• From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Topic: Blending Amp Volumes Together for Multi Amp Rigs

I have a question for you guys running multiple amp together.  How do you like to set the volumes for both amps?  I notice if you manipulate the volumes of the amps slightly out of unity the character of the "louder" amp becomes very apparent.  I have a sneaking suspicion that volume settings on each amp is a HUGE factor in Joe's sound that often gets overlooked on this forum.  When I set both of my amps 50-50 I find that the wet amp sounds TOO wet and I have to add more of the dry amp to the mix to make it sound less spacey.  BUT, if I add too much of my "midrangey" amp  I feel that I cannot hear my other amp that well.  That being said, I'm very happy with my sound I'm just wondering if there is an easier way that I have overlooked to get a great mix between two amps. Any suggestions welcomed!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: Blending Amp Volumes Together for Multi Amp Rigs

Yes its a little difficult - Basically I try to set the volumes equal and adjust everything accordingly.  I find the same problems as you.  The way I do it is the "main amp" i get set up at a volume and tone I like ( you may have to find the volume that works on this amp, that will work on all the amps, not just everything dimed lol)  Then I select my first amp to pair and set the volumes equal.  The I tweak the vairable amp only to achieve the type of sound I want.  After doing it for a couple of months now, it just gets a lot easier as I'm dialing almost any tone I can think of by just knowing the amps.  It's just a layering process of having one main amp that you know the sound of and picking different things out of the other amp to enhance the tone.  Thats the way I look at it.  I don't know if that makes sense lol, but if anyone else has a better way I'd def. be interested.  I'm sure using a mic/PA helps too volume wise. 

Ben

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Blending Amp Volumes Together for Multi Amp Rigs

Half the fun is manipulating the volumes to get a whole palette of different tones, and I agree with you whole heartedly.  I guess I haven't spent enough time to find all the sweet spots. It probably doesn't matter playing bedroom/practice volumes much anyway because when you hit gigging volume the amps change character.  I have yet to hit gigging volume with my current rig ( living in an apartment ) but I guess it takes a lot of trial and error.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2008-03-04
  • Posts: 27

Re: Blending Amp Volumes Together for Multi Amp Rigs

stratpaulguy86- Good question.  Yesterday was my first attempt at pairing my amps (70's twin & a Marshall JTM60) I got on here to ask for help with the same thing. 
GoT MuLe 31788 - Thanks for the advice.  Constantly impressed with everybody here. 

Well. Got a little time while my son is w/ grandma so... back at it.

~BG~

  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: Blending Amp Volumes Together for Multi Amp Rigs

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

Half the fun is manipulating the volumes to get a whole palette of different tones, and I agree with you whole heartedly.  I guess I haven't spent enough time to find all the sweet spots. It probably doesn't matter playing bedroom/practice volumes much anyway because when you hit gigging volume the amps change character.  I have yet to hit gigging volume with my current rig ( living in an apartment ) but I guess it takes a lot of trial and error.

Yea I find it hard pairing it low volumes.  Luckily I got put on an evening shift at work so I jsut set my amps for for full rock concert volumes b/c noboady is around lol.  There is nothing like blasting a lot of watts of tube tone loud smile .  I also would recommend using a shield and isolator pads even in your house as well even for low volumes.  While it is still not very loud it cuts down vibration.  Its not making everything shake and what not.  It sounds more or less like background music instead of a full on concert in the room upstairs lol.  They both are very simple to make as well and since using them I find the tone, overdrive, and articulation so much better. You would never realize it until you've tried it...

Ben

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Blending Amp Volumes Together for Multi Amp Rigs

I think I heard newer Line6 amps can now simulate two amps at once. That'd be cool to check out.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Blending Amp Volumes Together for Multi Amp Rigs

GoT MuLe 31788 wrote:
stratpaulguy86 wrote:

Half the fun is manipulating the volumes to get a whole palette of different tones, and I agree with you whole heartedly.  I guess I haven't spent enough time to find all the sweet spots. It probably doesn't matter playing bedroom/practice volumes much anyway because when you hit gigging volume the amps change character.  I have yet to hit gigging volume with my current rig ( living in an apartment ) but I guess it takes a lot of trial and error.

Yea I find it hard pairing it low volumes.  Luckily I got put on an evening shift at work so I jsut set my amps for for full rock concert volumes b/c noboady is around lol.  There is nothing like blasting a lot of watts of tube tone loud smile .  I also would recommend using a shield and isolator pads even in your house as well even for low volumes.  While it is still not very loud it cuts down vibration.  Its not making everything shake and what not.  It sounds more or less like background music instead of a full on concert in the room upstairs lol.  They both are very simple to make as well and since using them I find the tone, overdrive, and articulation so much better. You would never realize it until you've tried it...

Ben

Yup! I just made a plexiglass shield with my pops and it makes an enormous difference with the overall tone/volume. I find I can crank the amps a bit more and get the same volume.  It's really nice to actually hear all the frequencies at about the same time (the highs don't hit you as quickly and give the mids and bass more time to catch up!)  The baffle warms the whole thing up.  I just bought the JB Auralex Great Gramma (Gotta give my boy Joe some props) and it really cuts down on the floor vibration/gain and bass loss. I feel that I actually get a clearer and gainer sound.  I highly recommend adding both to your rigs (about 200 bucks for both)

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.