So whats the deal with "Master volume boost"? rm50

[GtrGeorge!]

Hi,
I bought it used..so no manual. I read the pdf on line and it didnt clarify.
So what kind of pedal goes into the "master volume boost" hole in the back????
Is it another pedal just like the channel switching pedal (a single footswitch))?
or am I misunderstanding how this boost works.
and btw: how much boost do ya get and is that controllable? like is there a rotary pot somewhere?
help!
GtrGeorge

 

[crankyrayhanky]

dude, look out!
A single switch will activate it but it is deafening if set wrong
The best way to use it is to set the Master volume around 2oclock, use the mod volume to taste; this way the boost won't destroy you- I think it pushes it to 100% master volume

 

[johnodge]

Ya, personally, I don't like it in my newly acquired RM50LB combo... lol

I already have a boost on my G-System...

I did, however, have a set of KT77's hanging around, and WOW... I love em!

 

[GtrGeorge!]

can I use the same switch that came with the amp for channle switching???
or is there another kind of footswitch for it?


have you found the boost's volume to be useless? (because its such a jump???)
GtrGeorge

 

[crankyrayhanky]

not useless, it's just a bit of trial and error to find the right setting
I really enjoy the boost on the rm20, just know that this is not the same nature

 

[kc2eeb]

The volume "boost" is simply the same as turning the master volume on the power amp all the way up.
You can, for example, turn the masters down on the modules, and the power amp master to, say, 3/4 (3 o'clock) and then play with the relative volumes until you get the "boost" where you want it.
The foot switch is a simple single pole, single throw, on-off switch.
Also, the "send" level to the reverb unit in the amp is the master volumes on each module, just like it would work in a RM4. You can overdrive and distort the reverb if they're up too high, especially with the higher gain modules.
I've kicked around the idea if putting a trim pot on the send line to the reverb tank to balance the levels.
Also, a passive volume pedal inserted into the volume boost socket could
probably be used as an overall volume pedal for the amp.

 

[GtrGeorge!]

I worked with the amp for a few hours in the basement. Geez, time flys when you are into these things.
Anyway, its quite a unique animal the rm50 combo. The boost is ok, I guess its certainly usable for many people..but I tad to simplistic for me.
I kinda wish rabdall had made a footswitch with 2 buttons on it..one for channel switching, one for the master volume boost...if I was gonna use it, this would be the way.
I really understand what everyone was gripeing about with the loss of volume in the loop. i,too wish i could get a little more volume out of the reverb/effect loop. That kinda spoils the usefullness of the loops, which otherwise are well thought out.
the amp is heavy...but at least its one trip to the car and not 3.
I said it before and I'll say it again, a 3 module 50 watt combo would have been the design for me, and many others. But I strongly feel randall is pulling away from its support for the MTS line. A real drag...but It wouldnt be the first time a company receded support from its best ideas. But no matter, quality is quality and the MTS series is a great idea..and if randall is gonna be timid to release new modules, or offer upgrades (like mercurt transformers) or fixing the loops....there are alot of talented people here (Ok Pete, for example)..and its cool, ya know?
Thanks to everyone for helping me to understand this amp. Its my practice amp..and has to be a swiss army knife,of sorts..I think its gonna fill the bill.
GtrGeorge

 

[yigba]

I have the exact amp and am here on Long Island too.

I was trying to use the Master boost but now I simply put an LPB-1 at the end of my effects chain in the Serial Loop and it works great as a boost.

I also use a simple pot to turn down the line level coming out of the serial loop and then go to the rest of my effects. I like the onboard reverb so I don't use the parallel loop at all. I then use the Master to get the volume back up to where I need it to be. I mic the amp though (we send everything thru the PA) and this fits my stage volume rule (the lowest stage volume possible by the band in order for the band to actually sound good thru the PA) perfectly.

 

[bruce egnater]

I have the schematic for the RM50 boost pedal. Randall never offered it but you can make one yourself.

Email me at [email protected]

 

[GtrGeorge!]

Bruce..you are Very kind...
but I just have no time to build it.
but fwiw: are you talking an active boost pedal or some passive set of switches to do the boost funstion and the channel switching all from one thing on the floor?
jus wondering.
GtrGeorge

 

[bruce egnater]

It is just a pot in a box with a switch to bypass the pot. You are actually attenuating the signal for the rythym mode and bypassing it for the solo boost. Totally passive. You could accomplish a similar result (but variable) by plugging the output (wiper) jack of a volume pedal into the boost jack.

 

[GtrGeorge!]

Thanks for the reply. I thought thats what was going on..the boost is just a "maximum volume" switch. It does sound like that. Noise and all.
Its a good idea, the tone is certainly not messed with...but I think the nature of this is hard to get the volumes right. I tried for a few days and now basically avoid that technique on the amp. I think others feel the same. Most guitarits are a little lazy to perfect something like that.
But from an engineering perspective...I think it makes perfect sense and probabaly was inexpensive to offer this extra feature.
GtrGeorge

 

[kc2eeb]

The volume "boost" is simply the same as turning the master volume on the power amp all the way up.
You can, for example, turn the masters down on the modules, and the power amp master to, say, 3/4 (3 o'clock) and then play with the relative volumes until you get the "boost" where you want it.
The foot switch is a simple single pole, single throw, on-off switch.
Also, the "send" level to the reverb unit in the amp is the master volumes on each module, just like it would work in a RM4. You can overdrive and distort the reverb if they're up too high, especially with the higher gain modules.
I've kicked around the idea if putting a trim pot on the send line to the reverb tank to balance the levels.
Also, a passive volume pedal inserted into the volume boost socket could
probably be used as an overall volume pedal for the amp.

What I said.
So, would it be better to use a SPDT switch in series with a pot with a knob
on it so you can dial in the the amount of "boost?"
Or two pots, "rhythm" and "lead?"
It's real simple stuff.

 

[Vince]

Anyone ever try to mod it to make it more useable? Seems like it would be a nice feature to have a boost with no extra pedals to mess with.

 

[GtrGeorge!]

I havent tried to mod it...
to my ears the boost "feels" like its a little to uncontrollable. Like a tiny turn of the knobs will cause a radical (unmusical) amount of boost. To my ears and minor electronic skill..I dont think its an easy fix so..I am living without.

 

[bruce egnater]

Huh? How could you use it for a boost if you did not use and "extra pedal"? The "pot/switch" in a box is really simple. Email me a [email protected] if you would like a schematic of the pedal.

 

[GtrGeorge!]

when I said extra pedal I mean..in addition to the single pedal i already have.
Its helpful to know I bought mine used and it came with a single footswitch..I am not sure if it ships with one or 2 when bought new.
Thanks again for the offer of a schematic..but I feel I have just so little time for my half-assed soldering.

 

[randallweb]

I built one using Bruce's instructions & it works great. You use the pot on the foot switch to preset the amount of boost you want.

 

[GtrGeorge!]

I may ask for that schematic after all..lemme see after these next few gigs. Or maybe..can it be posted here? (as a diagram)?
Alot of people could benefit from it, then.

 

[Vince]

I wouldn't mind it... I have emailed Bruce before and never recieved a response.