Question reqarding the solo boost function...

[chpsktplyr]

From what I gathered, the solo boost max's out the master, so it seems you have one choice, run the pre levels low and cook your output tubes. Running your amp full out, all the time, seems like a bad idea to me. Tube life, amp life, noise... I have a boost pedal, but on high gain modules it just saturates the signal, doesn't really boost. Anyone using a different approach for a solo volume increase?

 

[RD/Rich]

A Boss GE-7 works really well if you place it in the Serial FX Loop. Plus you can EQ for more mids (or whatever) to taste for solos.

 

[Chad]

Don't know if you saw this thread, but it really gets to the nitty gritty regarding the Master Volume Boost:

http://mtsforum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?t=2561

After playing around with the MVB on my RM50B for over a year, I've come to the conclusion that it is a pointless, close-to-useless "feature". Keep in mind I love my amp, but the MVB just doesn't make much sense IMO.

As Rich mentioned, there are better alternatives. I've been using a Dano Fish & Chips EQ in the serial loop for quite some time....much more versatile and works like a charm. Running a volume pedal in the serial loop would be another alternative if you want on-the-fly variable volume.

BTW, awhile back somebody with more amp tech knowledge than myself pointed out that running the master high and preamp low doesn't "cook" the power tubes. It does sound different, but it's not because the tubes are cooking.

 

[chpsktplyr]

I am ironing things out with my rig one at a time, but i wonder if I could do better trying to solve them all at once. Here's my issues: solo boost, hum reduction(yea it's a hummer, loud too), and reverb/delay.
Here's my question, wouldn't it be simpler to get a multi unit? They can boost, gate, and modulate. That would solve all my issues, but theres so many out there I don't know where to start.I don't want rack stuff and I don't need preamp models, but I do need line level.
So any one schooled on the best floor processors? I've heard they all suck, pretty bad, but you always hear **** like that about any 'all in one' products.

 

[chpsktplyr]

Don't know if you saw this thread, but it really gets to the nitty gritty regarding the Master Volume Boost:

http://mtsforum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?t=2561

After playing around with the MVB on my RM50B for over a year, I've come to the conclusion that it is a pointless, close-to-useless "feature". Keep in mind I love my amp, but the MVB just doesn't make much sense IMO.

As Rich mentioned, there are better alternatives. I've been using a Dano Fish & Chips EQ in the serial loop for quite some time....much more versatile and works like a charm. Running a volume pedal in the serial loop would be another alternative if you want on-the-fly variable volume.

BTW, awhile back somebody with more amp tech knowledge than myself pointed out that running the master high and preamp low doesn't "cook" the power tubes. It does sound different, but it's not because the tubes are cooking.

My bad, I meant it reduces the life of the power tubes.

 

[RD/Rich]

If your looking for a floor unit that does it all, I would HIGLY suggest the Boss GT-8. It allows you to disable the preamp and just use the FX, the FX can be routed anywhere in your chain (before or after your pre), and it can be used like a regular pedal board w/ stomp boxes. You would still need a line shifter, but if if you went w/ the GT-Pro (rack mounted which you said you didn't want) you can actually change the in/outs to +10/-4 which was one reason I sold the GT-8 and bought the GT-Pro.

 

[chpsktplyr]

If your looking for a floor unit that does it all, I would HIGLY suggest the Boss GT-8. It allows you to disable the preamp and just use the FX, the FX can be routed anywhere in your chain (before or after your pre), and it can be used like a regular pedal board w/ stomp boxes. You would still need a line shifter, but if if you went w/ the GT-Pro (rack mounted which you said you didn't want) you can actually change the in/outs to +10/-4 which was one reason I sold the GT-8 and bought the GT-Pro.

That sounds like a viable option Rich, thanks. BTW the only reason have an aversion to R/M is where do you put it? I guess I could just put it on top of the head.
As for the hum, I talked to a friend who has an RM100 and no issues with noise. I wonder if it could be a grounding problem? I'll swap some tubes and then maybe try an isolation device to shut her up. Other than that this amp sounds incredible. Turn your master to 11:00... makes a big difference!!

 

[RD/Rich]

If your rockin' the RM20 or RM50 heads I would put at most a 4 space on top of the cab and under the head (like a tone sandwich ). Evil Sam and I take the top handles off our RM100's and put our racks on top. Obviously w/ a bigger rack it can go off to the side. For bigger shows I put my rack behind my cabs or by the keyboard player.

W/o hearing the humming problem you are having, it's hard to tell what it could be. Tubes, the guitar, cables, power, and location are all huge factors w/ any guitar rig. I'm sure you'll get the issue knocked out.

 

[chpsktplyr]

Oh yea, I'll find the culprit. Just swapped all the tubes and improved the grounding on my Strat. Now I'm just waiting on the Hum X, the reverb, and the cables. I think it's all a combination of the little things that get the great tone. Not any one big thing, and I am relentless about the details(OCD). That's why my rigs always end up simple, but tonally effective.