$ I think? bang for your buck. You don't need to spend anymore. The rock crusher is still a great attenuator, you just don't like the line out. so here is your solution. Personally, I use a hotplate still. In fact, not even really using IR's at the moment. Found the sound i liked with a speaker cab surrounded by baffles and covered with moving blankets. Knock off some volume with the hotplate and open the amp up more.

Great advice here. This is precisely my method as well with Suhr Iso box before the HotPlate. FWIW, Dave Bray makes a line out box as well, and it's considerably less expensive. I know alot of people think very highly of it.