Amp master vol. vs. module master vol...

[Jack71]

Just wondering how folks here like to set their respective module and amp master volumes. Do you prefer to crank the module volume and then adjust the overall master to taste, or do you prefer more master volume and less volume on the module? It seems like the amp is clearer sounding the higher the main master volume is set.

Also, I was kind of surprised at how much the gain knob affected the overall volume. On most master volume amps I've played, the gain knob only affects the amount of distortion with only a very negligible impact on volume.

 

[jmgman70]

Just wondering how folks here like to set their respective module and amp master volumes. Do you prefer to crank the module volume and then adjust the overall master to taste, or do you prefer more master volume and less volume on the module? It seems like the amp is clearer sounding the higher the main master volume is set.

Also, I was kind of surprised at how much the gain knob affected the overall volume. On most master volume amps I've played, the gain knob only affects the amount of distortion with only a very negligible impact on volume.

I like to push the master up to at least 2 oclock.It does sound better with the master up and the pres down IMHO.

 

[maximus1]

i like mine with master at 3:00 and module where ever volume is sufficient usually about 10:00, thats extremely loud though, if i'm just messing aroun at home i'll set the module at 11"30 or noon and adjust the master for taste

 

[JKD]

Master at around 2 o'clock then channel master to taste...usually around 9 to 10 o'clock is quite loud enough (I'm running 8db on my HOTPLATE)

RD/MAN said once over at HCAF that's the way to go and I agree it sounds better to me.

 

[EWSEthan]

It totally depends on the modules but my basic rule is to run the channel masters as high as possible to get the tones I want while making sure all modules have the same overall output. Then, obviously, I use the global master to bump them all up or down.

But where the master ends up really does depend on the mod/channel. For example, the Deluxe side of the TD is LOUD so I run its master much lower compared to the Twin side to get comparable output from both.

 

[tung]

Good question. i run my master at 3:00 or higher. It does sound better with the master almost dime out. The modules are set according to the tone I'm after. For example, my DLX gain is on really low while the master iis for pushing volume, but the gain on my XTC tend to be around 1:00 to 2:00. If I run my AC Booster in front, I'll back off the gain significantly.

 

[3 Mile Stone]

The relationship between the gain volume and module master is different than the relationship between gain volume setting and amp master volume. Might neeed some explaining but it's pretty simple. Within the module itself the master volume is acting and is in fact designed to act and react to the gain preamp drive just like it would on the amp that the module is designed after. If you drive the gain up and run the module master low, you will have a more compressed squashed sound, very typical of master volume type amps. If you want the module to sound more like a wide open amp running loud, increase the module master and the sound will open up become louder sounding and less pre-amp gain type distortion. It actually does not have less gain it just sounds bigger, more open and real. I set my modules to sound the way I like them to sound, which is usually more amp like with the module master volume up at least around 12 0'clock. Then add the gian I want. Amp/global master volume is used mainly to set how loud I want that sound to be in the room. So I run the amp global master volume at about 11 to 12 o'clock, around half way up.

 

[mike]

I always keep the master at 2 o'clock and adjust the Level on the mods-which is around 8-10 o'clock depending how much volume I want.It's the only way I can use my Boss DD-3 in the loop.I like to keep the Mod Levels aroud 11 o'clock ( I find that was the sweet spot) and use the Master for volume- but my DD-3 will not work :? Anyone have the same problem?

 

[3 Mile Stone]

You are totally corect sir. I was going to put that in my comment as well. Effects loops are not designed for pedal level. It overloads them (certain ones). The only way to correct this is keep master volume on the module low or do like I do and buy an EBTECH Line Level Shifter. :wink:

 

[mike]

"The only way to correct this is keep master volume on the module low or do like I do and buy an EBTECH Line Level Shifter"

Oh great more gear.

 

[3 Mile Stone]

I think they're only $79 bucks. There does that help? :roll:

 

[Doubleneck]

This is great thread! I've always wondered if setting preamp vs master volume makes a difference. I try setting my module preamp volume at around 11:00 and set master according to overall volume and that works for me.