So how are you getting your solo volume boost on a single channel amp?

GJgo

GJgo

Well-known member
Struggling with this one, which seems silly. Say you have a 1 channel high gain amp and you need to get a healthy volume bump for lead playing in a live band. How are you doing it?

Things that I've tried that don't work for me- boost pedal, no volume bump. Wah- no volume bump, just an EQ shift. EQ in the loop- too small of a volume bump to matter. Riding the volume knob- big change to gain, but not really to volume.
 
Do you need a volume bump or a gain bump? If gain, place a boost before the amp. If volume, place a boost in the loop.
 
I walk over to the amp and turn up the volume.

If your loop has a level and bypass footswitch you can use it as a boost or cut.
 
If EQ in the loop didn´t cut it you´re probably out of headroom somewhere from the loop return and down the line, and therefore out of luck unless you start working backwards like greatgreen said.
 
Dave L said:
If EQ in the loop didn´t cut it you´re probably out of headroom somewhere from the loop return and down the line, and therefore out of luck unless you start working backwards like greatgreen said.
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Yeah this is the correct answer. People typically don’t realize that the loop itself has its own dynamic range before clipping and its own headroom limitations due to their design. If you turn on the EQ boost and fail to get more volume, you’re clipping the loop return gain stage before running out of headroom in the amp itself or possibly a combination of both depending on the B+ if it’s tube buffered or using LND150s.

I’ve designed a loop for my amp line that can handle 88dB of dynamic range before asymmetric clipping that’s all analog, no DACs. I’m working on improving that significantly at the moment while also allowing switchable series to parallel mixing.
 
LP Freak said:
Just put a clean boost in the loop and adjust the level as needed….done
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Agreed. I'm using a TC Electronic Spark Mini in the loop for volume boost. Works perfectly.

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If amp have a loop is what matter, there is no other way, unless 2nd master volume, to boost overall volume in front preamp in higain amp.
Classic issue with plexi/JCM800 amps in 2 guitar band.
 
I turn my amp up to a volume level a good deal higher than the rest of the band and then use my guitar's volume control and am able to get the gain and volume I need to get on top of them. There is no ideal way and I've always hated the unnatural jump from kicking on a pedal for solos; it sounds artificial, so I just got good with my guitar's volume control.
 
I used to use a boosta grande in the loop. I’d probably use an eq in the loop these days.
 
VonBonfire said:
I turn my amp up to a volume level a good deal higher than the rest of the band and then use my guitar's volume control and am able to get the gain and volume I need to get on top of them. There is no ideal way and I've always hated the unnatural jump from kicking on a pedal for solos; it sounds artificial, so I just got good with my guitar's volume control.
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Yeah Im with you. I almost and went and edited my comment.

I do tend to turn my amp a little louder and run volume thru my guitar.
Turn the knob for boost.

But Im a star of Madison Square Bedroom hahaha (not mine, I'm not that witty)

But my SD-1 is killer.
 
VonBonfire said:
I turn my amp up to a volume level a good deal higher than the rest of the band and then use my guitar's volume control and am able to get the gain and volume I need to get on top of them. There is no ideal way and I've always hated the unnatural jump from kicking on a pedal for solos; it sounds artificial, so I just got good with my guitar's volume control.
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That will give you more gain, but beyond a certain saturation level, you won't be gaining any volume. I guess it depends on the style of music. Mostly blues or something where the rhythm tone is cleaner, your method will work great. In hard rock or metal, you either need a volume pedal, EQ or boost in the loop. Something to control the post-gain volume.
Cheers VB sounds like you have your setup dialed in.
 
glpg80 said:
Yeah this is the correct answer. People typically don’t realize that the loop itself has its own dynamic range before clipping and its own headroom limitations due to their design. If you turn on the EQ boost and fail to get more volume, you’re clipping the loop return gain stage before running out of headroom in the amp itself or possibly a combination of both depending on the B+ if it’s tube buffered or using LND150s.

I’ve designed a loop for my amp line that can handle 88dB of dynamic range before asymmetric clipping that’s all analog, no DACs. I’m working on improving that significantly at the moment while also allowing switchable series to parallel mixing.
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Yep, this is why I suggested to put an EQ in the loop but set it to a negative value for rhythm and to turn it off for lead. That ensures you have headroom in the loop.

If you’re clipping the poweramp itself then nothing is going to work though, yeah.
 
TheGreatGreen said:
Yep, this is why I suggested to put an EQ in the loop but set it to a negative value for rhythm and to turn it off for lead. That ensures you have headroom in the loop.

If you’re clipping the poweramp itself then nothing is going to work though, yeah.
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Good idea.
 
I've used an MXR Micro amp in the loop for years. I have it set at around 11 o'clock and it's a substantial boost. I've also used a Boss GE-7 EQ and with just a hair over the middle notch it gives a decent boost. I can't imagine either of these not providing a HUGE volume boost.
 
All the above answers, but also set everything live with your guitar volume at 7
 
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