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>V<
New member
Hi folks,
I intend to start using the parallel loop of my VH4 (instead of the serial), which however gives me two problems for which I am looking for a suitable solution. The problems pertain to setting the right volume, i.e. both the "master" and "lead/rhythm".
Firstly, the master volume knob of my VH4 is extremely sensitive in the low end range so setting a suitable volume for practising and recording is very difficult. Now I guess there are three "easy" ways of solving that problem, i.e. i) modding the master volume pot; ii) introducing a "volume box" or "suck knob" (a passive volume control) in the parallel loop or iii) placing a power soak such as a Weber MASS between the amp and the speaker(s). All options appear to have both advantages and drawbacks, so I would like to get some input from you guys on pros and cons.
In respect of option i) I would in particular appreciate comments on whether this can be done without shipping the amp to Peter. And if so, how the pot could/should be modded in order to give the best results. I was personally thinking of changing the pot for a push-pull pot where the pulled state introduces a suitable load/dump resistor for attenuating the signal additionally. Would that work? And which pot/resistor-values should I use? But possibly I could simply replace the pot with one having a different value and slope. Which values would be recommendable?
In respect of option ii) I was wondering if anyone tried this with good results. According to my understanding the serial loop is before the parallel loop meaning that attenuating the volume in the serial loop will also attenuate the signal coming from "send 2", i.e. going to any device in the parallel loop. This will make it difficult setting the correct levels on any effect device in the parallel loop. Or am I wrong? Anyway, which value/type should the pot be? Is there any preferred wiring modes? Should I place a capacitor (which value?) in parallel to the pot in order to prevent loss of treble?
In respect of option iii) I was wondering if there currently are any better options than the Weber MASS?
Secondly, since I won't use my programmable multi effect device in the serial loop to set the lead/rhythm levels anymore and since I can't use the "simulated" second master volume trick of the parallel loop, I will need some other way of setting the levels. There I came up with only two ideas so far, i.e. I) placing a (programmable) booster or the like in front of the amp or II) placing a booster or preferably a passive volume control in each of the relevant channel inserts, i.e. like option ii) from above.
In respect of option I) I would like to hear if anyone know of a suitable "transparent" yet programmable/MIDI controllable booster? I was thinking of using a Prostage Wah, which has the added value of Wah, but it is rather costly. Does anyone knows it?
In respect of option II) I was wondering where in the channels the insert is actually placed? I currently assume it is at the very end of each channel, i.e. after all gain stages and therefore it should have no influence on the level of distortion to introduce a passive volume control in the insert. Am I right? If not, I guess an active booster would possibly be a better option, or? Other than that, I have the same questions/concerns as regarding option ii) above, i.e. concerning best values/wiring.
Best regards and many thanks for any relevant comments in advance!!!
>V<
I intend to start using the parallel loop of my VH4 (instead of the serial), which however gives me two problems for which I am looking for a suitable solution. The problems pertain to setting the right volume, i.e. both the "master" and "lead/rhythm".
Firstly, the master volume knob of my VH4 is extremely sensitive in the low end range so setting a suitable volume for practising and recording is very difficult. Now I guess there are three "easy" ways of solving that problem, i.e. i) modding the master volume pot; ii) introducing a "volume box" or "suck knob" (a passive volume control) in the parallel loop or iii) placing a power soak such as a Weber MASS between the amp and the speaker(s). All options appear to have both advantages and drawbacks, so I would like to get some input from you guys on pros and cons.
In respect of option i) I would in particular appreciate comments on whether this can be done without shipping the amp to Peter. And if so, how the pot could/should be modded in order to give the best results. I was personally thinking of changing the pot for a push-pull pot where the pulled state introduces a suitable load/dump resistor for attenuating the signal additionally. Would that work? And which pot/resistor-values should I use? But possibly I could simply replace the pot with one having a different value and slope. Which values would be recommendable?
In respect of option ii) I was wondering if anyone tried this with good results. According to my understanding the serial loop is before the parallel loop meaning that attenuating the volume in the serial loop will also attenuate the signal coming from "send 2", i.e. going to any device in the parallel loop. This will make it difficult setting the correct levels on any effect device in the parallel loop. Or am I wrong? Anyway, which value/type should the pot be? Is there any preferred wiring modes? Should I place a capacitor (which value?) in parallel to the pot in order to prevent loss of treble?
In respect of option iii) I was wondering if there currently are any better options than the Weber MASS?
Secondly, since I won't use my programmable multi effect device in the serial loop to set the lead/rhythm levels anymore and since I can't use the "simulated" second master volume trick of the parallel loop, I will need some other way of setting the levels. There I came up with only two ideas so far, i.e. I) placing a (programmable) booster or the like in front of the amp or II) placing a booster or preferably a passive volume control in each of the relevant channel inserts, i.e. like option ii) from above.
In respect of option I) I would like to hear if anyone know of a suitable "transparent" yet programmable/MIDI controllable booster? I was thinking of using a Prostage Wah, which has the added value of Wah, but it is rather costly. Does anyone knows it?
In respect of option II) I was wondering where in the channels the insert is actually placed? I currently assume it is at the very end of each channel, i.e. after all gain stages and therefore it should have no influence on the level of distortion to introduce a passive volume control in the insert. Am I right? If not, I guess an active booster would possibly be a better option, or? Other than that, I have the same questions/concerns as regarding option ii) above, i.e. concerning best values/wiring.
Best regards and many thanks for any relevant comments in advance!!!
>V<
