• From: Edwardsville, IL
  • Registered: 2010-05-17
  • Posts: 656

Topic: Problems with dual amp set up

So I'm back to using a dual amp set up. Ceriatone Jubilee and a Marsh ODS (dumble clone).

I have my guitar running:
guitar -> tuner -> JB Wah -> JB Fuzz -> TS9 -> WH Pork Loin -> MXR Flanger -> MXR Phase 45 -> Whirlwind ABY -> amps...

The problems I am having are:

1: I am getting strat like hum (using a LP) and also there is like a clicking noise, it's a very faint clicking noise, but I can hear it when I'm not playing. My first though of what could be causing this is because of the ABY pedal or maybe some sort of grounding issue.

2: The dumble seems to be more prominent and higher in the mix regardless of how I have the EQ set on both amps. Could this be because the dumble clone is brand new and the Jubilee clone has been going on the same tubes for about a year and a half?

Does anybody have any ideas how to solve these problems or what could be causing this?

Any insight on this problem would be amazing.

Thanks.

my guitar playing. http://www.youtube.com/user/09ncowan?feature=mhee

2 Reply by Jlowther (edited by Jlowther 2012-05-03 20:08:09)

  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

JBFan1 wrote:

So I'm back to using a dual amp set up. Ceriatone Jubilee and a Marsh ODS (dumble clone).

I have my guitar running:
guitar -> tuner -> JB Wah -> JB Fuzz -> TS9 -> WH Pork Loin -> MXR Flanger -> MXR Phase 45 -> Whirlwind ABY -> amps...

The problems I am having are:

1: I am getting strat like hum (using a LP) and also there is like a clicking noise, it's a very faint clicking noise, but I can hear it when I'm not playing. My first though of what could be causing this is because of the ABY pedal or maybe some sort of grounding issue.

2: The dumble seems to be more prominent and higher in the mix regardless of how I have the EQ set on both amps. Could this be because the dumble clone is brand new and the Jubilee clone has been going on the same tubes for about a year and a half?

Does anybody have any ideas how to solve these problems or what could be causing this?

Any insight on this problem would be amazing.

Thanks.

Fresh tubes make a world of difference - can't hurt to put a new set in!

How are your amps angled? Maybe the Dumble sounds higher in the mix because you're standing in it's 'beam' and not the jubilee's

Check volumes of both (sounds obvious I know)

With regards to the clicking noise - check batteries/power supplies - these have always been a pain for me and have always caused problems

I'm no expert on amps just trying to give some tips that may or may not be helpful! smile

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Registered: 2011-10-14
  • Posts: 1,339

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

Try buying some older valves off of eBay, I've found RCA, Sylvania and Mullard tubes absolutely trounce JJ's and especially Sovtek's!! I will never use a sovtek again they are so cold and lifeless!!

http://www.stefanhauk.com

stefanhauk's Website

  • From: Edwardsville, IL
  • Registered: 2010-05-17
  • Posts: 656

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

Thanks guys. I'll give those things all a look. I have a gig this weekend, but I plan on taking the amp to get worked on.

my guitar playing. http://www.youtube.com/user/09ncowan?feature=mhee
  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

JBFan1 wrote:

Thanks guys. I'll give those things all a look. I have a gig this weekend, but I plan on taking the amp to get worked on.

You're welcome smile Good luck on the weekend!

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic

6 Reply by wharris (edited by wharris 2012-05-03 22:17:21)

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

Sounds like you have a ground loop causing the hum. An A/B box with transformers (i.e. Lehle, Radial, Framptone) will solve that. You may have a phase issue as well with is causing one amp to cancel the other out. The Lehle and Framptone (and, I believe, the Radial) units have phase inverters as well. I wouldn't buy any tubes if each amp ounds OK on it's own.

7 Reply by wishkahdaddy (edited by wishkahdaddy 2012-05-05 02:19:02)

  • Registered: 2010-10-27
  • Posts: 37

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

My guess too as far as the first problem goes. Buy a Radial "Twin City". Relatively cheap. A cord from each amp goes to the twin city, from there start the signal chain into your pedal board. I'd guess that would solve your problem.
Best

  • From: Edwardsville, IL
  • Registered: 2010-05-17
  • Posts: 656

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie … footswitch so this little box will solve my issues?

my guitar playing. http://www.youtube.com/user/09ncowan?feature=mhee
  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

Hi Wharris has it right. You most likely have a ground loop and/or a phase reversal problem. The Lehle or a Plamer amp switch unit has transform for isolation and ground and a phase reversal button. I had the same problem and this resolved the issue.
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

JBFan1 wrote:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie … footswitch so this little box will solve my issues?

That will work. I like the Lehle Dual SGoS because it has a separate tuner out (which could also be used for a third amp-might need a ground lift for the third). If you want the capability to have 4 amps controlled, the Voodoo Labs unit is great.

  • From: Edwardsville, IL
  • Registered: 2010-05-17
  • Posts: 656

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

Is the Lehle worth the extra couple hundred bucks?

my guitar playing. http://www.youtube.com/user/09ncowan?feature=mhee
  • DougH
  • DougH
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 1,705

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

JBFan1 wrote:

Is the Lehle worth the extra couple hundred bucks?


I just found a guy selling a used one for $175 canadian.. I pick it up in an hour but it might be some time before I can use it.

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • DonR
  • Gold Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2007-05-14
  • Posts: 98

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

We just started making a Category 5 switcher that addresses all the issues above.  Cindyron has one and Joe has 3.  I have some in stock.  They go for $275, guaranteed to be dead quiet and fully transparent.  Joe used one on the new album.

DonR

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

Don, can you provide some details or a link? How many outputs? Tuner out? A/B/Y?

  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 1,168

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

Yeah,  Don's Switcher is ace and has a phase switch..   You will hear the Dumble amp more because of the focused mids...  Its about getting the blend right..  Also a Ground lift is your friend... I use 9 of them on my rig alone!!!
Joe B

  • From: Edwardsville, IL
  • Registered: 2010-05-17
  • Posts: 656

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

Joe Bonamassa wrote:

Yeah,  Don's Switcher is ace and has a phase switch..   You will hear the Dumble amp more because of the focused mids...  Its about getting the blend right..  Also a Ground lift is your friend... I use 9 of them on my rig alone!!!
Joe B

Joe how do you set up your "Dumble-esque" amp?

Wharris, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lehle-LITTLE-DU … 705wt_1396 will this work the same way as the one with the Tuner output?

my guitar playing. http://www.youtube.com/user/09ncowan?feature=mhee

17 Reply by wharris (edited by wharris 2012-05-04 17:03:15)

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

JBFan1 wrote:

Wharris, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lehle-LITTLE-DU … 705wt_1396 will this work the same way as the one with the Tuner output?

That will work...just no separate output for tuner, so it will need to stay in your pedal chain.
You might wnt to check The Gear Page Emporium. I see them for sale all of the time.

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Problems with dual amp set up

DonR wrote:

We just started making a Category 5 switcher that addresses all the issues above.  Cindyron has one and Joe has 3.  I have some in stock.  They go for $275, guaranteed to be dead quiet and fully transparent.  Joe used one on the new album.

DonR

Of course yes I have Don's in my other rig and it by far is the best and made in USA. Can't wait for my triple Don.
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others