FX Loops, Overdrive, Attenuators etc

[DavidJ]

I've been fooling around with my Marshall to try and get some new sounds out of it. It's a 50W all valve 1x12 combo with a master volume and fx loop. 2-ish channels (common eq across both channels).

It is so ridiculously loud I don't think I've ever heard the power amp break up in any venue (bigger gigs= miking the backline).

Do most people use multi-fx through the fx loop?

Also if I used some kind of overdrive after the pre-amp, but before the power amp, would that make it more likely to break up in the power section or is that just wishful thinking?

Also - has anyone used the Marshall powerbreak - what was it like?

Any or all enlightenment recieved with thanks!! DJ

 

[DavidJ]

PS - the amp does have a switch on the back which takes the power output down to 25w - how does that work?

 

[guitarweasel]

[quote author=DavidJ link=topic=7186.msg91009#msg91009 date=1141811565]
PS - the amp does have a switch on the back which takes the power output down to 25w - how does that work?
[/quote]

I believe it changes the grid plate voltage on a 50 watt, but voxman would be the one to ask on that one.

 

[Stareater]

Do most people use multi-fx through the fx loop?

Usually, time-based effects are run through an effects loop.

Also - has anyone used the Marshall powerbreak - what was it like?

I don't use one, but I've seen many reviews that claim it sucks tone from people's setups.

 

[muzak]

i want to know about the attenuaters/power brake's too. i have a 68 fender bassman 2x15 and if i try and crank it past 2.5-3...it'll throw me back off my feet and blow your ear drums. it's too freakin loud.

 

[guitarweasel]

I'll put it this way......Had one, sold it.

 

[Stareater]

PS - the amp does have a switch on the back which takes the power output down to 25w - how does that work?

My two Marshall Jubilee heads have a half-power switch to go between 50-25 watts too. Switches them from Pentode to Triode mode, halving the power. It switches the tubes into a different power structure, reducing the output power (it's also said to have the benefit of reducing output transformer problems as well). It does change the tone, and I always preferred mine to be at full-power.

i want to know about the attenuaters/power brake's too. i have a 68 fender bassman 2x15 and if i try and crank it past 2.5-3...it'll throw me back off my feet and blow your ear drums. it's too freakin loud.

I have the same problem with my rig. I run my power amp(130wx2) gain at full-blast for the headroom (it does make a major difference from running both gains at 5), and use the output control on my preamp as the master volume, obviously. When I run it at 9 o'clock or beyond, it hurts my ears. I don't buy into the attenuator method, so I bought those North Sonic II 6db filtering earplugs and they work great. I can crank my gear and the ears are okay, and it does get very loud and the Marshall 1960 cabs pack quite a punch. Now I can understand why those guys who stood on front of the 100 & 200-watt Marshalls are near-deaf now.

 

[DavidJ]

[quote author=guitarweasel link=topic=7186.msg91217#msg91217 date=1141856708]
I'll put it this way......Had one, sold it.
[/quote]

Why so Mr Weez? :)

 

[guitarweasel]

[quote author=DavidJ link=topic=7186.msg91691#msg91691 date=1141987202]
[quote author=guitarweasel link=topic=7186.msg91217#msg91217 date=1141856708]
I'll put it this way......Had one, sold it.
[/quote]

Why so Mr Weez? :)
[/quote]

Made my Marshall to compressed and it seemed to me to suck tone IMHO

 

[DavidJ]

Thanks.

Hmmm, seems you can't change the laws of physics. Either get a tiny amp or go deaf - and deafen everyone else. I'm past the stage of wanting to blow the roof off these days (used to enjoy it though!!!). Especially in smaller venues, a real-world sized backline and much more care with the balance seems preferable to me. So long as no-one breaks ranks and starts the "I can't hear myself in the mix, but I have lot's more headroom I can use" race, the sound can still be fat but more controllable.

Pity drummers don't come with master volume controls......and a few other controls too, come to think of it!

Years ago I had a Marshall 50w head and 4x12 cab. My band played sleazy pubs mainly - I'd lay my guitar case in front of the bottom two speakers to absorb some volume. Seemed to have some effect (in my mind anyway). Dunno if it did any damage, far too late to worry about it now. Thinking back the whole band where just way too loud for those kind of venues. Some of them were more used to having duo's and the like. We'd turn up with enough kit for Shea Stadium and turn up the wick! There'd be people planning a quiet evening out with someone else's wife and couldn't hear themselves think let alone seduce anyone with a few sweet nothings! ;D ;D Plenty of punters liked it though, and we certainly did.........

Oh blimey, I've come over all nostalgic:

A-one, a-two a-one, two, three, four

"get your motor running, head out on the highway" oops wrong thread!

 

[guitarweasel]

If you still like that Marshall sound then check these amps out.....I own one, it's insane !

http://www.splawnguitars.com/

 

[Constellation80]

Well how the effects loops works and i don't really understand it.. Well how about i tell yeah what it does instead LOLOLOL

Basically you plug your clean effects into it. like your chorus pedal etc. And it makes a cleaner sound.. then plugging it straight into your amp. (less distortion). more brighter. But it doesn't really fit it's purpose with distortion pedals.
but if you wanna run both distortion with some echo etc.. It works much better for mixing.

hope that helps

 

[barbas23]

Pity drummers don't come with master volume controls......and a few other controls too, come to think of it!

;D ;D ;D ;D