Author Topic: Pre vs Power Distortion (Read 10594 times)

everton_fc · « **on:** November 25, 2006, 04:18:06 PM »

Been playing with my amp controls lately and found reducing the input gain and increasing the master volume has a lush tone - but much louder (obviously) which is a bit of a pain as I dont want to kill the fron row of people at gigs... anyone else have this problem? If so how did you get around it? Playing through a 50W combo...

Thanks

_tom_ · « **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2006, 04:27:13 PM »

Hotplate works well for that although you cant take off too much volume without killing the dynamics and nice tone. I actually like a mixture of pre and power amp distortion, with my Laney at least.

dave_mc · « **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2006, 04:35:56 PM »

yeah, a mixture is good. for anything modern (and by modern I mean 80's or later), for the shreddy solos at least, you need a little pre-amp dirt to help the pinch harmonics etc. come out.

screamingdaisy · « **Reply #3 on:** November 25, 2006, 05:21:38 PM »

There's a reason I'm using 30w combos.....though they're pretty loud as well.

If you're worried about the audience (and the soundman) tilt your amp so it's pointing more up than out or turn it so that it's facing the side or back of the stage.

Another popular option is putting a plexiglas sheild a foot or two in front of the amp.

Davey · « **Reply #4 on:** November 25, 2006, 05:31:12 PM »

i havent got a problem with the tone i'm getting..

got the gain at 8 and volume at 2 and i'm loving it...

for kicks i put it @ 7 .. the cats are still nowhere to be found lol

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #5 on:** November 25, 2006, 05:49:35 PM »

Power amp distortion = overrated! PDT_008

Jonesy · « **Reply #6 on:** November 25, 2006, 05:52:42 PM »

you cant use a hotplate witha combo though can you

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2006, 05:54:11 PM »

Quote from: Jonesy

you cant use a hotplate witha combo though can you

Why not??!

Neemo · « **Reply #8 on:** November 25, 2006, 07:26:29 PM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Power amp distortion = overrated! PDT_008

I'll second that!

Joe Dorcia · « **Reply #9 on:** November 25, 2006, 07:49:55 PM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Power amp distortion = overrated! PDT_008

+ 1 here ben, max out the gain and let it rip, squeal and be just down right evil :twisted:

screamingdaisy · « **Reply #10 on:** November 25, 2006, 10:16:20 PM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Power amp distortion = overrated! PDT_008

While I don't think it's overrated I do think that some people put entirely too much emphasis on it without thinking about the 'whole product'.

Skybone · « **Reply #11 on:** November 25, 2006, 11:51:09 PM »

Power amp distortion = The mutt's nuts x10

efc speaks the truth, low/mid gain & max volume gets the best results.

Joe Dorcia · « **Reply #12 on:** November 25, 2006, 11:54:54 PM »

Quote from: Skybone

Power amp distortion = The mutt's nuts x10

efc speaks the truth, low/mid gain & max volume gets the best results.

It all depends on the sound you want, i love preamp distortion, over the top gain that screams. and preamp distortion does that. Power amp will add more hamronics and depth to your sound and tends towads a fuller, bigger sound. In generalities any, but then again, play in an arena/stadium and max out the pre and power amp :twisted: i would fooookin love to with my VH100

Skybone · « **Reply #13 on:** November 26, 2006, 09:23:07 AM »

OK, slight amendment...

Master Vol on max + attenuator = Power Valve Distortion = The mutt's nuts x10 ;) :twisted:

indysmith · « **Reply #14 on:** November 26, 2006, 01:44:27 PM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Quote from: Jonesy
you cant use a hotplate witha combo though can you

Why not??!

Works for me :P