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Post by adamdaniel on Jan 3, 2024 10:06:33 GMT -7
Hi, all -
First time poster here with a question:
I have a Maz 18 Mk. II with reverb. I'm experimenting at home volumes with options for boosting leads when I gig. I have my preamp volume at 1 o'clock and my master volume at 9 o'clock.
I've tried three different clean boosts in the loop and none of them increase volume as expected; they're just increasing gain with a tiny volume bump as if I was running them FOA into the slightly gainy preamp.
If I back my preamp volume way down, then I get the large volume boost with no extra gain I'd expect from a boost in the loop.
I'm puzzled: If the loop is post-preamp, why does my preamp level seem to be having such a strong effect on the boost in the loop? Shouldn't I be getting the same gain level as bypassed with a large volume jump? I can't imagine I'm overdriving the power tubes with the master at 9 o'clock.
Thoughts appreciated. I've been playing vintage amps and this is my first with an effects loop, so I'm a newbie with trying something like this.
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Post by scottyc13 on Jan 3, 2024 15:59:40 GMT -7
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Post by Don A on Jan 3, 2024 19:36:09 GMT -7
Boosts aren't typically designed to be in effects loops. The amp's preamp may be overdriving the boost causing it to distort.
If the amp has a series loop, you can build or buy a passive device similar to the old Soldano Soundman Eliminator. It's a pedal with a volume pot, a footswitch, and can have an LED as well. It works opposite of a boost- attenuates the amp's signal by the amount that you set on the volume pot, when you step on the footswitch, the LED comes on, the volume pot is bypassed, and you get the full volume that the amp is set at. It's like a less sophisticated version of the device that scottyc13 mentioned. I've built a couple. It's easy to build and it works well.
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Post by adamdaniel on Jan 3, 2024 22:00:44 GMT -7
Thanks, both of you. I've read a lot about boosts in the loop so figured that was the way to go and was surprised when I didn't get the results everyone else seems to be getting. I'll try this under-drive method instead. Much appreciated!
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